Now Breeze, I wouldn'a said they were memorized if they weren't; I already sang enough today for my throat's condition (see stomach acids) including a couple of times through your verses, and I don't sing in front of mirrors...do other people do that?

Regarding ottawa folk scene...that seems to need its own thread; check it out.

Me? I can pick guitar without bar chords well enough. I'd like to play better, but it's hard to learn when I'm mostly interested in singing and I've already far surpassed my original guitar goals. Do I prefer accompanied songs or acca? Well, I can't imagine singing Mr. Bojangles without the guitar. On the other hand, Dear Matilda, The Coal Town Road -- I can't imagine them with guitar. Three Score and Ten -- that one oughta be totally dominated by voice, and although I haven't tried it, and although Gordon Bok accompanies with guitar, I suspect I'm not sophisticated enough to make that one sound better with guitar. So acca again.

Ian Rob? He attended a couple of Christmas parties I attended. He sings really well; adds a lot to a singing party, but I don't know him and didn't talk to him. He and Shelly Posen and Anne Downey have formed a little trio, Finest Kind (they had a main-stage spot at last year's Ottawa Folk Festival). I have two of their CDs and one of Ian's records. All very good...but sadly, I don't play my vinyl as much as I should.