The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #90289 Message #1711826
Posted By: sciencegeek
06-Apr-06 - 09:07 AM
Thread Name: Sea songs - ideas?
Subject: RE: Sea songs - ideas?
Diane, glad you found some songs you are comfortable with... work on the rest and you're good to go.
I really do need to chime in on the female shanty issue.... :)
Shanties are work songs and yes, they were traditionally sung by guys. That said, the songs are now generally sung by folks that not only never went to sea, but don't have a clue about hard, physical labor. That goes for guys and gals.
So, might I suggest that shanties sound the best when sung(or should I say lead?) by folks with strong, clear voices who can hold a tune, while all around them others are doing their own "thing", and attempt to present the song in as traditional manner as they can.
If you can get the job done, gender is irrelevant.
Chris aka Shanty Gal