Hi again,
Frankie's workshop sounds great - wish I had the money or were anywhere near there. I have taught workshops on vocal techniques for traditional singers at various festivals, and what a great opportunity that would be to learn more about how to get those ideas across to people as well as learning more myself. Have any of you catters out there participated in it?

As for the sound and singing quality. To my ear, there are lots of traditional singer and other types of singers that certainly do not sound operatic, but also do not sound natural and unforced. I think breath support and relaxation are key and then there is this intangible easy sound. That personal and easy sound is what I am after, both to listen to and to sing. And yes, to me it is getting out of the way of the song, so that it sings itself.

Claire