Brilliant find, Saro. Exactly what I've felt, and it's why some songs defy accompaniment, demanding a freer structure.

Some of the finest singers I have heard were unaccompanied. The rhythm and attack of the voice alone, the phrasing, everything, when it's working, are mesmerizing. You feel as if you have gone to the soul of music.

Hally Wood knew this. Horton Barker's unaccompanied singing was quite literally the only way to do justice to the songs he sang (and he knew how to play guitar). Jean Ritchie's "Cherry Tree Carol" is unimaginable with accompaniment. A.L. Lloyd was magnificent soloing in a way he never could be when accompanied. etc. etc. etc. for the dozens of fine singers -- American, British, and others everywhere -- who master this difficult art.

It's still how I sing certain songs, regardless of the pull of guitar, banjo, etc. Certain songs, if sung right, are only undercut, lessened in their impact, if an instrument is played with them. The trick is, the audience, when there is one, also has to know how to hear that. And folk revival singers find it a real challenge to learn.

Plus most people never even dreamed this was so. Which makes it all the more delightful to see a perceptive quote like that one. Thank you!

Bob