Thanks all very much for your comments/suggestions.

Liz/Skarpi/others: Yeh, I'm aware the only way forward with it is through rehearsal, and I think through consciously aiming to bring some of that freedom I feel singing unaccompanied into the band space, to balance the constrictedness I experience there sometimes.

M.Ted: of the difficulties you list, the closest is "the fullness and character of your voice doesn't come through". It's not a problem of beats or pitch – more that the slight tension I feel of having to "fit in" with the instrumentalists constrains my voice, I don't feel as free and able to really let go into my singing. Thus I can wobble slightly on notes, volume can be less, my expression not so full, etc, etc. It's very frustrating! but I can see it'll probably get easier with practice.

Big Mick: you summarize it very well, thanks.

Old Folkie: does the perfect band exist, I wonder! I wouldn't say mine do love the songs in the same way I do, but they are mostly a sensitive lot and broadly respect the way I want to sing/interpret them, as well as providing some great arrangements (which isn't my strong point). Mostly I enjoy it very much, especially since we've become a 6-piece. Though even if I didn't, I wouldn't give up my band easily… took me ages to get this one together! and I really like the contrast between solo and band singing, very challenging! Thanks for your good wishes.

Roger/Richard: agree about the "wow" factor, and to me it's a real high with, yes, a spiritual quality. Experienced it recently in a practice or two – we were really cooking at the end, and that was some buzz! and to a lesser degree at our first gig as a 6-piece last week – we did it, hooray! somehow all that chaos came together.

There are pros and cons of singing solo or with a band. I wouldn't want to just sing solo again, though I do that as well, so I can get the best of both. And it's hard to carry off a full set as an unaccompanied singer (unless you're June Tabor or whoever) – plus it gets lonely!

Sue