Well said Simon G. I totally agree.

In the short time I have been on the folk scene I have seen many people grow in confidence and ability because the clubs they attend have open attitudes and respect for all. I am thankful not to have seen more than a couple of Prima Donna's (or should that be Prima Dona's as they were male?) in that time. These men could sing, sure, without a crib sheet, but there was nothing in their voice that suggested feeling or emotion. They were 'delivering' a set of words, parrot fashion, as they had obviously done hundreds of times before. I was not touching at all though the subject matter should have been.

Converse to that I have heard many a good song delivered by somone reading off a crib sheet who have captured the emotion of the words. I cannot subscribe to the idea that singing off a crib sheet kills the message, or dulls the sense, as I have witnessed great songs sung by great singers... but with crib sheet.

Of course it is wonderful when you get someone who knows the words, their instrument, and can sing flawlessly. But I refuse to consider anyone as doing less than that as being some kind of sub-species. I was once at an opera work-shop, with Sherrill Milnes (a great Verdian baritone), when he came out with a comment I have always tried to remember. "Sing the song like it is the first time you have given those words to the person you are saying them to" and I try to do that even now (even with a crib sheet, or cheat sheet as I call it). In other words, don't go parrot fashion with a song. Sing it always the first time and mean it. The emotion will be built in.

Surely, the person who is singing their song off a crib sheet is quite capable of still showing emotion. They may be concentrating on the words or the music, and that may detract on occasion, but such musical nudity - singing there in front of peers - deserves our respect as they are showing all they have to give at that moment.

It is easy to snigger and denigrate someone of lesser skill. But remember we are all lesser skilled than others in our midst. Should they then snigger at us? What has been an amazing thing for me to see is how many good singers - and pro artists - show full respect to their lesser admirers and how many are more than willing to give tips and join in with helping. Many should take a leaf from their book.

Another essay. I apologise. I am just grateful I obviously attend the right kind of clubs with the right kind of folks because, without their encouragement and support, I would be far lesser a whole person than I am. I owe a lot to Folk and folks in it.

I'll shush ;-)

mp