Hello,

A while ago I posted a thread asking why I found it so difficult to sing. The thread is here.

Some will be pleased to know, as I know many had the same issues, that through lots of practice, my confidence and tuning has improved. I'm still not a great singer, but I have progressed and that's the most important bit for me; I just don't want to stop! :)

However, recently I have been thinking more about the style of singing and a persons voice.

Namely, I have been focusing on female singers, as I am female, and I have been focusing on those singers who seem to be generally regarded as the best in folk.

What do you think it is about the following singers that make them so special?

Sandy Denny
June Tabor
Anne Briggs
Maddy Prior
Nancy Kerr
Kate Rusby

Sure, they all have good pitch and great rhythm, and they can each tell a story. But what about the quality of their voice?

My favourite singer is Sandy Denny, followed by Nancy Kerr. I think Sandy's gravelly tones mixed with the vulnerablity and strength of her voice is what makes her singing so special, to me.

But what about for you? I am just interested in what people seem to look for in a great singer; how to you define them? Surely it's more than singing in tune and telling the story?

And about storytelling- how does one tell a story through song? Who pulls it off and who doesn't, in your opinion?

***

I want this to be a thoughtful, calm and rounded "debate", if you like. Try and keep it clean!

Sorry for using female examples, but of course I gravitate to them more as a female myself, but some male singers I admire are:

Peter Bellamy
Nic Jones
Louis Killen

Thanks,
Sinéad.