I actually perform two very different verisons of Shallow Brown. One is nice and slow, to which I accompany myself on guitar, and which sounds nice with the harmonies. I sing a melody that's pretty common in folk circles. I think it's the melody that Gordon Bok uses and maybe also Cindy Kallet. The other version I perform a cappella. It is more upbeat and rhythmic than the other. That's the version that I learned when I worked on the demonstration squad at Mystic Seaport, and I think we got it from Hugill. If I'm worried about the song getting bogged down and slow I just sing it nice and briskly and the harmonies still sound great, just a very different feel. If the mood is right though, the slow one can be extremely beautiful. Although many chanteys are quite slow, depending on the job they're being used for they can, and in my opinion should, be sung uptempo with as much gusto as one can muster. I'm glad to hear that there are so many people singing chanteys who take it so seriously. Keep the faith!

Rev