Barbara, this is a question I have asked many times. Everyone has so many different views!

The more people began to tell me how to sing--what to sing--what was traditional and what wasn't-- the more I became strung out about my music and worry over whether the song was 'Traditional' or not--or whether I was putting the right emphasis on the right word--or breathing where I should--or when I shouldn't!! I began to 'worry' more than 'enjoy'.

I also began to realise that the people with the strongest, unwavering views were almost always the most competitive---each song had to be sung the closest to perfection as possible and what became most apparent was that the songs were sang perfectly but they concentrated so much on 'getting it right' that the 'heart' went out of the song because they forgot to 'live and feel' the 'story' they were telling.   

As I know absolutely nothing about most of the songs I sing, I do appreciate being told where songs come from--who may have written them--collected them, the history of the story behind them etc.I like to hear other people's versions of them and what different styles can be lent to them--but I DEFINATELY no longer appreciate being told how to sing them!!!

The most important thing to me is-- if it paints a vivid picture in my mind and I can 'feel' the words then it is the ballad for me! I have not a care anymore if it is 'in tradition' or not.

Enjoy your discussion but keep your own style. The last time I heard you sing was in a very crowded pub and there was a noticeable 'hush' (more than normal) as you began to sing. That was because you sang from the 'heart' with a style that was purely your own-- you have a wonderful, lovely, different voice-- an absolute joy to hear--just sing your songs and enjoy!!


Yvonne