Loudest singers

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 31 Mar 21 - 04:16 AM

Above, Linda Kelly suggested Hull's Mick McGarry here is Mick singing Linda's song "The Luckiest Sailor"
Hull Freedom Festival Mick McGarry    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnZ0QxEaais

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Mar 21 - 02:10 PM

Nigel Denver was pretty loud

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST,Karen Impola
Date: 27 Mar 21 - 05:01 AM

Frankie Armstrong was mentioned above. I once saw her play a gig at a music store. I was sitting near the wall where stringed instruments were hanging. After her voice had died out in the room, I could still hear it reverberating back out of the sound holes of the various guitars and mandolins. A fascinating experience.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST,Jo Jo
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 11:57 PM

Yes, John Morris is the absolute loudest voice I have ever heard ! Fantastic !!

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 07:41 AM

Tommy cooper Joke

You know Al Jolson. He never needed a microphone. He used to sing and dance at the same time in these massive theatres, five or six thousand people. Hours at a time...

if he saw a microphone, hed say - I don't need that. I'm Al Jolson!!

And you know...wherever Al performed, you could hear a pin drop.....just a single voice filling the theatre shouting...speak up mate! we can't hear you!!

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: The Sandman
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 06:28 AM

loudness is achieved by singing from the diaphragm, listen to opera singers. dave bryant was another loud singer

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: The Sandman
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 06:06 AM

Steve , i have heard you a number of times live i would not say that you were excessively loud ,now John Morris[ midlands based] there was a loud singer.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 05:46 AM

Nobody has mentioned the one person whose voice I can pick out, without fail. She has a voice that just carries, without harshness, or stentorian bellowing. She has the sort of projection that some folks dream of.
I refer of course, to the lovely, and wonderful, Maddy Prior.
Absolutely unmistakeable.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: DonMeixner
Date: 25 Mar 21 - 10:21 AM

No question in my mind. Danny Spooner.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Elmore
Date: 25 Mar 21 - 09:59 AM

Frankie Armstrong could shake the walls on occasion. Son House too.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 25 Mar 21 - 07:42 AM

Going back a decade or two - I had been known to sing unamplified loud enough to get the pub's noise limiter to flash!!!! Have to hold back quite a lot for zoom sessions.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: JHW
Date: 25 Mar 21 - 07:08 AM

When I last had a ticket for a Ham show I listened sat on the wall by the Sid. More pleasant.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 25 Mar 21 - 06:22 AM

Twice I’ve been at concerts where the electricity failed.
Once was with the McCalmans in Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh: says Ian McCalman : “We are definitely LOUD”, so they just carried on.
The other was at Sidmouth in the big Ham marquee when Show of Hands were on: Steve Knightley’s big voice kept that one going.
Kimber’s Men for another shanty group: fingers in the ears for me, and still too loud!
Alan and Carole Prior both have big powerful voices, especially Alan. “Bar-stopping” is how I described it when Alan starts up at our very noisy New Year gathering.
Then there’s Janet Weatherston: she says that when she made her first CD, her daughter’s comment was “At least we can turn you down now, Mum!”

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: JHW
Date: 22 Mar 21 - 06:23 AM

I think I've scrolled through them all. My first thought would be Geoff Higginbottom. If someone said 'we've got him on tonight' I'd know to open the window at home. I have heard he wasn't too well so hope he is ok. Alas many of those in this thread are RIP. Johnny Collins, Theresa and many more sadly missed. Wilsons sure are loud. The PA man gives you a sound quieter than they are actually singing. Balance. If groups are allowed why not choirs.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: vectis
Date: 22 Mar 21 - 01:37 AM

I forgot Rosie Longhurst from Cornwall.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: vectis
Date: 22 Mar 21 - 01:36 AM

Nobody has mentioned Jon Harvison yet, he is well loud.

I agree about Danny Spooner, Martin and Redd, Johnny Colins and Jim Magean and the irrepressible Geoff Higginbottom.

As to us girls I am pretty loud but Hilary Spencer and Theresa Tooley would be hard to beat.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: RTim
Date: 21 Mar 21 - 03:10 PM

Again - Talking of Danny Spooner.....At the Mystic Sea Music Festival several years ago I was doing a concert in the Chapel and tried to sing a song I had never sung in public before....and all I could hear was Danny's booming voice somewhere else on the Festival Grounds... and I just could not stop hearing him, and had to abandon the song and sing something else more familiar...

But he was a lovely man.......and we all miss him.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST,keberoxu
Date: 21 Mar 21 - 02:48 PM

A loud voice gives one an advantage
in this age of social distancing.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Bill D
Date: 21 Mar 21 - 11:22 AM

From: JennyO - PM
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 08:35 PM

She mentioned Danny Spooner:
About 10 years ago, he visited here and stayed with me a couple of days. We took him to a pub that featured a Sea Songs night. It was an odd room, long front to back with a ceiling beam running across it the short way in the center. The host singer took a spot against the wall in the center under the beam. The usual practice was for those who were not near the center to come up near that spot so as to be heard more easily. (Those who were not singing and only there for drink & chat usually stayed near the entrance & front window
    Danny & I were a bit late, and only got seats on a bench against the back wall. When the option to sing came to the back, I told Danny that he ought to move closer to that center spot.
   He didn't reply or bother... he just leaned forward a little and opened his mouth... and people in that front window stopped what they were doing and looked to see where that VOICE was coming from!
It was one of the few times I ever saw the entire room shut up and pay attention to the singer. During the short break, the shanty bunch made a pilgrimage to out table to meet Danny... and data was exchanged.

'Twas a special occasion....

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 21 Mar 21 - 07:39 AM

I can certainly echo what Lucy said sixteen years ago about Kevin! In Bude we also have "Jan" Hicks, who also can't half give out when he wants to...

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 21 Mar 21 - 06:31 AM

I did once get a folk club thrown out of a pub for being too loud (3 Mariners, Laancaster), but that was partly the concertina to blame.

Fred Vanner was definately the loudest singer at Cheddar Folk Club.

Robin

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST,patriot
Date: 21 Mar 21 - 06:17 AM

-it's not about being good, or what makes a good singer Sandman, this thread is about being LOUD

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: The Sandman
Date: 21 Mar 21 - 05:46 AM

i reckon my voice is loud, but i do not consider it is the only thing of merit in judging a singer, tone, breath control, interpretation of lyrics plus the ability to sing qiuetly for effect if needed, are just as important in determining a good singer

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 21 Mar 21 - 05:33 AM

Definitely Ian McCalman. I once stood next to him in the back row of an audience. And my ears haven’t been the same since.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: r.padgett
Date: 21 Mar 21 - 04:36 AM

Moose Rosser, Keith Kendrick, John Strong

in there somewhere

Ray

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Malcolm Storey
Date: 20 Mar 21 - 10:13 PM

I'm amazed nobody has mentioned Dave Brady.
He was responsible for the Wild Mountain Time being the closing song at Whitby Folk Week.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST,Gwyneth Try
Date: 20 Mar 21 - 06:21 PM

Dave Bryant was also ableblend into a choir and sing in a gentle voice when needed. I sang with him on many occasions in an early music/madrigal group of eight voices where he blended in as well as a choral society choir of a hundred.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST,GUEST
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 10:54 AM

A mention for Hilary Spencer, of Artisan - a great voice which can be earsplitting when needed.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: My guru always said
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 09:05 AM

Must mention Alanww, definitely in the loud category when appropriate!

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 08:16 PM

Too piercing

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 07:44 PM

Too loud man "I come in through the window" :>)

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Hawker
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 07:34 PM

My Old man Kevin Burrow has a darned loud voice, I am always amused when people near him in a sing around jump when he starts to sing!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Bernard
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 05:55 PM

Yup - my old mate Geoff has a powerful pair of lungs, and no mistake!!

It has been said I'm not so quiet meself...

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST,Puck
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 04:01 PM

You're right guest about Geoff Higginbottom... an excellent and a strong and solid voice...he has a real talent .I'd forgotten about him

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 03:52 PM

Loud can be re-defined as being robust,strong, booming etc. When singing at outdoor festivals or noisy pubs without a microphone some singers tend to oversing or shout in order to be heard. Singers of Don Sinetti and Johnny Collins stamp have voices that carry and are naturally strong singers.
                         Others that come to mind are Tom Lewis,Geoff Higginbottom and Mainbrace (Duo from Wales).

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 02:06 PM

Me and phot are loud I've been in a shanty crew with leadfingers that was loud geoff higginbottom has a stentorian voice although at his best Johnny Collins is kinn sorry king (actully I was right the first time 'kinn loud)
Cllr sitting iin car on the way back from the sidmouth reunion

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Cats
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 09:40 AM

For loud and strong there's always Bev Arscott in the Forest of Dean. Now she can silence a shanty session, and she can also sing quietly and with amazing depth to her voice.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 06:41 AM

I for one hope for a full recovery. Here's to you Dave

From me too.

Have you all forgotten about the late Martin Winsor already? He could drown fog horns. And together with Redd Sullivan, the ships would be blown clean out of the harbour. And add Bob Davenport...earsplitting,

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: The Barden of England
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 05:52 AM

Yes, with you there Don, and as you know I've used that trick too. That's the joy of the Bedford sessions though isn't it - sometimes people actually listen.

By the way, Dave Bryant has been turning up at the Greyhound sessions in Maidstone. He's looking well, and his voice has not been affected, the power is still there. He's not playing guitar yet but I for one hope for a full recovery. Here's to you Dave.

John B

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: nutty
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 05:52 AM

The thread title does say loudest singers

I suppose collectively there's few that can beat The Wilson Family

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 05:27 AM

Yeah McGrath, I do that myself, and when it works it's real magic. I've become fairly well known at the Bedford Hotel sessions at Sidmouth, and I love it when I follow a 10 minute free for all diddly set, and the noise fades to silence during the first few words.

That's more of a high than applause at the end.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 10:11 PM

Nice to hear from you Rita: Yes, that's what occurred to me early in this thread... the three occasions when loud is good.. sea shanties and work songs, singing in pubs (or bars over here) and singing outside. Transport those same songs into a livingroom or an intimate environment and at least to some extent, they need to be toned down a little.

I never heard of a sensitive singer schantieman. :-)

Jerry

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 09:17 PM

Don Sineti You can almost feel his voice thru the picture....there are stories of people from the area calling Mystic to complain when Don sings too late in the evening.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Ferrara
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 08:46 PM

Jerry,

A loud (or very strong, shall we say) voice is a terrific asset in shantey singing among other things. It took a strong voice to carry over the noise of the sea, the wind, and activities on board ship. I've read that ships' officers also often had voices that could be heard over a strong gale.

A lot of the people mentioned here sing shanties at least half the time.

It's also an asset in certain types of chorus singing, or noisy bars, various places. Or if you're performing out doors in a noisy venue such as some festivals, even with a mike.

And, you know, some songs don't need sensitivity. Vigor and the ability to keep it afloat, so to speak, are more important in giving life to the song.

My son goes to, and sometimes leads, pub sing and shantey sings with his best friend. It took me a while to realize WHY the singing seemed so much better with them leading. It's because they have fine strong voices that "carry" and support the choruses. (and keep them on tune, too....) Note they also have the good taste to sing softly when that's what's called for. Far as I know, Don Sineti (sp?) doesn't have a "soft" setting on his volume switch but most of the singers mentioned on this thread do tailor their volume to the song and the space.

Rita

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 07:07 PM

The thing is to be loud enough to be heard. Sometimes in a noisy environment the best way to do that can actually be to sing a quiet song, so that people shut up to listen.   It's got to be a song they want to hear. In an Irish pub a song in Irish will often do it.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 06:35 PM

I'm with you there, Richard. And how could I have forgotten Rachel. At full stretch she could shatter bricks, and with a voice range that would enable her to entertain everything from elephants to bats, if she so chose. Best of all, she has way more than enough talent to match the power and range.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 06:24 PM

It is an ability. Ability is to be admired. There may be other abilities also to be admired.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 12:26 PM

Don Sineti of the Mystic Seaport chanteymen and the singer Tom Lewis will blow your ears out if you are too close to either one of them on stage. Protective gear is required; plugs, muffs or a finger is suggested.

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: nutty
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 11:20 AM

How about Theresa Tooley (Treaties) of Firm Friends and Shellback Chorus. An excellent turn of volume that can be matched by few ....... (although a close second would be the members of the Johnson Girls)

Subject: RE: Loudest singers
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 09:04 AM

This thread kinda caught me by syrprise, and I wonder if it reflects repertoire, and places where people sing mostly. Of the qualities I'd think of for a good singer, "loud" wouldn't even come to mind. Is this a british pub, sea/shantie thing? Any other Amuricans who think of singers in terms of how loud they are?

Don't mean any criticism here, friends... just wonder if this is a difference either between cultures, or repertoire, or both.

Just asking..

Jerry