Under-rated folk musicians/singers

Subject: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Nobodysbard
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 03:59 PM

At the risk of irking some, I thought in response to the recent (& seemingly controversial) "most over-rated legend" thread it might be fun to start a thread on the opposite question - (I hesitate to ask who is "under-rated" so ...)any opinions as to who should be better known than they are? (needless to say - not including oneself!)

I'd be happy to start with a couple of suggestions : Personally I think that Jon Raven & Johnny Collins deserve to be household names - alas it rare to meet anyone that knows of them. (Of course, they may well be better known around these parts!) So any other suggestions?

Cheers J.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Adam Smith
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 04:14 PM

I think Alasdair Roberts is very under rated. Ignored, even. To my ears he's significantly beyond what anyone else is doing to / with the tradition right now.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 04:22 PM

I'd nominate Jon Loomes.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 06:37 PM

Kate Green, one of Sheffield's best-kept secrets.
Absolutely stunning voice and sings with real passion and understanding. She is easily good enough to be a headliner anywhere you'd care to mention. I would happily listen to her sing a phone directory (not to mention being willing to give up an arm to sing like she does). It is a real pity more people have not had the pleasure of hearing her.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: SylviaN
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 06:43 PM

I second that, Richard, Jon Loomes is great. I also nominate Hérétique, the group that he is in with Michael Beeke and Murray Grainger.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:04 PM

Tiny Tim was a terrific and totally unique musician/singer who got a lot of notoriety for oddball stuff like "Tiptoe Through The Tulips" and marrying "Miss Vickie", but who was seldom appreciated for the genuinely talented guy he actually was. And yes...I am being quite serious when I say that. He was under-rated by most people.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: oldhippie
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:07 PM

Off the top of my head....

The Clydesiders
Susan Urban

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Hesk
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:20 PM

I have never been able to understand why Mick Ryan hasn't become more famous, given his marvellous voice and composing and theatrical talents.
I do not mean to say that he is not well known, but rather that he has not become the headliner that he deserves.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:48 PM

Try out Kevin Mitchell (originally Derry, now Glasgow); Tom Spiers (formerly of The Gaugers and more recently Shepheard, Spiers and Watson); and Arthur Watson (see Tom Spiers!).
All are known within a smallish community which appreciates totally committed singing, but none are properly appreciated -- IMHO.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Young Buchan
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 07:57 PM

Jock Duncan. As fine a singer as John Strachan with the additional recommendation that he is still alive.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: melodeonboy
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 08:04 PM

Dave Taylor.

Bob Kenward - highly regarded in Kent, but I suspect he's not known so much elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 08:35 PM

Thoroughly agree aboot Kate Green and Bob Kenward!

However, Ron Trueman- Border SHOULD be world famous!

AND, how cud we forget, wor very own 'My Guru Always Said'! The lass hez one of the prettiest and emotive voices aah've hord in a lang time! Aah cud listen tiv her aall neet lang even if she was singin' the TV times - Crack on Hils, me bonnie lass!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: LesB
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 08:38 PM

I saw Jock Duncan once at Whitby. I couldn't understand a word he said or sang.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 08:53 PM

The Clydesiders no longer perform as such, but a former Clydesider has his own band, i.e. Duncan McCrone. Fabulous band with, as well as Duncan, the multi-talented peripatetic Stevie Lawrence and Cy Jack.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 10:07 PM

I appreciate the plug for Susan Urban. There's just a lot of great performers/singers that don't get heard for a lot of reasons. Our friend Glenn Shubert writes some of the best songs I've ever heard, but you won't hear him unless you go to his house. Brighid Malone is great in the celtic field, but you won't hear her unless it's on short notice in the Chicago area. As far as performers who do tour that should be heard more, there's tons of them. I really like Tim Grimm, Hewson & Smith from Canada, Chico Schwall from Portland. There's a lot more.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Nobodysbard
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 06:50 AM

Thanks to all who've made suggestions so far. Not sure that Alasdair Roberts is "under-rated" seems to be doing quite well though I agree he makes some fine music. Totally agree about Jon Loomes though. I checked out Kate Green - nice voice but didn't really "do it for me personally"
I never really "got" Tiny Tim but my partner is a big fan & I'd agree - he's certainly unique! I checked out Susan Urban & thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for that. Likewise Tom Spiers - again, totally loved it & will certainly be listening to more of both.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Nobodysbard
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 07:01 AM

I also really enjoyed listening to the little bit of Jock Duncan that i could find here: Jock Duncan - Great stuff. I've heard a little of Ron Trueman-Border on Britfolk Radio before now & I agree he is quite interesting & worth having a listen to. So thanks to all who've made suggestions so far. Will be checking out more in due course. In the meantime here's someone who I think deserves a bit more recognition too :
Mark Dowding

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: I don't know
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 07:13 AM

There are so many hidden names that should be much better recognised for there musical/vocal talents. I think Emily Slade, Terry Emm, Jon Brindley & an American Matt Shenk are all worthy of a top spot.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 07:49 AM

steve turner

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: My guru always said
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 08:30 AM

Thanks for the mention Geordie Dear (cheque in post) *grin*
Hils

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: LesB
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 08:49 AM

I'll go along with both Mark Dowding & Jon Brindley. Here is Jon's 1st Vid. Jon Brindley Youtube He is just at home doing his own songs & trad & is a mean fiddler.
Although well known, I think Brian Peters is underated. He should be a folk superstar by now. (cancel that, I wouldn't be able to afford to see him then).
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 09:04 AM

I'd go with many of the above, and add Sharon King

Excellent singer and writer.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Adam Smith
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 09:05 AM

Dick Miles.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: DonMeixner
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 09:10 AM

Howard Stith
Mustard's Retreat

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 09:16 AM

Its ALL to do with Bums on Seats ! Brian Peters in his early days was NOT a Bums on seats booking despite his abilities , but has improved his Audience Contact skills and is certainly getting there now ! And there are SO many 'local' performers who for what ever reason DONT get out of their local patch .

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Suffet
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 11:00 AM

My top three nominees:

Ralph Bodington -- Singer and banjo player from Rhode Island. Very quiet and understated, but really accomplished.

Alan Friend -- Old-time musician from Brooklyn, New York. Another quiet and understated performer.

Sarah Underhill -- Singer who performs almost exclusively in the Hudson River Valley area of New York State.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Acorn4
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 11:15 AM

Thanks for the mention, Melodeonboy. Much appreciated.

I would suggest Trio Threlfall as deserving of a lot more billing than they get.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Fidjit
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 11:22 AM

And there's me.

Chas

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Deckman
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 11:41 AM

I think my neighbor is pretty darned good ... problem is I can't remember his name!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 12:09 PM

Alan Bell, formally of the 60s-70s band the Taverners who were one of the 'biggest' bands in the NW, writer of many great songs and consumate performer as well, but don't ever lend him your guitar it'll be out of tune within seconds.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 02:08 PM

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Dick Miles - PM
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 10:16 AM

Adam Smith
   this post is nothing to do with me, i have not logged out. Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 02:20 PM

All those who sing or play tunes at The Beech

L on his way to The Beech

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: I don't know
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 02:54 PM

The Unthanks.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Adam Smith
Date: 03 Nov 10 - 06:11 PM

Hey Dick, no it was me, and I wasn't taking the piss. I do think you're underrated. I reckon if you weren't quite such an *ahem* unusual character and, say, you had a more Famous surname, you'd be considered a far bigger cheese than you are.

I do think your music and singing is underrated.

I also think Kate Rusby is underrated. Sure, she's a big name and sells loads of records, but in the folk scene she's tended to be viewed rather disparagingly (perhaps for those very reasons) whereas I think she's a very good interoperate of traditional song - she really brings songs to life and imbues them with character.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 06:27 AM

Perhaps Dick would be a bigger cheese if he was Dick Stilton or Dick Wensledale, Dick Cheddar even Dick Canadian Red Cheddar or Dick Brie then he could sing French songs as well.

L in C#
Who will probably regret this

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Adam Smith
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 07:55 AM

Dick Cheese? I think that may hinder his chances more than help.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 08:10 AM

But Adam, their is a free market in cheese, but I guess you know that?

L in C#

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,David Ricardo
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 08:56 AM

It wasn't Adam Smith, it was me and it just seemed like it would be to your comparative advantage to change your name to something cheesy.
How about Dick Gorgonzola?

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: JHW
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 11:40 AM

just checking again

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: stallion
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 11:47 AM

It's the company that Kate keeps! Anyway, second Ralph Boddington. My nominees are Hissyfit, Wendy Arrowsmith, The Young'uns and Blackbeards Teaparty

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 11:57 AM

"Hissyfit, Wendy Arrowsmith, The Young'uns and Blackbeards Teaparty"

stallion knows his music! I agree with all of those.... Though I'm not sure The Young'uns are THAT underatted, they seem to be making real progess, which is a good thing.

I'd add OK Brandy, Anna Shannon, Brother Crow & Joe solo. And 2 Black Sheep & a Stallion of course!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Spleen Cringe
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 12:40 PM

Clive Palmer - though I think he probably slips under the radar because he doesn't seem to care that much about having a career as a musician...

I suppose it also depends what you mean by underrated... by who, for example? The general public? The mainstream media? The music press? Folk fans? On some levels the wonderful Bob Pegg is woefully underrated but in Spleen Towers - and I'm sure by many others on this forum - his musicis revered.

Also - and I take Clive Palmer as an example of this - can someone be considered underrated if they are not particularly career minded? Or if they are just known and appreciated by folks at their local singaround but have no plan to take their singing any further, no matter how good they are?

Finally, I don't know Ross Campbell and Sailor Ron's songwriting well enough to make a general comment on it, but what I've heard is easily as good as some of the best songwriting around. I'd particularly draw your attention to their absolute classic "Lost", which is probably one of the best songs I've ever heard and should be covered/ interpreted widely. American duo Pint & Dale have done a great version of it, here.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: breezy
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 01:35 PM

Ben Campbell from The Folk on the moor club near Ivybridge, Devon, Sundays

Good voice , good guitar , good performer, good audience raport good original songs.

Ben knows how to entertain

rarely seen beyond Devon.

I guess Vic Legg is out on a limb in Bodmin.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 04:37 PM

Definitely Anna Shannon truly amazing songwriter.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Mawnan smith
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 04:51 PM

I think Graham OCallaghan, Sean OShea and Charley Yarwood the finest voices in the tradition. MS

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 05:27 PM

Sorry Anna Shannon nominee was me!

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Mrs Scarecrow
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 06:06 PM

Flaxenby - Sam Mcleod and Chris Buttery both underrated singers and song writers and fantastic fiddle from Andy
And of course MGAS.
I agree with the post about Mick ryan I have never understood why he is not mega big

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Nobodysbard
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 06:08 PM

That song "Lost" is a very nice song. Tried finding some Bob Kenward to check out but though I found what seemed to be his website alas I couldn't find a single song on there to listen to You Tube didn't throw anything up either. Any ideas where I might find a sample track? Likewise Dave Taylor?

Thanks J.

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: Acorn4
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 04:30 AM

Dave Taylor websites:-

www.acorn4.demon.co.uk

go to "listen"

www.myspace.com/davetaylor4

Subject: RE: Under-rated folk musicians/singers
From: GUEST,Sally Pasty Head
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 04:53 AM

Seth Lakeman