Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: mattkeen
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 04:57 AM

May Bradley

Norma Waterson

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Kevin Sexton
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 05:32 AM

Well, somebody has to put a word in for Margaret Barry !!!
Once you fight your way past the Cork accent, a most distinctive voice and stirring singing. 'My Lagan Love' still makes my spine tingle after nearly 40 years.
But if you like your 'folk' Kate-Rusby-style, then pass on to the next suggestion.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: DebC
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 05:57 AM

Joe Wrote:
I've had a major crush on Janet Russell since I saw her at Whitby several years ago. I could also develop major crushes on Debra Cowan and Judy Cook, but don't tell them...

I am flattered Joe. I am also flattered that you gave me Janet Russell's link as I think more people should know about Janet's singing. :-)

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 06:05 AM

Judith Durham - Can't check YouTube links at work so I will post one later.

Gracie Fields - Well, you did say of distinction...

:D (eG)

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 06:10 AM

The late, great, Mary Asquith.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 06:29 AM

Geeziz......Has no one mentioned Emmylou? I'm not getting into any "folk" discussion here but if I have a choice as to who I hear do Carter Family stuff and the like that is the voice I want to hear. And in country she brought back the original music almost single handededly.

Emmylou


Spaw

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 06:40 AM

And did I also miss Ronnie Gilbert? Mary Travers? Holly Near?


Spaw

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 06:47 AM

Do my eyes deceive me? NO mention yet of the late English goddess of blues, JO-Ann Kelly? As her record sleeve blurb has it - "the voice of Memphis Minnie, the guitar playing of Mississippi Fred McDowell and the appearance of a shy English primary school teacher". I was listening yesterday to the compilation "Black Rat Swing" of her stuff that Castle put out and I had remembered that she was good but forgotten just how great she truly was.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: greg stephens
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 07:19 AM

I won't bother listing my old classic favourites, which would be pretty predictable anyway. But here is the best of the bunch of the new folkies I have heard in the last year or three. A rather rough recording of False Hare at Glastonbury 09 rough, but you'll get the idea. False Hare are Helen Morris(on the left) and Katie Weatherall on the right.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 07:24 AM

The list I provided on your last thread, CS. But here are some recorded examples:

Alison McMorland: 'Cloudberry Day' (The Tradition Bearers Series, LTCD 1003, 2000).

Ellen Mitchell: 'On Yonder Lea' (The Tradition Bearers Series, LTCD 1008, 2002).

Frankie Armstrong: 'Lovely on the Water' (Fellside FECD 151, 2000).

Julie Murphy's contribution to the the Mellstock Band's CD, 'Songs of Thomas Hardy's Wessex' (Saydisc CD-SDL 410, 1995).

Mary Humphreys, on the CD which she recorded with Anahata, 'Fenlandia' (Wild Goose Records, WGS 340 CD, 2006).

Shan Graebe, on the CD she which recorded with Martin Graebe, 'Dusty Diamonds' (Wildgoose, WGS359CD, 2008).

To which I would like to add Annie Dearman's contribution to the CD which she recorded with Vic Gammon and Steve Harrison, 'Black Crow White Crow' (EFDSS CD11, 2005).

I also enjoy Shirley Collin's work - but I'm assuming that you're familiar with her extensive recordings?

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,SylviaN
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 08:21 AM

Greg, absolutely agree with you about False Hare. Helen and Katie are two very delightful young women, who are working their socks off at the Kit and Cutter club to spread the news about our wonderful music to people of their own age. They are going to be booked at the Derby Gaol (DHTMC) next year.
Cheers
Sylvia

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: matt milton
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 08:23 AM

nice to see someone mentioned Angela Brazil. Her voice really jumps out when you're listening to any of those Brazil family compilations; she sounds like a folk Billie Holiday.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 11:17 AM

Phoebe Smith, Mary Anne Haynes.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 12:15 PM

Maggie Boyle, Faye Hield - grand! - HFA

(and, because of a comment or two above,
just to make it perfectly clear - that's a Duncan McFarlane posting)

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Arkie
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 12:29 PM

Molly Andrews

Sara Grey

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: topical tom
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 12:33 PM

Joni Mitchell-IMO the ageless voice of an angel.

Both Sides NowJoni Mitchell

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: TheSnail
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 01:45 PM

Craig Morgan Robson
Askew Sisters
Bryony Griffith

Neither weak and breathy nor belters, just good clear voices from women who think about what they're singing.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Willa
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 03:20 PM

So many of favourites have already been added to the list. I'd like to add Bella Hardy.

Looking forward to hearing you, Deb C at Cottingham Live next week, and I definitely put Janet on my list.

Good to see Norma's name so many times, and, Steve, here's a link to some of her singing. Scroll down the page.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Norma-Waterson/dp/B00000062Y

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,Gealt
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 03:22 PM

The first folk club I visited was the Troubadour, Old Brompton Road in the summer of '63. Among the many guests was Dolly McMahon-my nomination
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVTrW6_-2gc&feature=related

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: pdq
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 04:01 PM

This thread seems heavily skewed toward the British Isles.

In the western U.S. may I suggest Laurie Lewis, Kathy Kallick, Mary McCaslin, the late Kate Wolf, Nanci Griffith, Kate Brislin, midwesterner Claudia Schmidt, and Mollie O'Brien, who has lived for a long time in Colorado.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 04:11 PM

And a double YES for Ronnie Gilbert - so much a part of my introduction to folksinging, giving permission to sing out loud, with passion and commitment whilst also showing appropriate tenderness (think 'Viva la Quince Brigada' and 'The Cuckoo').
Not to mention her real sense of rhythm/swing/uplift!

A lovely lady.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,Brian Sweeny
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 04:26 PM

I don't know if she's familiar to you in Britain but Ireland's Eleanor Shanley is my favourite singer.Get one of her cds,I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I always enjoyed Shirley Collins when I lived in London.
Someone mentioned Judith Durham in a previous thread.She had a crystal clear wonderful voice.Great for the sort of pop The Seekers did but I doubt if Ewan Mac Coll ever have sent her an invitation to The Singers' Club!.Compare Dusty when she was with The Springfields.
I don't think Mary Black has had a mention.Her early stuff was good but she's gone MOR for some time now.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,Georgina Boyes
Date: 01 Apr 10 - 06:30 PM

Heather Brady [Bradley] and Lal Waterson, as well as many of those already named.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,GC
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 01:09 AM

Masha Goodman Crawford! Her sweet and powerful voice tells ballad stories, sings love into the night air, and gets everybody dancing to the banjo and fiddle!

oldsolesmusic.com

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 04:07 AM

Still clicking the links provided. Thanks for Lucy Ward Leveller, thoroughly great stuff. If she's ever around my neck of the woods, I'd deffo go see her show.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 04:55 AM

I second Joe on our own Judy Cook. Just last night I led a group to learn "My God He Is A Rock" just the way I learned to love it from her, and it was a blast. She has inspired me to sing (well, belt!), and every time I hear her sing, I find a fascinating song or story I have to get to the bottom of, and learn a little more 'folk' and a lot more history!

http://judycook.net/demo.htm

Dani

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: rich-joy
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 05:27 AM

Hmmm … a number of my faves have already been mentioned (e.g. KKallick / LNull / VAspey / AStuart / FArmstrong / JRedpath / KWolf / CSchmidt / BDickson / the Fisher gals / ECarthy / NWaterson / JMurphy (the Welsh one : try her "Black Mountain Revisited" CD!) ….. and I second Guest's comments on DEANTA's lead singer!

But I'd like to put in a plug for these delights too :

Maggie Holland (UK) - try CD "Bones"
Polly Bolton (UK)
Rory Block (brilliant U.S. Blues woman – try any CD
Angela Fox (a Scot in NZ) – try "Arrow" CD
Margaret Morgan (West Aussie) – try "Storm on the Horizon" CD
Jenny Fitzgibbon (an Irish Aussie) - try CDs with Tulca Mor
and the late Helen Schneyer (US) – needs no more from me …

and I'm sure there's more!

Cheers! R-J
Down Under

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 05:40 AM

Deb C, thanks for the pointer - I hadn't come across your singing before. That's a brilliant "Banks of Green Willow" (going back a bit, I know) - I've never understood why people make that song sound so cheerful!

The name may not mean much to many, but I'll nominate Sue van Gaalen - one of the best singers I've been lucky enough to share a room with.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: theleveller
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 06:07 AM

"Thanks for Lucy Ward Leveller, thoroughly great stuff. If she's ever around my neck of the woods, I'd deffo go see her show."

You'll love her, CS - she can do the rough and tumble stuff then swap to a haunting song like Fairy Child and bring tears to your eyes. And it's always interesting to see what colour her hair is (it was purple when I saw her a few weeks ago) - she is DEFINITELY a bad influence on my 10-year old who always wants to copy her :-)

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: rich-joy
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 06:19 AM

re my suggestions above, I found a few examples on YouTube, but I'm having connection problems, so apologies for no Blickies!

Cheers, R-J


Julie Murphy (Fernhill) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0S-IQAGt38


Maggie Holland (ex English Country Blues Band ) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMYEguvnxtU


Polly Bolton (ex Dando Shaft):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAqdWkIN9y8


Rory Block :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C58CGPMyFyM&feature=related


Angela Fox :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQOmNFGUdJk

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,Crowsister
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 09:01 AM

Leveller: "And it's always interesting to see what colour her hair is (it was purple when I saw her a few weeks ago)"

Hehe, sounds like my kinda girl, I was just like it at eighteen!
But I think you brought up a good point about 'range of expression' it's something that a couple of other posters commented on, as an important thing to develop in the other 'girly' thread.



PS Joe: sorry I was grouchy, I may email you about membership thing.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 09:38 AM

Julie Henigan,is one of the best.check out her my space

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: greg stephens
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 09:52 AM

rich-joy: thanks for Polly Bolton link. Never heard this recording, never heard of the Oceans Orchstra or Jennifer Cutting. Totally amazing track. I shall be buying the record instantly.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 10:53 AM

In no particular order:-

Hedy West, Hazel Dickens, Jean Ritchie, Sarah Makem, Brigid Tunney, Elizabeth Cronin, Jane Turiff, Lizzie Higgins, Gordeanna McCullough, Sarah Grey, Alison Mac Morland, Peta Webb, Norma Waterson, Pat Flynn, Rosie Stewart, Norah Ghriallias, Sarah Ghriallais, Tess Bean Uí Conghaile, Maire Áine Ní Donnchadha, Róise Bean Mhic Ghrianna, Valya Balanska, Yanka Rupkina, Cháit Ní Mhuinbheacahin, Belle Stewart, May Bradley, Ola Belle Reed, Sorcha Ní Ghuairim, Memphis Minnie, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Rosetta Tharpe, Vera Hall Ward, Almeda Riddle, Texas Gladden, Nan Tom Taimín a Burcha, Ellen Mitchell, Sarah Anne O'Neill, Carmel Gunning, Bessie Jones, Mabel Hillary, Christine Tyrell, Sandra Kerr, Big Mama Thornton, Sister Ernestine Washington, Lizzie Miles, Victoria Spivey, Oum Kaltsoum, Heather Heywood, Daisy Chapman, Lucy Stewart, Murdina MacDonald, Mayada El Hennawy. Hannah Hutton.

Thinks. "Haven't I written this list out before?"

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 11:00 AM

Judy Dinning, Caroline Robson - gorgeous stuff!

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,Crowsister
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 11:00 AM

Hi Janie, you said this:

"but was afraid I'd get slammed because she is not "traditional" enough."

As the OP, just to clarify that although some others here do, I don't personally use the 'folk' word to mean purely 'traditional' (I use 'traditional' for that ;-) )

I was just opening the thread as an invitation to share and celebrate 'female voices of distinction' within the folk *genre* so to speak, however broadly others here might interpret that for themselves.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 11:11 AM

Well, if it goes as far as early soul as it spun off from "race music" how about Peggy Scott, who did some cracking tracks with Jojo Benson?

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,Crowsister
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 12:04 PM

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 10:53 AM
In no particular order:-
Hedy West, Hazel Dickens, Jean Ritchie, Sarah Makem, Brigid Tunney, Elizabeth Cronin, Jane Turiff, Lizzie Higgins, Gordeanna McCullough, Sarah Grey, Alison Mac Morland, Peta Webb, Norma Waterson, Pat Flynn, Rosie Stewart, Norah Ghriallias, Sarah Ghriallais, Tess Bean Uí Conghaile, Maire Áine Ní Donnchadha, Róise Bean Mhic Ghrianna, Valya Balanska, Yanka Rupkina, Cháit Ní Mhuinbheacahin, Belle Stewart, May Bradley, Ola Belle Reed, Sorcha Ní Ghuairim, Memphis Minnie, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Rosetta Tharpe, Vera Hall Ward, Almeda Riddle, Texas Gladden, Nan Tom Taimín a Burcha, Ellen Mitchell, Sarah Anne O'Neill, Carmel Gunning, Bessie Jones, Mabel Hillary, Christine Tyrell, Sandra Kerr, Big Mama Thornton, Sister Ernestine Washington, Lizzie Miles, Victoria Spivey, Oum Kaltsoum, Heather Heywood, Daisy Chapman, Lucy Stewart, Murdina MacDonald, Mayada El Hennawy. Hannah Hutton.
Thinks. "Haven't I written this list out before?"

***

FRED, that sure is a long old list there ;-)

Any chance of some links to online audio examples, or simply some further written elaboration describing what it is you especially appreciate about those singers you've cited?

Just trying to continue to encourage other posters to this thread to keep up the 'sharing' element initially proposed, rather than keep it at the usual unadorned 'list' that can be common to Mudcat threads.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 12:39 PM

julie henigan.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 12:42 PM

I don't see Julie Fowlis listed anywhere above:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnBBQ-_D2Hc&feature=related

And Beth Gibbins of Tiny Tin Lady, singing "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" with Fairport here, when she was just 15:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tcYesLREcI

Most of the YouTube clips of TTL just don't do justice to her voice...it's really something when she lets rip...which she doesn't do often enough.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 01:05 PM

Spotted 'rich-joy's' link to a Julie Murphy recording above. I'm afraid that, after a certain point in her career (about the time of that recording, actually) Ms Murphy and I parted artistic company. I suspect that she's probably not too upset about that (!) Nevertheless, don't let my opinion put you off seeking out her work (she does have a fabulous voice - whatever she's singing).

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Johnny Harper
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 01:49 PM

BARBARA DANE, recording since 1957, still brilliant at age 82 in all 3 of her major styles areas: folk, blues, jazz. Check her out at www.barbaradane.net, you can also order many CDs from this site. There are a few performances on YouTube also, some from long ago, some quite recent.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Jack Campin
Date: 02 Apr 10 - 08:41 PM

Beata Palya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWAd6Ip_-Wc (read the words in the comments!)

Brenna MacCrimmon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpLN3KRjsW0

MacCrimmon again in the most laid-back Turkish song arrangement you'll ever hear

Aynur Dogan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIqxl3mnCJU (Kurdish lament from a film, there is talk overlaid in places)

more Aynur, Turkish bardic style

Zara: Turkish anti-war lament, unaccompanied

Selda Bagcan: sounding rather flamenco (she's an icon of the Turkish far left)

Esma Redzepova: very young and sounding rather like Eartha Kitt (she doesn't sing like that now)

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: rich-joy
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 01:05 AM

Forgot Cathie Ryan (Cherish the Ladies) from my List above!
(listen to her sing Rick Kemp's "Somewhere Along the Road" e.g.    IMHO, preferable to Maddy's!)

Also, Mara - Aussie, but performs wonderful Eastern European music etc.

Cheers,
R-J

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Rasener
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 01:30 AM

somewhere along the road Cathy Ryan

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Raggytash
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 03:34 AM

Have I missed Marie Little on this thread, great singer and has been since I first saw her ..........more years ago than she'd care for me to mentioned but it was in The Duke of York, Eccles

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: GUEST,Brian Sweeny
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 10:54 AM

Have we all forgotten Dolores Keane?.Perhaps I've missed her in previous threads.

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 11:30 AM

I expect Fred is too modest to mention that most of the women cited in his "long old list" can be heard by regular listeners to his internet radio broadcast Worlds of Trad. The current playlist for March actually doesn't feature as many female performers as usual, but it does include Emma Vickers singing the Pace Egg Song, and Emma certainly belongs in any list of 'Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction' as does Ola Belle Reed who also features in the playlist.

Fred and others have mentioned Jean Ritchie (Kytrad); to me she embodies so much of what I find to treasure in the folk tradition so here are three YouTube performances posted by George Pickow.

The first shows the Ritchie Family gathering at Christmas 1955 where you can see just how Jean's songs are firmly embedded in the tradition of her family.

The second shows Jean singing her own composition Still I Love Him at a more recent 2009 family gathering, which shows clearly how the tradition is being passed down.

Finally here is Jean with her sister Edna singing The Four Marys, a song which Jean was instrumental in reviving in the British tradition through sharing it with other singers.

Enjoy!

Matthew

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 12:41 PM

Not a current singer (for sure) but rather a great American source singer: Texas Gladden

Very influential.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Female Folk Vocalists of Distinction
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 03 Apr 10 - 12:51 PM

And I'm surprised not to have seen anyone cite Peggy Seeger !!

Dave Oesterreich