My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger

Subject: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 10:50 AM

All the "1st Most Favorite" threads on Mudcat bring me back to playground days, when I could tell you with certainty who my "1st Best," "2nd Best," and "3rd Best" friends were. But, here in the pond, we never get beyond "1st Best." So, this thread is dedicated to all of my "3rd Best" friends in life.

My "3rd Most Favorite" folksinger is a fiddler who also sings. Most people who know him consider him first as a fiddler. And a fine one he is. Or, maybe they think of him first as a sandal maker. For many years, he had a leather goods shop in west Greenwich Village, and I believe there was much more music than sandals made in that store. Just as visibly, he was at folk festivals in the Northeast, sitting at a booth (usually "jamming" with other performers instead of doing a sales pitch to potential customers." Because he was such a familiar figure, and he was so completely unassuming, I think many people took his music for granted. I never did. Just because it was free didn't mean it wasn't great.

In the years when I ran a folk concert series, I booked Allan Block several times and each concert was memorable. I don't know if it was his singing and fiddle playing that it made it so memorable, or if it was the obvious joy he took in playing the music. There might have been a lot of "better" singers than Allan, and better fiddle players, but if I only had three evenings of music to pick out of all the music I've heard in my life, Allan would be the third one.

Mississippi John Hurt would be number one, and Doc Watson, number two, by the way.

Jerry

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 11:15 AM

My third choice would be another fiddlesinger (and guitarist), the excellent Chris Wood for his interpretive and boundary pushing work in the English tradition and that of Quebec.

Number one would be Martin Carthy as it could not be otherwise. Number two is Nic Jones.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Blowzabella
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 02:08 PM

Oh - heck

3rd favourite?

Well, first would be Tim Laycock; 2nd would be Bob Fox; 3rd - now is it Louis Killen or Jim Eldon

But then - if you are talking favourite voices, and shivers down spine singing, then it is 1st Louis Killen; 2nd Bob Fox; 3rd Tim Laycock (unless he is singing 'Comfrey' in which case he comes 1st

and if you are talking favourite, as in contributer to the tradition, then it's got to be 1st Louis Killen, 2nd Tim Laycock and 3rd

oh - no, now how do I fit Cyril Tawney and Peter Bellamy in here - not to mention Jim Eldon

Jerry - why did you ask this question!!! You've thrown me into such a tizz!!!

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Blowzabella
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 02:08 PM

and Iain McCalman's very nice as well - sorry Iain

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 02:31 PM

Yes, I do so wish you hadn't started this, Jerry. Blowzabella's reminded me I cannot possibly miss out Louis Killen or Peter Bellamy...

Then there's Dick Gaughan, Pete Coe, Mike Waterson, Tony Rose, Ian Giles, Andy Turner, Tim van Eyken. And Anne Briggs, Chris Coe, Maggie Holland, Frankie Armstrong, Sandra Kerr and Lynne Heraud...

Martyn Wyndham Reade, Jon Boden, James Patterson. And Peta Webb, Jo Freya, Felicity Greenland, Nancy Kerr...

And James Fagan, Paul Sartin, Benji Kirkpatrick...

It's a totally impossible question.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: GUEST,chinmusic
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 02:40 PM

Jerry..... I have just as much trouble coming up with my third most favourite folksinger, as it is choosing my first favourite. There's just so many to choose from, but I'll go along with Tom Rush. He's one of the best interpretors of a song that I've ever heard.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 03:03 PM

C'mon guys, favourite is just about when you were happy with whom? It's invidious to have favourites when there are so many great singers (some of whom have their off days!).

Kitty

PS Agree with everyone on Countess R's list, and Blowzabella's. Interesting that no-one's mentioned June Tabor yet - she sang definitive versions of songs, that I spent years vainly trying to sing differently.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 04:41 PM

June Tabor, ah - I will never forget hearing her sing "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda". I got the works: prickly feeling on top of scalp, numb hands and feet, wet eyes.

But Kitty is right - rankings make no sense. I like all of the aforementioned, and God forbid that I should ever have to choose one over another. Why would I do that anyway? (Ve vill kill one of ze two - which one do you like ze best?).

Also, there are some voices that suit the material of the performer best, even though they would be no good for other types of song. Jake Thackray, Tom Lehrer and Jeremy Taylor spring to mind in that category. And nobody does a Less Sullivan song better than Les himself, for my money.

And there are some good voices that get masked/overshadowed by the prowess of the performer in other areas. For example, I like Jon Boden's voice a lot.

And forgetting the "stars" for a moment, there are many unsung (sic) heroes in our midst and among the regular folkies, or at least those who don't command top billing at festivals. Many are Mudcatters, even. A certain "feline" from N.Harrow, for example.

Rather than rank them, I thank my lucky stars that there are so many, SO many good voices around and that I am/have been fortunate enough to have known them.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 04:56 PM

Well, Dave Auld came to Herga last night, and sang our (as in MCP's and my, Dark the Day) version of "Five Pounds" , and I think our DtD version was better than when Les originally wrote it, but now that Les has recorded "Echoes from Mingulay" catters can make their own judgement!

Kitty

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Rasener
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 04:59 PM

I agree with your comments El Greko. Everybody is in it together. I hate this "who's the best attitude". It causes so much jealosy and indeed hatred amongst people.

Its just the same as who is the employee of the year. Directors and Managers think its great fun doing these awards, but the spin off is very bad. I have seen people fall out with each other over this sort of award. Surely its a big team effort including the person who makes sure the toilet is nice and clean and the person who keeps the office nice and clean.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 05:04 PM

The person who keeps the toilet nice and clean wins it for me!....

Kitty

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Teresa
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 05:09 PM

Hmmm.

I always get drawn into these rankings, even though I think it's unfair. :)

Ok, I guess the one that comes close to "third" for me is Robin williamson. Better voices for ballad-singing are around, but few can surpass him on the harp and for spinning a good yarn. :)

IMO.

T

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Bill D
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 05:22 PM

Interesting, Jerry...I heard Alan Block only once, over 20 years ago, and that still remains one of the most amazing musical evenings I ever spent. At that time, the Red Fox Inn in Bethesda, MD was 'the' place to go for a folk singing open mike, and Alan Block filled the place till the fire marshall had coniption fits. He was amazing~! Then one week later, the Red Fox closed forever.....I sure am glad it waited till I heard Alan.

My 3rd favorite? Oh, must be....ummmm...*throwing the dart over my shoulder wildly at a list*....maybe Mark Gilston.....who knows more strange songs in more languages on weirder instruments than anyone I know. He plays Serbian bagpipes & flutes, lap dulcimer and concertina with equal fervor, and knows astounding amounts of arcane musical theory. Mark once created a 'workshop' on "Songs of Dismemberment" and it was a hit! ......

2nd & 1st? nawwww...just many 3rds...

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: BeekeeperFran
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 05:23 PM

My order of ranking would have to come from the first folk singers I ever came across and had the most influence on me. So Ray Fisher would have to be my 3rd. Jacqui McShee (Pentangle ) is definately 1st as theirs was the first folk record I ever bought and Harry Boardman.I enjoy most of the ones on all the previous lists
Fran

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 06:41 PM

Interesting that with a couple of exceptions so far, it's British Aisles Catters who are responding. Where are the other Amuricans.. glad you got to hear Allan, Bill D. Is it because singing is valued more in the B.I. than it is over here? Seems to be a shortage of older singers, too.

Just wondering..

Jerry

(I was going to make this thread My 11th Most Favorite Singer) which would have worked, too... could have had longer lists to include more favorites in the top ten.)

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Blowzabella
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 06:58 PM

Louis Killen is 70, Jerry, and Cyril must be older - don't they count as 'older'? I'm pleased to see that Tim Laycock, Bob Fox and Jim Eldon who are all older then me, don't yet count as 'old' (what a personal relief) - as for Peter bellamy, well just God bless him

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Big Jim from Jackson
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 07:53 PM

Jerry, you have too much time on your hands! And I'm afraid that there is no realistic way to really rank my favorites. As soon as I come up with a name, someone else pops into my head and I have to start over.
   It probably depends on the mood I'm in and what I want to hear at the moment. Staines, Barton & Para, Keelaghan, Brodsky, Kennedy, Thieme, Domeny, Donegan, Wyndham-Read, and many more. Several people who are on these pages rank right up there. In fact, on a given moment, your name crosses my mind!
   I know the above begs the question, but it just isn't a fair question. I appeal to Ruth to put you to work and supervise your time on the web so that you are kept too busy to cause such trouble.
   Good to see you on the 'Cat again......       :-)          jlh

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 08:07 PM

Now, Jim: While there is no intelligent way to pick your "3rd Favorite" folk singer, any more than there is your first (which is the usual Mudcat challenge) it still is interesting to see who people chose. As always, what we say tells everyone more about us than anyone else. And, the reason I asked for "favorite" rather than "best" is because "Best" is way more subjective than "favorite."
There are people like Mississippi John who I could listen to all night long, but it could be argued that he wasn't even a "good" singer, let alone "Best."

I'm enjoying seeing familiar, and completely unfamiliar names in here and it's good to know that they are someone's "favorite."

My favorites, like yours, will be different ten minutes from now. But, it's not range or timbre of voice or dramatics that gets me. It's the feeling that is conveyed to me, through the song. I believe you feel the same way, Jim.

Jerry

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: kendall
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 09:06 PM

I can never do this, I know too many top quality folk singers, and some are close friends. It all depends what mood I'm in; for instance, today I was stripping wallpaper and playing one of Seamus Kennedy's CDs. I was touched and delighted with his outstanding talent.
I also tried to listen to Rick Fielding singing So Long Charlie, but I almost came all untogether.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Sep 04 - 10:55 PM

Jerry, I'm afraid I'm in the same boat as Kendall. My FIRST favorite changes with the wind. Some singers are friends or I like the person and/or their stage presence, some I like for the songs they do, some for the way they sing or play, and many times, it's a combination of these things. Sometimes one song by one singer is the best. I guess with me, it's not a matter of how much I like a singer, but just whether I do or not. After that, it comes down to who I'm listening to.

Kendall, listening to Rick makes me feel LESS sad.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 01:36 AM

Jerry wasn't trying to upset the apple cart, just see things differently.

If I had to say which artists in the Folk World that got me interested in Folk Music, then I would have to say, and in no paricular order.

Peter Paul & Mary, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Cyril Tawny, Donavon, Ian Campbell Folk Group, Cilla Fisher & Artie Trazise.

The artists that drive me on now, are the ones that appear at my folk club. I have seen in only six months of setting up the club, some wonderful home grown talent - it is just unbelievable. I can honestly say that Folk Music is not on the wain, in many cases I beleive the stuck in past organsisers who refuse to move with the times make it appear that way.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 05:42 AM

Yo countess you forgot Jim Moray.

eric

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 06:07 AM

Jim Moray is a highly talented musician, arranger and producer. He is not yet a 'favourite' singer ahead of those listed but may well develop thus.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: kendall
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 06:29 AM

Jeri, that's good, I'm glad it hits you that way, but when he comes to that line in So Long Charlie that says..we'll never hear his gentle voice again it's more than I can take right now. Maybe my own mortality is creeping in there.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 08:15 AM

Marin Carthy, June Tabor, Nick Jones, Stan Rogers, Frankie Armstrong, Maddy Prior, Laura Smith, Loreena McKennitt, Norma Waterson.........all equals...and too many others to metion

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 08:25 AM

I see that this has evolved into another "list" thread of many singers, and that's fine. Like everyone else, I can't possibly chose a favorite singer (folk, or otherwise.) So, I've started a companion thread asking Catters to pick ONE of their favorite singers and share WHY they are ONE of their favorites...

Jerry

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 08:26 AM

Some great Americans don't get mentioned here much. Bill Clifton.

I remember his first gig in England with a young banjo player called Pete Roberts - summer of 65?.

later Bill did a thing with Hedy West.

Also Bill vanaver and Livis drapkin did some great gigs over here.

I guess you've got so much talent over there you don't like to shout about it.

Naturally modest maybe?

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 08:30 AM

Well, we've got one of the best here, our own adopted American Tom Paley. Not so much for his singing but his amazing instrumental technique.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 11:46 AM

Iused to have a lovely album with Tom and peggy Seeger

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 12:42 PM

I still HAVE that lovely album with Tom & Peggy...*smile*....it is special

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: BeekeeperFran
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 04:20 PM

I can add Sara Grey as a joint 3rd most favourite, having attended singing work shops at Whitby I've always been impressed by her humour and singing styles. Her spot in the concert in St Mary's church this year was a real treat.In aid of a good cause too.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: kendall
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 04:26 PM

Well, naturally Gordon Bok is a favorite, not only for his unique music but he is also one hell of a good man.

Utah Phillips also a friend, wrote one of my all time favorites, Phoebe Snow.

Dave Mallett, also a good friend, his poetry is unbeatable.

There are dozens more and I refuse to put them in any kind of order.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 04:30 PM

Sara Grey and her son Kieron Means. Their voices blend to perfection.

Subject: RE: My 3rd Most Favorite Folksinger
From: kendall
Date: 22 Sep 04 - 07:08 PM

I've been in love with Sara for years.