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Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Bill D Date: 10 Jul 03 - 10:34 AM I STILL say, after 4 years of this thread, that some of the best singers have seldom or never been recorded, and that I still see evidence that taste is often determined by perceptions of popularity and/or fame. there are a lot of good singers mentioned in this thread, but I sure wish it had a different title...like "wonderful singers you have known" |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Brian Peters Date: 10 Jul 03 - 10:00 AM Thanks Santa for giving Roy Haris a well-deserved mention. Roy never had the prettiest voice around, but he lives the songs, really knows how to put them over, and is possibly the best I've ever seen at making an audience feel at ease. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: outfidel Date: 10 Jul 03 - 09:07 AM Mississippi John Hurt & Doc Watson |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: JennyO Date: 10 Jul 03 - 08:10 AM By GUEST Brian Peters' criterion, and it is a good one, I would have to say Gordon Bok. I already had a list of CD's I wanted to get when I had the money, but after seeing him perform, I just went and bought two of his CD's without a second thought. Jenny |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Santa Date: 10 Jul 03 - 06:18 AM I agree that "best" lists are silly, really, and we can all name lots of star acts, but the one singer who makes me just close my eyes and rejoice in the voice is Maggie Boyle. The man who made unaccompanied solo traditional singing work for me was Roy Harris. And if no-one else is going to mention Jane and Amanda Threlfall among the newer acts, then I will. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: the lemonade lady Date: 10 Jul 03 - 06:04 AM The 'Best' folk singer I 'know'... has to be, #8-D... Schantieman! (Oh Shantieman, who's got a berth for a Schantieman) Why? Well, not only for the obvious reasons, but also because his memory and voice are phenomenal. How he stores all of those songs in his head and does the job he does beats me! Sal |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Brian Peters Date: 10 Jul 03 - 05:53 AM Criterion: One who can truly move the listener by imparting bottomless depth to a simple song. Nominations: (UK) Ray Fisher; (US): Doc Watson Doc is a little handier on the guitar than Ray (I think she'd agree) but I'm only considering singing here. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Joe Offer Date: 10 Jul 03 - 04:09 AM I suppose you're right, kytrad, but maybe there's an insidious element in our humanity that drives us to make "best" and "favorite" lists - even though we know darn well such lists are inherently stupid. At least, a thread like this gives us a chance to tell people about somebody we'd like them to hear. I think I prefer women singers. There's a woman named Jean Ritchie who's been known to sing some pretty good songs, too. I note, however, that an unusual number of mentions of Matt McGinn have been made today and in the last few days. Nothing wrong with Matt McGinn, but it IS unusual to see him mentioned so often in so short a time. That has brought forth some worthwhile information about McGinn, so I can't complain. Maybe I'll take a listen to him one of these days. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Amos Date: 09 Jul 03 - 09:25 PM Ah, Jean, beautifully said -- and nothing teeny about it!! A |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,2 Date: 09 Jul 03 - 08:19 PM Plurals aside, looks real good. 5 dollars ain't enough. I want ten. Will send email with my PO box... |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: akenaton Date: 09 Jul 03 - 07:12 PM Why has nobody mentioned Richard thompson?Iv been involved with folk music for fifty years and hes the best writer singer guitarist iv ever heard. Every body wants to cover Thompson songs.Dont complain that its not folk.. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie) Date: 09 Jul 03 - 06:59 PM GUEST- WHY did you revive this thread? And why do we have to have this competition? Want to show how much and who-all we know? That I have better taste than you and you and you? And what about the folksingers in Russia? In Africa? Where do all the other unmntioned countries fit in? Why such few mentions of blues musicians? I won't ask all the questions I have because it would take too long... As a musician, I'm who I am and you're who you are- I feel we're all a family who love our (more-or-less traditional) music. Our tastes can differ, and/or overlap with that of others. Here's to the Difference! For someone to choose "THE BEST," seems meaningless to me, for it takes all of us to fill in the big tapestry of music. Jean (an eeny-weenie grace-note in the tapestry...) |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST Date: 09 Jul 03 - 06:54 PM Can I add my two pennorth....Tim Laycock, Louis Killen, Cyril Tawney, Jim Eldon... |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Joe Offer Date: 09 Jul 03 - 06:33 PM Well, as long as the nominations have been reopened, I'd like to add the name of Caroline Paton. She knows so much about so many songs, she's as gracious a woman as I've ever met, her interpretations of songs are always intelligent and interesting, and she has an absolutely lovely voice. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,2 Date: 09 Jul 03 - 06:16 PM Can we say "the one who did the best song"? In which case Kendall Morse wins. Lorena has the most beautiful melody I know of and Kendall's version of the lyrics are the best. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST Date: 09 Jul 03 - 06:04 PM iT'S GOT TO BE Matt McGinn for me. The man wrote about real life; love, bingo, football referees, shipbuilding, hp/credit, working overtime, waking his kids up in the morning .... i could go on and on ..... Check out www.theballdeers.com & www.roots2thefuture.com for LPs & info ( there's a Matt McGinn Revivavl going on ! ) |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Abby Sale Date: 14 Jan 02 - 04:32 PM An easy question. I am. Me. I sing all my favorite songs and I sing them just the way I like to hear them. I especeially like the way I research the songs first so I know exactly (as much as possible) what they mean. I also like the way I sometimes collate-in a verse from other versions when I think it is necessary to the story. Of course, I never make up my own verses. Maybe a single word here or there. Further, I'm always ready with a song and I never refuse one of my requests and never interupt or heckle myself. True, I don't play any instrument but I reckon that just makes it safer to sing while I'm driving or skating. And I often struggle mightily with a key but since my ear's not so good anyway, that doesn't bother me much. And if I forget some words or verses, I can usually remember by tomorrow or find a song sheet somewhere in a pinch. Yes, I'm certainly the best folksinger I know. I sincerely hope you are the best folksinger you know. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Melani Date: 14 Jan 02 - 12:50 PM An impossible question. All my favorites have already been mentioned, I think--but did anyone include Bob Franke? Incredible songwriter. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Don Firth Date: 14 Jan 02 - 12:07 PM Sorry to be a wet blanket, but I have to agree with George C. Scott who refused the Oscar when awarded to him for his performance in Patton. He maintained that during that same year, there were performances that he felt were far "better" than his (whatever that means), and that the idea of an award for "best actor" was ridiculous. There are excellent actors and lousy actors, and all points between, but considering different styles and different material portrayed, how can one rationally chose a "best?" Same with folk singers. Tell me, who's best: Joan Baez, Jean Ritchie, Judy Collins, Peggy Seeger, Susan Reed, Mary Black, Cynthia Gooding, or Jeanie Robertson? See what I mean? Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Mel Pitts Date: 14 Jan 02 - 10:34 AM The Best there's ever been? Nic Jones and Sandy Denny The best now? Dave Burland and Lucy Kaplanski take some beating |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Roberto Date: 06 Jan 02 - 10:34 AM Too many names I'd like to mention. But if I think of an example of what folksinging is, I'd like to name MIKE WATERSON first. And then, maybe John Strachan. And then, many others, but never the likes of Loreena McKennitt, not only because I don't appreciate at all her music and singing, but because I think it has nothing to do with folk or traditional singing. Roberto |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Midchuck Date: 06 Jan 02 - 10:07 AM Midchuck, funny you should mention Joan Baez and her politics. I had exactly the opposite experience! In the biginning when I was first exposed to her singing, I loved it, but, her politics put me off. (In those days, I was a Barry Goldwater republican). Now that my eyes are open, I love her singing AND her politics In my early college years I was in love with Baez. In my later college years I was in love with Ayn Rand. I think you can see the problem. At this point my attitude toward politics is that I'm against it. I enjoy one day a year of political power, as Moderator of our Town Meeting; and any more than that would undoubtably corrupt me as it corrupts all the others. Peter. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Nick Date: 06 Jan 02 - 09:37 AM ooops...I forgot...Gordon Menzies, Liam Calncy, Iain MacKintosh, Roy & Ronnie (Corries), Ian Campbell Folk, Noel Murhpy, The McCalmans...how I can I say best! |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: kendall Date: 06 Jan 02 - 09:35 AM Midchuck, funny you should mention Joan Baez and her politics. I had exactly the opposite experience! In the biginning when I was first exposed to her singing, I loved it, but, her politics put me off. (In those days, I was a Barry Goldwater republican). Now that my eyes are open, I love her singing AND her politics! |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Nick Date: 06 Jan 02 - 09:33 AM No such thing as best, but my favorites...Luke Kelly, Robin Hall, Ronnie Drew, Christy Moore, Hamish Imlach, Alex Campbell and Matt McGinn...love that Matt McGinn |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Gillie Date: 06 Jan 02 - 07:45 AM Kate Rusby, Vin Garbutt, John Wright, Battlefield Band, The Black family --- the list goes on |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Bill D Date: 05 Jan 02 - 09:27 PM haven't changed my mind since March '99, but re-reading the list, I see an awful lot of 'who's hot now' being touted, in the same way that 'favorite' pop/rock singers get their fame. .....perspective.............. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Burke Date: 05 Jan 02 - 09:05 PM That I know? Tim Eriksen. A singer for the next generation. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Art Thieme Date: 05 Jan 02 - 08:56 PM Midchuck, you are correct.
Jim Ringer was a fine singer whose song (the words) ALWAYS came first. He never got in the way of the tale he was telling. "California Joe" is one of the best ballad songs to come from the American western history ever. And it is grounded in truth. It pretty much happened that way. Jim Ringer was never underappreciated by me and my folk friends and cohorts. This folk thing has never ever been a huge body of water so it was pretty much impossible to think about a big presence within our small pond. We were pretty much resigned to and content with doing what we did passably well by staying true to our vision of what was appropriate. It was done for love and not much else. Subsistence was all we managed and that was o.k. if we were allowed to do it our own way. That, I always thought, was Jim Ringer. We would've taken more remuneration iof it'd presented itself on our terms---but if and since it didn't do that, it was still a grand perk to be left alone to do our thing. You said, "folk was in a slump" when Mr. Ringer came along. Folk was as good as it could get then I thought. It was going strong in Chicago about that time from what all I recall. Could be you were just off somewhere else about then. Jim, either alone or with Ms Mary McCaslin, was just superb. -------- But the way he went. It truly was a sad waste for Jim to self-destruct---as it was for Billie Holiday and so many others over the entire arts spectrum. ---- I say that in full realization that it goes against everything the Folk Alliance is trying to do. But we all know that what they call folk music isn't that at all ! Art Thieme |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Hawker Date: 05 Jan 02 - 04:54 PM There are LOADS I Love listening to - too many to give credit to, I'd be here most of next week. but.... The Johnson Girls Ian Bruce Johnny Collins Kevin Burrow (My husband)(OOOH Bias!!!!!) Brenda Wooton Dave Webber Yvette Staelens and Michelle Hicks (alias Roots Quartet) Den and Ned Couch (alias Mad Rush) are all well worth a listen! Cheers, Lucy |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: beachcomber Date: 05 Jan 02 - 03:20 PM Yeh, I've read the thread through with such great intrest. Being a "sixties" man myself I would like to add my "tuppence worth", if I may. I was initially captured to the folk singing type of music by Robin Hall & Jimmie McGregor, although I had often heard and loved Burl Ives on radio prior to hearing them. Of course I have to include Liam Clancy, Christy Moore and Danny Doyle to name a few favourite men singers. Some favourite women would have to include Mary Black, Dolores Keane (her brother Sean must figure highly too) Eleanor Shanley (late of De Dannan) and Linda Lewis. I think the Watersons were a marvellous group and top of the groups , for me, must be the Ian Campbell Folk Group (with Ian, his sister Lorna- what a voice, Dave Swarbrigg, Brian Clark, John Dunkerly and a bluegrass style banjoist whose name momentarily escapes me. The weavers with "Tzena, Tzena" ," Sloop John B "and "Kisses sweeter than wine" were also among the first recordings of American Folk that I heard. Ta, Beach |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: breezy Date: 05 Jan 02 - 01:33 PM but Alex Campbell I did know and Paul simon I met, so my early nominations are the songs of whom I know of. I hope Ariel is collating all the names and mentions and gets back to us.I only know of one woman called Ariel and she is in Canada.Tonight I'll be singing the R. of the M.E.C. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 05 Jan 02 - 12:56 PM Rolfyboy: I was going to post another list of older, traditional folksingers, and you pretty much covered it. What excellent taste you have! I'd add Charlie Poole, and even though he's a blues singer, Mississippi John Hurt, and as long as everyone is slipping in acoustic singer-songwriters like Don Mclean, I'll add Steve Earle, who is far more "folk" a fantastic songwriter and singer, although I like his earlier stuff better. Jerry |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Midchuck Date: 05 Jan 02 - 12:49 PM This could take a while: Probably at the very top: Ian Tyson. He (with Sylvia)was one of the people that originally turned me on to folk music. Then he turned me on to new cowboy music 30 years later, in a whole new incarnation. Tom Russell: My all-time favorite songwriter. One of the most underrated writers in the medium, because he writes Knife and Whore Songs in a time when everyone wants New Age songs about their feelings. Stan Rogers: My next favorite songwriter. What a f***ing waste.... Jim Ringer: Anotherf***ing waste. Like Stan, came along while folk music was in a slump, and I was mostly listening to Willie and Waylon and Emmylou and them. He had already drank himself to death before I ever discovered him. Joan Baez I have a very clear memory of seeing her first Newport appearance with Bob Gibson on the Teevee. I babbled for days. I was in love for a couple of years. Later, I fell out of love for political reasons, but the damage had been done. Doc Watson. I used to tell people he was God, 30 years ago. It took them this long to figure out I was right. Thing is, it's been that same 30 years and I still haven't gotten Black Mountain Rag up to speed, without errors.... Roberts and Barrand and Mangsen, Hills and Herdsman. As noted above, my favorite harmony singers for their respective sexes. I'm also thankful to R&B for turning me on to the Peter Bellamy settings of Kipling's poems. More in a sequel, as they occur to me... Peter.
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,alinact Date: 05 Jan 02 - 09:45 AM Haven't read all the responses but my favourite female folkie by far is Sandy Denny; favourite males are Nic Jones, Martin Carthy, Jez Lowe and Stan Rogers and favourite groups are Corries and (one from left field) early Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Allan |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Rolfyboy6 Date: 05 Jan 02 - 09:33 AM Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, Jean Ritchie, Leadbelly, Mance Lipscomb, The Carter Family, Joan Baez (early), John Hurt. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: breezy Date: 05 Jan 02 - 07:34 AM Stan Rogers should be compulsory . Its still amazing how so many have still not heard his recordings, or maybe too many of you are still singing of American Pie, Puff and Flowers.Yes they opened the door for me . over ere its Keith Marsden, and his repertoire is also complete. Its about those who give us songs that we can share with others, as well as those who set us on the road Jimmy Miller aka E. M. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,frankie Date: 05 Jan 02 - 03:34 AM My favorite is Dick Gaughan and I'm also partial to Martin Carthy, Paul Brady and Sid Selvidge. f |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: musicmick Date: 05 Jan 02 - 01:31 AM I am surprised that no one has picked Harry Belafonte who was, almost certainly, the most successful of the revivalists of the pre-hootenany era. His live recording of the Carnegie Hall concert was a revelation to an audience whose exposure to traditional music had been confined to the homespun gentility of Burl Ives and the tuxedo clad formality of Richard Dyer-Bennet and Alfred Deller. Belefonte's first album, "Marc Twain" was the best introduction to real Americana available at that time or since. His subsequent fame as an actor and political activist has outshone his importance as a folksinger but no one has ever been his equal as a singer or as an entertainer. Of the singer/songwriters who composed within the tradition, Cyril Tawney is in a class by himself. He had been a line officer in the British navy and his lyrics reflected his familiarity with the jargon of the modern sailor. I am privileged to have spent some time with him when I played at some festivals and clubs in England and Scotland in the late 1960s. Mike Miller |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Art Thieme Date: 05 Jan 02 - 12:07 AM Jerry, I agree about Mr. Rau. Art |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST Date: 04 Jan 02 - 09:42 PM Joan is still on the throne |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 04 Jan 02 - 09:19 PM Great reading this thread, and to see so many different singers appreciated. I could agree with many of them, including old friends Art Thieme and Dwayne Thorpe. But, the singer I really like best is one perhaps not many people have heard... Jerry Rau, the Minnesota Minstrel. I have never heard anyone sing a song so much from the heart with so little artifice and such love for the music. Wherever you are, Jerry, I miss hearing your voice.. Jerry |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: kendall Date: 04 Jan 02 - 07:06 PM I know too many of these people to stick my neck out and name the "best". How can I when my best friend in the world is on other people's list? Godon Bok. I like Glen Yarbrough too, but, why does he have to imitate Sandy Paton? |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Trinidad Date: 04 Jan 02 - 06:51 PM HHHMMMMMmmmmm, Male: Terry Conway, not as well known as he should be! Female: Kate Rusby and Eliza Carthy tied! Duo: The Corries - you really can't beat 'em! Instrumentalists: I saw this great band at the King's head, Allendale. They were called Tryckster and they rock! erm, there are so many really, but that's the cream of live performers!
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Doc Rock Date: 04 Sep 01 - 05:40 PM Put me down for Loreena McKennitt. But i could just as easily go with Robert Elkins, formerly of the band Cajun Gold. |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: CET Date: 04 Sep 01 - 04:59 PM At one time I would have said Liam Clancy, without hesitation. I heard Sean Keane sing at the Goderich Celtic College and Celtic Roots Festival, and now I'm not sure. For female singers I haven't heard anybody to beat Janet Russell, but then I'm partial to mezzos. Edmund |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST Date: 04 Sep 01 - 12:39 PM Joan Baez |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: Walking Eagle Date: 04 Sep 01 - 11:58 AM Helena Triplett - - REAL old time! |
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Steven G. Date: 03 Sep 01 - 04:00 PM I really enjoy listening to Gordon Lightfoot's music, because he has some great hits like Early Morning Rain, Canadian Railway Trilogy, and so many more. I think he is a great folk singer/songwriter. Another person would be Stan Rogers. I really enjoy his music like Make and Break Harbour, Barretts Privateers, and Northwest Passage. Unfortunately he passed away in 1983, but his music lives on. And there are other singer/songwriters from Canada, like Gene MacLellan, Ian and Sylvia Tyson, Garnet Rogers, so many great singers. Steven
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Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know? From: GUEST,Deda Date: 03 Sep 01 - 02:44 PM I'm a pretty big fan of Don McLean, but the best folksinger I KNOW has always been my bro Amos. You all know he can write lyrics but he can sing and play the guitar, too. Family legend says that his first words were "Jimmy crack corn and I don't care.." I've recently been on a big Tom Paxton kick, too. But of course I don't know him. I knew the late and very lamented Bill Crofut, and I love his CDs. --Not really a guest, just at home on my terribly slow home line & machine. |
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