Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: kendall
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 08:36 AM

Depends on the mood I'm in.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,Faye
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 10:01 AM

It's difficult to define who is and isn't a "good" singer as so much depends on the style. A good classical singer might sound naff singing folk music whilst a good folkie probably wouldn't sound entirely convincing singing grand opera.

For me, one of the nicest parts about the folk world is the discovery of unknown artists who turn out to be brilliant. I heard George Papavgeris the other day- OK, he's not unknown but I'd never heard him before. For me he ranks up with the Dylans and McTells of the world in his songwriting ability and, though he doesn't have a "good" voice in the conventional sense, his voice exactly fits what he does. Which is what it's all about IMHO.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: jimslass
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 12:43 PM

'define folk singer'...maybe said tongue in cheek but it's spot-on, really, as we've all got different ideas of exactly what is folk anyway. I'm not too purist about it - being of the 'if we don't let it change, it'll stagnate' camp, but again, the purists keep the old original tradition going.

My faves are a mixed bag, starting with Bob Dylan who 'introduced' me to all the others. Joni Mitchell. Sandy Denny. Norma Waterson - listening to her singing 'Black Muddy River' has the hairs standing up on the back of my neck.Joan Baez. Richard Thompson.

And the younger generation, Eliza C, Kate Rusby when I'm in the mood, Bellowhead, Uncle Earl, Chris While & Julie Matthews.

And probably many more too numerous to mention (or remember!)

Like beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 03:50 PM

Has he been mentioned before? Steve Tilston http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=52857663

The best singer, is not a very good title.

I know a lot of very good singers.

However Steve is appearing at http://www.faldingworthlive.co.uk/saturday_december_20th_2008.htm

He is dead good.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,anotherguest
Date: 29 Mar 09 - 09:08 PM

LUKE KELLY!!!

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Gweltas
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 03:00 AM

Mickey MacConnell (Ireland): singer/songwriter ----- a true wordsmith, who puts his heart and soul into his music.
Chris Terry (Cornwall, UK): a wonderful singer.
Mike O'Connor (Cornwall,UK): a singer /songwriter /instrumentalist /musicologist /storyteller /researcher/publisher, who is a joy to listen to and both as a performer and as an educationalist.
Iain Ap Sion (Wales): a fine singer/musician within the Welsh tradition.
Gilles Servat (Brittany): singer /songwriter /writer /storyteller.
Claire Kilgallon (Isle of Man): a fine singer of traditional Manx songs.
The above are all people I know and enjoy hearing.

From recordings and concerts : Mary Black, Rita Connolly, Maura O'Connell, Luke Kelly, Johnny McEvoy, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Triona Ní Dhomhnaill, Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem (All from Ireland)

Andy M Stewart, Cairistiona Primrose and Flora MacNeil (Scotland)
Joan Baez,(USA)
Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Stan Rogers & Garnet Rogers (Canada)
Márta Sebestyén (Hungary)

Groups : I Muvrini & Barbara Furtuna (Corsica), Battlefield Band and Capercaillie (Scotland), Altan, De Dannan, Chieftains, & The Dubliners (Ireland), King Chiaullee & Mactullagh Vannin (Isle of Man), Avel Dro (Brittany), Coreopolis (Italy), Kimber's Men and Hanging Johnny and Show Of Hands (England)

I also enjoy Greek, Bulgarian, Hungarian & Romanian singimg and traditional music.

Just a small sample list of the folk singers and folk groups I enjoy hearing and no disrespect to any individual or group not listed here.
I've taken note of the previous posts and will have a look for the many artists mentioned that I've not heard of until now. The Mudcat is a great educational resource. It's been very interesting to see other people's favourites lists. Thanks to all for posting, mudcatters !

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 07:20 AM

Vin Garbutt:-)

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Faye Roche
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 11:40 PM

Male- John Boden

Female (apart from me ha-ha)- Loreena McKennit and Maggie Sand.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,Patricia
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 10:40 PM

I agree that Jerry Rau, the Minneapolis Streetsinger is tops. He just gives and gives and gives of his heart through his music. And his original compositions are very special. Take a look at the Civil War compositions - I have heard him perform some of them. Great research and caring went into every bit of each song.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 11:42 PM

Michael Cooney

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 12:06 AM

I pick Michael as an example as he is living still---and ought to be heard more.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Shalini
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 03:38 AM

Some of my favourites are the two women of Ygdrassil, Niamh Parsons, Dolores Keane, Maddy Prior, June Tabor, The Corries, Jean Redpath.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,pattyClink
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 11:19 AM

Jimmy Crowley.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 11:27 AM

Mike Waterson.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 12:33 PM

resurrecting a post I made in '03

"I STILL say, after four 8-9 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"

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 12:40 PM

...but let me add Lisa Null to the list. She hasn't made a record in years, (though she 'might' again someday), but her singing, which I get to hear locally on a regular basis, gets better & better. Her 'styling' of a song is excellent, and the power of her voice is always under control.

So many 'different' types of singers....how can anyone possibly pretend to pick even a top 10?

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: scouse
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 12:41 PM

Ok, I admit it, I'm a mad Stan rogers man!! Pity he's now singin' upstairs. Those alive I have to go with Jimmy Keelaghan, Vin Garbutt, and "Spud" Taylor for Lyrics.
As Aye,
Phil.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Shalini
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 12:45 PM

Bill, thanks. I just found Lisa Null's Myspace page - I don't know how old these recordings are, but they are marvellous.

I suppose that's the purpose a thread like this serves. Not in creating a list of the best, but exposing people to a whole lot of good singers.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 12:58 PM

*big smile*

and here on You Tube

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,matte1965
Date: 11 May 09 - 06:02 PM

The swedish-american folksinger and guitarist William Clauson,born 1930. Beacuse he have a well cultivated and brilliant tenor voice.
Also an excellent guitartechnique. See www.williamclauson.com.
His career spanned nearly the whole globe. He sang in english, spanish, french, german, danish, norweigian, swedish and finish.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 12 May 09 - 04:23 PM

I have no real favorites. Too many of those I met or got to know have passed on - Nick Reynolds, John Stewart, Travis Edmonson. One name from my earlier years comes to mind. Hardly a household word, one Jon Adams, from the Fresno, CA area, was a mentor, example and role model for me and many other young aspiring singers in the late 1950's. Our local coffeehouse, the Renaissance, was his stage and classroom. He was, and is, a great storyteller, singer, artist and historian. He was never the most scintillating guitarist I ever heard, but he was good enough - and he made you believe with his performances. Some of his folk material was handed down by his grandparents through a long family tradition. He was also free with advice and assistance. I have to believe there are innumerable "Jon Adams" examples in the home towns of many of us.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 May 09 - 05:28 PM

Ian Anderson

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,TCSparky
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 11:51 PM

Tim Rose

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,babypix
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 01:18 AM

The most sonorous voices in folkdom right now-- American Larry Hanks, and Brit, Martyn Wyndham-Read. Sentimental favorites from Chicago: Art Thieme, dear Fred Holstein (we all learned SO many songs from him!), and let us NOT forget Bob Gibson, for giving us so much-- Oh, and there's lovely Jean Ritchie, and fiery Utah Phillips. Hmmm, this could go on and on!

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,babypix
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 01:21 AM

From the US Northwest (Eugene, Oregon), American Mark Ross is a favorite folk hero, doing the GOOD WORK every day, singing folk songs to tiny children, traveling around spreading good cheer (and BAD jokes), and preaching the gospel according to Utah Phillips. Rave on, Mark!

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Seaking
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 07:51 AM

My current favourite is Chris Wood. Wonderful voice and superb guitarist. I may have a new favourite in another 5 years.

Chris

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,CAP
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 08:27 AM

Well there really are so many artists, but my list reads
John Wright - the best & most passionate singer of other artists work.
Jackie Leven - best singer/songwriter I have ever heard
Kate Rusby - talanted & cute
Seth Lakeman - writing, passion & energy

Overseas artists
Stan Rogers
Richard Shindell
Tanglefoot

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,happylassie
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 08:31 AM

Great Big Sea, Oysterband, John Tams, John Wright, Eric Boggle, Mundy-Turner, Kieran Halpin, Jez Lowe & Mike Silver, just a few out of a long list.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,Essex girl
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 08:35 AM

How about a blast from the past- Stained Glass, Decameroon, Frogmorton, Alex Atterson.
And now Richard Shindell, Terry Emm, Claudine LeMoal.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,A folkie at heart
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 09:16 AM

How about Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Bob Dylon, Mary Black, Martin Carthy , Vin Garbutt, Jim Moray & Billy Bragg

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 09:20 AM

Define 'best'. The answers above all seem valid and indicate that the original question probably isn't. But…unable to resist the lure, I'd have to say, Harry Cox.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 09:24 AM

I would not like to say who the "best" folk singer is as there are so many excellent artists out there. Does Jon BonJovi count. I think his acoustic stuff is fab, but then so is a lesser known artist from Wigan U.K. called Jon Brindley.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Rozza
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 02:29 PM

Has to be Joseph Taylor, with Lee Monroe Presnell and Elizabeth Cronin not far behind

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: Brian May
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 02:59 PM

I met Peggy Seeger and Ewan McColl in the 60s when they were trying to collect a song lyrics from me, and they were great THEN, i.e. in their time.

Tim Hart and Maddy Prior were also excellent and then went on to great things with Steeleye Span later. To me, they were great then.

I wouldn't presume to say 'I know' him, but in terms of the best folksinger I've MET now, well that would be Martyn Wyndham Read. Sublime voice and one of the nicest characters I've ever met, generally accompanied by a consummate musician on squeezebox - Iris Bishop.

I would recommend a listen to his album 'Jackeroo' if you're at a loose end.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 11:53 PM

Back for a different take, enumerating those whose singing inspired me to be the best folksinger I know.

In no particular order (as they come to mind):
Jon Eberhardt
Lisa Null
Rick Fielding
Chuck & Nan Perdue
Joe Hickerson
Helen Schneyer
Paul Clayton
Woody Guthrie
Cisco Houston
Rambling Jack Elliott
Tom Paxton (special dispensation for writing his own)
Bob Dylan (another dispensation, in spite of singing his own)
Frank Proffitt
Jean Ritchie
Kate Wolf (see Paxton, Tom for shared dispensation)
Rick Lee
Lorraine Hammond
Bennett Hammond
Jerry Epstein
Gus Meade
George Stephens
Judy Cook
Heather Wood
Bill Baker
Colleen Cleveland
Dave Webber
David Jones
Joe Newbury
Dick Swain
Pamela Goddard
Doc Watson (another dispensation -- he's a hell of a singer between all those guitar notes)


... end of part II (few others come to mind, owing to the smallness of the mind and the lateness of the hour).

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,babypix
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 02:34 AM

How could any of us forget dear Michael Cooney? Now THERE's a folksinger's folksinger!

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,Glennis Drane
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 10:51 AM

I think it would have to be Phil Drane.
Check out his website www.phildrane.com

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: S.T.M.
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 05:38 PM

I think Sandy Denny was great at interpreting the songs so well. I also really like Maz O'conner, especially her unaccompanied pieces.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,paul downes
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 06:16 PM

Thank Cliff there was actually a mention for Bob Fox, Chris Foster, Mike Silver and Chris While. Amongst all the Stan Rogerses and Luke Kellys I thought there might have been room for some of the younger brigade - Kate and Eliza don't really count there anymore - it is perhaps a bit worrying that 90 percent of nominees were 50's and 60's Americans.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,the east
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 04:33 AM

What a list! Here's mine, old & newer- Paul Downes, Steve Knightly, Phil Beer, Gerry Colvin, Emily Slade, Kelly While, Bill Jones, Johnney Coppin, Mike Silver, Terry Emm, Emily Smith, Claudine La Moal, Jon Brindley, John Wright, Alex Atterson, Jackie Leven, Kate Rusby, Eliza Carthy, Martin Carthy, John Tams, Pete Morton, Joe Topping & Pete Abbott I think all these & more are great artists but it is down to taste. The good thing is they are all British & some reletively new, plenty out there if people would only listen to them.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,sinky
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:19 AM

Old Rusty Mctool,the one legged morris dancer,hopped his way into my heart at the hartlepool dockers barn dance.He wrote some wonderful songs like,LOVELY TO SEE YOUR PLUMS MRS HARRISSON,and SOMEWHERE MY LOVE WAITS FOR MY SPECIAL SALTY NUTS.
                      Had it not been for the war he would have lived until he was 103,but a bullet had lodged up his nose,and he shot his leg off when he violently sneezed.
                  He danced until he was 73 before gangrene claimed his life,a wonderful folkie.

Subject: RE: Who's the 'Best' folk singer you know?
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 12:28 AM

1.Ronnie Gilbert
2.Pete Seeger
3.Woody Guthrie
4.Lee Hays

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