To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=109694
11 messages

Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?

22 Mar 08 - 02:45 PM (#2295307)
Subject: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: Banjiman

The video below was recorded at The Station Hotel Loftus last Sunday (March 16th). Wendy (Arrowsmith)has asked if anyone would fancy providing some feedback on her performance of this great traditional song?


The Blacksmith

Thanks in advance.

Paul


22 Mar 08 - 07:00 PM (#2295461)
Subject: RE: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: Banjiman

....and an acknowledgment that the the arrangement is based on one shown to Wendy by Kim Guy (Kimsky on here). Thanks Kim.

Paul


23 Mar 08 - 05:34 PM (#2296111)
Subject: RE: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: MoorleyMan

Only one word for now - stunning.
I'm minded to expand on that but maybe tomorrow.


24 Mar 08 - 08:05 AM (#2296411)
Subject: RE: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: banjoman

Superb - wish she lived a bit closer so we could enjoy some more
Deserves to be on TV


25 Mar 08 - 06:01 AM (#2297092)
Subject: RE: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: Banjiman

Thanks guys....Wendy says that you are too kind!

Paul


26 Mar 08 - 06:32 AM (#2297853)
Subject: RE: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: GUEST,Jake Boyman

When I'm reviewing I seldom use words like 'superb' and 'stunning' as these are very hard to quantify. Reviews are, largely, one person's opinion and it can be quite difficult to be objective.

Wendy gives a fine performance of The Blacksmith although I don't think Myspace TV does her justice. Her voice is in a 'sensible' register for such a song. Many female (and some male) folk singers do do not do enough 'homework' when it comes to pitching, thus leading to the stereotypical, squeaky-voiced warblers heard up and down the country. Ten out of ten Wendy.

It's also nice to hear a sensitive guitar accompaniment in a world of three chord strummers.

All in all I think Wendy Arrowsmith will build herself a nice little following at club level. In these days of folk 'superstars' (Kate Rusby, Show of Hands, Karine Polwart) it can often be difficult to break with 'floor-singer' tradition as the standards set by aforementioned folk gods is very high. Wendy has a chance of rising above the singaround circuit (not that there's anything wrong with that) and getting her music out there.

Jake Boyman (psyeudonym)

note. I have also seen Wendy live so my review is not based entirely on the video


26 Mar 08 - 07:36 PM (#2298377)
Subject: RE: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: Mrs Banjiman

Thank you Jake et al for your generous feedback.

The Loftus gig where the video was taken, was a good, relaxed venue with an attentive audience and that definitely helps boost the performance! So... thank you everyone that was at The Station Hotel, Loftus - to Tony Leonard who organised the Hiring Fair and to Ian Swinbourne who videoed it.

Wendy x


28 Mar 08 - 04:22 PM (#2299875)
Subject: RE: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: GUEST,old git

Based entirely on the video..........a good floorsinger performance


29 Mar 08 - 04:19 AM (#2300203)
Subject: RE: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: Banjiman

Thanks Guest, old git.

No need to hide behind a pseudonym if this is your honest opinion that's great. Just grateful you took the time to look and comment.

Wendy x


29 Mar 08 - 07:36 AM (#2300261)
Subject: RE: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: old git

not hiding...most people on this forum know I'm Geoff Turner.
Didn't say I didn't like it..in some ways I prefer a good floorsinger to many so called "professionals"

geoff t


29 Mar 08 - 08:06 AM (#2300274)
Subject: RE: Wendy Arrowsmith: The Blacksmith Review?
From: Banjiman

Sorry old git (or can I call you Geoff?), got thrown by the guest bit!

Luckily for me there are a few venues and festivals (should do about 40 or so gigs this year) who seem to be prepared to book good floor singers. I'm actually pretty happy with this description, didn't do my first paid gig until February last year (when I was 40), though I've always sung.......so no illusions of ever being a "superstar"!

Just enjoy singing and writing songs really...and dare I say it performing as well.

Wendy x