Affrilachian poet and playwright Norman Jordan is one of the most published poets in the region. Born in 1938, his works have been anthologized in over 40 books of poetry. He was also a prominent voice in the Black Arts Movement in the 1960s and 70s. He died in 2015, put part of his legacy is the Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy in West Virginia. Folkways Reporter Traci Phillips has the story.
"Technically, I think I'm a crap singer. I don't have the chops, but I know that I can move people and I can touch them. That interests me more."
The proliferation of singing talent shows on American TV all suggest that prodigious vocal technique, along with the singing of as many notes (plus ornamentations) is the pinnacle of musical expression.
Wrong.
More is not better. Quality is not defined by quantity.
The singer’s art, as I see it, is to directly connect us to music; to reveal through music our common humanity. To put it more bluntly, to knock our socks off.
What is it about Peter Gabriel’s voice that moves me so?
If I were to stand back and use my musical analytical training, the description would not be kind: frequently out-of-tune, raspy, often reaching for notes beyond comfortable range, a lack of vibrato and often sounding tired and a bit froggy.
There is no one’s voice that moves me as much. I can’t explain it, so don’t ask. There are much better singers in the world, but for my taste, Gabriel is the one.
Iarla Ó Lionáird & Michael Gallen have posted a wonderful (and unedited) interview with Gabriel with the focus on singing.
Go the link and scroll down to the bottom. It’s really good.
POST SCRIPT:
Keith Richards on “singer syndrome.”
And finally, lessons on how NOT to sing with the beloved Spinal Tap.
On this week's encore broadcast of Mountain Stage, host Kathy Mattea welcomes her good friend and fellow country star Suzy Bogguss, French jazz guitarist Stephane Wrembel, folk duo Mama’s Broke, singer-songwriter Denitia, and performing songwriter couple Goldpine.
This week's encore broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded on the campus of West Virginia University (WVU) at the Canady Creative Arts Center. Joining us on this episode is Ruthie Foster, Charlie Mars, The Wandering Hearts, Fellow Pynins, Rebecca Porter and guest host David Mayfield.
On this week's encore broadcast of Mountain Stage, you'll hear performances from Bettye LaVette, Kim Richey, Keller Williams, The Langan Band, and Megan Jean’s Secret Family. This episode was recorded live at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium in Athens, Ohio with our friends at Ohio University and WOUB.
This week's encore broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded on the campus of West Virginia University (WVU) at the Canady Creative Arts Center. On this episode, we hear live performances from Duke Robillard Band, Cedric Burnside, Sam Weber, Las Cafeteras, and The Black Feathers.