4 Aug
2010
4 Aug
'10
4:12 p.m.
Jeanette Mill wrote:
I have a vague recollection of hearing about sung contras one time,
and was wondering if indeed there are any, and any resources
available for learning them (from here in Australia). Just hearing
Ralph Sweet on the CDSS website doing The Auctioneer reminded me.
The closest I can think of are:
1. The rock contras I've seen at the flurry and falcon ridge. I think
it's kathryn wedderburn calling and the eclectic dance orchestra
playing. They take rock songs and adapt them to contras in the
style of singing squares.
2. Bands singing. Some contra dance bands, such as "blue moose and
the unbuttoned zippers" and "the forks of nature", both from the
boston area, mic vocalists and will sing once the caller drops out.
The singing isn't to communicate the calls, it's just part of the
music.
Both of these are difficult to do well, primarily because of phrasing.
Jeff