I've just heard today that Sting has been nominated for this years Tony Awards for the Best Original Musical Score and his MD, Rob Mathers, for Best Orchestration for their work on The Last Ship - so a big Congratulations.

So why does this matter to an old 'Trad Folkie' like me.
Well, apart from declaring an interest, in having had a very modest involvement in the 'Off-Broadway' promotion of the Last Ship song cycle, I don't think that anyone who saw the show at The Sage, Gateshead this weekend could be in any doubt that both lyrically and musically (as well as structurally and emotionally)the majority of this magnificent volume of work draws heavily on traditional folk music.

For a rock icon like Sting to acknowledge the relevance of our genre of music by involving local folk musicians in such a way - and, by doing so, have it brought to the attention and appreciation of the wider music establishment - is surely a reason for celebration.

Well done to Sting, Rob and all their team!

Tom Wilson