Other than by recordings or live concert appearances, what other criteria could be used to judge performance and achievement? You might think the bloke in the corner of your pub is good but there can be only two reasons why he's not more widely known: either he's not seeking recognition or he's not that good after all.

For the record, Jim Moray has 4 nominations, along with Kate Rusby. June Tabor has 3. The following have 2 each: Andy Cutting/Karen Tweed, Bob Fox, Martin Simpson, Danu, Show of Hands, Spiers& Boden and Eliza Carthy. Artists with 1 each: Dr Faustus, While & Matthews, Whapweasel, John Dickinson, John McCusker and the Waifs.

Where it gets a bit blurred is where some musicians are in each others' bands (like S&B in the EC Band, John McCusker (and AC sometimes) in KR's as well as their innumerable other projects.

What exactly do you suggest as an alternative? A phone-in like Pop Idol?