Dianavan...You ask me to explain my comment about "self promotion".
Well its really self explanitory.    Most of the current crop of "folksingers" seem to be more concerned with furthering their careers,making money,and being famous, than any real love for the music,which is used often as a vehicle to promote the singer not the song.
Iv known and talked to most of the older UK singers and one or two of the US ones.   the thing that impressed me most was the fact that they were totally obsessed by the music, hardly ever talking of their future or personal gain, but they wanted to talk about the effect the music had on their audiance,that thrill when the voices join the singer ,and the song takes on a life of its own. It dosn't always happen, but when it does,its the nearest thing to sex I can think of.
Thats what folk music should be all about. That emotional thrill is a magical experience, and always an inclusive experience.
Theres a thread running just now about Alex Campbell, Alex was one of the best examples of what I mean,they say Alex could "work an audiance", but there was much more to him than that. He loved his music more than life itself, and that sincerity was transmitted to all who heard him perform. Alex actually instilled that love of the music into the listeners....Iv often seen it happen.
Todays bunch coudnt stir the sugar in the bottom of their
teacups.....