>>One even wonders what the state of English folk culture would be today without "folk police" like Cecil Sharp and his ilk.<<


I don't think Cecil was in the folk police. He was just a collecter, albeit an avid one. However, I think that some of the people who then 'surrounded' his songs became, and are still, more than a little er...controlling. Perhaps?

In fact, I'm sure Cecil would be thrilled to bits with what Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Ashley Hutchings and Show of Hands have done for folk/roots music...unlike those who stood up and screamed at Fairport "This isn't folk music!" and who continue to do that today with other musicians/bands etc...despite the fact that they're bringing in thousands of people and ensuring the continuation of folk/roots music. :0)

Cecil and Ashley



Bee....Show of Hands, don't know if these will load up any easier, sorry you're having trouble.

The first site is from Sam, who also created The Albion Chronicles. and many, many other sites about England, her music and traditions.

Show of Hands

Show of Hands Myspace

SoH went to Edmonton and Calgary Festivals last year too, where they went down very well, so hopefully, they may well be back that way again.

Show of Hands interview from Calgary

AND...they recently won the new 'Greatest Ever Devonians' Award, for helping to give The West Country back it's roots. They even beat Sir Francis Drake into second place...although as Steve Knightley now jokes, this is probably only due to the fact that Drake has given up gigging.. ;0)

The Greatest Ever Devonians :0)

Hope some of those load up and that you enjoy them. Each to their own though.

Oh...and it's the first I ever knew that the Scots and Irish 'gave up' on their music.


Hmmmmmmmm........