No, what distresses me is that great artists are discounted , because the tradition is like some awful hegemony that grabs all the creative opportunities , outlets , commissions, government subsidies, festival budgets for itself and still moans, and moreover prevents other acoustic artists from being heard.


Last week, Jack Hudson took his seat onstage in a Derby folk club. The audience, as one, laughed ironically when someone shouted out - Hell freezes over then Jack! apparently Folkweave had played one of Jack's recordings.

That the local BBC radio station should choose to practically never play any of the music of this giant of the folk club world is a sheer bloody disgrace. As also is the fact that the late Roger Brooks of Nottingham never had a record released in this country.

If you were to ask me if it had anything to do with jack Hudson coming from a very working class background - I'd say yes, I damn well do believe that.

For myself, I have been very lucky. I had a hit record abroad, was flexible enough never to have to beg for work on the folk scene, so I've been able to continue my work as an artist without your gracious help.

As far as I'm concerned, most days i wish the tradition would combust spontaneously, particularly smart arses like your self, Mr Faceless Guest.