Reputation earned - how?

Subject: Reputation earned - how?
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 03:22 AM

I find it interesting how some folks perception
of others really works/comes about.
Anyone out there suffering identity crisis at all?
I'd be interested to hear.....

As for myself...

In a recent thread I felt 'described' as a songwriter....
an implication I don't sing/play the tradition much.

Then, a folk club 'newsletter' advertising one of my
band's forthcoming gigs made the main point
it would be 'mainly his own compositions'. Hmmmm.
I do wonder how such things come about.

My sets (solo & band) are always a healthy mix of trad
(avarage of 50%, the other 50% being a mix of my own efforts and songs by other known writers.
At the 'local' folk club (which I attend almost unfailingly every week - gigs allowing)
I always strive to play trad songs at the 'singers nights'.
On my albums, the breakdown is interesting (to me anyway!)....
Solo CD #1 (14 tracks) = Trad x7, Own x5, 'other writers' x2
Band studio CD (14 tracks) = Trad x7, Own x7
Solo CD #2 (13 tracks) = Trad x5, Own x4, 'other writers' x4 (x3 of which are O'Carolan)
Band 'live' albums 'One' & 'Two' (14 tracks) = Trad x6, Own x6, 'other writers' x2
Forthcoming Band studio CD (18 tracks)= Trad x11, Own x7

Hmm - the new one shows even more of a bias to the tradition
than before.

Glad to hear from any others that feel misrepresented...
tarred by a brush of some sort.
Cheers - Duncan McFarlane

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 03:33 AM

Duncan: If you're figures are accurate then so is the description, I'd have to say. Sorry Bud!
On the bright side ...... wait a minute ...... hang on ............
.. now just a cotton pickin' minute here ....... AHA!
On your own web-site you introduce yourself as follows......

"Duncan is a Leeds-based guitarist, singer and songwriter. He sings traditional songs as the bulk of his set
but also mixes them with contemporary 'classics' by folk such as Richard Thompson and Dougie MacLean
- and with his own compositions, which are most definitely in the traditional idiom."

You're about as Traditional as Noddy Freakin' Holder and you know it.

I'd venture to say that the only reason you don't do entirely your own compositions yet is that you haven't written enough but you will.
Good luck with that!
Nice Try!
Cheers!
Jim

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 03:45 AM

Don't think I'd agree with you, Jim. I think most "trad" singers sing maybe 50% songs that were written in the last 50 years. Ballad singers are a different animal entirely - they're more like 98% songs over 300 years old.
From an American perspective, I'd call you trad, Duncan.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:36 AM

Not putting him down, Joe. I think he's evolved and is just catching on to it.
Note... "- and with his own compositions, which are most definitely in the traditional idiom."
A traditionalist would never make such a statement.
Not even in Leeds.
What you and I see from our different vantage points will obviously not be the same. That's Paradigms.
Duncan however is questioning where he is in relation to his surroundings. Something entirely different. Clearly he considers himself as Trad yet even his own bio spends more time on other genres and artists than Trad.

"He sings traditional songs as the bulk of his set" is all he says about the Traditional music in his arsenal.
Naw. He's a singer songwriter and probably a good one but he's just coming out.
Check him out folks.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,Duncan, work, cookieless
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:46 AM

Well - I have every intention of playing trad songs as much as poss.
Don't see myself as 'trad' Jim - but hardly feel the label singer/songwriter is correct either - as figures show
- play more trad than own - own on the decline - trad taking over.
But wanted to hear about others - I know about me!
How do others feel 'perceived' - that's what I started the thread for.
Contributions please.
Ta - Duncan

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,Dunc - who forgot...
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:52 AM

"- and with his own compositions, which are most definitely in the traditional idiom."
A traditionalist would never make such a statement.'

....not my description - someone else's!

Hugs - D

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST, Jim Hancock
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 06:38 AM

Can't say it's something that bothers me much. Phrases like "traditional style" or "traditional idiom" are a useful shorthand for telling an audience who don't know you what to expect. Clarty Sough are a trad style trio with two writers so will have approaching 40% home made stuff in an average set, but we don't usually bother telling an audience what's home made and what's not unless it's particularly relevant.
We deliberately avoid the phrase "singer / songwriter" because that's become shorthand for a different style of performance and definitely not what we do.
However.....
Of the four comic songs I've written (out of dozens which aren't)two have done particularly well with local radio plays etc. so I've picked up a bit of a local reputation as a writer of comic songs, but what the hell it's better than people saying "Jim who?"
Of course the ideal is become so well known that you don't need a description.

All the best

Jim Hancock

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 08:00 AM

"deliberately avoid the phrase "singer / songwriter" because that's become shorthand for a different style of performance "

This is a real bugbear with me. It's a perfect descrition of someone who writes and sings their own material, irrespective of style. So why has it come to be a term of abuse usually applied to the very young singing love songs?
McColl and Tawney were singer/songwriters and proud of it.
But as the description now is akin to the word "N....r" in the folk world what is the modern equivilant of the accepted word "black"?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,Leadfingers
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 08:44 AM

One difficulty with the question is the totally different concept of Traditional singer and SingerSongwriter on either side of the Pond !
Dave Webber is oftimes described as a Traditional Singer , but he very rarely performs a song he hasnt written himself !

In my case , I am often described as a Singer , but I personally feel that vocalist is better , in relation to the Trades Description Act .

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Tim theTwangler
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 08:47 AM

WHo cares?
HFA provides great entertainment,you could take any generation along to one of his or his bands gigs and they would find something in there from trad sounds to great elctric guitar solos.#
He brings energy and enjoyment to his work and it passes over to the audience.
However if you attend one of his guitar workshops dont take an apple for the teacher just paracetamol.
PS I know it was HFA soul searching a started the=is thread and am not ignoring that

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,Dunc at work
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 09:01 AM

Hi Tim
I remember that workshop well!
What a blindin' headache I had! Right from the start.
Some kind soul had paracetomol handy - saved me!
Was it you?

Back to the thread...
The descriptions matter don't they?
- When you are trying to build up an audience - as we are.

The minor (and it is only minor) grouse wi' a folk club
describing their evening with me at the helm as...
'mostly own material'
is that it could potentially keep some folks away
(as could any label, albeit)
...but as over half my/our set is trad...
I'd like those that like that ilk to consider attending too.
Hugs - D

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 10:29 AM

Duncan: I'm not sure whether you just disagree with my assessment or disagree and are bothered by it. As I've already said, It's not a put down, it's just what you are.
You started the thread under the belief that those who called you a Singer/Songwriter were misguided but they aren't.
As for the content on your page... You have 100% control over what goes on there. Your only reference to Traditional, reads more like a warning.
Traditional what?
I'm sure you're being genuine here but you can't tell folk that your a singer/songwriter and then get annoyed when they agree.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 10:35 AM

When one starts out, one pretty much has to write one's own reviews and descriptions of one's music. People looking for an angle-- a good one or a reason to exclude-- will think what they think. One writes what one hopes will appeal to the market one is pursuing. As one catches on, others will write reviews that can be used instead, and these will tend to have a little more credibility. Just part of the climb up the ladder to better gigs, I think.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 12:06 PM

Duncan McFarlane has quickly become known as one of our finest, Traditional Folk Entertainers. Though proud of his traditional roots, Duncan is unencumbered by the restrictions that sometimes go hand in hand with the "Folk Tradition"
Duncan is the "Complete Package"
A wonderful vocalist he is but it doesn't stop there.
Not by a long shot!
Duncan is an excellent guitarist and passionate writer who is capable of presenting his own songs in such a manner that one would have difficulty separating his own works from the masterpieces of old.
Pictured with Duncan are......

Note. Trad First.
      No mention of other artists whom you may admire.
      A nod to your band members.
      No indication that Duncan McFarlane is better than everyone   
      else.
      No references to the "Herd" We're not cattle.
Follow that format & things will change. In their own time, just like Susan says.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 02:04 PM

Ooo, I like that one!

~S~

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:21 PM

Duncan McFarlane and Jim Hancock. Can't say I have heard of them before - have I ?

Have you guys ever been to Faldingworth Live?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:56 PM

See? It's working already!

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 05:05 PM

Duncan - ace singer - terrific guitar player.

Duncan McFarlane Band - vastly underrated IMHO, terrific electric folk rock band, bunch of highly skilled musicians led by Duncan as singer.

Book them who ever you are.

Great material mixture of traditional material and self-penned stuff - some of which ought to be traditional.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 05:11 PM

Or, better yet: "which is DESTINED to be ... "

(On the principle that you can never have enough pomposity!)

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 06:27 PM

It is rare that I allow people to correct my English.

In your case I make an exception, do not try this again. And please do not mention it to people they will think I am going soft....

"Destined to be" is indeed better.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 06:36 PM

"Destined to be" may be perfectly acceptable in Tatamagouche, however, if it is in fact "Destined" then "To be" is obsolete.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 07:28 PM

Duncan McFarlane and Jim Hancock. Can't say I have heard of them before - have I ?

Well, I'm sure I've heard Jim Hancock before.

Of the four comic songs I've written ………………


Would one of those songs be about a Marshall traction engine, Jim?


DC

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 09:57 PM

Uh, Jim: "which is destined traditional"? That doesn't work in the English I was taught to the tune of a hickory stick ... "Destined to be traditional" is indeed acceptable in Tatamagouche, and for that matter, in Malagash, Wallace, Pugwash, Antigonish, Dagger Woods, Marshy Hope - and all points west, at least as far as the Rockies - over on the Pacific side, well, anything's possible!

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 11:29 PM

You're probably right.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 11:32 PM

Jim - are you okay?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 12:15 AM

Heh, heh! I'm wondering if Duncan will actually appreciate his new bio when he returns.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 02:53 AM

Appreciate it or not, it has already had the desired effect that several people who'd never heard of him before, now have.

Oh, and 'destined to be' is perfectly acceptable English.

LTS

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 02:58 AM

Of course, if it's a different reputation he's after, I know a rather good looking sheep....

LTS

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 03:49 AM

Black Sheep for me, please Liz - thanks - Duncan

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Rasener
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 07:26 AM

>>Duncan McFarlane and Jim Hancock. Can't say I have heard of them before - have I ?

Have you guys ever been to Faldingworth Live? <<

THey have both been main guests at Faldingworth Live :-)

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 10:35 AM

Well I'd never heard of either of them until I read Duncan McFarlane's new bio. Boy, if he came in here just to get famous, it worked.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 10:41 AM

So he's been in and out, made a comment and not one word of thanks for the bio.
I think, my suspicions have just been confirmed.
Duncan make the flowers grow, for all I care!

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 11:27 AM

Has anyone seen Jim Hancock and Duncan McFarlane together?

Could they be the same bloke?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 11:31 AM

Could be. You think they're the Countess?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 11:37 AM

"You think they're the Countess?"

Now there's someone who has made a reputation fro herself.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 11:37 AM

Can I please request a blanket OK from Brits?

In the time and place I grew up, I was taught to use "I" and the meant-to-be-generic "you" and related verb tenses under most of the cases you Brits use "one."

And I find it really hard to go back and edit "I" and "you" out and put in "one" and all the related verb tenses when I am trying very, very hard to post something helpful without allowing idiom to distract and offend.....

Can I stop doing that?

May one post in one's native idiom without giving any one offense? :~) Or is there a US-to-UK auto-translator that will do the job?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 11:57 AM

One couldn't care less!
Or, as you would say...
I could care less.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 12:01 PM

Has this matter come up previously on this thread - did I miss something? Or are you just playing it really, really safe? One can't help but wonder, can one?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 12:09 PM

I mean - did one miss something? Or is one just playing it, etc.?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 12:16 PM

Has this matter come up previously on this thread - did I miss something? Or are you just playing it really, really safe? One can't help but wonder, can one?

It has come up a number of times in threads, when I have realized I've been misunderstood. When I take the extra care (assuming I know I'm going to be addressing UKers), I seem to be taken with good will, and when I don't I seem to get taken as a self-aggrandizer or attacker. But I'm the same person either way-- it's just the idiom.

I guess I'm looking for reputation guidance myself. :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 12:27 PM

PS maybe JimLad will write me a rep.

:~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 12:35 PM

"Reputation guidance", eh? Hmmm ... Well, first of all young lady, you'd better not step out the door dressed like that!

Second of all, it has recently been made quite clear on another thread that male folkies are an unusually lecherous species of humanity - you do NOT want to be seen in their presence!

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Rasener
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 01:12 PM

Duncan Mcfarlane

Jim Hancock with Clarty Sough

These people are definately real, click on the links above.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 01:47 PM

LOL! I'm sure I'm safe on that account!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 02:17 PM

good Reputations[in the case of folk artists] are usually earned buy being professional,going out doing the gigs and delivering the goods.
Bad reputations[Celtic Music ],are usually earned fairly as well,serving people like Topic [re Nic Jones] with injunctions,withholding collections of traditional and revival material from the public domain.
Is it possible not to keep attacking Diane Easby,I have never had a problem with her posts.[but then I avoid if I can,comments that could be nmisconstrued sexually]
It is very difficult for men to understand what it is like being a woman,For instance men can go into a pub on their own without it being assumed that they are there to be picked up,Men can often walk home at night without the worry that some man will attempt to sexually molest them,and so it goes on.
[ but that is why some women can become defensive] it is a result of the way men/society [newspapers that carry page three]stereotype them,treating them as objects ,treat men/ women as objects and you start to treat them with disrespect.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 03:30 PM

I think I'm getting my consciousness raised. Do go on; this is all new to me.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 05:22 PM

Dick just tripped on the wrong thread without realizing it.
I've noticed in the past few days that the page does an extra wee hop, just as you are clicking on the title.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 06:20 PM

Ah! That would explain it ...

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 08:19 PM

To quote a portion of an old joke:

"I build ten bridges, but do they call me Pierre th bridge Builder? Non!
"I play with the symphony orchestra, but do they call me Pierre the violinist? Non!"

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 07:27 AM

Jim - I 'popped' in with an answer to a humourous comment re 'sheep'.
I didn't realise you needed feedback on your re-write of my website - sorry.
I really didn't know how to answer your posts.
I wasn't after comment on me, as such - used myself as an example of how I believe folks get the 'wrong idea' about someone.
Was actually asking (in original post) for 'others' to speak up if they'd had the same experience themselves!

You may not agree, fine - but the point is - a club that has had me as guest THREE times before
over a five year period has advertised me on the net and other publicity as 'mostly his own songs'
This is just plain WRONG.
The 'bulk' of my set (merely a term meaning 'the greater part'
I don't know why you find the term so objectionable
- but your call - no worries) - is always Trad songs.
I believe a different set of folks attends, or not,
depending on accurate representation of the music 'on' on any advertised night.
That's where I was coming from....

As for my site...
The description at the head of my site is a 'list'
Guitarist first.
That's my forte (I hope!)
Singer comes second.
Songwriter limps in third as it's the least important in my view.
At no point do I call myself a singer'songwriter - though others do - that's my point!
The 'list' on the site goes on...
Trad FIRST!
Then 'other writers...
tacked on as a last thought - 'his own songs'.

The thread was about being misunderstood, misrepresented - I wanted others in the same boat to speak up - but you turned it into a dissection of me - that's why I stayed out of it.

I will now bow out and leave Mudcat well alone - at least while I have a re-think - it's too hot in this water - thanks - Duncan

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 10:54 AM

Duncan, I think what happened here was Mudcat's helpful side, not an attack on you.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 11:30 AM

So How does one earn a reputation? ......
Sit back, read the thread
and see just what kind of reputation
Duncan has earned here.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 12:18 PM

Over 40 years, I wrote 2 or 3 songs that I ever sang and/or recorded. Several festivals billed me as a singer/songwriter only---even though I always called myself, and indeed always was, a folksinger.

Why?

Because their audiences had ceased to show up for folksingers. They filled the joint for singer/songwriters.

Seeing the gigs dry up for the music I cared so much about, made it sad, but easier for me when my health dictated I truncate my career.

Art

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 12:31 PM

Thanks to this thread, I listened to a cut of Duncan playing a trad. tune on guitar, and it was terrific. Anyone asks, I'll tell'm so.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 01:11 PM

I read Duncan's opening question, read his short bio and presumed from those that he considered himself a Traditional Folk Singer who is being misrepresented as a Singer/Songwriter.
Some disagreed, offering the opinion that he was indeed "Traditional Folk Singer".
Nobody picked up on the fact that he considers himself a "Guitarist".
Clearly he is experiencing some difficulty in getting his message across.
I could just as easily have provided him with a bio, more in keeping with his own persona, had I known just what it was.
If you want the reviews to portray you in a certain way, then your bio must provide that foundation. (You, as in anyone)
Two lines on a page won't do it for you (Too much guesswork) nor will two pages. (They'll only cut & paste)
A fine guitarist, he may be but even if I was looking for one, I would have sifted through his page and very quickly, forgotten it.

Duncan: Judging by your reaction, we are all capable of being misunderstood when it comes to our written word. Just as you are.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 01:20 PM

Iwas once described in a kent newspaper as Dick Miles comntemporary singer accompanied by Ernie Warner on guitar,theclub was Faversham.I am a singerof Traditional and contemporary[in traditional style]on concertina,these days Iuse GUITAR as well.Ihave never been accompanied by Ernie Warner.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: DebC
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 01:46 PM

I don't write songs at all, yet I have been described as a singer/songwriter. I am like Duncan, where I do about 1/2 traditional and 1/2 contemporary songs.

I really dislike the labels that we are forced to be shoved into.

BTW-I know Duncan, I have heard Duncan and I am certainly NO Duncan McFarland :-) (That one was for the Americans)

Deb Cowan

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 02:23 PM

And who are the Americans, here?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: DebC
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 02:28 PM

I, for one :-)

Debra

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 02:47 PM

That's one!
"Meself" is two!

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 03:06 PM

I'm one too.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Rasener
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 03:09 PM

I'm a Brummie

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 04:01 PM

Who knows a wee bit about football!

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Rasener
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 04:09 PM

Exactly Jim Lad :-)

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 04:18 PM

Strictly for the sake of clarification: I am not American. Well - I am North American. I do however herewith raise a glass to my south-of-the-border American friends!


(Jim, um - can you come into the kitchen for a minute?)

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 04:31 PM

And I'm a Scot though born of Irish stock!

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 04:55 PM

Oh no - he's starting to sing ... Jim? The kitchen?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 05:06 PM

Are you allowed in the chat room?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 05:16 PM

Don't know. It's not one of them high-falutin' no-shirt, no-shoes, no-service joints, is it?

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 06:01 PM

HFA - don't leave us, please! I think that somehow the strands of this thread have become very crossed and muddled here, which probably just goes to prove the point you were making.

I'm more than happy to stand up and be counted as a great fan of Duncan, his acoustic band and his electric band, whatever label now happens to describe them. I must admit though, that the first time I came across them, at Cleckheaton 4(?) years ago, the "tag" in the programme biog that caught my attention was "celtic".

It just goes to prove that what is written does have an effect on who might come to see you "on spec" and so accurate representation is a must.

Not being a performer myself I don't have a problem in this area but have had similar problems in other activities I do.

My final comment Duncan is that people like Nic Jones, whose songs you include in your repertoire, appreciate your interpretations / arrangements. That must be the highest accolade and to my mind means that what you are doing (however you - sorry - "one" describes it) is right.

I'll buy you a pint on Saturday!.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 06:16 PM

Guest, Meself - you say you've heard a cut of Dunc playing a trad tune. Can I ask which one, as a matter of interest, please?.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 06:25 PM

Meself - I'm going to stick my neck out and say that I bet the tune is Planxty Newman, as found on both Dunc's website and Myspace site.

This is a tune Duncan wrote last summer while on holiday in France, visiting Mark Newman. This is therefore "in the traditional idiom" rather than trad (and a lovely tune to boot).

www.myspace.com/theduncanmcfarlaneband

It has a few additional tracks on it as well if you'd like to listen.
Please do.

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 06:28 PM

I think that would have been the tune - I stand corrected! And yes - a lovely tune.

I'll hop over and listen to some more in a bit ...

Subject: RE: Reputation earned - how?
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 06:42 PM

Thanks Meself - Being in the UK I wasn't too sure what "time zone" you were in!.

To help you along, a few notes about the other tunes on Myspace, all Dunc's compositions:

Woodshed Boys - written about the guys in the UK who kept the tradition going by singing songs in their garden sheds because their wives "wouldn't have that horrible music in the house". Walter Pardon and Harry Cox – no actually, let Duncan tell you himself – look at the "Songs" page on his website and click on Woodshed Boys CD, top left column. Scroll down and he gives the story….

In fact, now that I've checked, Can't Go There and Jigalo are also on the Woodshed Boys CD and so there is a brief explanation of them on the same page.

Jigalo is great – Dunc tells you it was on one of his early CDs, back when he was nowt but a young whipper snapper, but he doesn't mention that in it's first incarnation it sounded more punk than anything else!.

I'd best shut up and let the music tell it's own story… Enjoy Meself.

Deirdre