It's lonely being a fan of English folk

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Sep 13 - 01:11 AM

Its hard to know whether the appeal of folk music os broadning or not. My children like the mumfords but would never go to a folk event. Teenagers follow Bellowhead but more for their dancy novelty than a broader interest in the genre. The rest of my familly say "oh god its dad playing his music again!"and leave the room.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 08:11 PM

Well, yes, as it happens, but I do anyway get fed up with idiots who refuse to perceive the essence of "folk".

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Noreen
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 06:22 PM

Gratuitously offensive, Richard. Bad day?

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 05:59 PM

Shit. Sensible 10 years ago, a cumbucket for wankers now.   Every day you're in this place, you're two days nearer death.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 02:06 PM

I like most people, including English.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 01:18 PM

Have loved English Traditional music ever since it was invented in the 1970s

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Mr Happy
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 12:05 PM

What's folk? 8-)

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Claire M
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 12:00 PM

Hiya,

No need to be.         I love all that too, Peg. Steeleye are my fav band, still prefer that kind of thing. I always think I don't like folk until I hear it. You can't make yourself stop liking something to stop being lonely, & you can't force other people to get what you get out of it either. I find it easier to get on w/ those who like similar stuff, but if I limited my social circle to only that I'd be the loneliest woman ever.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: rodentred
Date: 18 Apr 03 - 04:42 PM

Red Max - there's loads of Folkies in North Yorkshire, not taking anything away from those who have directed you to adjacent counties. Get a copy of Stirrings (Southern part of the county and W Yorks) or Folk Roundabout (Northern part and Durham) per your location.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: treewind
Date: 18 Apr 03 - 05:59 AM

Robinia, it's a marketing invention, like "world music" - there's no way you can push the river back!

And "ooh-aah" - even here in England people don't think we have any folk music. People come up to us in a pub English music session and insist we must be playing Irish music.

By the way, a visit to the Aussie 2004 National folk festival looks increasingly likely (for yet another Song Links concert with Martyn Wyndham Read etc.) which means Mary and I will be over there for a week or two with lots of English tunes and songs, so if you know some good places for to show them what English music should sound like, give me a shout!

Anahata

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: robinia
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 11:17 PM

"Wall to wall Celtic"? What about when the Watersons (from Yorkshire) are so labeled in a local (Seattle) folkshop? Hell, even Scottish songs don't necessarily deserve the label. Maybe we should just stop using it...

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: ooh-aah
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 08:25 PM

Mate, you try loving English folk and living in Austalia. It's wall to wall Celtic, often of abysmal quality, and because we're so far away from the sources the Celt-o-philiacs feel at liberty to nick any English stuff that they fancy. That all too recognisable, whingeing Irish 'Cromwell raped my Grandmother, bedad' anti-English tone seems a sure passport to success. However the resulting feeling of being in a very small underground club is fun in a way - plus Celtic is so over-done it's become kitsch and a cliche, and the reaction to English folk when I play it or sing it is very positive as a result, generally. Usually surprise, with comments like 'I didn't know England had any folk music!' Gawd.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Gurney
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 05:36 AM

Rocker, eh? Well, who wasn't? Try one of the festivals mentioned, but don't go to bed early. Wander around the venue after the concerts and find a scene that suits you. You'll possibly even find Buddy, or the Beatles, Stones, as well as the more obviously folkie things. If you go to your pit before 4am you are wasting the festival.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Blackcatter
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 01:06 AM

Welcome to Mudcat!

probably accounts for the warm glow I'm feeling (either that or I've wet myself)

          -- Statements like this prove that you'll fit in around here.

While I'm primarily into "Celtic" traditional music, I first learned about non-U.S. folk music while travelling in Yorkshire back in 1987. Over here Irish is almost too popular and I've been moving out from that to other traditions and need to learn more about English folk.

pax yall

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: curmudgeon
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 04:38 PM

It's only slightly lonely here in New Hampshire. While I am the prime exponent of the English tradition, there are others in our musical "family" who also sing English songs.

We have also been blessed by visits from such English notables as Micca, Lou Killen, Joyce and Danny MacLeod, Roy and Mary Clinging, John Roberts, Tony Barrand, the Portsmouth Shantymen, Tom Lewis, et al.

And max, if you are new to this music, you may not have read A. L. Lloyd's "Folk Song In England," a marvelous tome on the topic.

Carry on -- Tom

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 04:12 PM

Oops, HTML failure. (That's what the Preview option is for, Becky!) Here's how lovely it was supposed to look:

"Anyhow, English folk music is glorious, and as everyone else has stated, there's no need to be lonely" 'cepting if you live in Arizona. Hmph -- if you live on the island itself, you have no cause to complain. I say, thank heaven for the Mudcat!

~ Becky in Tucson
Just taking advantage of the opportunity to whine...

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 03:29 PM

Anyhow, English folk music is glorious, and as everyone else has stated, there's no need to be lonely" 'cepting if you live in Arizona. Hmph -- if you live on the island itself, you have no cause to complain. I say, thank heaven for the Mudcat!

~ Becky in Tucson
Just taking the opportunity to whine...

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: poetlady
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 10:04 AM

I think most people don't like English folk because they haven't heard enough of it to have any real opinion. Anyhow, English folk music is glorious, and as everyone else has stated, there's no need to be lonely.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 09:51 AM

Well if it's advertising we're doing, how about coming to www.bcfolkweekend.co.uk 13th-15th June.

Sal

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 06:22 AM

And Max-Harogate isn't far from Cleckheaton

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Deni-C
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 05:26 AM

don't be lonely, you're in good company. There are lots of us....

quick plug.....
we're about to start a new fundraising programme for the Plymouth Folk Festival in Plymouth, Devon UK. There'll be lots of English music featured.

WE kick off with the folk boat, May 17 and then have Mick Ryan and Pete Harris on May 31.

full info from [e-mail] or PM me.

cheers

Deni
(Mad Rush)

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: GUEST,rob wright
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 05:20 AM

Why not pop into Chester on Friday 25April-Sunday27 April and help celbrate 25 years of music and song with the Raven Folk Club at the Cross Keys Pub in Lower bridge Street, Chester.

Friday 25 April Evening folk club with TAGGART AND WRIGHT and FULL HOUSE, singers welcome.

Saturday 26 April Afternoon session followed by evening concert with BERNARD WRIGLEY and some food.

Sunday 27 April Afternoon session followed by evening concert with PHIL BEER and DEB SANDLAND.

Eveinin gconcerts start 8.30pm.

After this weekend of fun you will never be lonely again.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: stevethesqueeze
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 03:54 AM

Its certainly lonely being a fan of english music in Wales I can tell you!!

i think its important that all the music of our british isles is valued. its all linked in some ways and yet different in others. Celtic music (whatever that is) certainly gets covered more in the media thats for sure. As a musician I always ensure that I include some english music, I've been playing english polkas in a pub on the west coast of ireland for example.

But I really think that lovers of English Music should join the English Folk Dance and Song Society. Its not exepensive and is our only real champion. So spend a little and join.

stevethesqueeze

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Peg
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 01:58 AM

I am a fan of the traditional stuff, too, but also like those English rock bands who have a heavy folk influence (Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention, Jethro Tull, etc.)

There are a few folky bands out there and a bit of early music happening but perhaps they is few and far between as it is in the states...I have a CD from a great band based in Somerset called Dragons Fly; lots of unusual trad instruments, great arrangementsof traditional songs/tunes, and some good original songs, too...

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 01:36 AM

I thought this thread name was the title of a Les Barker poem.

Seamus

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 06:47 PM

...and from the Greek branch of English Folk Music Lovers:
Try Mick Ryan & Pete Harris; Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher; Dave Webber & Anni Fentiman; Mary Humphries & Anahata; for slightly less traddie but good music also Bob Fox; Jez Lowe; buy the "Where Ravens Feed" CD of Martyn Wyndham-Read. And you'll still only be scratching the surface.

English folk is not just about people called Norma, or Carthy, or Copper. They are but a taster for what is a very rich buffet!

Come to the Mudcatters Yorkshire Gathering in Selby; I'd be very pleased to meet you there.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: greg stephens
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 05:59 PM

The musical policy of Today on radio 4 is veery interesting. We've had Northumbrian pipes and White Stripes in the last week, which is extraordinary, hardline real music.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 05:55 PM

I'm sure Tyke could make a few suggestions, if only we could find him. There's always Tyke News...

Amazingly there was an item on the Northumbrian smallpipes on the Radio 4 Today programme this morning, including a short interview with Colin Ross, in which he explained how much music was available.

Kitty

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 05:39 PM

Max,
If you would like to review an LP, CD or performance, start a thread, title it "Review of...", and go at it. You may want to do a search first to see if it is something that has been discussed before. If it is, pull it up and re-open the discussion.
Welcome!
SINS

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: treewind
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 03:34 PM

Max - if you're looking for recordings you could always go direct to the labels and find out where they sell:
Topic Records for many of the top names in British folk
Fellside for a good few more
Wild Goose a label that specialises in English (as opposed to other British) music. There are several Mudcatters wha have recorded with them, including Ralphie (Ralph Jordan of Patterson Jordan Dipper) Herga Kitty (Kitty Vernon) and MCP (Mick Pearce). and Mary Humphreys and I have a Wild Goose Album on the way...

You'll see lots of reviews in fRoots but if you're only interested in English music you may find the magazine has a view that is too world wide. I now subscribe to The Living Tradition which is more focused if you are looking for English trad. The Musical Traditions web site is a useful resource too. Those web sites carry CD reviews too.

There are others.. Google is your friend!

Anahata

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Willa
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 03:16 PM

Welcome, Red max.

Noreen is right-Whitby is the place to be and is surely not far from you. There will be other 'catters at the Moor and Coast festival, and sessions/singarounds are easy to find. Pete and Chris Coe were at the English National FF in Loughborough last weekend; I think you'd have enjoyed the festival. Take a look at the festival links people have posted and start planning your calendar: it'll fill up quickly!

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 03:13 PM

Welcome, apart from the above there are sessions around the Selby and York areas, alsothe Lamb at Oxenhope-which shouldn't be too far from you. See also Yorkshire gathering thread, Euro gathering thread.

Have fun.

You are not alone!

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: C-flat
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 02:02 PM

Welcome RedMax, I'm a fan of all kinds of music, including English folk but like you, I play in a pub/rock band and don't often get the chance to do the folkie thing. I think you'll find you've come to the right place to discuss your hobby and a lot more besides.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 01:29 PM

There's a piece by Barry Callaghan about ECMW, and some links to further background, at the South Riding Folk Network site:

English Country Music Weekend 2003

There's a Yorkshire-wide folk arts directory at http://www.yorkshire-folk-arts.com/. It isn't complete yet, but should offer some ideas.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 12:58 PM

It's only lonely if you do it by yourself, so stop it immediately or you'll go blind. Get out there and find like minded people, it must be a lot easier to find them in Yorkshire than it is in Canada. Actually I think you have already found some around here. This sis a good spot to start from but you can't beat direct contact.
JohnB

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: GUEST,James
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 12:45 PM

I am a huge fan of English Music..I think the idea of a few reviews is a great idea. Also, Perhaps the names of some shops where this stuff is available. I find it often very hard to get and ordering is expensive. Any suggestions.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Noreen
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 12:38 PM

Thanks, Anahata and Rich, for the links- I'd not heard of the ECMW before.

red max, you do know that Whitby is a gathering place for all varieties of folkies at various times of the year, notably the week before the August Bank Holiday:
Whitby Folk Week 16 –22 AUGUST 2003(click)
and the Moor and Coast festival, 2nd, 3rd, 4th MAY 2003 (May Bank Holiday).

Both of these and many other festivals might well be to your liking, not necessarily for the 'booked acts' but for the fringe events and networking that goes on. The more festivals you visit, the more you find out about..... and you'll never be lonely again! :0)

There's nothing quite like turning up in a strange town for a festival, wondering whether you should be there at all, when you spot someone walking along with a melodeon or concertina case- or you see a familiar face you've seen singing in a totally different part of the country... then you hear tunes emanating from a pub and you think: 'Yes, I'm in the right place'!!

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: GUEST,Rich A
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 10:43 AM

I'm afraid I've never been to the farm. The link above has Mark's number on it, might be worth giving him a ring.
I here there's going to be an impressive array of local beers at the weekend. South Yorkshire seems to specialise in light hoppy beers (handily for me as it's my favourite type).

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: treewind
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 10:25 AM

Rich, do you know anoything about the venue for ECMW?
Specifically, how squalid are the camping facilities likely to be...?

Anahata
(a Postlip ECMW regular)

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: GUEST,Rich A
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 10:17 AM

We're playing at the English country music weekend, looking forward to it. Also as I live in Sheffield it's not far to go!

Rich
Hekety

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: red max
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 10:15 AM

Thanks again for the kind welcome, which probably accounts for the warm glow I'm feeling (either that or I've wet myself)

To answer Greg's question, my favourite material is the rural stuff, as I'm a Dalesman. The artists I love most are Tony Rose, Mr Fox, Chris Foster, Roy Harris, Pete & Chris Coe, Shirley Collins, John Kirkpatrick & Sue Harris, The Watersons, Martin Carthy and the Dransfields. If this seems like rather a vintage list that's no coincidence- I was too young to experience the folk revival, so deliberately started there in my retrospective dabblings

I sing and play bass guitar in a rock band, but have never performed folk (yet). And I don't possess either a bald head nor a large tummy. I do like real ale, though, so I'm not letting the side down entirely

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: GUEST,Laurent
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 09:59 AM

Red Max, il existe des fans dans toute l'Europe.

I am a fan of English folk music too, which is quite strange being French. They never tried to put me away.
Until last year I belonged to a French ceilidh band as a melodeon player, playing mostly English country dances. Dancers were very found of them.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 09:47 AM

Phew - Lemons are sour sometimes!
Come as yourself - no uniform required.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 08:49 AM

Now I'm feeling wicked...I forgot, knee length shorts, old Sidmouth 'T' shirt and socks with your sandals!!!

Ok I'll get my coat and join the rest!

#8-))

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 08:47 AM

You've definately come to the right place. Go to some festivals this summer and you'll make loads of friends. Uniform? Presuming you're a guy... long hair, (in a pony tail) but balding, beard, large tummy and a beer mug. What else could you need!

Sorry guys!!

#<8-))

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: treewind
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 08:44 AM

Red Max - you'll never be lonely again, not here in the mudcat.

If you can get down to Bacup (Britannia Coconut Dancers + music session in the Queens) on Saturday, Brighouse Saturday night (ceilidh) or the Alma in Cottonstones on Sunday lunchtime onwards (tunes session with the occasional song), you'll hear lots of traditional English music.

Greg who's just posted above will be there (I hope - will you, Greg?) so will Mary and I - for recognition purposes we look a bit like THIS - come and introduce yourselves!

If the English song tradition is more your bag, I can recommend the English Country Music Weekend which as it happens is also in Yorkshire this year (near Sheffield but at least it's the same county)
Welcome aboard!

Anahata

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: alanabit
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 08:35 AM

I should point out to smallpiper that the venerable practice of ridiculing British folk traditions does not mean that we are unable to support them as well! The two are not mutually exclusive to a race as mad as us.

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: greg stephens
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 08:30 AM

redmax: give us a hint of your interests in English music. favourute artists, favourite song/tunes, wwhat do you play/sing yourself?

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 08:18 AM

Hi RM, and welcome from me too.

Yes, it's lonely being a folkie. My little brother thinks we're all barmy: this from a man who plays the saxophone!

Steve

Subject: RE: It's lonely being a fan of English folk
From: red max
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 08:13 AM

Thanks for the responses so far...I feel less isolated already!

Perhaps I should have made it clear that I'm from England, North Yorkshire to be precise. While I occasionally enjoy some Scots and Irish music it's the English stuff that appeals to me. I don't consider it to be better, it just strikes a chord with me. Besides, while the Celtic scene is in robust shape the English seem to have no time for their own music, which is such a shame

By the way, do folks post artist/album reviews around here? It'd be nice to share some thoughts