Well, I saw the same programme last year; and I was less than impressed. Roseanne Cash- not folk. Kate Rusby- gave what looked like a very nervous and unconvincing performance; just not a strong enough performer for TV IMO. Blazing fiddles- big yawns. Who wants to listen to a whole orchestra consisting of one instrument? I'd broadly agree that folk music isn't given nearly enough exposure by the mainstream media, but I have some sympathy with the schedulers when so many of the people who are held up as the keepers of the folk tradition just don't produce enough consistantly listenable and enjoyable music to justify their elevated status. Maybe a re-evaluation (ie. by the folk establishment) of what does and doesn't deserve championing would help rescue our music from obscurity? Just a thought.
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