Dunc - I did say "edged" ;-) And no it isn't a competition in the negative sense of the word - but in the positive where competition is healthy and helps develop the genre.

Yes it's great that there are two bands who can get someone like me listening to trad/trad-style music - when I am about as far from being a hardened traddie as you can get ... well except for the guy who reviewed the Barbers session.

Speaking of which - I brought the Leeds Music Scene review to Damon's attention but I've been up to my neck in studio work since and - as I warned him at the time - I haven't had time to contribute a more balanced review. Hope lots of others have had the chance to do so.

For those who haven't seen the original review, here is a snippet - bear in mind that the lead singer from the Barbers is from Norwich and the dancers are cloggers .....

"As a guest at the "Demon Barber sessions" one must first endure some traditional folk music involving Irish accents and leg flailing dancers at the front of the stage. But I won't go into detail about these bands mainly because I had no desire to see them and felt slightly out of place, like an Iron Maiden fan at a Corrs show."

Lots of luverly references to folk = Irish and folk rock = The Corrs

Mind you, the Corrs edge ahead of the Dunc McF. Band in the looks department ...

Best regards
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk