In the light of various topics in which English folk traditions are mentioned, not always in a good light, I thought I would start a thread about the music I like best.

I really enjoy Scandanavian dance music and some of the fusion Jazz from that region. I would go a long way to see Scottish folk rock as dome by Runrigg and the Battlefield band , I have everything done by Sam Cooke, but most of all I love English folk music and dance.

I play concertina for Abram Morris once a year. I watch other teams whenever I can. I follow Maddy Prior whenever she is local with either Steeleye Span or the Carnival Band. Martin Carthy, Peter Bellamy and John Kirkpatrick are the holy trinity as far as I am concerned. The best thing that ever came out of any fusion, in my opinion, was the wonderful meld of Brass and folk with both Brass Monkey and Loose Chippings.

There will be detractors (usualy nameless Guests) who will have their fun at my expense. Let them. I know I have one of the richest and most diverse traditions in the world behind me and it will get better as time progresses. Just watch how West Indian and Asian music are being incorporated into the already rich tapestry.

Anyone want to join me in a celebration of English Folk music and dance. Let's show the rest of the world we are not ashamed of out culture.

Cheers

DtG