The first time I went to a Folk Club was around 1964. Upstairs at the Princes Hotel in Ellesmere Port. It was run by 2 lads from Liverpool called Dave and Geoff. They had a duo called Hillary and Joan from Chester as guests. They just got up and sang with simple guitar. I had never been so close to people who sang well and I couldn't believe how exciting it was and how good the songs were. Some time later I went to a Ceilidh at a social club. The band consisted of a drum, an accordion and a fiddle and they played these fantastic tunes.

The point I am trying to make is that so much of folk or traditional music is just great music. It doesn't need much doing to it. It has survived for that very reason, it is great as it is. We can all recall songs or tunes played by one person, floor singers or pros, that are unforgetable.

At the same time I really enjoy Whapweasle, 422, Bellowhead, Gracenotes, Little Johnny England, The English Accoustic Collection. These are bands who clearly love and respect old music but have enough musical skill and integrity to do something a bit different.

Which takes me back to the sheer joy of the Boat Band! At first they recall for the direct simplicity of my first contacts with this music but their music is much closer to the list above because it has sophisticated arrangements for a a number of instruments. The arrangements a subtle and thoughtful, the Band carefully make tremendous use of what they play. The tenor banjo playing alone is a master class in great tunes on a much abused instrument. At one point I thought I could hear a hammer dulcimer but I couldn't find one in the credits!

I know, I should get out more, but not until I have put A "Trip to the Lakes" on the pod. Buy this record it will bring much joy!

Can't wait for the next Duncan McFarlane!!!!!!