I try to listen with an open mind and to be polite to everyone. I ask for CDs because it is impossible to fairly judge a performer based upon a few sound-bytes from a website. I like to hear a complete CD played upon a stereo with high quality speakers. If I like what I hear on the CD I then make an effort to hear the perfomer live, if he or she is appearing anywhere near me. If it is a performer whom I am already familiar with I do not even have to ask for a CD unless the other members of my committe have not heard them.

It is the new upstart performers whom I would like to evaluate critically Some of them have turned out to be quite good and will be receiving a positive response. However when somone claims to be a traditional folk musician, and when his bio comes in it says that his influences are The Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, and Led Zeppelin, who is he kidding ?
                                                   SOL