I gain most of my pleasure in mixed sessions.

I am primarily a singer who has learned enough musicianship to accompany my voice without actually disgracing myself, and I find that mixed sessions actually increase and improve my performance.

I would never dream of picking up my guitar to add a lumpen, inadequate, accompaniment to a fine violin solo. I would much prefer to sit enthralled and listen to a master performing.

By the same token, I would be most grateful if the same master were to refrain from "improving" the arrangement of a song that I have slaved to produce, by taking over, and changing, melody and tempo regardless of what he is hearing from me.

I worked hard to produce my interpretation, and now nobody can hear it.

This is why I am such a fan of the mixed sessions at The Bedford, during Sidmouth Folk Festival. They are run by John Barden and, as is the case with all his sessions, you hardly notice his hand upon the tiller. But overstep the mark and it becomes very apparent.

In every session I have attended, run by him, musos and singers operate amicably side by side. Anyone interested in how to run music and song together should seek out one of thse and watch a master at work. Those who are not interested can always run things their way at their sessions, and wonder why folk is in decline (maybe they'll figure it out one day).

Don T.