All very interesting! I have a wide liking of many forms of music, yet it was only six years ago that I was "exposed" to the world of folk.

I LOVE IT! I have listened to many "Folk" artists during that time - some I like, some I don't like. Whether of not they ARE Folk is not important to me at all. I certainly don't want to base my listening habits on that pompous piece of 1954 pre-Orwellian thought police "rule".

I am an unaccompanied singer. I have learnt and sung songs that I have heard in pubs, from albums and at concerts - ranging from Eliza to Show of Hands to The Young Coppers to John Barden to Richard Bridge and Pete Hicks. A mixture of names there - some "folk stars" in the world of folk, some stars in the world of the local clubs and festivals. I would happily stand up an sing any number of songs that I have listened to, and then learnt, from any of these artists.

I would not do so in a Karaoke, as I woould be laughed out of the building. The Cheeky Girls would have the same response if they played Sidmouth!

I think what I am trying to get at is - that Folk is BIG, it's just made up of lots of different small pieces!! What I like, you may not. What I might think of as traditional, you may not. All I know is that when I sing and I can get the reaction of loud applause, or tears because it has touched someone, then that is down to hearing these songs somewhere else and then passing them on, in my way and style.

"And when we leave this mortal shore we'll meet with those that have gone before.
And shout to think we'll gain the day by marching in the good old way.
For I have a sweet hope of glory in my soul, I have a sweet hope of glory in my soul.
Well I know I have and I feel I have a sweet hope of glory in my soul"

What and who have gone before, are here now and are to come in the future - share a common link - we are individual folkies!!!

Kev the clogs