Thanks for the namecheck, Bernard. And, Barbara, I feel I need to reply. I only do the looping thing sparingly as part of an otherwise live at the very split-second of delivery set. And, as Bernard eloquently explained, the looping is performed as a seamless part of the song: there's no stop/start at all. As soon as the three parts have been laid down it's straight into the song. (Which after three verses on trumpet can be a challenge to the old lungs)

I enjoy the looks on the faces of a folk audience: initial scepticism for the most part. And when I get to the singing part of the song - and it's quite soon - the looks change to "Oh, I get it. Phew! It's all right, really." It always generates lots of questions and positive comments but never (yet) any adverse comments.

I would never, ever use anything pre-recorded.

I agree that the festival shouldn't book anybody who uses pre-recorded stuff, not even in the free entry pub sessions.

However, having been to Broadstairs a couple of times now, it didn't take long for me to figure out that there are two festivals: the folkies one, and the one that serves for the kids who are probably there every weekend regardless of whether there's a festival on or not.