Hello,

Sorry I haven't responded sooner, but I have been without internet access for a while. I'm surprised but heartened to see my posts (tirades) have encouraged such reaction. In reply to some comments

I didn't mean to single Bellowhead out specifically, although they do seem to be flavour of the month at the moment. Must be the new record. In fact on the whole their collective ensemble seems to have more musical ability than most - I'm not sure individually I can say the same though.

I don't think the tradition is mediocre (yet), although if it continues to be curated by out of touch, defensive historians and isn't challenged then it certainly has the potential to be (and I don't believe it's being challenged at the moment)

When I describe the musicians I did as mediocre (and there are many more to add to that list) I stand by that. This scene encourages below standard music making and, at it's best, is no better than the eager amateur. Those lucky enough to be able to headline a folk festival are still only at the top of a rather sad and undernourished tree. It's all relative. They would not cut it in any other genre (in my opinion).

I love English traditional music and am exceptionally passionate about it, I just think the current scene is so full of itself and happy to accept the level of performance presently available that it is in more danger than ever of being consigned to history (regardless of this new "revival" the media likes to pat it on the head for)

To clarify, I'm not jealous, vindictive a WUM (whatever that is) or a troll. I am involved in the music business, but not directly with folk music. I am however disillusioned and thus sightly grumpy


Catherine