The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #134203   Message #3053097
Posted By: GUEST,Silas
14-Dec-10 - 04:56 AM
Thread Name: BBC4 Christmas Session
Subject: RE: BBC4 Christmas Session
Just read a few more of the posts on this thread and I think I would like to shove my t'penece worth in.
I also watched the Cloggie programme and thought it was stunningly good. However, there is a world of difference in making a documentary over a period of weeks and filming a lively Christmas concert!
I have watched it twice now and thoroughly enjoyed it both times; the second time was with my 17yr old daughter who also thought it was fantastic.
One thing, having read some of these posts, that scares the shit out of me is phrases like 'appeal to a wider audience'. This is the very LAST thing that we should be doing. The music, tradition and performance are what they are; any attempt to 'dumb' it down to make it have a wider appeal is bound to end in tears.
Now, you may not personally like some of the performers, there may have been the odd bum note or missed timing - well, it don't matter, it was a live and lively performance and , as far as I could see, they all seemed to be enjoying it immensely. The very warm lighting and clever camera work gave the show a wonderful atmosphere. Paul Sartins slightly nervous role of MC, particularly as it was done in the almost inimitable style of the late Leonard Sachs was truly endearing.
Yep, a very definite thumbs up from me!

Can anyone tell me, when the Unthanks were singing that wonderful Tar Barrelling song, who was the girl fiddle player on their left (as you looked at them), she had a stunning voice.