It is really nice to read Jim's recollections of his time with Walter Pardon - A singer I very much enjoyed and admired also; however - I only have one brief thing to say following this.

Jim says - (I Quote) "Walter was one of the most thoughtful and articulate people on the subject I have ever encountered' he had no problem in distinguishing between the different genres of song in his repertoire, unlike many here."

I have no problem with the statement - except the final 3 words - "Unlike Many Here."
I am sure I can speak for many who would say - I know all about the differences in the types of songs I sing! Why does Jim think I am not capable of that?

I (a working class son of a working class father) am just as happy at any opportunity to sing a traditional song from my home county of Hampshire, followed by a West Indian shanty, then a song written by my son's Godmother, then an old Child Ballad, etc. etc. - That is how I choose an interesting and varied repertoire for performance, and in my experience - that is what listeners want to hear. After all, I do get asked back to sing again...........
I can see no objection to this method of performance - whether it be at a House concert, Festival, Sing around or Folk Club - they are simply venues where you perform!!
I am not sure I know what JIm is really objecting too..........Unless it is the fact that I didn't learn these songs from my father (who was a great singer in his own right) - which is just one of life's accidents.

Tim Radford