Having just seen La Bottine Souriante, I wonder what the ultimate folk-dance band might consist of if money were no object. Categories would obviously vary depending on the style of band, and limitations might bring out completely different nuances, compare for instance Bottine with Blowsabella. The basic rhythm unit usually consists of drums and bass, but what sort? I favour percussionists rather than drummers, theres so much more variation in sound possibilities, and cellos seem to be able to conjour up a lot more than bass guitars can. Then theres the wind section, how many, what instruments, what about multi instrumentalists? Who should be playing what? Limit the players to British only and living artists otherwise we'd go on for ever. Dont forget the early musical instrumentallists like the Mellstock Band. This is a G.B. thing . USA can make its own lists.

STRINGS.............................. GUITAR / BOUZUKI..................... ACCORDEON / MELODEON................. KEYBOARDS............................ PERCUSSION........................... BASS OR EQUIVALENT................... WOODWIND............................. BRASS................................ PIPES................................ BAGPIPES............................. CONCERTINA........................... HURDY GURDY?......................... BANJO................................ WHO FRONTS THE BAND? DO THEY ALSO SING? CALLER FOR DANCES....................

I know that a bunch of prima donnas probably wouldnt be the supergroup that they appeared on paper, but its fun to idle away the hours isnt it? The only one of the categories that Im certain of is Nigel Eaton playing gurdy , and I think thats the easy one, so over to you catters for your thoughts.