Celtic connections

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Feb 05 - 01:50 PM

It's a tenuous connection in many cases, and bloody invisible in others this Celtic Connection. World Music is nothing to do with it though, world music to me is the Buena Vista Social Club, and various great African musicians, also people like Mariza who has appeared at Womad and whom I love. I never saw any of the TV broadcasts from CC this year, having been put off by hours of wailing bagpipes from every where except the UK, in previous years. Personally I blame Andy Kershaw. ¦¬]
Giok

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Auldtimer
Date: 26 Feb 05 - 01:29 PM

I have often wondered if, "World Music" exists any where else than in the UK? The Celtic Connections Festival seems to go out of it's way to book un-Celticy connected guests, another of the many crits. against it's regime.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: akenaton
Date: 26 Feb 05 - 01:06 PM

The Celtic connections show on BBC Radio Scotland contain a very high percentage of "world music".
I'v never met anyone who actually enjoys listening to this stuff.
I think Folkies feel it is their duty to seem interested.
Its a sort of Political correctness applied to folk music; maybe Celtic Correctness might be a more apt title.

I like Cathie T very much, but even she's showing "jazzy traits", and other areas most unbecoming to a folkie....

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: Dave4Guild
Date: 26 Feb 05 - 06:27 AM

How I agree with the last three comments - I couldn't even see the Celtic Connection (never mind the Folk), for most of the content, but the gems were there and the fact that some very young and some older musicians contributed to these gems was a good sign for the health of the folk music tradition.

Perhaps the programme compilers biased the choice of items towards what they felt would be more acceptable to a general TV audience.

At least there there was some of our music on the box, for a change. That must be a GOOD THING!!!

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Feb 05 - 06:27 AM

I don't know if he's involved with the TV side of things, but there was a certain Mr Robert Noakes working for BBC Scotland last time I heard. He should know something about folk music!
Giok

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: John Routledge
Date: 26 Feb 05 - 06:22 AM

The last three posts remind me of the first Both Sides of the Twweed Festival in Kelso when Sean Keane and his band did a headline set of entirely "pop" sounding songs.

For his encore however he song a slow Irsh ballad completely unaccompanied and it was worth the wait!! It was the highlight of a wonderful weekend.

My interpretation of his facial expression when he finished said it all.It was "Yes I can still do it but........"

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 26 Feb 05 - 05:23 AM

Mairtin O'Connor, Denis Cahill and Martin Hayes were the highlight of the first TV show, very closely followed by Kathryn Tickell, the rest of it was more ' pop ' sounding.

eric

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,foliefrank
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 09:34 PM

I agree with most of what you say Ake, but I enjoyed Michael McGoldrick and Kathryn Tickell as well. Most annoyed when they cut to the youngsters then cut away just as fast. This was a show that was produced for TELEVISION, and the producers really need to consult with people who know about Folk Music!

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: akenaton
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 06:47 PM

Just watched the BBC 4 show from CC.   It was horrifying.
No wonder people are moving away from "folk music".
Jazz influence seems to be the latest gimmick,along with "punk folk" and the incongruous sight and sound of "world music" accompanied by electric guitars and synthesisers.

Surely we have lost our way, most of this new wave stuff is pretentious crap.
Near the end of the show, as if to show what real folk music is all about, was a little gem.
It was a set of tunes by Tim O'Grady, Dennis Cahill and Martin Hayes,just a fiddle guitar and melodian, but they were an inspiration.
The faces of the performers as they played, said it all,they were a study in concentration and sensitivity,they new that they were creating something capable of touching the heart.

The attempts to turn folk music into a business, always seeking bigger and new audiances will eventually alienate the musics' core supporters, who love it for the emotion, the beauty and the comradship..Ake

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 06:26 AM

If you read Dita's posts you may pick up the fact that he's complaining about the way it's organised, and the onerous conditions imposed upon artists who appear, which would seem to be an unfair restriction on trade, both for the artists and the other venues concerned. The way to ensure full houses for events is to book good artists, not to adopt the seige mantality of not allowing them to play in the vicinity for X number of months/weeks around your event.
Giok

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Pete
Date: 23 Feb 05 - 03:09 PM

Well said Carlos.

What a shame Dita persists in criticising one of the best festivals in the U.K.

Especially as it's taken him three weeks to post another load of bile.

What is it with people who just moan all the time?

Look at all the Sidmouth Festival threads complaining about things there.

Be grateful that some people give of their time, energy and money so the rest of us can enjoy traditional music in a festival setting.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Carlos
Date: 23 Feb 05 - 01:15 AM

Viva Celtic Connections
Viva Glasgow.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: Dita
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 07:01 PM

Far from knocking it Guest Pete I attended this years festival as I have others in the past both as artist and as punter.

All my statments are true, I cannot confirm that this years contracts had the 3 month stipulation, but I know that they have in the past, and have been enforced.

Bands were prevented, and had to cancelled gigs, at the Star Club and the Scotia Bar, or their performance at CC would have been cancelled.

I have no doubts that Shane might well have told them to "F**k off", and I note he did not appear as the same act at CC and elsewhere in Glasgow within the six month period.

I also note that you do not refute that CC is the organisers full time job, and not, as you implied, the unpaid labor of love other festival organisers undertake.

I also note you do not refute that the Metro was told not to run any Glasgow folk events in it's listings during the festival, on pain of having CC advertising withdrawn.

How dare you say "I'm afraid Dita seems inflicted with that British disease of attacking anyone and anything that's successful".


I am only to happy to see CC or any other folk event be so successful, but it need not adopt the bully boy act with relation to the rest of the folk music scene in Glasgow.

CC is only there for January, the others are there all year.

John

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Pierre
Date: 01 Feb 05 - 08:21 PM

Bloody great festival.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: John Routledge
Date: 01 Feb 05 - 01:31 PM

Celtic Connections is a superb marketing excercise for Glasgow generally which has produced a multitude of amazing performances.

Having visited for two consecutive weekends this year we will try to join them up next year.:0)

The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Pete
Date: 01 Feb 05 - 01:22 PM

Dita really shouldn't throw mud at 'Celtic Connections' when he can't even get his or her facts right.

Dita's post above says artists appearing at 'Celtic Connections' are banned by contract from appearing in Glasgow three months either side of the Festival.

That's nonsense.

Shane MacGowan appeared in Glasgow with The Pogues in December and with The Popes at 'Celtic Connections' in January

There are numerous Scottish artists who performed at 'Celtic Connections' this year and can be seen again in Glasgow during the coming weeks.

I'm afraid Dita seems inflicted with that British disease of attacking anyone and anything that's successful.

'Celtic Connections' brings great enjoyment to many and provides valuable employment for numerous musicians at an otherwise quiet time of the year.

Don't knock it. Enjoy it.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: Dickmac
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 03:33 PM

Hi Tattie Bogle ,check out www.irvinefolkclub.co.uk for all Marymass festival and club gigs.
Thought Friday's transatlantic sessions was too short considering the ticket cost and the line up. Today's (Glasgow) Herald didn't think too much of it.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: Dita
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 07:28 PM

Celtic Connections has grown from a event which puts bums on seats during a quiet time in the Concert Hall's year, into a monster that swamps Glasgow folk.

No artist performing at Celtic Connections is allowed, by contract, to perform in the city or its environs for 3 months before or after the festival.

The local papers are encouraged not to to carry any listings of any folk events taking place during the festival, under threat of Celtic Connections withdrawing their advertising, and despite what Guest Pete suggests, unlike other folk festivals, this is not put together in the spare time of the organisers, the festival is very much part of the day job of the organisers.

None of what I say is ment to put down the major event that Celtic Connections is, however it only takes place for a few weeks each year, while the clubs and sessions which it scorns are there all year.

As Hamish Imlach once said "I love Celtic Connections", "Why Hamish, Do you get a lot of good gigs", "No they never book the likes of me, but I get to see all my pals"

John

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 03:26 PM

woohoo, nearly time for the CC bellowhead gig... and I've heard a whisper that they may be playing the festival club on Saturday night... must polish my dancing shoes! xx

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 07:38 PM

Being a Bogle fan (no connection with my Mudcat name!) can you give us a website or contact address for your festival, Dickmac?
Any Catters in town this Friday? I'm going to Transatlantic Sessions, followed by Festival Club - if I can afford the egg rolls after the tax bill I've had this week! I'll wear the catter T-shirt in hopes to meet a few more nom-de-plumes!!

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: Dickmac
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 04:13 PM

CC provides a wide range of musical styles and should be applauded for the programme. It's not like a typical weekend festival where you go along and become part of the crowd, it's too spread out both over time and place. It works,however,and long may it continue.
I think that some of the gigs are a bit overpriced so I pick what (to me )is value for money although I stay only half an hour from Glasgow city centre.
Brian Mcneill has done a wonderful job at the RSAMD and the standard of the young musicians is generally very good.Many are now regular performers at CC and also round the clubs. Very few can afford not to cultivate the club bookings.

I endorse andymacs comments about festivals and live music in the west of Scotland and would add the Marymass festivals held in August and organised by Irvine folk club. This year will be the 38th and believed to be the longest established festival in Scotland. Eric Bogle and Canadian band Tanglefoot are already booked for this year.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,16 Pints
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 08:17 PM

My only criticism of Celtic Connections concerns the price of beer and food at the Late Club in the Holiday Inn. £2.75 for a can of beer and £3 for an egg roll is a bit on the high side.

That apart the rest of CC is fantastic.

Just look at the Late Club line-up on Monday night - Brian Kennedy, Eliza Carthy, Mozaik featuring Donal Lunny and Andy Irvine, Andy Thorburn and guests, all for just a quid if you're a Celtic 'Friends' member.

As for the comments above about promoting Scottish music, the 'Showcase Scotland' weekend surely did that.

It was also nice to see some of our English friends join us in Glasgow along with many foreign representatives and a huge presence from Cape Breton.

I hope to get to Celtic Colours in Cape Breton later this year as well as the Cambridge Folk Festival and the new Eastleigh Festival in England which many top Scottish acts seem to be booked for.

Only five more days of CC to enjoy first and there's something worth seeing every night. Absolutely Brilliant and a credit to all concerned.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: 8_Pints
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 08:35 PM

We enjoyed Kathryn Tickell and her band on Saturday at the Cathedral and were delighted to see that Ian Stevenson has now joined the line up.

It was whilst he was waiting for his NSP to be delivered that he played his first hesitant scales and tunes on my pipes at the Yorkshire Gathering a few years ago.

I look forward to the time when perhaps he and Kathryn might yet play some pipe duets!

Bob vG

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: andymac
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 06:30 AM

Apologies akenaton,
I get very touchy when I think someone is impugning Glasgow and its environs. That's my job!..
I do know what you mean however in that whenever I'm three I've often felt quite down about the lack of music and song in the NW Argyll area. In many ways, that area is ignored for funding for traditional arts it seems and little is done to encourage a nurturing atmosphere.
has it been driven back into houses and become more private (and therefore invisible) again? I ask because I and a few folkie friends have started meeting at each others houses more and more instead of getting out and about with our music and finding an audience. Another form of ghetto-isation I suppose...
Andy

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Obie
Date: 22 Jan 05 - 07:23 AM

Sorry for the repitition!

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Obie
Date: 22 Jan 05 - 07:21 AM

This is the Cape Breton invasion:
       If you get a chance to hear any of these acts I think that you will enjoy them. The music of Cape Breton is derived from what was in Highland Scotland 200 years ago. When the people emmigrated to "New Scotland" they took their Gaelic language and music with them, and it still lives here today.
            Obie

Barra MacNeils - www.barramacneils.com
January 19 The International Unusual Suspects Show (Main Auditorium) Glasgow Scotland
January 21 Main Auditorium, Glasgow Scotland
January 23 Oran Mor , Glasgow Scotland

Troy MacGillivray - www.troymacgillivray.com
January 16 Glasgow, Scotland Celtic Connections - Festival Club @ Holiday Inn (Hosted by Gibb Todd)
January 22 Glasgow, Scotland Celtic Connections - The Guitar Summit, Oran Mor (2000hrs)

Gordie Sampson - www.gordiesampson.com
January 19 The International Unusual Suspects Show (Main Auditorium) Glasgow Scotland

Beolach - www.beolach.com
Jan 22 Glasgow, Scotland - Oran Mor, Celtic Connections Festival
Jan 23 Glasgow, Scotland - Royal Concert Hall - Celtic Connections Festival

Wendy MacIsaac - www.wendymacisaac.com
Jan 19 Glasgow, Scotland Celtic Conections "The Unusual Suspects"
Jan 22 * Glasgow, Scotland Oran Mor - Celtic Connections Festival (with Beolach)
Jan 23 * Glasgow, Scotland Royal Concert Hall - Celtic Connections Festival (with Beolach)


Barra MacNeils - www.barramacneils.com
January 19 The International Unusual Suspects Show (Main Auditorium) Glasgow Scotland
January 21 Main Auditorium, Glasgow Scotland
January 23 Oran Mor , Glasgow Scotland

Troy MacGillivray - www.troymacgillivray.com
January 16 Glasgow, Scotland Celtic Connections - Festival Club @ Holiday Inn (Hosted by Gibb Todd)
January 22 Glasgow, Scotland Celtic Connections - The Guitar Summit, Oran Mor (2000hrs)

Gordie Sampson - www.gordiesampson.com
January 19 The International Unusual Suspects Show (Main Auditorium) Glasgow Scotland

Beolach - www.beolach.com
Jan 22 Glasgow, Scotland - Oran Mor, Celtic Connections Festival
Jan 23 Glasgow, Scotland - Royal Concert Hall - Celtic Connections Festival

Wendy MacIsaac - www.wendymacisaac.com
Jan 19 Glasgow, Scotland Celtic Conections "The Unusual Suspects"
Jan 22 * Glasgow, Scotland Oran Mor - Celtic Connections Festival (with Beolach)
Jan 23 * Glasgow, Scotland Royal Concert Hall - Celtic Connections Festival (with Beolach)

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: akenaton
Date: 22 Jan 05 - 06:22 AM

Andy..I think I may have failed to make myself clear regarding lack of folk music.
My remarks were in reply to Auldtimer and concerned my own area of North West Argyll.
I was born and bred here, many years ago and contrary to your suggestion I am in full possesion of the "facts".
This area used to have a strong ceilidh tradition based on Gaelic song and fiddle music.
Ceilidhs were held in various houses most weekends and all who attended were encouraged to participate,and most importantly their efforts were appreciated regardless of "ability".

There was also the hub of the community ,the village hall,where larger gatherings took place regularly.

As Gaelic fell from use, the singing and music died away to be replaced, as I'v said already, by the accordion bands and Scottish Dance Music. This dance culture survived through the 60s and 70s and resisted the progress made by the Folk Revival in other areas.

Although there are a few festivals, Bute , Tarbert ect, there is very little folk music played in the pubs or houses near here.

As always I am obliged to travel 80 miles to Glasgow to hear Folk,
hense the Celtic Connections is a veritable feast to we starving teuchters...Ake

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: andymac
Date: 22 Jan 05 - 04:39 AM

Well Celtic Connectionsis a bit of a curate's egg for me. I tend to agree with Auldtimer in that far too many of the younger performers come straight from academia and into making a CD.
Now I know a few of the tutors at the RSAMD, for example and have enormous respect for them and in general trust their judgement with regard to how they pass on matters traditional but it still seems to me as if the course should be entitled "how to be a professional folksinger". What ever happened to gaining some understanding of the culture that nurtured the songs and music and not just acquiring technical expertise?
Celtic connections can be excellent and I have certainly enjoyed some events in the past but it's a bit too glitzy and glamourous for me. I like to be able to talk with singers and musicians about what they've done, their influences and what drives them, not be segregated into "artists" and audience. That to me is part of what makes folk music different to other forms, that sense of intimacy and that I'm part of it- otherwise I may as well go to a stadium rock concert.

Unlike "Guest Pete" I have no problem with criticism, I think that criticism is healthy, it's not a case of "doing it down", it's intended to be constructive and hiopefully taken in that way. I do think there are elements of Celtic Connections that should be lauded- such as encouraging more people to listen to this music, but at the same time let's also accept that it has created problems with regard to new performers' expectations of what folk music has to offer , as Aultimer mentions. And let's be frank, it's a concert-hall driven money-spinner. Where is it's influence throughout the year? Why doesn't it liaise with folk clubs and Fetsivals to help nurture the folk scene in Scotland?

Having got that off my chest, I also take exception to the comments regarding the dearth of culture in the West coast of Scotland from "akenaton". We didn't all speak Gaelic (Irish or Scots) even when it was the majority language. The loss of a "traditional" culture is probably as a result of industrialisation and urbanisation (hence it's more recent survival in Aberdeenshire, Sussex, West Ireland, etc) and a lack of folk music and folk clubs can be seen to be a phenomenon across the UK.
As for a lack of festivals in the West of Scotland, says who? How about Girvan- one of the best traditional festivals in Scotland; Portpatrick? Port William? Killin? Arran.? Lack of local music? We in Glasgow have several good sessions on the go each week. There are sessions in the surrounding area also. Whilst not as many as I would like, it's by no means the cultural desert that akenaton suggest. My suggestion would be get the facts right before commenting. Come along and join in with some of this, you'll be more than welcome.

Andy

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: akenaton
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 09:42 PM

Really enjoyed the June Tabor concert,the highlight for me being Junes' treatment of Richard Thompsons' "Strange Affair".

Junes' stage presence is unsettling,the audiance being drawn to her in a strange way, more like a much loved teacher than a performer, but when she sings they are enthralled.

A bit puzzled about the format of the concert. No solos by Martin Simpson or Andy Cutting, but their accompaniment of June was excellent.

All in all one of the best nights Iv had for years.

Still one word to describe June..*enigmatic*....Ake

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 07:29 PM

As usual, Mike McGoldrick's band blew me away (last Friday). This was after seeing Wendy Weatherby's "Sunset song" in Glasgow Cathedral, a wonderfully atmospheric interpretation of the Lewis Grassic Gibbon book: the second of the trilogy "Cloud Howe" is on 28th Jan.
Also enjoyed the Whistlebinkies' collaboration with the Chinese musicians and dancers at the Tramway last Sunday.
Can't write this without mentioning the composition by James Ross "An Cuan": his fan club from his ALP class (mixed instrument group)were out in force and very much enjoyed it: our cellist wants to learn the cello movement!
Interesting to see some of the musicians involved in so many different groups and guises, e.g James Mackintosh on percussion in nearly everything I've seen so far!
And the comeback of the double bass - every group's gotta have one! (At Glenfarg festival earlier this year we were tripping over 3 of the beasts!!)
Looking forward to Shooglenifty on Sunday(more James Mackintosh of course)and Dougie Maclean's new work "Rural Images" on the final night.
Would go to more if I could get the time, but I live in Edinburgh so have to consider work the next day: Festival Club therefore out except at weekends.
I would recommend the "Friends" package if you can afford the £50: you get way over that value in concerts, T-shirt, free coffees and other drinks!
T B

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: breezy
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 08:57 AM

is it a public holiday up there ?

Is George Papavgeris there, he's greek and looking for connections!

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 08:46 AM

LAST NIGHT'S FUN.... dont miss them.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Whoneedssleep
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 11:55 PM

Moziak!

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: John Routledge
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 11:44 AM

I have just flicked through the Kate Rusby thread with some amusement.

On Saturday in the Song session at the Late night Club I heard a couple of young student singers with voices that Kate should die for. :0)

They don't have a PR person and I don't know their names so can anyone help.

PS When people say that the club goes on till late that does really mean late. A clergyman coming down for breakfast on Sunday morning was so impressed with the music and the atmosphere that he bought champagne for the musicians!!

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: John Routledge
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:21 PM

We need a liittle more time to rest in preparation :0)

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Pete
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:33 PM

You don't start till Saturday? The rest of us get going Thursday.

Nineteen days and nights. What a festival. Very hard on the liver!

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: John Routledge
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 05:37 PM

From a day learning Scottish Small Pipes on Saturday to Kepa Junkera on Monday - What a start we will have!!

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,maryrrf
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 11:17 AM

I was at CC a couple of years ago and it was brilliant. Wish I could go this year. It isn't the same intimate atmosphere as the smaller, informal festivals but there are so many acts to catch and so many choices. Lots of great workshops, too.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 06:23 AM

£12 for a gig in a proper concert hall - a damn site less than I paid for an early music concert in London.

Part of the problem is that we expect to get our folk music on the cheap.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Pete
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 03:42 AM

I'm not sure how well-informed Auldtimer is about the funding for 'Celtic Connections'. I think he/she might be surprised to discover what a tight budget the organiser has to operate on.

As for the "wellpayed (sic) trained professional event organisers" the guy who organises the whole festival has to do it on top of his normal full-time job. He does amazingly well.

Having said all that I'm pleased to see Auldtimer will be "thrashing" his/her credit card attending "as usual".

A wise decision!

'Celtic Connections' really is a brilliant festival and a wonderful showcase for many of the incredibly talented young singers and musicians in Scotland.

Let's not start criticising a festival that has been such a fantastic success. Let's just be glad that January has arrived and we have 19 days and nights of wonderful music to look forward to.

Hope to see you at the Late Night Club Auldtimer. I might even thrash my own credit card and buy you a beer.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Auldtimer
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 06:19 PM

Enjoy yourself anyway. I will even if it means another thrashing for the credit card.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: akenaton
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 06:15 PM

Cheers Auldtimer, good to see theres another grumpy old man on Muddy
   :0)...Ake

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Auldtimer
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 05:48 PM

More guests worth "catching" at Celtic Conections - Alison McMorland and Geordie McIntyre, Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, Bruce Molsky and Tony McManus, Deaf Shepheard, Mary Bergin, Ishbel MacAskill, Fergie MacDonald. www.celticconnections.com

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Auldtimer
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 05:29 PM

Celtic Connections changed the direction of folk music in Scotland. I keep hearing about all the young players and singers taking up folk and traditional music BUT they don't want to play floor spots   in folk clubs or sessions building up a fan base and gaining experience touring. THEY want flashing lights, 1000w 24 way input sound systems, recording deals, stardom, fame, and they want it now. The fact that many can't play with finesse and fiew, if any, can sing to save themselves is no drawback. Playing backrooms in noisy pubs? Listening to "weekend" singers and players? No way. And nowadays if you haven't studded on one or more of the vairious accademic courses and have ethnicology qulifications you can't even sing the Wild Rover or play the spoons.

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: akenaton
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 04:48 PM

I take your point Auldtimer, but coming from the West coast, Glasgow is about as far as I can go to see good performers.

The West of Scotland is notorious for its dearth of folk music these days, virtually no local gigs.
When the old gaelic culture died out ,its place was taken by Scottish dance music based on the piping tradition .
I think thats the reason for the lack of sessions and festivals ...Ake

Subject: RE: Celtic connections
From: GUEST,Auldtimer
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 01:03 PM

There are briliant line ups at many festivals throught the year that have to mannage without the bucket loads of funding that pours into the Concert Hall coffers, and these festivals still manage to do it better, friendlier and cheaper. Why is everyone/anyone still ammazed when an event that is backed/funded/subsidised to the hilt and ran by wellpayed trained professional event organisers appears to be a success. Why after eleven/twelve years a cold souless atmosphere still pervades many of the concerts and why are events so expensive? Or is £12 for a two hour concert good value? Having said all that I'll be there as usual and June Tabour, Martin Simpson and Andy Cutting will be worth seeing also Coope,Boyes and Simpson and Gerry Douglas should be unmissable.

Subject: Celtic connections
From: akenaton
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 09:43 PM

There's a brilliant line up for the Celtic Connections concerts in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

I dont want to miss June Tabor and Martin Simpson with Andy Cutting.
What a show in store. Martin and Andy are magic and June is beyond words in my opinion ,having been secretly in love with her for thirty years.

There are loads of other concerts . Who are you UK mudcatters going to see?...Ake