EFDSS and competitions

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 06:25 AM

Greg,

Chris here. Thanks for your message a while back. I haven't been ignoring you - my computer at home's been on the blink and I can't get on the mudcat at work. We're off to Ireland for 2 weeks - I'll give you a shout when we get back.

Cheers,

Chris

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: greg stephens
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 01:29 PM

I will certainly not be allowing any "contemporary" or "relevant" arguing. Strictly 1954 definition arguing only; phrases and techniques that have stood the test of time will earn bonus points. If people want to write new arguments, they can sod off as far as I am concerned.
Kicking will be allowed, eye-gouging not. Any reference to (a) horses, or (b) Ewan McColl, will earn instant disqualification.
When I give the final adjudication, I shall say "And the winner is....," and then pause for a long long time so the camera can linger on the taut and worried faces of Jim and Dick. Then I will annmounce the winner, and he will expected to jump up and down and shout a lot. The loser will be required to burst into tears.
I think this has got a lot of potential as a spectator event, better than what they normally have at Sixmilebridge Festival; in previous years it has just been a load of old timers playing fiddles and mouth organs and singing and drinking black stuff and all that malarkey. There may actually have been a bit of freelance impromptu arguing going on in some of the pubs, but nothing properly organised ,as this is going to be.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Banjiman
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 01:13 PM

Greg,

Which set of rules will you be judging this with?

The traditional ones or the contemporary ones?

As we know (well if you don't you should!) the traditional ones date back in an unbroken line to Ethelblood the Dirger, the arguist champion of King Arthur (though clearly they have been adopted and modified by the Arguist community since then).

The contemporary ones were invented by 4 bearded chaps (with tankards) from Loughborough University Arguist club back in the 1960's .... and though accepted by the populous as "Real Arguing" some authorities (admittedly who have scoured the terraces and pubs of England looking for true arguments)   reject these rules as just not argumentative enough.

Both of these arguments end up sounding the same but the true "trad arguer" would argue that you just know which set of rules contestants are arguing to....most of us couldn't give a monkeys though.....as long as the argument is a good one.





I wished they hadn't cancelled Pickering Festival then we would be playing there, instead I'm sitting in front of the computer writing sh*te!

Paul

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 09:14 AM

Cap'n
"Jim, do you collect within the folk revival?"
No we don't, but we were still involved right up to leaving the UK, visiting clubs and quite often taking the singers we were recording around to them for bookings.
Since then we have been involved over here, attending singing and music week-ends, both as singers and speakers - we are doing talks on Travellers at The Clare Festival of Traditional Singing and at Knockcroghery (Roscommon) later this year.
We've helped organise a number of music events here in Miltown and hope to be doing so in the near future.
Our main interest has always been, and continues to be the song revival - hence our Clare and Traveller CDs, and others we have contributed material to.
Look Cap'n
I honestly don't want these arguments with you - and I'm sure innocent bystanders enjoy them even less than I do. I find them embarrassing and totally unnecessary - but your bulldozer approach really doesn't help.
Greg and Paul,
What a great idea - as long as I get the dress and the ringlets.
Greg,
Don't know where I'll be in Jan, but would like to be at Sixmilbridge (always assuming I'm not floating face-down in a lough somewhere in Kerry!
Best to all,
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Sandman
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 07:59 AM

Jim, do you collect within the folk revival?

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Banjiman
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 07:44 AM

I'd pay to see it!

As long as Dick promises to sing a few (chosen by Jim) to soothe frayed nerves afterwards.

Great idea.

Paul

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: greg stephens
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 07:41 AM

Jim and Cap'n: now, never mind the EFDSS competitions. I have been examining a map and the Boat Band schedules, and the nearest I am going to get to you gentleman in the immediate future is Sixmilebridge Festival, Co Clare, in Jan 09.A bit nearer Jim than the Cap'n, but I guess you wouldn't mind a litle hike, Dick? Anyway, I will sponsor the Pan-European Arguing Competition, we will find a suitable pub in Sixmilebridge, I'll stand you each of couple of pints to get you going, and from then on the floor's your own. I will judge the winner, and supply the prize. Costumes etc will be entirely at the discretion of the entrants, so Jim is welcome to wear a ringletted wig if he reckons it will enhance his chances, and as Cap'n Birdseye so loves that kind of thing, maybe a little green dress with leprechauns, bodhrans and Celtic knots stitched on lovingly? As '09 is a bit of a trial run, entries will be limited to Jim and the Captain. If it goes well, I may broaden it out a bit in 2010, and perhaps invite Diane Easeby and Lizzie Cornish.Not sure about suitable trans-Atlantic entrants, Gargoyle doesn't seem to be around much these days. Big Mick's a bit nimby-pimby placatory. Perhaps CarolC or Spaw?
Anyway, Jim and Dick, how about it, gentlemen?

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 06:31 AM

"Jim Carroll is a collector,his work is outside the Folk Revival."
Cap'n - if you are going to insist on taking my name in vain!!! please, please, please try and get your facts right.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Sandman
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 03:52 AM

It is not a question of importance.,we work in different but related fields.
Jim Carroll is a collector,his work is outside the Folk Revival.
I am a musician/singer,my living comes from the Folk Revival.
Those people[adults or children]who wish to enter musical competetions should be catered for,those who dont should not be forced.
My experience is that a large majority of competitors,enter competitions willingly.
I believe Comhaltas and any other organisation that runs competitions,should state in their rules,that the wearing of wigs is forbidden,the emphasis should be on musical content,or in the case of dance,abilty to dance.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 05:17 PM

I hate those damn things, but I bought one for my daughter. The damned adjudicators seem to think that that one is not properly attired without it. We have one school that uses a very plain uniform, and doesn't dress their dancers like little mannequins. Despite the fact that their instructor is an excellent dancer, choreographer, and teacher; despite the fact that their kids can step it out with the best of them, and technically are right on the mark, they lose points for not wearing certain things. Much of the dance scene here is about getting yourself noticed, so the thinking goes, so the kids all seek the edge in these useless accoutrements.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 03:55 PM

Jim,I agree with you about the wigs.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 03:01 PM

Bruce,
No insult taken.
I don't sing any more I collect and research, but I really don't want to get into a pissing competition with Dick as to whose work is the most important - it really doesn't matter (and maybe we'd have to call in an adjudicator to decide!!!!)
Nuff sed that we all try to do our bit.
Dick and I have been arguing for yonks - put it down to our being stubborn old gits.
Nice to hear from you again Mick - are the dancers in your part of the world into the wigs yet; been trying to drive the thought of some of our singers competing in ringlets.
Best to you all,
Jim Carroll
PS Just one more argument and we'll quit - promise.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Peace
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 02:45 PM

Man, I love you guys--in a platonic one-guy-to-another kinda way.

I'd love to read what you both write about music in Ireland. I have never had the pleasure of visiting the British Isles or IRELAND. (And I apologize to you both, because I really didn't know you were in Ireland.)

I have heard Dick Miles work on the i'net, and I was wondering if there is a place to hear Jim. Truthfully, I have heard much about Jim Carroll (all good) and I want to hear the man himself. Despite me being a songwriter, I was and still am aware of the importance of traditional music in the lives of us all. It seems to mean something different in every country, and I can live with that. But I want to hear singers of the songs in a way with which they are comfortable presenting themselves.

If I insulted either of you two, I hereby apologize. If I haven't, save the apology until such time as I do. (That's a joke. I'm a colonial!) And thank you both very much for 'letting it go'.

Bruce

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 02:11 PM

Mick,If you dont know, ask, I have been active in the English folk revival over the last 35 years.,in fact more active than Jim Carroll.Iam a professional musician
Competitions are ok for adults,in fact why should adults be deprived of competitions if they wish to enter,just because some dont like them,no adult is forced to enter a competition.yes Iagree to disagree.and 100.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 01:53 PM

Yeah, Peace, I am with you. It kills me to see folks argue over this aul load of shite when there is so much that is important to argue about. Jim Carroll is a knowledgeable and respected muso. I don't know as much about Dick Miles, although he surely loves the music. I could do with a little less of his self promotion, but what the hey, the guy is supporting himself.

Competitions, we might agree, are a two edged sword. While I don't think they are inherently bad, as Jim does, I surely get tired of the stage parents I see at some of them that act as though their kids are contenstants in a beauty pageant. Yet when I see the piping competitions and I see the young Uilleann Pipers striving for excellence, I know that the future will honor the past, and continue to evolve in sophisticated, and beautiful, ways.

So how's about it, lads. Can we leave this, agree to disagree, and move on?

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 12:48 PM

Peace,
Thanks for that - agree entirel.
Truth te tell, we're waiting for the decree absolute to come through.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: GUEST,Peace
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 10:51 AM

Dick,

You're both music people. Not self-appointed critics, but music people. Be nice. I hope to meet you both at some point, and I would love to hear more of your work. Why don't you two just agree to disagree and let the other shit go? Easier that way. Better for you, too.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 10:51 AM

Cap'n,
Your arguments get sillier by the minute.
I am not promoting myself as anything - you are.
I am not in the slightest bit interested in 'judging' anybody's performance - you are.
What qualifies you to be a judge rather than me, Countess Di, Greg, or anybody involved in the music?
You are proposing to appoint yourself as a judge over the singing of others, yet when your own singing is judged you describe it as being 'slagged off' - whence the difference?
I believe competitions are destructive and create bad feeling - as amply demonstrated by your own reaction.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 09:03 AM

as a mature adult,I have entered competitions.
I entered one as a member of the group, The New Mexborough English Concertina Quartet,we were the winners,as far as I know the other competitors,were happy with the decision,no one stopped playing the concertina as a result.
I have [when I had nothing else to do]entered comhaltas competitions I havent been too bothered if I won or not,sometimes I have sometimes I havent,I just regard it as another opportunity to play music[whatIhave found most useful is the preparation,the working on detail of specific tunes,in fact I think that is more useful],than the end decision.
Jim seems to think I am bothered by his comments I am not,as far as I am concerned Jim has no more qualification to judge my singing,than anyone else whose singing I have not heard.,
most Comhaltas Judges that I have encountered[EdelFox who is amighty concertina player was one]had generally favourable things to say about my concertina playing[particularly of airs],its these people and people like Martin Carthy[who played guitar on one of my lps],Lou Killen,Peter Bellamy,whose opinions I value,because they can do/did the business.
if I want an opinion on building I approach a master craftsman,If I want an opinion on bird song I would approach Percy Edwards.
in fairness to Comhaltas their judges are good exponents of thier craft,either good players of their instrument,or good singers.
Jim Carroll has collected some songs,I dont see that that gives him a qualification to judge my singing /concertina playing/songwriting,or any reason why I should take his opinions any more seriously than Pavarotti,Tom Jones or Joe Bloggs.
Comhaltas judges are selected on their ability to play an instrument well or sing well.[as ar as I know Jim Carroll doesnt play amusical instrument and does not sing any more]so what qualification does he have.
all that I know of Jim Carroll is that he used to collect traditional singers and their songs and he used to be friend of Ewan Maccoll,and that he used to be a member of the Manchester Critics group,am I supposed to be impressed?well Iam not ,which is why I dont value his opinion any more than the local dustman.http://www.dickmiles.com

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 08:07 AM

At   08:39 on 6 August, someone called "Peace" declared, à propos of a mild, though on-topic, spat between two residents of Ireland, that a market for some CD or other was not being sought "in Britain", a sanction unlikely to affect or be of any concern to the combatants who are not resident in that country.

This "Peace" person appears to regard discussion of the issue of musical competition within the English and / or Irish traditions as "kinda horseshit".

Highly constructive - not - (and far from being any of his concern as he is in no way aligned to either tradition, nor indeed any at all, as far as I know. On the other hand, both Dick Miles and Jim Carroll are eminently qualified, as a consequence of their extensive experience, to expound on whether or not competition is Good or Useful in trad music. From what I know of both Jim and Dick, they are far from being "jealous, pompous assholes", as the oddly-named "Peace" dubbed them.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Peace
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 06:55 AM

At no time did I say that Ireland was part of Britain. The self-appointed Queen of English Folk Music and All Matters Thus Connected chose to interpret it that way. You folks gotta be less afraid of her.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 06:01 AM

Dick: don't suppose you can get it in Ballydehob, but if you get the chance take a look at the BBC Competition series "Last Choir Standing", introduced by Mylene Klass(sp?). Then come back and tell us you would like to intoduce more competitiveness into English musical life!

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 05:31 AM

Dick wants to set up competitions to assess the singing of others with himself as chief judge.
I express an opinion on Dick's singing and he regards it as being 'slagged off'.
Game, set and match.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Gene Burton
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 07:15 PM

Well, having heard Dick's singing online it sounded pretty damn fine to me...I understand he tours in the UK quite regularly, and I for one certainly intend to check out his live set next time he's anywhere near me.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 02:49 PM

Sorry folks,
Having a bit of fun myself - while trying to make a point.
Better or worse - good or bad are, as you say, subjective opinions which have little or anything to do with what is under discussion.
Dick (or me, or anybody) judging a singing or songwriting competition would be expressing his (or our) own personal opinion at that moment - nothing else. Quite often your judgement on a piece of music or a song is entirely dependent on the mood you are in at that time - not a good reason to hand out the Glittering Prizes.
For me, this is what invalidates all competitions connected with something as transitory as music.
Competitions are more likely to divide and alienate musicians rather than bringing them together - note Dick's reaction to my comments on his singing.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 12:17 PM

your right. Diane,on several points
EFDSS do not have to work like comhaltas,they could if they wished operate competitions which would raise money,but there are other ways of doing it.
they had a song writing competition,which didnt operate on the comhaltas model[local ,regional ,national],in fact regional styles are more likely to be preserved,if the competition is, for example, best northumbrian piper,or best north west fiddler etc.
so that one regional style is not being judged against another.
of course, all competitions are subjective,and not always the best person wins,but they are good focus points and they normally produce good spin offs[musicians getting together]Dick Miles

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 11:11 AM

BM lives in the US. I know.
P lives in Canada. I know.
Your point is?

However, Dick & Jim live in Ireland. Which is not "Britain".
BM (and especially P) apparently do not know this.

I do not have "Irish credentials" Not one.
I've spent time there working.
And I've worked for the EFDSS.
I stayed with the McPeakes.
They stayed with me in England.
No one's dropping anyone's name.
Who are you anyway?

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 11:04 AM

Sigh.

The point is, Dick, that somebody slagged off both you and Jim for having your usual little disagreement and announced this was why some merchandise or other was not being marketed in Britain . . . to punish you both. Now what this particular product is, or whether you'd want it in the first place, I know not. Neither of you, however, live in Britain. And in any case, IF you wanted it, you'd find out how and where to obtain it. Wouldn't you?

We are, today, fully globalised, whether we like it or not, thanks to US-inspired global capitalism. Still doesn't make Ireland part of "England", though . . . Nor does it mean the EFDSS should operate exactly as Comhaltas does.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: GUEST,watching 1
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:58 AM

Not to put too fine a point on it, Diane, but Big Mick is a resident of the United States and Peace is a resident of Canada. Seems to me that you decided to show your fabled attitude and these lads nicked you on it. And what was the point of you running your Irish credentials, and the idiotic name dropping (McPeake's)? You just look the prat in all of this.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:49 AM

http://www.dickmiles.com I have not slagged anyone off,in fact it is me that has been slagged off,but I am not worried.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:46 AM

No.

The thread should have a warning sticker: only for those who know nothing whatsoever - culturally, economically, politically or geographically - about Britain / the UK / Ireland but want to sound off incomprehensible misinformation and prejudices anyway.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Newport Boy
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:39 AM

I'd stopped reading this one a while back, thinking it had got bogged down. I just had another look, since it seemed to be busy.

I wish I hadn't - I won't again.

Phil

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:29 AM

Well, I could draw you a map. But I really can't be arsed.
Suggested reading: the cartoon book Ireland For Beginners.
Though it's probably far too advanced for Murkans who don't recognise self-determination for any nation but their own.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Peace
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:22 AM

Watch your blood pressure, Diane.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:13 AM

Yep, Peace, you are right. She does prove the point every time she posts. Now I really am out of this one.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:11 AM

I hold no particular brief for either Jim or Dick. I know them slightly and know that they live in Ireland. It seemed thus more than faintly ridiculous that someone who has taken a dislike to them was using this as an excuse not to sell some product in the UK where they are not resident.

Someone who is trying to imply that I think the two musicians in question are Irish because I have said that they live in that country is plainly demented. I am fully aware of their provenance and careers. My knowledge of Irish political history stems from having reported (both news and music pieces) from Belfast in the early 70s. I stayed not in the Europa along with other journos but with my friends, the McPeakes, off the Falls Road.

So will all you loud-mouthed, pretendy know-all transatlantic shits put that wherever you feel like and do want you want with it, preferably setting fire to yourselves in the process.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Peace
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 09:57 AM

The voice of reason. I am off this thread. Paul, I sent you a PM. Thanks all. Now Jim and Dick can get back to the spat.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 09:56 AM

Needless picking of nits, Diane. We are speaking of a geographical marketplace. Just as a British band would market to the North American market. There was absolutely no need for such a broad generalization, other than to demonstrate your disdain and demonstrate some sort of self perceived intellectual superiority.

My last word.... back to the discussion of EFDSS and competitions.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Peace
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 09:55 AM

Lemme guess what class you are from . . . .

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Jeri
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 09:54 AM

A person is Irish simply because they live in Ireland?

There is a small group of folks of English persuasion (and possibly Irish) who consistently put others and their music down. If they didn't have music and musicians to publicly disdain and denounce, they'd have little to say. Everybody has opinions, but what turns me off the most is that a FEW folks think it's actually acceptable to go on at length about their hates.

Those who engage in this sort of slamming make music look as though it's a bloodsport. One hound catches a scent and then the others join in.

There are good people in the UK, I know, but they're less insistent and much less prolific, so guess what comes through to the observer.

As long as you keep trying to tear people down here, you will be proving his point, to him and to others.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 09:50 AM

The point being, presumably, that an unfortunate number of people (yourself included), neither know nor care that the peoples of Ireland and England, divided for centuries on ethnic, economic, religious and political grounds at the behest of a class-based elite, are nonetheless residents of two different countries.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Peace
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 09:40 AM

Every single time you post you prove the point.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 09:36 AM

the Americas" comprise two continents, and 33 countries

Indeed I do know this, unlike some British people who think that the land mass to our west is an amorphous "US of A". That is why I used the term "the Americas" deliberately.

The British Isles, however, are not "England" nor even the UK as a great many transatlantic residents appear to think (when they engage in this activity at all).

The two people who "Peace" is attempting to slag off and does not wish to sell some CD or other to because they are Brits are neither UK nor England residents.

Certainly sounds confused and / or ignorant to me.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 09:22 AM

Second you on that, Peace. Diane is so damned arrogant at times. Trouble is she probably believes that the culturally inferior colonials don't realize that Ireland is an island unto itself, or that it has a different monetary system, unless, of course you are in the North of Ireland. But what do us continually confused residents of the Americas know. But as a point of clarification, I wonder if Diane understands that "the Americas" comprise two continents, and 33 countries (if one throws the Indies in) and many cultures, and levels of education. So the vast generalization that this resident of the British Isles puts forth is just as asinine as that which,in her arrogance, she complains about.

Mick

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Peace
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 09:03 AM

That is exactly the kind of pompous horseshit I mean.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 08:56 AM

As a point of clarification, both Jim and Dick are residents of Ireland.
Ireland is not Britain, though geographically ONLY, it is the second biggest island of the group that comprises the British Isles. I've no idea why residents of the Americas are in continual confusion over this. Possibly you are attempting to refer to the UK market where goods are paid for in GBP. In Ireland they use the Euro. But who knows?

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Banjiman
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 08:55 AM

Dick.....yes, I like what you do having had the privilege of seeing you live.....I'm just having a bit of fun!

Peace....we ain't all like that, you should try for a British market. What's with all the anti-British stuff recently?

Paul

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Peace
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 08:39 AM

This kinda horseshit between musicians is why we wrote off any attempt to seek a British market for the CD. Too many jealous and pompous assholes. Just not worth the postage.

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 08:35 AM

well, if we all liked the same thing,life would be boring.
I am not sure to which of the 18 videos Jim Carroll is referring,quite frankly I dont care.
the proof of the pudding is in the eating,there are 18 videos,that show both my concertina and guitar playing, and my vocal abilty.
the majority of people like what I do and I frequently get complimented on my voice /singing and concertina playing,I enjoy making music,and have enjoyed writing songs.
when recording with one mike in a home environment,it is more difficult to get a balance, than when one is in a recording studio,most people understand this and appreciate performers sharing their music on you tube.I believe that this is what music is about, sharing.
http://www.dickmiles.com

Subject: RE: EFDSS and competitions
From: Banjiman
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 07:36 AM

Forget the EFDSS....we could have Mudcat song writing and singing comps. Jim and Dick could work together as judges.....it would be good for both of you to heal your differences!

Cool....who's going to put the first video up then?

Paul