Back to the West: what have I missed?

Subject: Back to the West: what have I missed?
From: Colin Randall
Date: 18 Mar 09 - 08:39 AM

After a spell in the Middle East, I'll be returning to London by the end of this month.

Encouraged by the responses I've had to interviews and other features, and in particular from the good folk at Mudcat, I fully intend to devote more time to my site Salut! Live

I will be spending at least half the year back in France, where I lived for three years before moving to the UAE. But wherever I end up, I'd be interested to hear any thoughts on the singers/musicians/bands who may have escaped my attention during my absence. I've been kept up to date with the obvious, better known people - Kate Rusby, Eliza Carthy, the Unthanks, Bellowhead - and some of the younger talents such as Kerfuffle and Ruth Notman. But I am conscious of having fallen a little out of touch with other musical developments in Britain & Ireland and - yes - America.

Any ideas on how I should be listening to make a start on catching up?

Don't say Bruce Murdoch, Jack Crawford or Debra Cowan - all of whose albums have safely reached me in the desert and will be reviewed as soon as I can make time between farewell drinks and packing my bags. Anyone who needs my new address for review copies etc should contact me by PM

Subject: RE: Back to the West: what have I missed?
From: Colin Randall
Date: 18 Mar 09 - 09:09 AM

...or indeed, any ideas on WHO I should be listening TO?

Subject: RE: Back to the West: what have I missed?
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 18 Mar 09 - 09:14 AM

Strangely your return coincides with my exit to Dubai for a couple of years Colin. Any folky get togethers going on out there?

Would point you to Jim Causley/ Mawkin Causley, Emily Smith,Lau,and Wheeler Street. Leave the rest for t'others to add.

Al

Subject: RE: Back to the West: what have I missed?
From: GUEST,Working Radish
Date: 18 Mar 09 - 09:30 AM

Salut* Colin,

Puis-je raccommander l'oeuvre formidable de Jean Kellé, le très célèbre Héros de l'Harmonium, qui a gravé son premier CD assez récemment. Ni jeune whippersnapper, ni vieux rélique, Jean est un talent sans pareil. Well, maybe not sans any pareil at all, but he certainly hasn't got very many pareils. C'est le bon stuff.

*I guess that explains the title!

Subject: RE: Back to the West: what have I missed?
From: Colin Randall
Date: 18 Mar 09 - 09:31 AM

I'm in Abu Dhabi, where there has been the odd world music event (I've seen some decent Turkish and Lebanese musicians) and an Irish band that plays the odd gig. Dubai is livelier , with the Irish Village and a lot more venues, but Abu Dhabi also has Womad coming next April


On a broader musical note, there are big rock/pop concerts in both cities. Elton John/Shakira/George Michael/Aguilera/Santana have been here while we've lived in the UAE. Lots of classical concerts, too, if that appeals.

My wife is upset that Coldplay are on in Abu Dhabi just after we leave (end of March). I'm less bothered but would have gone; we decided early on we'd try to get to as many live events as possible