Backing Tracks at Festivals

Subject: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 01:02 PM

At the otherwise brilliant Broadstairs Folk Week there was a duo doing the rounds playing with backing tracks! At times the tracks were so loud and comprehensive that I couldn't hear the instruments they were actually playing (if they were actually playing and not miming)

One of the sad things about it was that the pub audience didn't seem to care and I was even more saddened to see that while I was there they actually sold two CDs on the strength of their karaoke performance

Surely this is the pits for any self respecting performer to turn up to a festival with recorded or synthesised backing. There must have been a quality act out there who could have given the real deal and would have been delighted to do so

any thoughts?

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 01:22 PM

I dunno mate who said you have to play all the instruments(or any) to be taken seriously?

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Mick Woods
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 01:22 PM

I agree totally. I think it is an insult to an audience - especially at folk clubs and folk festivals where a large number of people are usually musicians themselves, or have certainly dabbled in music. There is enough karaoke rubbish in the crap pubs across the country!

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 01:33 PM

Well last time I was at the Sailing Club session, run by Tom and Barbara, a lady sang to a prerecorded backing track, laid down by her son.
I'm sorry, but I was flabbergasted, and I hope never to see it happen again.
JM

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Bernard
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 01:52 PM

Yes, it's a sad reflection on these technologically 'advanced' times that people see fit to 'cheat' an audience in this way.

However, I recently saw Hamish Currie at Saddleworth Folk Festival using a digital 'loop' machine. He played his trumpet into a microphone, which recorded the melody into a pedal box. He then hit another pedal, which played that back whilst he recorded a harmony. He then added a third recording, which was then played back whilst he sang.

Rik Saunders of Fairport does a similar thing, as I recall. But the difference is that these two people are actually playing live.

This practice was originally pioneered by the late Les Paul, of course.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: treewind
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 02:25 PM

"One of the sad things about it was that the pub audience didn't seem to care"
Sadly, a lot of Broadstairs Folk Festival seems rather like that. As folk festivals go, it comes down rather heavily on the side of amplified pub musical wallpaper. I'm sure Tom and Barbara's session is different though.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Dead Horse
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 05:14 PM

There are pub gigs, and there are pub gigs.
Some of 'em cater to the masses who are there to drink alco pops & lager,
while the real deal is in the pub over the road with proper musicians.
I take comfort in the fact that while the former are playing, there is more room in the bars where the musicians are.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Effsee
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 10:20 PM

..."I take comfort in the fact that while the former are playing, there is more room in the bars where the musicians are."...Aye, and there's the nub!

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: dwditty
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 11:40 PM

karaoke by any other name is still karaoke...just my opinion.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Peace
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 11:45 PM

I worked for about four months in the mid-1960s with a gal who sang--lovely voice--and used a tape recorded back-up done by her piano player. If I remember correctly her name was Barbara and there was no way in a basket house she'd have been able to pay her way thru university (music degree) had she needed to split the take. She did really good sets and earned above the average.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Peace
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 11:45 PM

Of course, that was a basket house, not a festival.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Will Fly
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 04:22 AM

I used to do part of a pub set, many years ago, where I plugged a CD player into my combo amp and played backing tracks for my electric guitar and vocals. However, the difference was that all the backing tracks and all parts on the CD - bass, drums, keyboards, etc. - had been recorded by me in my home studio, and I used to stress this before I kicked off on the set. It also formed just part of the whole set - about 50% - and I really considered it just a bit of fun, a sort of novelty, in those days.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Maryrrf
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 03:15 PM

I would not want to see somebody performing to back up tracks at a festival, folk club, or serious concert. Surely there must be plenty of talented musicians who could been booked who could have provided their own instrumental accompaniment. A casual pub gig would be a different matter - then I probably wouldn't be very impressed, but i wouldnt' feel cheated either.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: open mike
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 03:53 PM

this should be looked into and specifically written into the contract by the booking agent, producer or venue owner....perhaps the person
puttng on the concert was jsut as surprised as the audience members (those who paid any attention ) and they might want it planned in the
future...and tell the performer that LIVE music means "live" music.

I have heard some musicians who otherwise play good acoustic music
get so involved in the effects that it does not seem live anymore.

so, it is a good rule: if you want to "play with yourself",
do it in private!

some musicians also send around a demo disc, to promote their live
performance, that includes all sorts of studio musicians who will
not be with them when they arrive at your venue on their tour.

false advertising!

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: BB
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 05:15 PM

John M., that lady had been coming to the singarounds for years, and had received nothing but encouragement from us, and sang both with guitar and unaccompanied. After the occasion of which you speak, I told her, I hope in a nice and positive way, that it wasn't really appropriate in what was essentially a live music session, since when she has never darkened the door of our singarounds again, nor I think of the festival until this year. She apparently recently told someone who attends the singarounds regularly that she thinks I'm an evil old bag, or words to that effect, although I was pleased to see that she has this year come back to the festival (and not using recordings!).

Anahata, I think you misunderstand Broadstairs Folk Week. It was from the very beginning primarily a festival for the public, and it has grown to include more and more for 'folkies'. It is true that quite a lot of what goes on is not everyone's idea of 'folk', but then nor is Cambridge, and there are others one could quote. The 'pub gigs' and the free shows have encouraged many locals and holiday makers to get involved in folk, and to try other things in the festival, and Broadstairs doesn't become an invasion of a holiday town just by folkies as, for instance, does Sidmouth or Whitby. It's a great festival to be involved in, and there is lots of 'real' folk.

As to Rafflesbear's initial posting, yes, I'd heard similar and I think they were actually booked for the pub gigs, although I doubt that Kim knew they were going to be using backing tracks. I don't believe there is any place in a folk festival, however broad it may be, for using anything other than live music.

I've seen Jo Freya doing something akin to what Bernard describes above, but wasn't very keen on the whole idea - I like to be able to see performers actually performing at the time I'm hearing it. The fact that it has been recorded by the same performer in front of me a few days before or a few minutes before is not the same.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Bernard
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 06:43 PM

Barbara, I know exactly what you mean!

However, as one novelty item of an otherwise 'normal acoustic set', I think it's just a bit of fun. I wouldn't like to see everyone do it as part of every 'acoustic set', though - it would get very tedious!!

Nor could I ever see me doing it - although there was someone who reckoned I must have had something done with the bass end of my accordion, because there seems to be a lot going on and not much movement from my fingers... Tom Bliss, as I recall!

But I digress...!

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 07:01 PM

A LOT of Pro Musos use backing on LapTop computers ! Means there IS a Band Sound (Bass , Drums sometimes Keyboard) while two other instruments and voices are Live
Not sure I would be happy with it in a 'Folk' context though

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Jack Campin
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 07:18 PM

There are such things as acoustic backing tracks.

Anybody seen a barrel organ or pianola at a singaround?

I guess the appropriate answer to anyone who's managed to carry their pianola to the session and asks if they can use it would be "certainly, SIR!!".

I'm just waiting for a steam calliope to turn up on EBay.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: GUEST,Ebor_fiddler
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 09:49 AM

We get this kind of thing frequently by "buskers" in York. Not only "Folk", but also so-called "classical" performers. As it is written "Karaoke is karaoke" and not live music - but punters still put money in their bags (and the Council still license the blighters!).

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Hamish
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 10:22 AM

Thanks for the namecheck, Bernard. And, Barbara, I feel I need to reply. I only do the looping thing sparingly as part of an otherwise live at the very split-second of delivery set. And, as Bernard eloquently explained, the looping is performed as a seamless part of the song: there's no stop/start at all. As soon as the three parts have been laid down it's straight into the song. (Which after three verses on trumpet can be a challenge to the old lungs)

I enjoy the looks on the faces of a folk audience: initial scepticism for the most part. And when I get to the singing part of the song - and it's quite soon - the looks change to "Oh, I get it. Phew! It's all right, really." It always generates lots of questions and positive comments but never (yet) any adverse comments.

I would never, ever use anything pre-recorded.

I agree that the festival shouldn't book anybody who uses pre-recorded stuff, not even in the free entry pub sessions.

However, having been to Broadstairs a couple of times now, it didn't take long for me to figure out that there are two festivals: the folkies one, and the one that serves for the kids who are probably there every weekend regardless of whether there's a festival on or not.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 10:24 AM

Seems a shame to bar someone from singing just because they don't have any one willing, able, available to play on the night.
Must be a drag for someone who's voice is their instrument to be censured for trying to make the most of it.
What's the POV on people who cant sing without a P.A?
Maybe if the excuse is that the audience is too large there should be a reduction in the size of the audience to allow a proper acoustic set to be played?
Lastly and even more tongue in cheek what does the 195? commandment have to say on the matter of folk and amplification/backing tapes etc?
If there is no opinion given maybe neither should be allowed.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Tyke
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 12:26 PM

The one and only time I witnessed a backing tape I'll not mention the name of the guy doing the Floor Spot. I walked up to him and stuck a KEEP MUSIC LIVE sticker on him. Mind you he was smaller than me and he must have taken it on board because I've never seen him do it again.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Bernard
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 12:38 PM

Sound Reinforcement Systems (P.A. is strictly incorrect, as it refers to a paging system, sometimes called a 'Tannoy' after the manufacturer who used to service railway stations) permit the audience to hear. Okay, the standard varies, but that's another thread, perhaps.

An audience, no matter how well-behaved, generates ambient noise. Some rooms are acoustically better than others. Enabling the audience to hear properly is not always within the control of the performer... I prefer to work without a sound system, because sound systems are my day job. However, where necessary, I can and do use a sound system.

Maybe there is a case for limiting the size of an audience to enable a truly acoustic performance, but in reality there is the problem of making it pay. I doubt that a small, select audience would agree to paying a high ticket price... so it's something of a trade-off.

Backing tracks, on the other hand, are not provided to help the audience hear. It would not matter if the audience was two or two thousand! It's simply a matter of etiquette, and what the audience expects.

If a performer is intending to sing in front of an audience they should show respect for what the audience is expecting of them, either by using an instrument played live (with an accompanist playing if they cannot themselves) or putting together a set of unaccompanied material.

I'm sorry, but there are plenty of capable people around, so let's not pander to those who either cannot or will not accept the etiquette of a LIVE performance. Backing tracks could then lead to 'lip sync' (miming), which is not what audiences pay to hear.

By 'pay to hear' I also include people who are paying with their time, not necessarily with cash.

Once a trend has started, it's very difficult to reverse it!

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 03:04 PM

Power Amplification in a Folk and Folk Club environment CAN be very useful ! Especially in a group , to get a good sound balance and , in the case of Artistes like Mike Silver , effects on guitar wont work acoustically , and he DOES keep the overall volume at Acoustic level

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 06:32 PM

"Backing tracks, on the other hand, are not provided to help the audience hear"
Really? I thought the objection was that they help the audience hear things that are not really there!
A group should surely be competent enough to play in a balanced way?
as in an orchestra.
Surely effects on guitar that wont work acoustically shouldn't be there for that very reason?

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 06:55 PM

Tim - Have you ever been in a Three Piece Multi Instrument band ? SOME instruments are a LOT quieter than others in the same way that some voices are quieter than others !
And IF a Pro Artist can use Amplification in a Satisfactory way in a small club , why shouldnt he ??

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 07:09 PM

Tom and Barbara deserve a medal.
here is what that festival used to be like,100 per cent dance orientated.
in 1979,I was booked at that festival,there was not one song concert,singers spots were exclusively at DANCES ,To give the dancers a breather.
so I,Jez Lowe,Ged Foley and Sue Weir,and possibly Bob Lewis organised our own concert,in a small hall,which was packed out.
that was pre Tom and Barbaras singaround, they have done a great job.
that idiot with the backing track is clueless,and clearly should be locked in a cell,with 24 hours of non stop Daniel O Donnell.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Smokey.
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 07:35 PM

clearly should be locked in a cell,with 24 hours of non stop Daniel O Donnell.

Aye, 'anging's too good for 'em :-)

I for one would be very sad to see backing tapes infiltrate folk music. Some things have to be held sacred. I don't mind innovation, but I like my music to be real.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Tootler
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 08:18 PM

I read this thread with a certain sense of deja vu.

I remember the cries of "Traitor" and "He's sold out" when Bob Dylan went electric.

Yet now we accept amplification - it is the norm in most concert halls - and even electrified instruments - though there are those who dislike them.

I think there is probably a place for the use of backing tracks if used with sensitivity and I am sure it will be seen more often in the future.

My daughter, when she was a girl, had a friend whose mother made her living singing in local clubs. She used backing tracks as she was not part of a band and almost certainly could not afford to pay accompanying musicians on what she earned from her gigs. I don't know what she got paid but I suspect her fees were not all that great as they did not have all that much money.

It strikes me as a useful tool for a solo singer.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Maryrrf
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 08:28 PM

I think backing tracks could be a useful tool for a solo singer, but not at a folk concert or a folk club. Tim wrote "Seems a shame to bar someone from singing just because they don't have any one willing, able, available to play on the night." It didn't sound like the person in question was barred from singing, just advised by the organizer of the singaround that it wasn't appropriate to sing with a back up track in that particular venue.   Frankly I think that was a good piece of advice because I don't think most folk clubs would think it appropriate. It's entirely possible to sing unaccompanied (use a pitch pipe if you need a note to start on). As for PA systems, yes I think they have a place depending on the venue, the acoustics and size of the audience. You can still keep the sound natural while amplifying and improving the mix.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Smokey.
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 09:37 PM

It puts musicians out of work.
Much the same as the introduction of dancing to recorded music did.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 01:58 AM

Well no never have played in a three piece band,am not competent enough to do more than hack at guitar and shout . but heard plenty who pick their instruments well and then play them in away to maintain the balance.
But I was really making the point that some of us are a little loose about what is OK re tapes ,gizmo's and P.A.
If you want to ban pre recorded music, ban the P.A they are mostly played through.
If an acoustic instrument cant produce the same effects as an electric one the get an electric one,but don't pretend its an acoustic performance.
If the audience soaks up too much sound then have a smaller audience and more gigs.
I just wanted to say why pick on the unfortunate person(s) who didn't have their own band when you allow all the other stuff that is also not strictly acoustic.
Personally I would probably have enjoyed listening to all the above mentioned artistes doing what they do best entertaining.
As long as it wasn't too loud!!!!

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Will Fly
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 03:17 AM

I've played in amplified bands and sung through PA systems (sorry, but me and my mates have called them PA systems for the last 30+ years) from when Pontius was a Pilot. Nothing wrong with it whatsoever but - and it's a big but - I actually prefer totally acoustic sound in a club/session/singaround context. I know of two folk clubs near me that use a house PA for performers. One is very good, with a guy on the desk all evening, but there's still a bloody palaver before every performance as various people need sound balancing for the mix. The other club's PA is dire, but the organisers insist that performers use it because people "round the corner" can hear. Trouble is, it makes everyone sound terrible. I refuse to use it and use my foghorn voice to "reach round the corner"...

As for looping, if you ever get the chance to hear classical guitarist Richard Durrant looping Bach, jump at it - superb.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Darowyn
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 04:02 AM

I agree with Tootler- the basic argument, which boils down to not much more than a Cold Comfort Farm cry of "It be flying in the face of Nature" is very reminiscent of the shout of "Judas" to Bob Dylan.
I played at a Halloween night, and decided that a few sound effects would help the song along. So I compiled them on my laptop. Then I needed to make sure that that they came in at the right time in the song, so I added a rhythm track so I could be sure I was playing at the right tempo. A scary synth pad seemed to add a bit of atmosphere too, so that went on as well, and made it easier to keep up with the chord changes, then a few violin fills...
So I played to a backing track with live vocals and guitar. The Mic, the guitar and the laptop were all plugged into the PA.
So what?
The underlying luddite-ism of the people who regard this as some kind of offence to the Folk gods is shown by the use of the phrase 'backing tapes'.
I've not recorded anything on tape for more than ten years.
If it enhances the performance, and it's done with artistry and skill, the studio is perfectly relevant as a creative tool- for any genre of music- by whatever means the resulting music is performed.
Karaoke, by contrast, is based on commercially produced tracks, and can be a pleasant experience- but not often. When these tracks are used by talented pub singers and suchlike entertainers, it can be good, and is a way in which people can actually make money from performing.
Once again the Mudcat divides between those who have a narrow and exclusive attitude, and those who feel that 'anything goes, though I reserve the personal right not to like it'
Cheers
Dave

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: GUEST,Crampton
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 04:21 AM

From a few posts back -

"Backing tracks could then lead to 'lip sync' (miming), which is not what audiences pay to hear."

But they do. Most shows by 'big' artists and girl/boy bands, especially those that involve vigorous dancing from the artist(s) are mimed (when did it become 'lip syncing'?).

The bottom line is that there is so much money and prestige tied up in a big show now that artists and organisers can't risk an out of tune, or out of time performance.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: GUEST,Mad Spaniel
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 04:43 AM

Darowyn,

You are the voice of reason in a sea of luddites

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 04:47 AM

I would never put anybody on at Faldingworth who used backing tracks and I wouldn't bother to listen to anybody that did that thing, wherever.

There are many reasons for using PA.
Balancing of instruments and voices in a band is very important in a concert venue. People who sing professionally like to have the PA so that they do not have to damage their vocal chords etc.
I have seen lots of people who's voice is not strong enough to carry and the PA helps to get their voice to the extremities of the audience.
Likewise there are many guitarists for example, that play very intricate tunes in a soft way and amplification helps in the same way.
At the end of the day, it really depends on the size of the room, size of audience, how much people are paying to get in, what type of event it is and where it is located.

It really is up to organisers to decide how they best want to promote their venue. People who like that particular style will come along, the rest will find other venues that suit their taste.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Bernard
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 04:50 AM

In the trade it has always been called 'lip syncing'...

We are ONLY talking here about FOLK festivals and the like, NOT pop concerts. I don't know of anyone going to a folk concert who would expect lip sync performances!! Yes, it does happen at pop concerts, but is by no means the norm - hence the fuss in the press when someone is 'found out'.

The long defunct 'Black and White Minstrel Show' was always lip sync... two open reel machines running in tandem, one there in case the other failed. A mate of mine was the SM, and still has copies of some of the tapes.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Bernard
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 04:58 AM

Sorry, I should have clarified further... 'lip sync' and 'mime' are not the same thing. 'Mime' is a different type of performance altogether!

A 'lip sync' performance is usually performed 'live' by the chorus members to lend some ambience, even though it is also on the pre-rec.

We used to do this with the 'Childrens Pageant' at the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales because of the difficulties of miking up a large number of children who were often on stage for a very short time. The children did perform 'live', but lip sync was used to ensure the audience could hear! I don't know about the current practice, because we haven't been involved with it for a number of years.

The tapes were recorded like 'radiogram stereo' - the accompaniment on one track and the vocals on the other, so it could be properly balanced in the live mix.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 05:00 AM

Any one who does regular 'Pub Entertainment' and DOESNT use P A is heading straight for either Bankruptcy or a SERIOUS throat problem !

My first experience of (Excellent) P A use in a Folk Club was the seventies band Decameron . Five guys using ten microphones and a HUGE (for the time) Sound system , but at the back of the room were no louder than if the had been hammering the instruments ! Sound man kept everybody balanced , and the volume was perfect .

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 07:09 AM

I can accept that a singer may not have ready access to an accompanist, or that a band may need FX or instruments that they would not normally have available (and might prefer not to use MIDI). I would not oppose such things. It is the essence of folk that while the folk song or tune is preserved and handed on, the interpretation and versioning of it may change.

However, a singer who mimes to a recording of their voice, or an instrumentalist whose own playing of an instrument is not heard, is not able to be evaluated as a singer or performer, deprives the audience of the thrill of the moment (the very reason why bands sometimes make live recordings for commercial issue) and is essentially dishonest about thier capability.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: The Sandman
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 07:38 AM

I agree, I think it is dishonest.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 08:26 AM

I think its only dishonest when it isn't made clear or there is an attempt to deceive.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 09:58 AM

So was Kim aware when she hired them that this was the act they were proposing to perform and should a duo wanting to appear at a folk music festival feel duty bound to inform the artistic director if they intend to use backing tracks?

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Bernard
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 10:02 AM

Quite so - but this should not be after the audience has arrived, or even worse, when the performer takes to the stage! That would be nearly as bad as finding that the person who is performing is only a lookalike/soundalike...!!

Fortunately (or is that unfortunately?!) you'd be hard pushed to find someone who looked and sounded like me... erm... Micca?!

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Bernard
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 10:41 AM

Sorry, cross-post...!

I'd expect any festival director to have done their homework properly and not be caught out in this way. Moreover, any performer inending to play should also have done their homework and checked if such practice was considered acceptable.

In other words, for a mistake like this to be allowed to happen suggests some blame on both sides. It also suggests some assumptions have been made on both sides.

Let's be fair. We know that Strawhead, the Mrs. Ackroyd Band and Doc Harvey and the Philistans all use MIDI in addition to Chris Harvey's live performance, and audiences aren't warned in advance that this is to be expected. However, I'm sure we all agree that these are somewhat theatrical 'specialist acts', not in any way comparable with someone singing a song with a backing track.

Chris is in control (usually!!) of what is playing, and it really counts as part of his mastery of the instrument.

The line is very fine, though, and I would hate to see people turning up at clubs and festivals expecting to perform to a backing track as the norm. It's not what the genre is about.

Fairport, Steeleye Span et al are 'folk rock', and not to everyone's taste. Some even claim they 'aren't folk'. Fortunately the folk idiom is a wide enough church to embrace extremes... finger-in-the-ear trad right through to folk rock... but I still feel the performers abilities are a vital part of this.

Yes, I do feel sorry for those who cannot play - especially if they could play and have now some form of disability which has taken that ability away, for example Ted Edwards. However, permitting one person to use backing tracks then creates a dangerous precedent.

If they were presented as a novelty act (such as the hilarious John Shuttleworth) in a folk environment, then maybe backing tracks could be valid up to a point. It's still a dangerous precedent, though.

Someone who cannot play themselves, and who cannot find an accompanist, should already be aware that they are expected to sing unaccompanied or not at all. It's really that simple. Let's be reasonable... there's usually someone around who can pitch in and accompany them - I frequently do it myself (but only when asked!!).

Then there's turning up at a singaround without an instrument and expecting to borrow one... maybe I should carry a recording of me playing in my mobile phone, and sing to that...!!

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: GUEST,Mad Spaniel
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 10:54 AM

"At times the tracks were so loud and comprehensive that I couldn't hear the instruments they were actually playing (if they were actually playing and not miming)"
Did we ever establish if they were actually playing?

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Tootler
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 11:03 AM

Looking back at the thread it started out as a gripe against backing tracks, which I assume means an instrumental accompaniment to a singer who might or might not be playing an instrument themselves.

Recent posts seem to have drifted into the issue of "lip syncing" ie miming to a totally prerecorded performance.

I have no fundamental objection to the former and as I said earlier I can see a place for it but If I went to a concert - even if it was a major pop act where more of this goes on - and the whole performance was lip synced (or not depending how good they are) I would feel cheated. Even so lip syncing has a place, for example promoting your latest single on Breakfast TV and though I don't particularly like it I can understand why they do it.

On the other hand I have attended performances by solo artists who have sung to backing tracks and it has been effective and they have put on a good performance.

Finally backing tracks are probably not appropriate at your local folk club singaround, though I expect they will appear there eventually.

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 11:25 AM

I have tried to put this as a general discussion rather than specific but it may help if I mention that the duo at Broadstairs consisted of a guitarist/banjo player/vocalist and a pipe player

The backing track featured drums, guitars and much more and was operated by foot pedal

I was informed by no less a person than Dave Goulder that he had heard the banjo player at a session and considered him very good but to me (an unqualified non-player) the performance with backing track seemed like very basic one note at a time banjo picking with all the slack taken up by the backing track

Subject: RE: Backing Tracks at Festivals
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 11:52 AM

To be fair I did put on Dave Sealey with his one man show "Stanley Holloway - With a little bit of luck".
This in my opinion is the exception to the rule.

Dave brought all his own props and didn't want PA. He set it all up and explained to me that he used background music to support his singing and to keep as near to the Stanley Holloway story as possible.

I wasn't really sure what to expect, but was totally amazed at the sheer professionalism of Dave. He told the story of Stanley Holloway in a way that was so refreshing and he drew the audience of about 60 people into his performance. When he started singing the songs, he played background music and I was absolutely gobsmacked at the power and quality of his voice. This was indeed a very top professional one man show of the highest order.

Dave is a top man who knows his own skills and uses props appropriately.

Here are a few pictures of the show.
http://www.faldingworthlive.co.uk/faldingworth_music_weekend_june_2007.htm You need to scroll down until you come to Dave Sealey.

Great man.