Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh

Subject: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 08:55 AM

Wednesday 24th February 2010

"Two of the finest exponents of Traditional Song in the United Kingdom; it is difficult to accept that these relatively young men, have a combined 40+ years experience of performing at Folk venues.

Raised in Norfolk and heavily influenced by such earlier Norfolk singers as Walter Pardon and Peter Bellamy, Damien is a stylish and distinctive singer, either unaccompanied or using guitar or concertina. Although he has lived for a number of years in West Yorkshire he retains a strong East Anglian identity.

Mike Wilson is the youngest member of the Wilson Family, the powerful Teesside singing siblings who have raised the rafters at many a festival or folk club event. His musical heritage is emphatically that of the North East – rural and industrial folk song both traditional and modern.

Damien and Mike have a rich repertoire of traditional songs plus the work of modern folk writers such as Bellamy, Ewan MacColl and Mike Waterson. "


"Under The Influence' is chock full of nothing but great songs brilliantly sung". Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2

"Damien Barber's sound, style and presence combines the best of Peter Bellamy and Nic Jones". Dirty Linen, USA

"The Wilsons are what they are, they do what they do and say what they say, it's very direct and I love that". Dick Gaughan

Venue: Pleasance Cabaret bar at 20.00

£6, £7(conc), Members £5

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 08:55 AM

"Work in progress" on the duo's website.

In the meantime, please check out the duo here

http://www.myspace.com/67183782

Also, the site of the award winning Demon Barbers .....

http://www.thedemonbarbers.com/

English folk music at its best.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 01:03 PM

English folk music at its best?
Has it become a competition,what a ridiculous statement.
I agree they are a good duo,but statements like that are laughable.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 08:01 PM

I didn't say THEY were "the best".

My words were "English Folk Music at its best" which is an attempt to praise the genre rather than the performers.

Many people might wish to argue that English Folk Muisc needs all the praise it can get these days especially when you're trying to convince a Scottish audience!

So the intention was to convince the doubters that English Folk music is actually very worthy especially when performed by a duo of such high calibre.

So there.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 08:23 PM

so there?
who are these doubters?
if Scottish audiences have prejudices thats their problem
Ihave been singing English Traditional musicbefore Damien and M

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 08:34 PM

to continue
I was singing English Traditional Music before Damien and Mike were born.
I dont need you to tell me what is the best.
I would argue that English traditional music at its best is better represented by Bob Lewis and jeff wesley.
however Mike wilson and Damien Barber are a good act and worth going to see

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 08:36 PM

Well, I'm sure if you were appearing instead it would also be English Folk Music "At its best".....   :-))

I really wasn't meaning to imply that the duo were better than everybody else....just that the music was "up there" with the best.

If you still want to continue to be pedantic, I'll discuss if further in the morning. I'm retiring to bed forthwith... zzzzzzzzzzzz

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: GUEST,Captain Swing
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 09:09 PM

Well I was singing English traditional songs before these guys were born as well, but it doesn't mean they can't do a better job than me.

Actually I can't stand DB and the Watersons don't do that much for me either.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 04:09 AM

bang goes any chance Captain Birdseye ever had of getting a gig at Edinburgh Folk Club ...

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Banjiman
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 04:30 AM

Support is from my good lady wife; Wendy Arrowsmith prior to her main guest gig at The Star in Glasgow the following night.

I like Damian Barber AND The Wilsons personally (as well as my wife!). I'd love to be there...... but someone has to babysit our little darlings.

Should be a great night.

Paul

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 05:30 AM

Thank you, Paul. We'll look forward to hearing Wendy.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 06:02 AM

I dont think I expressed any interest in playing at Edinburgh folk club,I have no wish to play there.
neither did I denigrate Damien Barber and Mike Wilson,neither did I suggest I was better than them.
Captain Swing,and his remarks have no connection with me ,or with my previous handle Captain Birdseye.
I just think over hypeing someone is a bad publicity move.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 06:08 AM

OK.

Then I'll just say....

There are better performers than Wilson and Barber playing English Folk music today. However, they are still worth going to see.

That'll draw in the crowds I'm sure. :-)

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 06:19 AM

rule no one never over hype
oh and for the record both Damien and Mike are good personal friends of mine.
still this all keeps the thread going.
anyone got any more childish comments to make about me.
http://www.dickmiles.com

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 06:31 AM

"rule no one never over hype"

Actually, that's something on which we both agree. However, compared to many other promotors and, indeed, what many artists frequently include in their own publicity I don't consider my comment to be particularly over the top. Besides, it wasn't meant in the context which you seem to have implied.

Anyway, as you say, it keeps the thread to the fore.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 11:10 AM

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Murray MacLeod - PM
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 04:09 AM

bang goes any chance Captain Birdseye ever had of getting a gig at Edinburgh Folk Club ...
this is hilarious, why anyone should think I want to come over from Ireland to play Edinburgh folk club is unfathomable,I have as many gigs as I want.
and would prefer to be left to make up my own mind where I wish to play,Edinburgh might have very good haggis,but that is not a temptation enough in itself,thankyou.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 12:16 PM

Good grief, Schweik.

Did you get up on the wrong side of life or something?

I think I'm well qualified to talk about grumpiness, as I have been accused of grumping for Scotland, but even so, I doff my hat to you. Your responses in this thread have been magnificently crabbit.

And for someone who says "Damien and Mike are good personal friends", I must say you've not done a great job of promoting them. I hope they are the good (and understanding) friends that you take them for - I don't think I'd be very pleased with a "good personal friend" who torpedoed a post promoting a gig of mine in a similar manner.

Still...

Wednesday 24th February, eh?

Should be a good night!

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 12:59 PM

grumpiness is my speciality.
Ihave done an excellent job of promoting them because I speak the truth,Damien is a good guitarist and concertina player and Mike is a good singer,they were recntly entered for some award something to do with smooth ops,to their credit they didnt win it,which probably means they are very good, because the judges were probably comedians like mike harding who know very little about traditional music ,but specialise in professional lancashire man and tosspot/hotpot humour

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Dita
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 10:57 AM

"mike harding who know very little about traditional music"

A bit harsh methinks, GSS.

On the few times I met him in the 70's and 80's I found him very informed indeed on his local traditions. He is a fine and much underrated songwriter, and probably the best of the English "story tellers" who played the folkclubs and concerts at that time.

I know it's fashionable to knock him since he took over "Folk on 2", but I thought you were above that.

As for that outburst about why would you wan't to play EFC, I'm left thinking why on earth would anywone want to go and listen to that miserable old bugger, anywhere.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 12:54 PM

http://www.dickmiles.com

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: GUEST,Steel Shillelagh
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 01:30 PM

Dick Miles isn't above anything!

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: GUEST,Rapparee
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 01:46 PM

Like Edinburgh we won't be booking Dick Miles either.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 02:20 PM

In fairness, Dick has never sought a booking with us to my knowledge. Not recently, anyway.

If and when the time comes, I'm sure that we will be impartial enough to make the decision based on his musical qualities and the other usual criteria as opposed to any perceived personality issues.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 05:10 PM

...rule no. 1, never over- hype ...

some people might construe printing a link to one's website (not once , but twice) in a thread which is not specifically about one, as verging on "over-hyping" ...

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 07:53 PM

OK, this thread is supposed to be about Mike Wilson and Damien Barber, who will be appearing in Edinburgh Wednesday, 24th February 2010.

Please stick to the topic of discussion. Subsequent off-topic messages will be deleted.

Thanks.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 06:21 AM

Damien Barber/MikeWilson who will be appearing in Edinburgh Wednesday, 24th February 2010 represent English Folk music at its best.
   OK folks are you happy now?

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 08:44 AM

That's more or less what I meant and if I'd phrased it that way in the first instance there might have been less misunderstanding.
:-))

Anyway, we look forward to seeing as many of you along tomorrow night as can manage. It will be a very enjoyable night, I'm sure. I'm also loking forward to hearing the support spot from Wendy Arrowsmith.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 10:08 AM

Thanks for the voice of sanity, Joe Offer - Damien and Mike have never failed to disappoint me during the many times I've seen then, and the evening - for those who wish to come (and let's face it we are not aiming to *force* anybody), a good time will doubtless be had. I for one am thankful that 'English Folk Music' (never thought that phrase and its related adjectives could provoke such a futile lot of bickering) is in good hands with Damo and Mike. Hope to see some of you there with good spirits!

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Banjiman
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 11:44 AM

I hope the snow hasn't stopped this?

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:17 PM

The weather hasn't been great but it's just rain where I am. I don't think it's snowing in Edinburgh itself either although there's some on Arthur's Seat which although nearby is much higher up.

Hopefully, the weather won't put people off coming along. There's no excuse for Edinburgh residents but conditions may be worse in surrounding areas.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 01:06 PM

give mike and damien my regards,and my apologies for not coming,but its a bit far from west cork.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Banjiman
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 01:13 PM

Not talking to Wendy then Dick? LoL!

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Johnny J
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 02:26 AM

It was a very enjoyable evening although the boys deserved to get a bigger crowd. I enjoyed Wendy's songs too,

In my opinion, B & W are extremely talented and have a very relaxed and engaging stage presence. Lots of dry humour too.

Dick, I'm afraid that I missed your post prior to departure although I can inform you that your name was certainly mentioned on more than one occasion. I should add too that it was done so with affection and good humour.

:-)

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: GUEST,Ian Burdon (cookieless)
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 11:50 AM

Agreed John, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening

Ian

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 01:44 PM

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: GUEST,Steel Shillelagh - PM
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 01:30 PM

Dick Miles isn't above anything!
not correct , i would refuse to play for the BNP.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 02:15 PM

you forgot to post the URL for your website, Dick ...

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 03:35 PM

no Murray,I did not forget.

I had no intention of posting it.

Subject: RE: Mike Wilson and Damian Barber, Edinburgh
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 05:52 PM

refresh