Paul Carter

Subject: Paul Carter
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 03 Oct 12 - 04:15 AM

I am surprised that no mention has been made on Mudcat regarding the recent death of Paul Carter. In the '60's Paul was active in helping both Topic and Collector records issue a number of very important albums. It was thanks to Paul that Topic issued "The Willett Family" album and the solo Phoebe Smith album - two albums that certainly showed me where to look for folksongs. He also recorded Sarah Makem and Paddy Tunney in Ireland and Jeannie Robertson from Scotland - the latter recordings being made when Jeannie was visiting London, I think. Paul was also behind a number of other vital albums, Topic's "Iron Muse" for example, and the Bert Lloyd album of songs from the Penguin book of English folksongs.
At the time Paul was married to Angela Carter, the writer, but following their divorce he seemed to withdraw from recording work. It may be that over the years his name has rather faded from sight, and that, if it is the case, is a great shame. We all owe Paul a great deal of thanks for what he did - at a time when there was little interest in recording traditions singers and their music - and I only hope that he will now get the recognition that he so greatly deserves.

There is a short obituary on the Musical Traditions web site.

Subject: RE: Paul Carter
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 03 Oct 12 - 07:03 AM

Dear Mike,
Thank You, albeit a sad thanks, for the news about Paul Carter. I had no idea that he had died, though lack of his name in folk music circles caused me to wonder. I owe Paul a huge debt for the advice and encouragement he gave me in my fledgling folk days. I was running the Cardiff Folksong Club, the first if S.Wales, and Paul came over several times,often recommending singers I had not heard of at that time. Once at my invitation he came to give a 'tape and talk' evening using his recordings of traditional singers as illustrations. It was a memorable evening.
I went over to Bristol quite often to sing at his club at The Bear, in Hotwells Road, gaining valuable experience and good advice in so doing. I bought every record that had his name upon it,and was thus able to hear some traditional greats. I agree with you that 'we all owe Paul a great deal of thanks for what he did...' RoyH.

Subject: RE: Paul Carter
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Oct 12 - 04:21 AM

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