Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 04:09 PM

Now folk music is the preserve of the urban elite

I think you've missed 'neoliberal' from your stereotypical characterisation. Try doing some further listening, eh?

As for "the highlight of my young life" that you mention, you simply remind me of Tony Capstick

We'd lots o' things in them days they 'aven't got today - rickets, diptheria, Hitler...

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: akenaton
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 04:05 PM

To Morris-ey I would say that the songs and tunes that fuelled the revival incorporated to a large extent the lives and deeds of men and women long dead but not forgotten ....there has to be an historical dimension to folk music or it becomes only another branch of the entertainment industry.

I'm well over 70 but the stuff being produced today under the guise of folk music will be forgotten before I finally lay down my tools.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,DTM
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 04:04 PM

"I don't believe the young people now carrying on the tradition really give a fuck about what old farts think - not least because the old farts will be dead and forgotten soon enough."

An ideal place to start .... if the plan is to re-invent the wheel. ;-)

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: akenaton
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 03:36 PM

This music whether trad or contemporary is supposed to be about emotion, it is supposed to instil emotion in the audience, be it a house of hundreds or person to person......I have seen performers bring a rowdy hall to absolute silence just by striking their guitar strings for an intro.....these people were legends adored by the folk public yet thought nothing of sitting in the bar chatting or going on bender with the locals. They loved to get the audience involved, I know its a cliché, but the hair really did stand up on the back of your neck.......The produce of the folk academies and the awards circuit couldn't provoke emotion in a nursing mother, it's just a sound an interminable drone fast or slow......they haven't lived it.
You've got to have lived it or lived among it to really understand it. The highlight of my young life was the weekly village concert under the oil lamps, all that could sing or play contributed, we were all half starved and worn out by back breaking work, but the music was the glue that bonded us together.    Gone forever!

Now folk music is the preserve of the urban elite they are getting the music they deserve.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 02:17 PM

Is the folk world not big and inclusive enough to house both the down to earth weekly folk club with their residents and jobbing singers as well as the glitz of the awards and famous names? Does anyone on here really think that the rock and pop world is all big names and fame? I reckon for every big name in any genre there are thousands who are just like the floor singers at your local club. It is only the famous who get noticed and purely on that score it has to be a good thing to give the folk world the kind of platform that everyone sees. In my opinion of course.

DtG

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 01:06 PM

in the end....who can tell. even with Trump in charge ....the end may not be insight!

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Will Fly
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 12:53 PM

I'm afraid, Morris-ey, that I regard your summing up of the scene as very silly and superficial.

If you think that age is an indicator of vitality, vigour, enthusiasm, professionalism, skill, modernity, etc., etc., you're beating a path to nowhere.

As for your sour grapes theory - my arse! It's not a question of whether these awards and their ceremonies, or any other awards, are crap or not - it's that, however "worthy" they aim to be, I genuinely think such things just don't count for much in the end.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,John from Kemsing
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 12:51 PM

Picking up on Mo the Callers post,I`m missing something, I see no nominations for ceilidh bands, step/clog dancers or Morris sides who all are vital to the "Folk" world!

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,Morris-ey
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 12:26 PM

I don't believe the young people now carrying on the tradition really give a fuck about what old farts think - not least because the old farts will be dead and forgotten soon enough.

It is sour grapes really, is it not? Well, I was never nominated for any award so it must be crap? Yeah, right.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: akenaton
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 12:10 PM

Well we've all heard of them, but that doesn't stop them being bland and boring.....I have a huge collection of vinyl LPs from the heyday of this music, Bothy Ballads, Irish,Scottish and English Trad, Some of the better writers from the 80's and 90's, but I honestly cant get enthusiastic about any of the new generation. The guts has gone out of the music it now seems to be controlled by an elite....you've all heard them, talking shit.....they are as far away from "the people" as you can get......they haven't a fucking clue about what makes the music so special.
It just makes me sad that the "beige" is enveloping everything.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 10:37 AM

I cannot see that anyone even on the fringes of the folk world would not have heard most of the people on there.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: David Carter (UK)
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 09:30 AM

I agree with Allan that some of the nominees are far from obscure, in addition to his list John McSherry, is well known and well respected in many circles. Maybe its because he does other, innovative things in addition to playing traditional music that some on here are not keen.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 03:09 AM

"I contacted various people last year to make a case for the awards being made here in Hull to fit in with our being the UK's City of year of Culture for 2017."

Considering how far in advance the RAH would need to be booked I suspect that you were already a year late in making the suggestion.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 12:39 AM

BBC AND SMOOTH OPERATIONS PRESENT BBC RADIO 2 FOLK AWARDS

Royal Albert Hall, London Wednesday 5 April 2017, Doors: 6:30pm Starts: 7:15pm

Radio 2's Folk Awards is one of the jewels in the network's musical calendar, and is now in its 18th year. Alongside the announcement of the winners by an array of guest presenters, there will also be live performances from new and established artists including Al Stewart, Afro Celt Sound System and Billy Bragg.

The event will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 and will be available online via the Radio 2 website. It will also be available to watch afterwards on the BBC iPlayer and the Red Button service.

Expect very special collaborations, and magical musical moments, from some of the most exciting artists in the folk world.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Feb 17 - 12:33 AM

"its a bit like being a lesbian - it gives some people pleasure."
but no good if you are a man, lesbianism is exclusive, its no fun if you are a man.

if the last forty odd years have taught me anything - its that i've been excluded from the folk scene.

fuck   'em! i'm still alive, still make music, made a living most of my life from it. still working at my guitar playing and songwriting, still appreciated in most places as a skillful performer most times when i pick up my guitar.


so they exclude people. so what! its their call. its their football - they choose to put the goal posts where they want . live with it.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 12 Feb 17 - 07:07 PM

Does anyone know where the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards are being presented this year? I contacted various people last year to make a case for the awards being made here in Hull to fit in with our being the UK's City of year of Culture for 2017. I got a positive initial response from the EFDSS and from the Hull-based organizers of the 2017 events, but I have heard nothing for a long time. I was hoping that having the awards made here in Hull might provide a platform for the city to celebrate the achievements of the Waterson family and some of the other great singers who lived in Hull in the 60's and 70's.But I guess the awards are to come from somewhere else?

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Feb 17 - 06:48 PM

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Big Al Whittle - PM
Date: 12 Feb 17 - 05:10 PM

"its a bit like being a lesbian - it gives some people pleasure."
but no good if you are a man, lesbianism is exclusive, its no fun if you are a man.
"I opened this thread hoping to learn a little more about the nominees and why they deserved it"
then you must be naive, do you expect to learn about gardening when you pick up the bible?

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 12 Feb 17 - 05:10 PM

its a bit like being a lesbian - it gives some people pleasure.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Mo the caller
Date: 12 Feb 17 - 03:46 PM

Well my expertise is dance, not song. I do listen to the Folk Programme, and the nominations are a recommendation to someone who knows little.
I opened this thread hoping to learn a little more about the nominees and why they deserved it.
A local duo won a well deserved Young Folk Award a few years back - was pleased for them (and glad that they got time off school to collect it!)

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 12 Feb 17 - 03:30 PM

Al Stewart, lifetime award. About time. He's been producing since mid sixties. I wish him well. I used to watch him in Les Cousins when I was a yoof. He inspired me ( along with many others)

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 08:00 PM

Mo the caller, go on comment,no one is stopping you, why do you expect everyone else to comment.
my opinion is this, Commenting on other professionals is not compulsory, but in my opinion it is not professional to do so, now you comment away, but please dont start ordering others to comment.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Allan Conn
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 05:53 PM

It surprised me that someone soaked in British folk music would never have heard of the likes of Kris Drever who is a long, well established and one of the better known folk artist on the Scottish scene or for that matter the likes of John McCusker who again is a weel kent figure. Breabach are a pretty well known group here too though maybe not as well known as Drever. Likewise the Songs Of Separation album has been pretty high profile and features the likes of Karine Polwart, Eliza Carthy and Mary Macmaster. So these are not obscure figures. Plus I'd say that if you don't know Daoiri Farrell's work then it is maybe at least worth giving the Irishman a listen before he's dismissed as being not worthy of a listen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPI_tHNjS78

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Mo the caller
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 04:11 PM

Can we have some comments on the nominations please.
They have done their best - produced music for us, and all we can do is ignore them and argue about the awards.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: akenaton
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 09:42 AM

"Whaddam I Like??".......someone who's bang on the button and funny with it!

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,DTM
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 09:19 AM

The BBC could just as easy give more exposure to folk artists by having more programmes featuring them. My point is that there is no reason to make artists competitive. That's not what folk music is about IN MY OPINION.
Please leave all this 'Awards' stuff to the movie makers and pop charts, etc. It's cringeworthy.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,Jim Knowledge
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 08:49 AM

I `ad that Stuart McPoney in my cab the other day. `e was carrying loads of "Melody Maker" back numbers `ed borrowed from the Fleet Street library. I could see the tell tale signs of best bitter on `em.
I said, " Morning Stew, you looking to find out where all the good old folk clubs were then?"
`e said "Nah Jim, we`re trying to widen the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards with more categories and I`m just looking anywhere for some ideas."
I said, "Oh yeah. What you got in mind then?"
`e said, "Well so far we`re thinking of `oo can play the most notes in three`n`arf minutes, `oo can play in the most keys in one set, which bloke can sound most like a girl, which girl can sound most like a bloke, `oo can play loudest and my latest idea, `oo can take a folk song and completely spoil it with too many instrumentalists!!"


Whaddam I Like??

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Vic Smith
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 08:41 AM

Will Fly wrote:-
"I spent Monday evening MC'ing a folk night at the Brighton Acousic Session - with guests in their early 20s playing and singing and generally performing incredibly well."

I was there.
It was a great evening with a really wide range of ages there - twenties to eighties to my knowledge - and just as it should be in my opinion. This wide ranging capacity audience were attentive and enthusiastic. The talented young guests were a local duo in one half and a visitor from Hampshire in the other. The "prehistoric old man" who was compere was lively and amusing in his introductions and performed his song well. Two other relics from the Stone Age, my wife Tina and I, sang a song in both halves of the evening. at the end of the evening, I was cornered by one guest and Tina by another. They wanted to know the source of the (different) songs that we had sung as they wanted to consider learning it. Both old relics were amused discussing it afterwards by the young singers' enthusiasm and the fact that they were entering the song details on notepads on their phones.
It was a happy, rewarding occasion and I could detect nothing of the sad, ageist nonsense that Morris-ey displays in his post

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 08:24 AM

Interesting to discuss on mudcat but I wonder if any of the people involved are regulars here?

The Track Panel 2017 are:
Lynette Fay – Presenter, Folk Club (BBC Radio Ulster)
Alex Gallacher – Editor-in-Chief, Folk Radio UK
Frank Hennessy – Presenter, Celtic Heartbeat (BBC Radio Wales)
Jon Lewis – Producer, The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe (BBC Radio 2)
Bella Hardy – Musician and songwriter

The Young Folk Award judges 2017 are:
Andy Bell – Record producer and sound engineer
James Fagan – Musician
Steve Heap – Director, Towersey Festival and General Secretary, Association of Festival Organisers
Nancy Kerr - Musician
Kellie While – Producer, BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards

The Folk Awards Committee 2017 are:
John Leonard – Group Editorial Director, 7digital Creative (Chair)
Kellie While – Head of 7digital Creative
Al Booth – Editor Specialist Music, BBC Radio 2Mark Simpson – Producer, Bob Harris Show (BBC Radio 2)
Colin Irwin – Journalist and author



"The Voting Panel are asked to nominate up to 3 artists in each category. Nomination forms are sent out on 12th January 2017. The panel need to return their nominations by Tuesday 31st January 2017 to Smooth Operations. To avoid any possible conflict of interest, panellists are not permitted to nominate artists in whom they have a close professional interest. Managers, agents, publicists or record company members of staff are not allowed to vote for any artist(s) that they represent. The returned nominations are collated and the top four receiving the most nominations in each category are then listed on the voting form in Round Two."

One way of getting involved, next year? :
"The main Voting Panel is made up of 150 people. Panellists must have a professional or semi-professional connection to folk music and be reliably exposed to a wide range of folk, roots and acoustic music. This may include journalists, broadcasters, promoters, publishers, musicians, festival and folk club organisers, members of arts organisations, academics, publicists, agents and label and distribution company personnel. Membership of the Voting Panel is determined by the BBC & Smooth Operations and is reviewed every three years. You can apply to be on the panel by emailing your name, position and credentials to [e-mail] "

~~~~~
The programme is produced by Smooth Operations (7digital) ..."7digital fosters industry growth and innovation by simplifying access to music for clients such as Onkyo, Guvera, OpenLIVE, and The Overflow. From years of being the largest independent producer of programming for the BBC, launching Radioplayer in multiple territories, and powering services for partners like HMV, Panasonic and ROK Mobile, 7digital is perfectly positioned to lead innovation at the intersection of digital music and next-generation radio services."
Ok, this page makes them look a bit more cuddly "Our greatest strength is devising formats with enduring appeal, ranging from Radcliffe and Maconie's daily show on BBC Radio 6 Music, to our long-running associations with the Cambridge Folk Festival and industry-facing events such as the Radio Festival and the Radio Academy's prestigious award ceremony."
http://about.7digital.com/company/smooth-operations
~~~~~~~~~~~~
About Nick Barraclough & John Leonard - Smooth Operations , 2007
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/ubc-smooths-in-for-radio-deal-1118230

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Will Fly
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 08:10 AM

I have no problem with people performing whatever and however they want to perform - in any genre of music. People will either listen or they won't - I just don't think the awards business matters in the slightest.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: akenaton
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 08:06 AM

I've been involved even longer than the Good Soldier and agree with his views on the direction the music is taking. Folk music and dance has nothing to do with expertise, it has become all about marketing the product......I was attracted to the music for the emotional content especially audience participation .....the historical aspect was also very important, today it has become a search for a commercial sound which can be produced by "folk" instruments or singing in a faux accent to a reggae beat.

Disqualify the lot of them!!

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Will Fly
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 08:04 AM

Sorry, Morris-ey - simply not true.

I suppose you might call me an 'old geezer' as I'm 73 this year. I spent Monday evening MC'ing a folk night at the Brighton Acousic Session - with guests in their early 20s playing and singing and generally performing incredibly well.

One of the young performers is a regular at the monthly session in the White Horse in Ditchling - a very talented squeezer - and there are other vibrant sessions in the area which are populated with young musicians with whom it is a pleasure and a privilege to play.

No stereotyping, please. And, for your information - should you care - I have no truck with any awards system on any topic, or indeed the Honours system generally. Once again - just my viewpoint.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,Morris-ey
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 07:57 AM

What is a horror is the prehistoric attitudes of old men who won't understand the modern world and cling to some rose-tinted view of how folk used to be. The UK folk scene is vibrant despite the old and curmudgeonly and it is the old geezers who are out of touch with the scene today.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Vic Smith
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 07:36 AM

1] "this sort of ridiculous nonsense smacks of the pop world and should be stopped immediately. "
2] "These awards have nothing to do with maintaining a high standard at grass roots level, and are utterly meaningless. 
3] " it has no relevance to folk music,and should have no relevance to the UKfolk scene folk music is not pop music, it is not about the cult of personalities, it is about people being creative, and producing home made music for pleasure,whilst trying to maintain a good standard, it should not be about a star system that is dreamed up and perpetuated by promoters and agents and the media. 
4] "Commercialisation is a double edged sword, whilst it might introduce people to a comercialised form of folk music or occasionally a less commercuialised version it takes the music further from its roots, reducing its strength and vitality. 
5] "THE uk folk revival should have as a priority, the improvement and maintenance of standards at grass root level." 
6] "These awrds perpetuate a star syStem, in my opoinion this is not a priority." 

SHOCK! HORROR! Vic Smith agrees with SIX (6) statements made by Dick Miles in the same thread! He also agrees with Malcolm Storey but that is altogether less surprising.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 07:31 AM

Keep going Dick - at least after my previous post some like minds have surfaced.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 06:50 AM

THE uk folk revival should have as a priority, the improvement and maintenance of standards at grass root level
the provision of workshops is in my opinion a step in the right direction, Lewes folk club have been doing this for years, THIS IN MY OPINION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE RADIO 2 FOLK WARDS.
These awrds perpetuate a star syStem, in my opoinion this is not a priority.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Will Fly
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 06:36 AM

Oh Bonzo - you Naughty Boy!

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 06:29 AM

One highly commendable aspect of the BBC Folk Awards is that of a good guide to whom one doesn't want to listen to!!!

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 06:23 AM

introduction to performers can be obtained by clicking on you tube.or going to see them PLAYING MUSIC live.
"Whether competition culture is 'vital' in the sense of 'essential' is difficult to say because it's impossible to know how the music(s) would have developed without it".
let us take CCE and their competitions, their competitions are not essential[ where is Jim Carroll when we need him].The music is being played by people in ireland, and regional styles stillexist despite CCE AND THEIR EFFORTS TO PRODUCE A HOMEGEONISED STYLE.
CCE have, with their system of marking altered the tradition and discouraged regional styles.
these nominations do nothing to help improve standards at grass roots level, they merely provide certain performers[ who are generally non political and commercial the opportunity to furth their own careers or use the opportunity to use it as a launching pad into the pop or the rock music world, so they can earn more money]
Commercialisation is a double edged sword, whilst it might introduce people to a comercialised form of folk music or occasionally a less commercuialised version it takes the music further from its roots, reducing its strength and vitality.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Will Fly
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 06:10 AM

One writer says that he's never heard of any of the nominees. Ergo: Folk Awards a waste of time.

Another writer says that the Folk Awards introduce him to performers he's never heard of either. Ergo: Folk Awards are significant for introducing him to new performers.

What fun - make of it what you will. What I find interesting is that some seasoned posters here have never heard of all or some of the nominees. How did those performers get to the "eminence" of being nominated for a Folk Award if that's the case?

Hey - here's a thought: How about an award for all those giants of the folk scene - the people who keep the clubs and sessions going, year in, year out, often for lifetimes, with little compensation other than the sheer joy of doing it?

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Johnny J
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 06:07 AM

I've heard of most of them although they wouldn't necessarily all be my choice although some might be at a different time or in another category.

As Kenny says, we have them up here too. I used to get irritated by them but no more. As far as I'm concerned, I don't take such things that seriously and prefer to base my own likes and dislikes on what I've actually heard and experienced myself. Yes, pointers can also be useful especially for discovering new artists, music, material etc. However, these can come from a variety of sources. I don't have to be directed by "award nominations.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 05:28 AM

So banjoman,

So you've never heard of any of them, but have already concluded that they don't deserve an honour.

What commendable open mindedness.... Try using your ears for a bit.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 05:23 AM

I have to say that I disagree with the prevailing opinion here.

Whilst it's obviously true that they "prove nothing", they have a significance to me in that they introduce me to performers that I may not hear otherwise.

How can that be a bad thing?

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: banjoman
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 05:19 AM

I have been involved in "Folk Music for over 60 years always at grass roots level. Aside from Shirley Collins, I have never heard of any of those nominees listed and I agree totally with Dick. These awards mean little or nothing to the folk scene. I would rather see someone like her named in the next honours list for services to traditional music. I suppose there are many more who would qualify in that respect, but certainly not those nominated.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Will Fly
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 04:54 AM

I've said it many times before, whenever the question of the folk awards comes up - which it does regularly - but I may as well say it again.

I think they're a waste of space. And, let's be clear - the awards are not "competitions", in the sense that the participants compete directly against each other and are judged on that performance. The awards prove nothing and have no significance, apart from being just another showbiz bash.

Just my opinion, of course...

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 04:19 AM

I'm kind of with Dick on this, but these "awards" - and we have similar events in Scotland - exist, and they seem to be enjoyed by some [ many ? ] people. They are not in the least bit important to me, but I do allow others to have a different opinion.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: Allan Conn
Date: 11 Feb 17 - 04:14 AM

I would think that the one thing the BBC awards do give the music and musicians in question is a measure of exposure to a wider audience! Don't see that as a bad thing in itself. Re on the ground level at least here in the Scottish Borders competition is a part of the folk music world. For instance there are open competitions at both the Denholm Folk Festival and at the Border Gaitherin in Coldstream.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 10 Feb 17 - 08:58 PM

Poor old Dick ploughing a lone furrow as he so often does.

Why? I suppose it is because he is almost the only one either brave enough or with enough energy to defend what he believes to be true.

We sometimes have our differences but I am totally with Dick on this one.

I also know lots of people with a real interest in traditional music who would also agree with him but can't be bothered to get involved in the senseless diatribes that are invariably generated on such issues.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,Morris-ey
Date: 10 Feb 17 - 06:33 PM

GSS

My opinion is not fact, except it is a fact that it is my opinion. Your opinion is not fact, except it is a fact that it is your opinion.

Beyond that Folk Awards exist, like it or not.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: GUEST,RA
Date: 10 Feb 17 - 04:07 PM

Good Soldier Schweik - allow me to clarify. There is actually a secondary dictionary definition of the word 'vital', along the lines of 'full of life; energetic' (it says here). That's the kind of meaning of the word which I was aiming for, not 'vital' as in 'essential'.

Whether competition culture is 'vital' in the sense of 'essential' is difficult to say because it's impossible to know how the music(s) would have developed without it.

My own opinion, for what it's worth (which may or may not be very much) is that competition is only worthwhile if it's promoting valuable aspects of the music. Of course, what is 'valuable' about music is highly subjective, but for my part I'd rather competition encouraged things such as innovation rather than merely bolstering conservatism and enshrining orthodoxies - and whether the BBC Folk Awards is valuable in that regard is open for debate.

Subject: RE: Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 - Nominations
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Feb 17 - 02:32 PM

Cecil Sharp collected his first song from his gardener, and started on a massively important road to collecting avast volume of songs, no competition was needed.
how does that make these silly awards necessary.
the fact Grainger met joseph taylor, because he was singing in a competition does niot in any way justify this pantomime of an award ceremony, these awrds are nothing but a pantomime of tomfoolery