Subject: Windswept & Interesting - Billy Connolly
From:
Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Oct 21 - 03:40 PM
A few days ago, I found Billy's new book Windswept and Interesting on the kindle I keep my audiobooks. Apparently I ordered it months ago.
Of course the guys a comic genius - the best stand up comedy talent of our generation, but I suppose the autobiography is mainly of interest to us on Mudcat, because Billy is known to many of us as a product of the British folkscene.
And whilst I appreciate the fact that he is an entertainer(whether writing or performing) - I suppose it is this aspect that disappoints.
There is a lot of space given to his abusers Okay, but all of us have our detractors - they are nothing but a minus quantity in any of our lives. Theres even a few walk on parts for famous mates less we be in any doubt as to the extent of his success - these people aceept him as an equal.
The thing I loved about Connolly originally was what he took from the raconteurs and entertainers of the fokscene. The first time you heard -0 you were hearing the skills of Hamish Imlach, Alex Campbell, Derek Brimstone, Mike Harding - and to be honest your heart rejoiced because it was obvious of ours had made it. One of the guys that was better than the dross on Saturday night TV, Val Doonican, Rolf Harris, Dixon of Dock Green.
Even the musicians that he rubbed shoulders with and you KNOW and respected that he respected - they don't get a mention. He did that film Acoustic Routes about Bert Jansch, Wizz Jones etc. And I read somewhere that he had been a constant visitor of Bert in his failing guitar shop. Somehow he doesn't tell you much about their character - although there is a bit about Gerry Rafferty's fondness for practical jokes.
Anyways its a painless read - like I say he's an entertainer. I hope you enjoy it.
|
sj
