Help: New folk recruit

Subject: New folk recruit
From:
Date: 05 Sep 01 - 02:01 PM

I'm a relative newcomer to the world of folk and although I've become a firm fan of well known bands such as Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention and Pentangle, I am finding it hard to develop my knowledge of other related music. There's nothing more frustrating than being confronted with an array of artists and cd's in a record store without having any idea of what they're like. I'm particularly keen on traditional songs/jigs/reels , acoustic or electric. Can anyone give me any recommendations of bands and /or cd's which they think would interest me? any help would be appreciated

Many thanks

Subject: RE: Help: New folk recruit
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 01 - 02:18 PM

Hi Andy. Welcome to Mudcat!

I would suggest that you check the thread list for the last week (use the Age Filter box at the top of the thread list) to get a start. You will see not only a thread about CD's by Mudcatters, which will give you a good survey of folk material, but also threads about "Most Influential Folkie" and "Most Popular Folk Hits" and "Best Folk Singer." (Titles approximate.)

Then I would suggest looking at the "Digital Tradition" database (BIG blue search box, on most pages). There you will find a pull-down menu that lets you search by keywords, on song topics. If you pick a keyword from the list that interests you, and then look at the songs posted in the DT under that category, you will have started to fall in love with something specific about folk music.

Another good thread to search up is the "Basic Folk Library" thread, to find songbooks that have been recommended.

"Mudcat Radio" (top of page, teal-colored banner link) will lead you to a lot of good folk radio-- archived broadcasts. So you can hear lots of stuff and see what you like.

Finally, I would suggest you find the thread (Forum Filter search box, top of threads), titled "More Online Concerts!". There you will find links to a whole bunch of free, online, video-included concerts, and a link especially to search functions at the site mentioned there, that let you choose a genre, such as Folk.

If you do these things, not only will you discover a lot of great music, and maybe your own preferences, but you will also have learned a LOT about getting around Mudcat. And then, that will be a good time to look at the Mudcat FAQ thread, top of thread list, if you have not done so already.

Ask anyone around here for help-- the FAQ will tell you how members communicate behind-the-threads to do that.

Again, welcome!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Help: New folk recruit
From: Noreen
Date: 05 Sep 01 - 02:41 PM

Hi Andy, whereabouts are you? The eastern side of the pond somewhere, I imagine.

A good way to find out more would be to 'do' a few festivals, where you'll get the chance to hear many different paid performers, as well as amateurs in singarounds and sessions; then discuss your likes and dislikes with knowledgeable souls such as you will find here at the Mudcat.

Also, find out about your local folk clubs, and go and see as many guests as you can: you'll find different clubs may book different genres of performers, and you may well get involved more closely in a club which books the sorts of acts you like.

Last but not least, get yerself to a mudcat gathering, where you will hear all sorts of 'real' music being played, mostly acoustic, by people who love the music and would be delighted to share it with one such as you who wants to know more.

You've come to the right place!

(Look out for Little Johnny England whose music owes a lot to Fairport and your other loves, and of course the great Sir Richard Thompson... but you didn't need telling that, I hope... :0)

I'll look out some CD details that may interest you, and maybe some links to internet sound clips.)

Noreen

Subject: RE: Help: New folk recruit
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Sep 01 - 04:04 PM

Take a moment to visit this site where you can listen to whole CD's by some great artists. It's a great way to sample a few.

Also, please visit the Mudcat Auction and Record Shop where you can buy all kinds of CD's and even compile a wish list.

Also, if you click on the fish jumping out of the banjo logo which says support the Mudcat, you will see links to various places to buy CD's with a % going to the nonprofit Mudcat.

AND, when you decide what ones you'd like, you could also check with Dick Greenhaus of the DigiTrad databse at Camsco Music and/or Sandy Paton, also a Mudcatter, at Folk Legacy Records.

Welcome to the Mudcat. Enjoy!

kat

Subject: RE: Help: New folk recruit
From: JenEllen
Date: 05 Sep 01 - 04:46 PM

Sorry gals, but my advice is the exact opposite. GET OFF THE COMPUTER!!!

Read, read, read. Borrow music from your library, your friends, whoever. Read liner notes. Who are the people you like influenced by? Chances are you'll like that too. Folks are always dropping names, check those people out. Get out, go for a walk, and find a dingy hole-in-the-wall record store and ask the guy/gal behind the counter, storehouses of useless knowledge waiting to be tapped, and they are free. What bands do you already enjoy? And who is on the same label? Smaller labels tend to have listener-compatible folks, you might like them too. Go to festivals, sessions, clubs, hear what people play and if you hear something you like, ask the participants about it. Go man go.

When you are too tired to go anymore, come back and tell us all about it. Welcome to the Mudcat!!!

~J

Subject: RE: Help: New folk recruit
From:
Date: 05 Sep 01 - 05:38 PM

I kind of agree with JenEllen a little. Only partially though. Research on the web, but to get a feel for what you like, the best thing you could do would be to check locally to see who plays what around town.

For information on who IS in town, check the local music stores which sell instruments. They can help advise on local happenings.

Start there.

Subject: RE: Help: New folk recruit
From: Noreen
Date: 05 Sep 01 - 07:03 PM

Hey, Oh Queen JenEllen, *I* said that! Festivals, clubs, 3D mudcat gatherings... so ner! :0)

Subject: RE: Help: New folk recruit
From: JenEllen
Date: 05 Sep 01 - 07:23 PM

Oh dear, a thousand apologies to the guacamole princess!!! Well then, it looks like we were BOTH right! *bg*
Queen Jen of the Avacado Amazons

Subject: RE: Help: New folk recruit
From: John P
Date: 06 Sep 01 - 12:25 AM

If you like Steeleye Span, Pentangle, and Fairport, try:
Martin Carthy
Malicorne
The John Renbourn Group
Alan Stivell
Kornog
Llan de Cubel
Muzsikas
Garmarna
Hedningarna
The House Band
Watterson/Carthy
The English Country Band
The Tannahill Weavers
Planxty
Brass Monkey
The Bothy Band
Fernhill
Frifot
La Bottine Souriente
Capercaille
La Bamboche
Gwerz
Skolvan
Den

Good Luck,
John Peekstok