New Folk Programme in Manchester 2

Subject: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Alio
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 08:09 AM

Thought the 1st one was getting a bit unwieldy so I've started a 2nd.

The GOOD news is that my programme is continuing, so thanks for all the brill messages sent to me and GMR - they've obviously worked.

I'm not allowed as yet to say when the new programme will be - it can't be Tuesdays 7.00 - 8.00 as the football is returning quite soon. As soon as they've informed the presenter who's losing part of their show I can pass the inforamtion on.

Thanks again for your support,
Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: GUEST,Val
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 08:41 AM

That's excellent news - should anyone want to send you press releases etc, could you just give out the name of the programme and the station address (postal) please. Do you have an email address for the station too? Could you post that too please?

Many thanks

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: GUEST,Vince
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 08:45 AM

Great news, congrats Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Alio
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 09:31 AM

Thanks Val and Vince - the address is BBC GMR, Oxford Road, Manchester, M60 1SD. My email is [e-mail]. There's probably a general email, but I don't know it. The boss is Steve Hartley, so his address would be [e-mail] I guess.

Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 10:01 AM

Nice one, Ali...I finally manage to beat Mark to refreshing the old thread and you start a new one!!! *grin*

Excellent news about the show and we're looking forward to tonights interview with Eric Bogle.

Love........Harry and Sara.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: songs2play
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 10:10 AM

Congrats Ali,
I'll be listening to your show on the wireless again tonight.

I hope they give you a good time slot, BUT, I do hope they won't take off any of Noddy Holder's show, It's good, but then again not as good as yours.♥
If you happen to mention Joan Blackburn's Wigan Folk Club on Tuesdays and Thursday nights for singarounds, the website is wiganfolkclub.co.uk Me being the humble webmaster. It has a copy and archives of Joan's Folkal Point and many pictures of the Regulars at the Club.
Best Wishes, Leighton.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 10:25 AM

That's fantastic news Ali. Hopefully it's in a convenient slot that doesn't clash with any other folk programme on the airwaves because we all listen to the other programmes don't we! Looking at the schedules I haven't got a clue where it's likely to be put.

General email address for GMR is [e-mail]
Website schedule page is here :
GMR Website
Switchboard phone number is 0161 200 2000

Harry - I was going to refresh the thread this morning but seen you'd got up before me. As long as someone keeps the nation informed.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Alio
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 12:47 PM

Songs2play - how did you manage to put that lovely red heart on? I could tell you when it's going to be, but at the moment I'm not allowed to. Not knowing what your tastes are, I can't say if you'll be devastated or delighted!!

Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: songs2play
Date: 16 Jul 03 - 02:50 AM

Ali, I stole the heart from Noreen, and have given it to you (but don't tell Noreen) :0)
I listened to your show last night, again I did really enjoy it. Thanks very much for mentioning the web site and our "Guiding Light" Joan Blackburn - it was much appreciated.
My tastes in music are to say the least varied, but I think the common denominator would be the acoustic guitar. Ranging form country blues from the likes of Blind Blake and Mississippi John Hurt, back in the 1920's/30's, through the 60's/70's when I picked up my first guitar and played along to my heros like Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, Ralph McTell, and The Hennesseys. Nowadays there is so much good acoustic music around it's difficult not to say that I enjoy it all.

My one failing is probably not being a great lover of the "finger in the ear fol-de-rol" type of music. I hope that was diplomatically put.

Your show is the ideal listening post for different artists to be "sampled" by the likes of myself, and I normally have a pen ready to make a note of new ones that strike a chord.
Sorry if I've gone on a bit - But keep up the good work and again Congratulations on the news that the show is being continued.
♥Leighton (aka songs2play)

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Alio
Date: 16 Jul 03 - 07:57 AM

I can now reveal that the show will be on Mondays from 8.00 - 9.00p.m., so I'm quite happy with that, particularly as it follows GMR The Parlour which is Irish music. Hopefully followers of that programme will stay tuned to Sounds of Folk! The change over starts week beginning August 11th.

Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 16 Jul 03 - 01:10 PM

That's not a bad spot at all - could have been worse. I can set the tape going before I go out to the folk club at Parbold and listen to it when I get back. Pity Gerald Jackson's show had to be cut in half - he plays some good stuff if you like music from the 1930's onwards - but I believe his programme was a fill in between something else (football probably) and the response was so good they kept it going.

Now send your emails to the station manager thanking him for a good decision.

[e-mail]

Mark

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 16 Jul 03 - 02:07 PM

Couldn't be a better time slot Ali..should get even more listeners!

:0)

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 17 Jul 03 - 03:05 PM

Never yet seen anyone stick a finger in their ear....

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: songs2play
Date: 18 Jul 03 - 02:33 AM

Probably the long hair hiding it Harry.......

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Barb'ry
Date: 18 Jul 03 - 05:58 AM

Congratualtions Ali! You're doing a fantastic job - even if I can only get reception by sitting in my car! See you at the weekend
Lots of love
Barbara

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 03:27 AM

Your weekly reminder to tune it to BBC GMR on 95.1 and 104.6FM tomorrow night at 7-00pm and listen to "Sounds of Folk" with a (hopefully) vocally recovered Ali O'Brien and the guest who I think is Anthony John Clarke (I'm sure Ali will correct me on this if it's somebody else)
Ali - who have you got on over the next few weeks?

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 03:59 AM

Just looked at the Railway & Linnet (Open Door folk club) thread and it looks like Harry and Bernard are doing their bit on the show tonight. - Have fun chaps, we'll be listening.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Bernard
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 05:35 AM

We'll be there! Pin back yer lug 'oles!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Alio
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 07:48 AM

Yes, it's Harry and Bernard tonight (and my Geoff on standby if my voice gives up completely!) I was told over the weekend that I could make a fortune,as it sounds like a 0898 number (have i got that right?)

Anthony John is on the show next week, and the following week I thought I'd play back to back music again as I did a few weeks ago.

Wish me luck tonight!
Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: songs2play
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 08:08 AM

Good Luck Ali, I'll give you my lucky heart.
♥

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: John Routledge
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 09:06 AM

Ali - I trust you have a Bernard proof sound-man.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Bernard
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 04:30 PM

Well done, Ali - the throat was gaining in strength towards the end!

Sorry about the hiccup in my song - what they call a 'senior moment', I believe!! ;^)) I resisted the temptation to have the words in front of me... ho hum!

The Geoff and Ali 'musical chairs' double act was something to behold! A pity it wasn't television!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: songs2play
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 02:46 AM

Another cracking show Ali, I must admit the voice was very sensual.

"Hiccup" Bernard ? Never, I thought it was one of them Instrumental Interludes. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: GUEST,Vince
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 03:40 AM

Nice show alison; good interview with Bernard and Harry. Glad to hear you're a Roy Harper fan Harry (and the string band). Hope to get to he 'Railway and Linnet' as its a bit nearer to my home than the Bull's Head.

Looking forward to the new slot for Sounds of Folk - good time and start date, my birthday!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 03:45 AM

Glad you enjoyed it, Songs...it was pretty chaotic last night...Ali and Geoff had to do a certain amount of chair-swopping so he could take over for the diary dates to give poor Ali's voice a rest. I meant to mention the great contribution to the folk scene that ALL club organisers make...the clubs still fulfil a very important purpose...but I got sidetracked.

It was fun...a wee bit nerve-wracking but quite an experience.

Cheers, Ali for inviting us onto the programme.

All the best............Harry.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 04:03 AM

Hi, Vince....yes, Harper, Al Stewart, Robin Williamson - - wonderful stuff and great storytellers all!

And I think Geoff rose manfully to the task with the Diary Dates so well done to him!

Cheers..........Harry.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Alio
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:44 AM

My daughter texted me to ask if it was now the "Ali and Geoff Show"!! He did pretty well, didn't he?

I've got Anthony John Clarke coming in tomorrow - I'm looking forward to seeing him again. During September I've confirmed Strawhead and Lancahire Voices (Chris from Strawhead and Derek Gifford)so those should be interesting interviews. Before Hull weekend I thought I'd do a maritime week for a change.

Looking forward to the change to Monday - Happy Birthday for the 11th Vince!

Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: VIN
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:26 AM

Thank Ali, good luck wi t'morrows show with A J Clarke & Strawhead (fresh from their success at S/worth). P'raps when your voice is back in full fettle you could give a song!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: VIN
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 12:04 PM

Hi agin Ali. I've just had a thought for a possible future guest on your programme....Hughie Jones! Reckon it would be fascinating to here him talk of the owd days (and present 'scene' etc). I was always a great fan of the Spinners who, though successful, got some pretty unjustifiable stick from some quarters of the 'orthodox' folk fraternity during their career. The first time i saw em was at the Free Trade Hall, probably in the late sixties and i think they more than anyone turned me on to folk music (they were the only group, i reckon, that could turn the FTH into a folk club!). They brought our 'traditional', and some contempory, music to a lot of people who otherwise would probably never have known it existed. A task that is still difficult to day which is why your programme is so important.

Sorry did i go off on one then.........best regards

Vince

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 12:35 PM

Harry - Ali's beaten both of us to it this week!

I can only echo what Vin has said above about the Spinners. If it wasn't for certain groups and individuals then we probably wouldn't have a folkscene as we know it today. How many folk groups had a regular television series on the box year after year bringing the music into people's homes and hopefully making them go out and look for places to listen to the music. Hughie Jones was a guest recently at our club at Rainford and it was one of the best nights of singing we've had for a long time coupled with the tales that Hughie was telling us.
Other people in the same mould would be the Ian Campbell folk group, Ewan MacColl, The Fivepenny Piece, The Houghton Weavers, The Yetties and maybe others from around the country - maybe not the type of groups that died in the wool folkies would admit to liking but certainly people who brought the music we like to the masses. What would we give to have not only a radio show but a TV show as well dedicated to local folk music. Those days are gone I'm afraid because TV executives aren't interested in it anymore - it doesn't bring the ratings in. I'd love to see a programme like "Ballad of the North West" made again

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 03:12 PM

And I'll second that, Mark.....


Cheers.......Harry.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Bernard
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 03:34 PM

Hear, hear!!

It would be particularly good to see/hear my old mates, the Yetties, though it may be logistically difficult! It may be necessary to record the interview as they are passing through to one of their regular Scottish gigs...

BTW, good to see you at the Open Door last night, Mark!

Okay, okay, good to see you, too, Harry, before you have a sulk!!

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 05:57 PM

Of course it was nice to see me, Bernard...but you see me every week...What on earth are you going on about?

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Alio
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 06:00 AM

Good idea about Hughie Jones Vince - I'll get in touch with him.

Re my singing - I don't want to frighten all my llisteners!!

Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: VIN
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 06:09 AM

Re your singing Ali - aw go on, go on, go on! Be great if you can get Hughie on the programme (hey and maybe at next years Saddleworth fest.......with Mick Groves.....Tony Davis.....kind of a one off re-union....??? Cliff's in Oz i belive). Think i'm bein a bit too ambitious there eh?

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 06:22 AM

Ali

As we're in suggestion mode, is there any chance of persuading Peter Bond to come into the studio for a chat about his songs sometime? I know he doesn't do gigs any more but his songs still get sung (by me at least!)

Cheers

Mark

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Alio
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 07:32 AM

Don't actually know him.

By the way, one of my listeners called in after the show to request a song from Mike Canavan. I haven't got anything with him on - does anyone know where I could get a CD featuring him? Last time I saw him was June when he did a fundraiser for Saddleworth Festival with John Howarth and a multitude of others - it was good to hear him again.

Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: VIN
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 08:27 AM

Ali, do you remember John Howarth mention the 'Legplaiters' on your programme t'other week. They, and chums, have a crackin double cd out that they recorded in Ireland and Mike Canavan is on that. Here's some info on the cd from the Oldham Tinkers web site which is www.oldhamtinkers.com

The Legplaiters Ceilidh Band
The Legplaiters are a group of musicians who play each Monday night at the Joiners Arms, a pub in Middleton near Manchester. This is an open session of traditional Irish, Scottish and Lancashire folk music and song. Five of these musicians, namely, Martin Lynott (Fiddle), Pete Fitzpatrick (Piano accordion), Mike Canavan (Guitar, Whistle and vocals), Billy Hindle (Guitar and vocals), and Ian Sidebotham (Banjo, Guitar and vocals), play for ceilidhs' under the name of the Legplaiters Ceilidh Band.
The album was recorded by another Oldham Tinker, Dave Howard at his studio in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.
We have dedicated the CD to Dave Weatherall who played the concertina and sang with the band until ill health forced him to take a back seat. We took great pleasure and enjoyment in creating these tracks and hope that this enjoyment is felt by the listener.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 03:32 PM

Hi, Ali.....

      I've got a copy of Mike's album 'Some Songs' on vinyl if that;s any use?

      As regards Hughie I quite agree with Vin as regards the Spinners influence and hughie's a very talented guy..'Ellan Vannin' is still a great song but he does get quite a bit of attention from Radio Merseyside and also Lancashire Drift from time to time (he's a good friend of Jan Lardner).


Cheers.Harry.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 06:14 PM

By the way, Ali.....Peter Bond, besided being an excellent performer/songwriter in his own right did some pretty good stuff with Bill Caddick and Tim Laycock...Mark's suggestion is well worth looking at.

Cheers.........Harry.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Alio
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 04:45 AM

Thanks you two - I have got the Legplatters CD at home, so I'll have to take a better look at it, and play a track next week. That will please John Howarth anyway!

And I know I've got a contact number for Hughie Jones somewhere, so I'll look that up also.

Ali

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 05:21 AM

Ali
I can put you in touch with Peter Bond if you wish. I saw him last year at the Four Fools festival after about 17 years absence from the folk scene. He teaches guitar at a school which is one of the reasons he doesn't go out anymore but he was persuaded to do a couple of numbers when he came into the "meet" Tim Laycock and Mark Dowding (who?) session. Clive Pownceby can be very persuasive! It was good to see him after so many years.
He may not want to do it of course, but we can but ask him.

I enjoyed last night's show with AJC - I must try and get to one of his gigs sometime.

Cheers

Mark

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 02:42 PM

Mike Canavan's 'Knocker Upper Man' certainly features on the aforementioned Legplaiters CD.

Come to think of it it'd be nice to hear something from Jolly Jack as well....

Cheers.......Harry,

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 02:53 PM

Talking of Mike Canavan - he's the guest at the White Lion, Swinton this coming Monday!

See you there?

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 07:20 PM

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: GUEST,Peter Hood
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 07:41 PM

It's good to hear the old stuff but I like to hear the new as well.
Joe Topping, Roam , Ola,   Queensbury Rules. These people are young and bursting with a new energy. Most of them were not even born when songs like Ellin Vannin were written, they need the exposure more than the trusted old songs we all love. I've really enjoyed the programs so far, it would be the icing on the cake to hear the exciting new, young performers cropping up on the folk scene.
Peter

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 31 Jul 03 - 02:27 PM

Couldn't agree more, Peter although it's also nice to hear some artists who've not had an airing on local radio for far too long.

Speaking of newer talent some Spiers and Boden would be nice!

Harry.

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 31 Jul 03 - 02:44 PM

Getting the balance right is the art of a good show. Now that Ali has got plenty of time she can play tracks from the new CDs that are being sent in to her and also find time to include the old favourites. I'm going to put her a CD together of tracks from vinyl records that I've got that she can pick from. Anybody got any suggestions (assuming I've got the records in question!)?
Mark

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 31 Jul 03 - 04:16 PM

If you don't have the albums Mark, I might be able to help....

Subject: RE: New Folk Programme in Manchester 2
From: VIN
Date: 31 Jul 03 - 04:54 PM

Hi Mark, errr, how about Alex Campbell sings folk (live) with his great vesion of Tramps & Hawkers, The Beggermen at MSG & the Crown & Anchor, Taverner's (Seldom Sober), Noel Murphy (A touch of the Blarney), Fotheringay, Magna Carta's first, Vashti Bunyan (just another diamond day), No Roses (Shirley Collins), Tim Hart & Maddy Prior (Summer Solstice), errrr....Seasons (magna carta), Young Tradition (Galleries re-visited), Johnstons (Bitter Green), Songs of a Changing World (Tony Rose, Nick Jones & Jon Raven), Byker Hill (Carthy & Swarb)