Brand new folk show on the radio

Subject: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,Murkey (Chris Conder)
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 08:33 PM

Hi Mudcatters,

Thought you might be interested to know, that I am beginning a brand new radio show devoted to British folk music on Tuesday the 5th of November (two weeks!).

It is called 'Cool as Folk' (nicked from Tim van Eyken's t-shirt!), and will be broadcast on Reading's Junction 11 on Tuesdays, 10-11pm, and can be picked up on 1287am in the area. That's fairly irrelevant to most people, but it will be STREAMED and ARCHIVED ON THE INTERNET. Basically, just like the BBC shows, you will be able to listen live and to listen back to it for one week after broadcast at www.1287am.com.

How do I listen back to the show?: (This is really easier than it sounds!) Go to www.1287am.com. From there click 'schedule' in the column on the left hand side. A new page will load. Now to Tuesday and click on whatever the name of the show is that is listed as being on at 10pm. This should hopefully say 'Cool as Folk' but the website isn't updated as much as I'd like, and at the moment says 'Vicious Old Men'! The click 'Listen to Tuesday's show at 10pm'. This should now play. As I said, it's much easier than it sounds, and if you have any problems at all please feel free to eamil me at [e-mail].

If you are interested in the show it would be great if you could email me at [e-mail]. This wont put you on any mailing list or anything, you'll just get hold of me. It will be very useful to have an idea of who is listening and great to have a rapport with the listeners. I'll be able to answer any questions, take requests or just have a general chinwag!

Here's a whole load of info about me and the show to give you an idea of what I'm going to be doing (you don't have to read it all, if I've already got your interest feel free to email me straight away!):

About me: Nowadays, I'm a 21 year old Music and English student at Reading University. I've been into folk music all my life having been taken to gigs by the likes of Show of Hands, the Albion Band, the Barely Works, Edward II and Eliza Carthy by my parents from a very young age. I've grown very passionate about it, and my mates attest to the fact I could talk about it for hours! The radio show is a great chance for me to share my love of this music, both with fellow folkies and hopefully a few converts.

The Music: I'm either a traitor to the cause or a folk traditionalist depending who you talk to! I am all for the continued evolution of folk music, and think the pioneering work of people such as Shooglenifty , Whapweasel, Martyn Bennett and Eliza Carthy (and Jim Moray in principal if not always in results!) has brought a brilliant new perspective to the music without undermining its roots. On the other hand this doesn't mean we should forget the amazing power that one accapella voice can have, telling a superb story. It might not always be as accessible as the fusion work but that doesn't mean it's not worth persevering with!

You may notice that I've said British folk music, something I've already got into much heated debate with Robin Morton at Temple Records about! Basically I think it is very easy for our own cultural music to be overshadowed by Irish, American and world music. Much as I enjoy a lot of it, it doesn't half get on my nerves when people assume all folk music is Irish. Only the other day at Sidmouth, I heard a mother walking past Whapweasel playing a set at the Anchor and knowledgably telling her daughter, "That's Irish music"! And if I open the door to American folkies it's hard to justify excluding bluegrass, country, blues, and by the same argument rock and roll! And then if I include Irish and American music, why not Scandinavian and French music, in fact why not all roots music!!! Then you end up with a world music programme! So in the interest of sticking to what I know and not ending up with a hodgepodge programme like Mike Harding's, I'm sticking to British music (although I might make the occasional exception if it's for a theme, say highlighting different versions of the same song, where one is Irish for example).

Another type of music I shall be avoiding is acoustic singer-songwriters and artists that have moved beyond folk. Much as I love artists like Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, John Martyn and Nick Drake, only a small amount of their work is actually folk derived, so I'll leave them to my more general show.

So to give you an idea, here's some artists I plan to feature on the show: The Albion Band, Martyn Bennet, Blowzabella, The Barely Works, BELLOWhead, Eliza Carthy, Martin Carthy, Fairport Convention, Fotheringay, Fernhill, Dick Gaughan, Nic Jones, Bill Jones, The Levellers, Ewan MacColl, John McCusker, Julie Murphy, Oysterband, Pentangle, Kate Rusby, Steeleye Span, Shooglenifty, Martin Simpson, Dave Swarbrick, Spiers and Boden, Richard (and Linda) Thompson, June Tabor, Norma, Lal and Mike Waterson, Whapweasel and probably loads I can't think of right now!

The format: It'll be an hour long show (immediately preceded by my more eclectic show, Random Noises, if you fancy hearing some of my wider taste!) with plenty of music and not too much chat. Every week I'll do a Floor Spot, where I highlight one artist and play three of four of their recordings to give an insight into what they do. I'm hoping to get a co-presenter, but that really depends on finding someone who wont mind me picking all the music!!! In future weeks I hope to get artists in for interviews and sessions, but I'm just working on getting it running at the mo.

Can I send you demos/records: Definitely. I'm dead keen to promote new talent and will be more than happy to give your demo a spin (as long as I think it's good enough!). The same applies for record companies and artists with a record deal: please send me your albums/singles/promos etc. I've already received a lot of stuff from Topic, Temple, Beautiful Jo, Park and Old and New Tradition, nearly all of which is guaranteed a play. Basically, it's not like I have the BBC's library to toy with, and there's plenty of artists I don't have anything by. Obviously I can't buy everything I want (especially on my current budget!) so if I don't get it, I can't play it!! Any demos /records that don't meet the genre criteria have still got a decent chance of getting a play on my general show, Random Noises. If you want to send me anything, please email me at [e-mail].

Can I send you gig/festival dates: Yup. Can't guarantee I'll read them out, but there's a afir chance, especially if they are gigs near Reading. I might even use them as a reason to play something by the artist. Again, send any info to [e-mail].

Okay, that's all, sorry for such a long post, I need a website really, talks are on the way… Hope to hear from you soon,

Chris

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 09:37 PM

Best of luck to you Chris! I can tell you have the passion!! I will be sure to check it out!

Ron

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Ralphie
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 03:16 AM

Chris...
Good Luck....!!
I'll try to catch it
Regards Ralph Jordan

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 03:40 AM

...""You may notice that I've said British folk music"...

Yes, I did, and I also noticed that what you really mean is English Folk music, with a few token Scots performers thrown in.

I'm not complaining, however, I love English Folk music, and wish uou all the best in your new venture.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 03:40 AM

Well done that man. It sounds like you're going to do the BBC's job for them.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Ralphie
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 03:53 AM

Hey Super Ted....
I'm trying to do my bit as well!!
And we've got other 5th columnists in BBC4, Radio3 and other places too!
Just keep it quiet...OK?
Regards
Ralphie

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: breezy
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 04:14 AM

Do you mean October, it looks like November

cos the 5th November is a friday and we have Roberts and Lakeman on in St Albans then

The St Albans folk club restarts tonight with Mark Newman at the Duke of marlborough, Holywell hill, St Albans, Non-smoking, doors open 7.45,
main Guest Mark Newman with support from george papavgeris and Chris Flegg
n/w Marilyn Middleton, Chicago's greatest export to British music and ace interpreter of Stan Rogers songs

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,Cats at Work
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 04:19 AM

Good luck, the more the merrier! By the way, could you possibly extend your reception range down to Cornwall. We have nothing since John The Fish's excellent programme was removed by the BBC - no call for folk music, they said. It doesn't matter that they had more complaints about removing that than all the rest of the letters combined!

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 04:22 AM

Well done Chris, looking forward.

eric

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,Fi
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 06:41 AM

Hello Chris,

I must say, this sounds great...I'm a student at Reading Uni too (Archaeology) though of the part-time, return to learning while working at the same time variety.

Good to know I'm not the only one on campus who loves traditional music...though I don't think my knowledge is as good as yours!!!.

Best of luck with this, I'll buy you a pint of whatever's not vile and fizzy in the students union should we ever bump into each other :o)

Cheers

Fi

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,banjoman
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 07:18 AM

Great news - looking forward to it. I agree that our traditional music & dance has been almost forgotten by the media and replaced with so called "world music" most of which I find totally unlistenable to with few exceptions.
Perhaps we should form an underground movement for the rein statement of English music.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 07:23 AM

Breezy, enjoy your evening with Mark Newman - he's a star! Wish him well from me (say 'the Martin J-40 man from Gainsborough Folk Club' and he may well remember me LOL!)

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: VIN
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 07:47 AM

Sounds nice Chris, good luck from Manchester! May your show live long and prosper.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,MurkeyChris
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 01:23 PM

Thanks for all your support guys. Very reassuring. Make sure you all listen in, you've got all week so no excuses! :) Feel free to email me ([e-mail] if I didn't mention it enough!), had a couple of people wanting to send me records, which is brilliant, but I'm also keen to hear from anyone who just wants to listen.

To reply to various posts:

Murray MacLeod - I do confess my main knowledge is about English music, but I do hope to find out more about Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish folk. I've been sent a lot of stuff by Temple Records which releases Scottish music, and hope to get some of that into the show . I've recently fallen madly in love with Julie Murphy and Fernhill from Wales so they'll be getting some airplay. Northern Ireland is tricky cos it's surprising how often an artist is simply referred to as being Irish, without any clue as to what bit they're from. Of course if anyone has any recommendations of Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish music I should know about, send me an email at [e-mail].

Super Ted - Yeah, I must admit part of my motivation is the extreme frustration I feel listening to Mike Harding's show. Nothing wrong the the music itself, but surely we need at least one show solely addressing the folk music of the countries the BBC is broadcasting to?!

Breezy - No I definitely mean the 5th of October. It's a Tuesday. I'll see about giving that gig a plug. Is that Seth or Sean or Sam or Sid Lakeman?! But could future dates be sent to [e-mail], rather than posted here, makes it easier to keep track of things. Cheers.

Cats at Work - Not sure they'll thank me for saying this, but you can barely get Junction 11 in Reading, let alone Cornwall! Internet's the only real option.

Fi - Always keen to meet other people into folk, get in touch with me and we can go for a drink ([e-mail], does it annoy everyone me posting that so much? Just figure it's easier than making you scroll up!). Do you know anything about this Folk (Heritage?) Society they set up at the end of last year? I was too bogged down with exams to investigate further. Are you seeing Kate Rusby at the Hexagon?

Thanks again guys, make sure you listen!

Cheers, Chris

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: artbrooks
Date: 25 Sep 04 - 07:45 AM

Looking forward to it, and it may be a good idea to refresh this thread after your first show so we are reminded to go look for the archive...mid-afternoon isn't all that good for some of us across the pond. Will the archive be up immediately?

There is another thread going right now about the new Cara CD. Your format sounds as if they would fit right in, and Oakley always seems to have copies available (for some reason...).

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Chris Green
Date: 25 Sep 04 - 07:55 AM

Power to your elbow, sir! I shall definitely tune in!

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 04:39 AM

note the comment about mostly English with a few Scottish thrown in. If this is a British programme rather than English you should also include some Welsh (including Welsh language) singers and musicians and a bit of Gaelic too.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 06:01 AM

The profiile of traditional arts in these islands is weighted disproportionately towards the Celtic fringes against those which are intrinsically English. This is the fault not of the exponents who find nothing unnatural in pride in their cultural heritage, but of the English themselves who do not, on the whole, recognise that they even have a culture.

Try talking about ritual dance to a member of the 'non-folk' masses and you find that they think sword dancing is men in kilts dancing daintily across a crossed pair on the ground. The only other 'traditional' dance they know of is Riverdance.

Overheard passing an Anchor Gardens ceilidh was a mother knowledgeably informing her child that Whapweasel were playing Irish music...

There's an overwhelming need for a radio programme concentrating on English music. For the time being, there's more than enough of the rest swamping our airwaves, most noticeably from our public service broadcaster. I wish Chris every success in redressing this imbalance.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Gamelon
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 06:35 AM

What splendid news. I shall most certainly tune in at some point. I wish you every success with your venture. May your listeners increase even as the flies on the dungheap. I'm sure that you'll get plenty of feedback over the next few weeks.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: treewind
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 06:40 AM

Excellent initiative! I wish it well and I'll be sending you a CD or two! (of definitely English trad music, plus I think 1 Welsh song)

In fact you should get in touch with Doug Bailey at Wild Goose which is an English traditional music specialist label, and not a million miles away from you either (Wherwell, Hants).

Anahata

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 07:50 AM

A very English list indeed. No Runrig, Capercaillie,or Mull Historic Society, or Tartan Omebas, Croft No 5, Tarneybackle, McCalmans, Blazing Fiddles, Dougie MacClean, Tannahill Weavers, Silly Wizzard,Deaf Shepherd, to name but a few past and present.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 08:08 AM

Well, guest noddy, people can already get two hours of this sort of stuff from Radio Scotland (live or streamed on the web). There is absolutely nothing comparable for English music. That is why this venture is so timely and so necessary and worthy of all support from all of us.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,MurkeyChris
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 01:07 AM

Again thanks for all the feedback and support guys. And it hasn't even started yet, I'm getting a bit nervous!

Ooh I knew the old British thing would set some debate off! Me and Robin Morton sent a few emails back and forth on this matter. At the time I didn't know who he was and assumed he was just some guy who did the Temple Records PR! Feel a bit intimidated now I know he runs the whole thing and was is Boys of the Lough and worked on Dick Gaughan's Handful of Earth etc. Although I'm proud I stuck up for myself!

I'm hoping to get involved with the folk music industry in PR or suchlike 'when I grow up' so it's all good contacts, as long as I don't piss them all off! :)

As for the English/British malarkey I did consider doing an English only show, but there are a few Scottish/Welsh acts that I couldn't consider excluding (Martyn Bennett for example, I adore!). So onwards I go with my admittedly Anglocentric view of Britian, but with the hope that I'll be introduced to more Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish acts through the kind charity of record companies (hint hint :)) or more likely angry emails from irate Welsh/Scots/Irishmen!

I certainly agree that folk exposure in mainstream media is still almost totally devoted to the 'celtic' music of Ireland and Scotland (although a few Scots may take exception to their culture being a 'fringe'!). In the interests of showing both sides of the coin, I did get the impression from Robin Morton though, that the folk press has reacted so strongly against this mainstream misrepresentation that they are in danger of cutting off the Scots. Think of the folk heroes that have been strongly championed of late and it's the Waterson Carthy's, Kate Rusby, Spiers & Boden and Jim Moray, all English. These are the people being presented as the acceptable face of folk and there's not a Scot (or Welsh person) amongst them. But then again maybe there are similar Scots stars but we're just not hearing about them down here. I dunno, it's 5.30am, I don't known anything much except that I can't sleep!!

So to answer some of you individually again:

Artbrooks – Yeah I'll definitely put a new post up after the show, probably with the playlist. Gotta keep boosting the post up to the top! As for the 'Cara CD' is that Cara Dillon? In which case it might have be a polite no thanks, not a big fan (that girly voice and all the keyboards and poppy new songs, get some grit girl!). Plus she's Irish isn't she, or is she Northern Irish? This could prove a tricky matter!

GUEST – Well I am a new massive fan of Julie Murphy and Fernhill (much of which is sung in Welsh) so that should get some Welsh input into the show. Also I was thinking the other day, not an obvious candidate, but Cerys Matthews does a rather good folk song in Welsh on her solo album amongst all the alt. country stuff. I remember the track she did with Eliza Carthy at one of the BBC Folk Awards as being rather good, but I don't think they ever recorded it properly. Any other suggestions of Welsh acts?

Gamelon –Thanks! What a lovely analogy!

Treewind – Look forward to your email. I'll check out Wild Goose, thanks for the tip. I've already contacted a fair few companies, some of which are due a friendly boot up the arse to get back to me, but plenty more still to accost!

Noddy – Thanks for the list of names, I'll keep an eye out for them. I used to be into Runrig but I've kind of dismissed them as over-earnest mainstream folk-lite of late. I'll give them another listen and see if I'm being unfair. Got Capercallie's Delirium, it's okay, might play some off it but never majorly grabbed me, too many 80s keyboard I suspect. Never thought that Mull Historical Society were a folk band, thought they were more indie? Think I've got some Tartan Amoebas on a compilation I rather like of cutting edge Scottish folk fusion so they may well get a play, also have a feeling I have a Tannahill Weavers track, bizaarely, on a compilation of English Folk! I don't think I've got anything by the rest. But feel free to email in a request for any of the above ([e-mail]) and that'll all but guarentee it gets in there!

The first show is set to be a bit of a Sidmouth special, with tracks by artists I've especially enjoyed in concert there. The Floor Spot (the little section where I highlight 4 tracks from throughout an artists career) will be on Kate Rusby. Hope you enjoy it!

Cor, that's another long post, well at least hopefully I'll be able to sleep now! Thanks for all the emails, keep em coming in,

Chris

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Snuffy
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 09:10 AM

The new Cara CD. When and where?

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: artbrooks
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 09:22 AM

Chris, I don't know the person that you mentioned. Cara is the name of the group. They are from North Lincolnshire, but they claim that their music is "celtic-inspired" so I'm unsure how that fits in. You can get a brief listen here.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 09:29 AM

why oh why does everybody feel the need to focus extra time on Kate Rusby? I'm not knocking her, I happen to think she's very good, I enjoy her music, she has a stunning voice... but.... on the strength of some very sensible efforts put into marketing on her part, plus a good dose of being in the right place at the right time, she _is_ very well known and already has far more than her share of media coverage. The BBC4 tv Sidmouth special had a lot of her, Mike Harding plays a lot of her, all the message boards on the net are full of people singing her praises...
I'm sure it's too late for you to reconsider her as your 'spotlight artist' Chris, even if you wanted to, so I'm not even going to suggest that, I guess I'm just making a general moan for 'please can we have a bit more variety...'

Oh, and Anahata's suggestion for getting in touch with WildGoose (http://www.wildgoose.co.uk
... hope that works!) is a very sensible one. There's some great stuff on that label.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Bernard
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 07:55 PM

Break a leg, Chris!!

BBC GMR 'Sounds of Folk' has been running for 18 months, now, with Alio presenting and (for the past 12 months) me doing the technical bits... Laura and Jenny complete the team.

We've had lots of interesting guests - live in the studio, on the telephone, or pre-recorded.

So, if you have even half the success we have had, you'll really enjoy yourself!

I record the desk output on minidisc every week, which I then burn to CD to keep as an archive...

Unfortunately I won't be able to listen to you live, as I'll be driving home from Morris practice, but I hope to log on and catch it later on t'internet...

Again, good luck from the 'Sounds of Folk' team!!

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 04:14 AM

Alio your show has improved greatly over time. go girl.
Best of luck Murkey the more exposure folk gets the better. And your probably right about Mull Historical Society. To many pigeon holes for my liking. What about Progressive Punk Glam Folk.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Bernard
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 08:23 PM

On behalf of Alio, thanks, Noddy!

Pigeon holes - they should be the exclusive domain of pigeons! They have no place in Folk!!

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Alio
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 09:38 AM

Good luck with the show!

Ali

BBC GMR Sounds of Folk

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,val
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 09:52 AM

Chris - if you are looking for English folk, you'll not go far wrong with The New Scorpion Band - Tim Laycock, Brian Gulland (ex Gryphon, although you sound too young to remember them!); Robin Jeffrey, Sharon Lindo and Robert White - multi-instrumentalists all, and not a bad set of voices either. www.new-scorpion-band.com Have four CDs out already with a fifth due out very soon.

Good luck with the show - it sounds great (can you explain to a simple soul how I'd listen to it on the internet, cos I'm certainly not in your reception area)

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Peterr
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 12:10 PM

Best of luck, Chris. I've only just discovered New Scorpion (still don't know why it's taken me so long)and do try them.
Cats at work - yes, amazing that Radio Cornwall decided there was no demand for John the Fish's slot. It may be that he decided to stop and they couldn't find anyone else to take it on - I don't know.
Still and all, I'll certainly listen to the Reading output on the Internet - I think Harding is at the mercy of the programme planners and would certainly give more artists an airing if he had the chance.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,Fi
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 01:07 PM

Well, having listened to Spiers and Boden well and truly shut up a DJ on Radio Devon (who had spent the previous couple of hours desperately trying to take the mick out of folk music) with a fantastic live performance of Shropshire Rounds/Rusty Gully/ Three Footed Chestnut that even sounded great thru my tinny laptop speakers, the more English music gets out there there better in my opinion!

Do hope to find you somewhere (the bar, perhaps? ;o) on Sunday Chris, at...ummm... (coughs) Kate Rusby.

Cheers

Fi :o)

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 07:15 AM

I can get the live broadcast but when I went to the schedule page and clicked on 'Vicious Old Men' as you advised I got a message saying the page was not available. This was using Real Player.

Good Luck

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 09:03 AM

I will certainly give it a listen but you will probably have to remind us nearer the time. The old brain cells ain't what they used to be;-) I often get kidnapped and beamed into the Reading area with my job. May help to make my stay more comfortable.

Agree about the New Scorpion Band. Listening to them on Netscape radio yesterday for the firt time in ages and had forgotten how good they were. Funnily enough last time I saw Tim Laycock was at the South Hills art centre near that neck of the woods.

Agree with all said about English Folk. Them cunning Celts have enough good stuff that we can listen to. Us poor Picts have very little:-(

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Chris Amos
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 02:45 PM

Murkey,

The CD went in the post today, should be with you Monday.

Chris

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Bernard
Date: 05 Oct 04 - 05:16 PM

10:15pm

Managed to 'tune in' on the net after all - sounds as if you were enjoying yourselves!!

If you'd like to have a technical chat, I may be able to 'talk' you through sorting the nasty hum problem... it sounds as if you may not be driving the desk hard enough, though it could be a dodgy earth - or a combination of both! I could probably explain it better on the phone if you prefer.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,MurkeyChris
Date: 05 Oct 04 - 08:06 PM

Phew, Just got back from the first show! Bit nervous because I haven't done a show for months but it went well enough I think, a bit of babbling from me, and a bit of a mess up on the Watersons-John Tams mix but nothing that's gonna ruin the show. Plenty of good music, as I said it was a Sidmouth Folk Fest tribute, here's the set list:

Martin Carthy - The Wife of Usher's Well
originally from Signs of Life (Topic) I think, I got it off the Anthology of English Folk (Déjà vu Retro)

FLOOR SPOT: Kate Rusby - The Cobbler's Daughter
from Sleepless (Pure)

John Kirkpatrick - The Chesire Hornpipe
don't know the original album, taken from Anthology of English Folk (Déjà vu Retro)

Oysterband - Northern Light
from The Shouting End of Life (Cooking Vinyl)

FLOOR SPOT: Kate Rusby – I am stretched on your grave
from Hourglass (Pure)

John McCusker – Boys of the Puddle / The Scullion's Wife
from Yella Hoose (Temple)

Brass Monkey – The Foxhunt
Don't know original album, from Anthology of English Folk (Déjà vu Retro)

FLOOR SPOT: Show of Hands with Kate Rusby, Chris Wood and Andy Cutting – High Germany / Molly Oxford (live)
From Show of Hands – Dark Fields (World Music from the West Country)

Albion Morris – Step dance
From Ashley Hutchings – The Guv'nor's Big Birthday Bash (HTD)

The Watersons – Country Life
Originally from For Pence and Spicey (Topic), taken from Folk Heritage II (Music Club)

John Tams – Harry Stone (Hearts of Coal)
from Unity (Topic)

Shooglenifty – Venus in Tweeds
Originally from Venus in Tweeds (Greentrax), taken from Roots, Reels and Rhythm (Nascante)

FLOOR SPOT: Kate Rusby – I Courted a Sailor
From Little Lights (Pure)

Hope you enjoy it!
It was doing fun the Sidmouth tribute but did find it a bit restricting, so next week I'm aiming for a bit more variety and a few more upbeat tracks!

In reply to various people since my last post:

Bernard - I haven't listened back to it yet, so don't know about the sound quality. We've got tech people at the station who wont be at all happy if I start fiddling about, but if it sounds bad I'll have words and tell them I know someone who might be able to help. Thanks for the offer! Did you enjoy the music?

Artbrooks – Thanks for the tip-off, I'll look into them! If I was a mean person I might suggest you're better off not knowing about Cara Dillon, but of course I'm not!

GUEST – Fair enough if Kate Rusby's not your cup of tea, and I realise she has had a lot of exposure. The reasons behind my choice: 1) She's a good 'middle ground' choice for my first show in that she's young and fresh and accessable, but still fairly traditional, with both a broad appeal and respect from the folkies. 2) She's just played a gig in Reading on Sunday. 3) I have seen her twice at Sidmouth and they have been some of the best gigs I have ever seen. And most importantly, 4) I think she is one the most talented performers in the Britain, with an beautiful voice, fantastic musicians, brilliant songs both traditional and original and a warm stage manner! She's one of my all time greats, up there with all the Watersons, Carthys, Thompsons and anyone else you've got! I see her as leading the new folk revival (if I dare use that term) of young new folk talents. So yeah, I like Kate Rusby!

Noddy and Bernard – I was having a debate with a friend about genres and pigeonholes the other day. I think they get a bit of a bad name. Sure people get too obsessive about it and anyone artist will feed off a load of different styles and genres. But the 'I hate pigeonholing' argument can also be used to justify the exclusion of music. I'm sure Mike Harding would argue that the reason he plays so much of what I would call country and acoustic pop music is because he shouldn't be pigeonholing artists in such specific categories. But personally I would like his to be doing a stricter folk show. (Hmmm, maybe I should of picked a more folky Oysterband track, no one's perfect!)

Val – Thanks for the New Scorpion Band tip-off. Robin Jeffrey has sent me an email offering a copy, so you might be hearing them soon! As for listening online, follow the instructions at the top of the thread. If that doesn't work email me at [e-mail] and ask I'll the tech team.

Shanghaiceltic – Maybe try listening again now the show's up. Otherwise, as above, email me and I'll try and look into it. My technical skills are nowt but hopefully we have people who can tell me these things.

Thanks to the people who have been sending me stuff, it'll probably take a week or two to start filtering into the shows. If you've emailed me and I haven't got back to yet, I am on it. I'm such a busy bunny nowadays!

All this support has been great, I hope you all like what you hear. Any comments, ideas, requests or just hi's to [e-mail] - thanks.

P.S. If you just can't get enough of my inimitable radio style and fine music choices, feel free to listen to my eclectic show 'Random Noises' which is on 9-10, just before Cool as Folk. Today's show was a run through my Glastonbury 2004. The setlist is:

Smerin's Anti-Social Club – (unknown title)
Nelly Furtado – Powerless
Elbow – Any Day Now
Groove Armada – Superstylin'
P J Harvey – Big Exit
Ojos de Brujo – Ventilaor R-80
The Levellers – Falling from the Tree
Show of Hands – Widdecombe Fair
Joni Mitchell – Blue
Orbital – Belfast

Cheers, Chris

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: treewind
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 05:34 PM

Don't seem to be able to listen to it via the "schedule" link as instructed - it says "cool as Folk" now (that's an improvement) but clicking on the progam )or any other) it just reloads the same page with the week's schedule.

...and I missed it live, which was stupid because I was at home and simply forgot. Duh!

Anyway, CD wrapped up and on its way shortly...

Anahata

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 05:55 PM

Noble though your enterprise be Mr Chris, the idea that there is a claer line dividing 'English' and the other British folk is a little silly from my experience.

As far back as 197 something playing what I thought was an Irish tune - BTW when nobody cared what a folkie played as long as it was traditional and acoustic - and was corrected by a gentleman giving me what he insisted was the correct name.

Course there is a strong case to be made for promoting the superb music of the 'folk' era, Nick Jones, Martin Carthy ( isn't that an Oirish name ? ) and the rest, surely that does not mean we have to ignore the super music of lessser know regions such as Dorset, Cornwall etc.

OTOH I would not be that hasty about claiming Irish or Scottish etc music is so ethnic that it is not English. For I all of these people are English speaking - thanx to English efforts, for 2 lots of people who compose and play the music do it with English dance forms - Hornpipe -and themselves are descendents of not just any old English person but Gentlemen and Ladies.

Next beef I have with the line drawing, what about urbanmusic in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham etc Are these also excluded?

In short are you not turning off the true source of 'English Folk' by
restricting the audience to Victorian Shanties and Countrybumpkin rants all from the age of horsehit and habberdashers?

Have a nice English day

:0)

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 06:01 PM

No, I can't get the page to load either. It just reloads the same one with the schedule. Can you please post to let us know when it's fixed?

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,MurkeyChris
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 06:43 PM

No I can't get it to work either. Sorry guys, I'll see if I can get someone to tell me what's going on and get back to you.

Sorefingers - Firstly, the show is playing British folk which includes Scottish, Welsh and theoretically Northern Irish music as well as English music from all areas. I'm not specifically trying to focus on any areas or styles, it's just British folk music I like and have got on CD. Secondly, although I appreciate that the Irish and British music is closely intertwined, I'm trying to dispel the myth that all folk music is 'Irish'. Also I don't have enough of a CD collection of Irish music, so if I did try and address it I would be accused of underrepresenting it. Can't win. At the end of the day, all musics are intertwined, but I wanted to make this more focussed than other folk shows. I've discussed all of this earlier don't want to get drawn in on it at length.

Don't get your point about urban music? I'm sure a lot of artists and trad. music comes from cities originally. Are you talking about contemporary urban music in the Radio 1 sense, because I just don't see how that relates to what we know as folk music? I'm more than happy to play contemporary folk music from the city or the country. Cheers.

Sorry again for it not working, I'll get back to you all.

Chris

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 07:21 PM

You do your own thing, Chris - it's what you believe in, and what works best for you. Your listeners will enjoy it because your enthusiasm rubs off on them!

You've started as you mean to go on, so stick to your plan - and talk closer in to the microphone!! ;o)

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 06:44 AM

Oh, how annoying...and I was just about to listen to it...sounds from people's reactions here like it went OK though Chris!.

On Kate Rusby (it was a brilliant gig) yes, I too have found she's one of the best ways of getting people to listen to the music we love...! I set myself a challenge with a heavy mrock listening friend of mine and she's now got her whole office singing The Cobblers Daughter!!. But when I played her some Eliza Carthy (off Red/Rice) she said it was too hardcore...go figure!. I'll keep at it ...;o)

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Chris Green
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 09:30 AM

Don't let the whingers get to you, mate - you can't please all of the people all of the time! Keep up the good work!

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: treewind
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 11:05 AM

(sorefingers) "the idea that there is a claer line dividing 'English' and the other British folk is a little silly

I agree entirely.

... which is why I get annoyed when in a session playing traditional music, somebody comes up and makes some comment about it being Irish music, when it isn't. Who's making the divisions then, and shouldn't they be educated?

Anahata

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,MurkeyChris
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 08:42 PM

Thanks all! Website still not working, damn it, real sorry. I'm trying to find out what's going on, but I'm crazy busy at the mo. I recommend you all try your darndest to listen live next week, 10-11pm on Tuesdays, cos I don't know when the archiving will be back up.

But I wanted to post cos I'm dead excited! Just got an email off John Spiers saying he's going to send me the new BELLOWhead EP! Wow! If you haven't heard, BELLOWhead are the new Spiers and Boden Big Band and their gig at Sidmouth was one of the most fantastic gigs I've been to in years. Such passion and energy! BTW there's supposed to be a pic of me dancing to them in this month's fRoots. Haven't seen it myself yet, but I'm the dude with short brown dreadlocks and probably green trousers.

Sorry to those of you awaiting an email reply, I'm getting through them bit by bit, hopefully I'll get a chance this weekend to sit down and reply to the lot.

Bernard - Thanks for the mic tip, I know one of the mics in there is ultra sensitive, the other dead quiet and couldn't remember which was which. Looks like I got it wrong way!

Cheers, Chris

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 05:34 AM

Chris
you can please some of the people all of the time
and
all of the people some of the time
but
you cannot please all the peole all of the time....especialy if they are Folkies.

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: GUEST,Fi
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 05:51 AM

BELLOWhead are indeed brilliant...but best seen at a venue you can dance in...play some on Tuesday anyway and we can all dance round our houses :o)

Subject: RE: Brand new folk show on the radio
From: Bernard
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 01:05 PM

Bill Cosby once said:

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody...!!