Subject: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Guest Date: 12 Oct 04 - 11:10 AM I'm looking for some new faces - to stand alongside "the best" (very subjective I know): eg Jez Lowe; Johnny Silvo; Anthony John Clarke; Dave Burland; Vin Garbutt etc Must have (1) Engaging personality (no mega-egos please!) (2) Competent and distinctive musicianship (3) Quality singing voice (4) Variety of styles/songs May be difficult this one ........ please leave Alan Taylor and Martin Carthy from your list |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: dick greenhaus Date: 12 Oct 04 - 11:14 AM Donam Maguire Jack Beck Brian Peters Kevin Mitchell Ellen Mitchell for a top of the head start |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 12 Oct 04 - 11:16 AM There are so many! Looking at Guest's list, it appears to be all male and all Brits. Here are a few from this side of the pond that I would add: Joe Jencks Eleni Kelakos Anais Mitchell Jonathan Byrd These are a few "off the top of my head". Give me some time and I could add at least a dozen others who I feel are relatively "new" artists that meet the 4 bullet points |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: fiddler Date: 12 Oct 04 - 11:19 AM Guest can we (me) ask why? Fro what purpose do you wan this information? Andy |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Guest (Brian) Date: 12 Oct 04 - 11:48 AM Folk clubs can be rather conservative - tending to book the same artists on a rolling 12 month program. Consequently, those that do are undoubtedly missing out on new experiences. There's a wealth of talent out there and we need to get wise. From a personal point of view I want to take a gamble on buying CD's of artists I don't know - but who come highly recommended from people who do know. Hope that answers your question Andy - thanks for a good question... |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: The Unicorn Man Date: 12 Oct 04 - 11:55 AM Vin Garbutt was my favorite of all time ever, just because of the way he is, I just have to think about him and I start crying (boo hoo) see? But then I heard Colum Sands. Just as fantasic and he seems a great bloke as well. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Chris Green Date: 12 Oct 04 - 12:11 PM Not strictly folk, but in an acousticky way Adrian Byron Burns is one of the most compelling live artists I've seen in a long time. I'm also going to stick my neck out and say that I caught Isla St Clair a while back and couldn't work what all the fuss is about. Didn't really do anything for me, I'm afraid! A couple more I do like are John Tams and Bill Caddick (the most criminally underbooked singer/songwriter in the country, IMO!) |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Pete_Standing Date: 12 Oct 04 - 12:17 PM Alistair Hulett Dick Gaughan Nancy Kerr and James Fagan Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman Chris Wood and Andy Cutting John Spiers and Jon Boden |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST Date: 12 Oct 04 - 12:20 PM Isla St Clair - does she meet any of the 4 points? John Tams; Colum Sands - right on the money there - keep them coming please.... Bri |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Paco Rabanne Date: 12 Oct 04 - 12:21 PM Vicente Amigo Estrella Morente Aurora Wood Tomatito You might find they have a hit of almenco about them though. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Peace Date: 12 Oct 04 - 12:28 PM Yes, many folk artists have opinions. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Big Mick Date: 12 Oct 04 - 04:18 PM Jed Marum should absolutely be on that list. Mick |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: George Papavgeris Date: 12 Oct 04 - 04:42 PM Brian, you should state your approximate location - country will do. Assuming you are in the UK (from the names you mentioned), here's a first cut: Spiers & Boden Dan McKinnon (Canadian, but tours the UK every year) Duncan McFarlane (a 'Catter) Marilyn Middleton Hilary Spencer & Grant Baynham You are right about clubs booking from the same subset of artists all the time. But if a club is democratic enough to listen to its members' wishes, and if those members get about a little bit, (festivals, other clubs etc), then some outside influence seeps in. We are particularly lucky at Herga and St Albans to have a number of gigging artist members and other members who frequent festivals, and we get our new ideas that way. It helps not to have too strict a price policy too. If you are only looking for acts up to £100-120, you are self-limiting to your immediate vicinity or the up-and-coming ones (i.e. you don't have quality guarantee). But the best answer is - get out and about, go to festivals, and take your pick. There are a lot of good acts out there. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 12 Oct 04 - 04:47 PM I second Jed!!! |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Susanne (skw) Date: 12 Oct 04 - 05:34 PM Karine Polwart, who is about to leave Malinky and strike out on her own. Should be exciting! |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Bert Date: 12 Oct 04 - 09:17 PM Hot Soup 'cos I had their link in my cut and paste buffer. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Noah Zacharin Date: 12 Oct 04 - 11:23 PM I host a busy open stage and a radio show here in Toronto, and am always amazed at the high level of talent of all ages that comes into view each month. Places to start: Sam Larkin, George Meanwell, Clayton Denwood (currently living and performing in the UK), Joe Hall and Ron Nigrini living not too far from town, Roger Lee in British Columbia, as well as Martin Sexton from some great place in the cosmos, and Patrick Sky living within the ranks of the great influences...and, taking the leap and risking eternal ostracization/damnation from the Mudcat communtity, I tentatively invite you to check out yours truly as well (planning to tour the UK this May) at www.noahsong.com. Now I got to go and practice me some guitar... |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Peter from Essex Date: 13 Oct 04 - 02:15 AM Interesting responses, Brian asks for suggestions of "new" faces and names like Dick Gaughan and Isla StClair are proposed. Among the youngish performers around I would suggest Crucible. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: George Papavgeris Date: 13 Oct 04 - 04:04 AM Yes, Peter, I too found that confusing. Where is Bob Fox, Harvey Andrews (glad to welcome that new face, now!), Mick Ryan with Pete Harris, Artisan, etc etc... Hey, if we are into self-promotion, check out http://www.folk4all.net too! |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST Date: 13 Oct 04 - 04:24 AM Dave Webber & Anni Fentiman |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Big Al Whittle Date: 13 Oct 04 - 04:42 AM Jack Hudson- the greatest and most cruelly neglected talent in the English folk clubs. A once in a generation voice, stunning guitar style, a friendly nature, superb song writer and absolutely nowhere on any folk festival bill. Not even the ones in Ripley and at Stainsby , his local festivals book him. Meanwhile the critics dutifully cream their jeans over a gang of 1970 re-treads on the main stages of the big festivals like Cambridge and the Fleadh - many of whom have never darkened the doors of a folk club in their life and are only there cos their record companies can't flog their tedious wares. This is a guy who has given his life to the folk club movement in England, and never got a break. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: George Papavgeris Date: 13 Oct 04 - 05:11 AM I think you are a little strong with your accusation there, wld; all the artists I know who get booked at festivals also go to clubs (Andrews, Garbutt, Fox, Carthy, the list is endless). And good value they give too. And they worked their butts off since the 70's, many of them, to get where they are today. And they still do, and they develop (most of them, I grant you a few exceptions there). Now, I will confess to never having heard of Jack Hudson. He would not be the first (or the last) talented singer/songwriter to suffer from the regionalisation of the folk scene in the UK. I am sure he is as worthwhile as you say - but why have I not heard of him? Because it's not easy getting your name heard unless you get about. Where is he based? Does he travel to distant clubs, to get heard? Has he invested in a demo that he can send me, or a website where I can hear soundbites and read about him? Does he have a local following in his area? (Why don't the local festivals book him? not just out of spite, surely, and if so, for what?). One thing is certain: you can't simply sit and wait to be discovered. There are lots of diamonds out there that will never be dug up. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Mingulay Date: 13 Oct 04 - 05:30 AM "the critics dutifully cream their jeans" How wonderfully expressive, I know exactly what you mean. Spare us please the sycophantic, saccharin sweetness of the music luvvies who would never have heard of folk music if it was not for the free CD's that come their way and who pander to to the record company moguls who know even less about music than the "critics". It seems that the whole of the commercial side of the business is just one big sticky, smelly heap of PR bullshit. Thank god that nowadays 'home' recorded CD's are of such good quality (sound wise, if not always content) that the major producers can be sidelined. I can only suggest that Guest Guest keeps watching this space as it seems to me that if someone new and good hits the clubs he/she will soon have their virtues extolled on the Mudcat. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Folkien Date: 13 Oct 04 - 05:40 AM Bill Jones Jim Moray Benji Kirkpatrick Tim Van Eyken Paul Sartin Abbie lathe |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Big Al Whittle Date: 13 Oct 04 - 05:58 AM Of course none of those criticisms could be levelled at martin Carthy, Bob Fox or Harvey Andrews......... I'm talking about all these bloody dire pop acts who make an "acoustic album". As though its something you do because - - hey its s not that hard, do the photo session with a J200 and the choreographer does the rest...... Check out the billing at any major folk festival. They are usually at the top, in the folorn hope that you will turn up there an old bay city rollers fan or somesuch, and go home a committed clog dancer. Also check out Jack Hudson - if you ain't heard of him - Martin Carthy or Bob Fox or Harvey Andrews will tell you about him. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: George Papavgeris Date: 13 Oct 04 - 06:10 AM Sorry, wld, I had misunderstood. I will check out Jack Hudson (I actually HAVE heard his name somewhere before, don't remember where), and I'll make a point of getting to hear him. Thanks for bringing him to my attention. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Pete_Standing Date: 13 Oct 04 - 06:14 AM If you've never seen Dick Gaughan or Isla St Clair before, then they will be new faces. Conversely, there are younguns around who are getting so much exposure that "the smell of the orange" is either feint or getting tiresome. There are still some old troopers who could do with a break - I've not heard of Jack Hudson, so maybe he is one of them. I'm a big fan of Chris Foster, but I don't consider him to fit all the criteria of this thread. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: muppitz Date: 13 Oct 04 - 06:26 AM Many have already been mentioned, sorry if I become repetitive! Bob Fox Anthony John Clarke Emily Smith Jez Lowe (Big Fave of mine!) Ian Bruce Al Parrish and Steve Richie of Tanglefoot (Two very funny guys!) Vin Garbutt Cloudstreet (Both of them!) Judy Dinning Someone has mentioned Karine Polwart of Malinky but I think Steve Byrne and Mark Dunlop could hold their own on this subject. Obviously this is just my own opinion, feel free to disagree. Muppitz x |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Rob Wright Date: 13 Oct 04 - 07:46 AM Taggart and Wright Meet them at www.sky-web.net.taggartandwright/ |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Rob Wright Date: 13 Oct 04 - 07:47 AM Bother Meet and hear them at www.sky-web.net/taggartandwright/ Got it right this time. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Jeanie Date: 13 Oct 04 - 08:18 AM Guest: this man meets all the criteria you mentioned. A talented and versatile singer/songwriter and a great banjo player to boot. Sound samples on the link. No, I'm not in this for a 10% cut. Just heard him perform live a few weeks back and was very impressed. - jeanie |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Strollin' Johnny Date: 13 Oct 04 - 09:19 AM Hey Greko - were you hibernating in the 70's? (LOL) Jack Hudson was a 'big name' then, travelled the country gigging, appeared on Auntie, worked extensively abroad, was a contemporary (and the equal of) most of the 'big names' who've gone on to become house-hold names since. His only 'crime', as far as I can make out, was to be considered too 'American-ised', and hence unfashionable, when the big English/Celtic revolution came. I've got to agree with WLD - it pisses me off big-style to see absolutely-non-folk artistes like 'Divine Comedy' or even, a year or two back, Bob Geldof, a man who couldn't hold a tune in a paper bag, headlining at major festivals when highly talented bona-fide folk artistes struggle to get even a club gig. Not a comment on the talent of 'Divine Comedy' (or otherwise - I don't know anything about them, and I've only ever heard one of their records), but definitely a comment on the lack of imagination on the part of festival organisers. Oh yes - if you're a 'Phoenix Nights' fan, the chances are you've seen Jack Hudson. He appeared in one episode as the detective in the spoof 'Crimewatch' scene. And the bastards didn't even let him do a song..................!! And FINALLY - looking forward to seeing you at Market Rasen. Cheers, SJ :0) |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Guest (Brian) Date: 13 Oct 04 - 10:08 AM Many thanks to all for names so far - didn't realise I'd open such a heated debate re overlooked talent but not sorry I have. I've started looking at some (thanks to the web) and will work my way through all "new" ones (new to me that is - I don't have a problem with my definition of "new"). No problems either with age - though I'm well aware of the average age of our audience and performers! The appearance of Crucible is encouraging - and I hope that folk clubs/festivals receive further injections of youth. I second the comments re Geldof and Co - chartists/ex-chartists usually invoke the same response from me as the telly; I know Tony Capstick made it to No 3, but that was for the flip side and certainly not for his version of "The Grinder's Hardships" on side "A" "Creamed jeaned critics" and "Music luvvies" pandering to "record company moguls" certainly strikes a chord with me too. "The King is in the altogether" is a song we should be aware of. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST Date: 14 Oct 04 - 05:55 AM The Witches of Elswick Benji Kirkpatrick Dr Faustus (new?) Jon Spiers & John Boden The Demon Barbers |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST Date: 14 Oct 04 - 06:02 AM Karen and Colin Thompson |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Fee Date: 14 Oct 04 - 06:08 AM Completely spookily, my list is exactly the same as 'GUEST' two posts ahead of this one....!!! |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Pete_Standing Date: 14 Oct 04 - 06:11 AM Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Carol J Date: 14 Oct 04 - 06:15 AM Niamh Parsons |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Numpty Date: 14 Oct 04 - 12:44 PM Ron Trueman-Border Paul Sirman Emily Slade Phatt-B'Stards Geoff Higginbottom George Wilson Wounded John Scott Cree Pollies On The Shore Blo na Gael Portsmouth Shanty Men Seen most of 'em at Broadstairs Folk Week and they are brill Numpty |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: breezy Date: 14 Oct 04 - 06:31 PM must mention Steve Tilston - old face Mike Deavin George Papavgeris Les Sullivan Ben Campbell all fine writers , musicians and singers Paley and Hunter amazing fiddle and guitar and relatively young u/40 Paul Downes Quicksilver - by far the best and most accomplished duo on the scene for energy musicianship and entertainment, !!!!!! cant wait for Nov 19th at The Duke in St Albans Tommy Sands - old? Andy Irvine - old Bram Taylor - retired from work so does that make him old? and many already mentioned but I will endorse Marilyn Middleton, geoff higginbum, Jez Lowe, Bill Caddick, Dan MacKinnon the Thompsons, Ron Truman-border, cloudstreet have made their mark. Apologies for those I've left out. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Herga Kitty Date: 14 Oct 04 - 06:44 PM New faces - should include Jim Causley. Kitty |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Auggie Date: 14 Oct 04 - 10:53 PM So no one from the politically insane side of the pond (that would be the U.S.)wants in on this? How about Michael Smith Bob Franke Nancy Griffith Small Potatoes Susan Werner Cheryl Wheeler and my favorite dead folkies the late Steve Goodman the late Walt Hyatt the late Kate Wolff |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Joe Date: 15 Oct 04 - 09:19 AM Nancy Griffith? - gimme a break |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Strollin' Johnny Date: 15 Oct 04 - 09:41 AM And anyway GUEST who started this thread, what's wrong with Martin Carthy and Allan Tayor? Consummate artistes both of them. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Brian Date: 15 Oct 04 - 10:32 AM I did say "very subjective" - they're very successful, and good luck to them. They've both had more that a fair crack of the folk whip; I think it's time to move on though - they'll never be short of bookings. I'm not sure they meet all the 4 points either - but I'm being subjective again. |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: breezy Date: 15 Oct 04 - 10:36 AM Is Mick Pearce a new face? see him in St Albans this week-end tonight at the Duke of Marlborough Sunday at the legion Gordon Tyrrell [sp] |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: John Robinson (aka Cittern) Date: 15 Oct 04 - 10:47 AM Julie Ellison (although I also have to say I have a vested interest!) Paul Buckley FOS Brothers Duncan McFarlan Band Jiggerrypippery (sp?) Serious Kitchen Howden Jones Woody Mann There are others but these will do for now! Best regards John Robinson Acoustyistics Ltd http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST Date: 15 Oct 04 - 12:59 PM Definitely Jed, and from what I hear, Mick should be on it too, as well as Kendall Morse. DougR |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: Bernard Date: 15 Oct 04 - 06:15 PM El Greko (George Papavgeris) should be high on your list - and so should I!! ;o) Pete Morton Graeme Knights Geroff(!) Higginbottom Ron Trumann-Border Dave and Anni Karen and Colin Tom and Barbara Brown Mark Dowding Sorry about all those I've missed, but I'm a wee bit tired...!! |
Subject: RE: Folk Artists - Opinions From: GUEST,Brian Date: 21 Oct 04 - 09:41 AM I'm still working through the list - and very grateful for all contributions to it. Having just seen them, I'm surprised Munday-Turner aren't listed, but maybe they can't be classed as "folk artists" - still a great folk club "turn" though. It's interesting to see another thread title "Who's Sharon Fountain" - maybe she deserves to be in the list? |
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