|
Another great Mike Harding Show last night |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Thursday, December 01, 2005
|
|
|
|
Tonight Mike's show features three songs written about the civil rights movement in America, in recognition of the late Rosa Parks' Montgomery bus protest 50 years ago. Also Mike chats to 1970s folk icon Roy Harper and plays tracks from his new retrospective release Counter Culture. Plus Mike's usual great selection of the best in folk, roots and acoustic music including news of artists currently on tour and the latest album releases.
|
 |
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Mandolin - The mandolin was first built in early 18th century. |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
|
|
|
|
A mandolin is a stringed musical instrument. At different times and in different places, the number and type of strings found on mandolins has varied. Today, the predominant configuration is that of the Neapolitan mandolin, with four courses of metal strings. Each pair of strings is tuned in unison, and are a fifth apart from adjacent pairs, giving an identical tuning to a violin (G-D-A-E low-to-high). Unlike a violin, the fingerboard of a mandolin is fretted and it is typically played with a flat pick (a plectrum).
The mandolin was first built in early 18th century, and was descended from the mandora, a small lute used in the 16th century.
Like the guitar, the mandolin is a poorly sustaining instrument. A note cannot be maintained for an arbitrary time as with a violin. Its higher pitch makes this problem more severe than with the guitar, and as a result, use of tremolo (rapid picking on a single note) is sometimes used to emulate a sustained note. This technique works particularly well with a mandolin's p
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Andy Irvine |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
|
|
|
|
Andy Irvine is an Irish folk musician, singer, and songwriter, and former member of the popular band Planxty. He is an accomplished player of the mandolin, bouzouki, mandola, guitar, cittern, and harmonica.
Irvine was born in London to Irish/Scots parents. As a child he took to acting, but gave it up when he reached adolescence. He studied classical guitar, but forsook it for the traditional method upon discovering Lonnie Donegan and the Skiffle boom of the 50s, and later Woody Guthrie.
In the 1960s he found himself in Dublin, and began an itinerant life of a musician. He found musical influences in the likes of Ewan MacColl (notably the songs he wrote for his radio-ballads), and the Child Ballads.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Acoustic Guitar |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
|
|
|
|
An acoustic guitar is a modern form of guitar descended from the Classical guitar, but generally strung with steel strings for a brighter, louder sound. Much heavier construction is required to withstand the added tension. Sometimes the term steel-stringed guitar or folk guitar is used to differentiate from the classical guitar. The term "acoustic guitar" is a retronym, since before the invention of the electric instrument, "guitar" meant only the non-amplified variety.
|
|
|
|
Comments (2)
|
More...
|
|
|
Bodhrán - Irish Traditional Drum - Frame Drum |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
|
|
|
|
The bodhrán is an Irish frame drum ranging in anywhere from 10" to 26" in diameter, with most drums measuring from 14" to 18". The sides of the drum are 3 1/2" to 8" deep. A goat skin head is tacked to one side (although nowadays, synthetic heads, or new materials like kangaroo skin, are sometimes used). The other side is open ended for the left hand to be placed against the inside of the drum head to control the pitch. One or two crossbars may be inside the frame. Some professional modern bodhráin integrate mechanical tuning systems similar to those used on drums found in drum kits.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
A great Night at Hebden Bridge - Rory McLeod - Rory Ellis -Trades Club |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Friday, November 25, 2005
|
|
|
|
I missed going to Jim's Cafe last night to go to the Trades Club at Hebden Bridge to see the Rory McLeod and Rory Ellis gig.
An excellent nights entertainment, with two brilliant singer songwriters, the night started with Rory Ellis an Australian singer/songwriter who combines a rich distinctive voice with emotive lyrics to produce an exhilarating and original sound.
Next we were spoilt by the skillful Rory McLeod, a fantastic, multi-talented singer songwriter, who played harmonica, spoons, guitar and trombone, his style of rythmical finger picking on the accoustic guitar and his amazing harmonica playing need to be heard to be believed.
Not to be missed.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Mike Harding - Nominations for the 2006 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Thursday, November 24, 2005
|
|
|
|
This weeks Mike Harding Show BBC Radio 2 - 8pm Wednesday, includes the nominations for the 2006 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. A veritable feast of Folk Music, not to be missed.The show is always worth a listen as he plays the best in folk roots and accoustic music, you can listen again to the show for the next seven days through the website.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/r2music/folk/harding/
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Rory McLeod - Hebden Bridge Trades Club - 9 pm |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Thursday, November 24, 2005
|
|
|
|
Hebden Bridge Trades Club - November 24th - 9pm
Tonight is looking good, Rory McLeod is playing at the Trades Club Hebden Bridge at 9 pm. I have just listened to a couple of songs of his and he sounds superb, the reviews I have come accross on the web rate him very highly
"...eloquently expressed ideas are set to vibrant, dynamic music with bouncy rhythms, infectious riffs and nifty tunes. McLeod transmitted a pure joy of music making ..."
St Louis Post-Despatch (USA)
"McLeod is one of the most energetic, most generous performers I've seen."
Doug Spencer, ABC Radio (Australia)
"Atavistic peoples' music ... something uncommon and most certainly an endangered species. You'll know Rory when you see him - above all don't miss him next time he's here."
Molly McAnailly Burke, Hot Press (Ireland)
"Rory is a dynamic live performer - never still or silent, his shows radiate energy. All this dynamism does not obliterate his songs which are always thought-provoking and well crafted. Get hold of one
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Bob Dylan - November 16th 2005 - MEN Arena |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Thursday, November 24, 2005
|
|
|
|
I've not seen Bob Dylan myself, just had a review sent to me by a friend who went to see him in Manchester, here are her thoughts on the concert.
It seems like a lot of people who went to see him were of a same mind, I heard a phone in on the radio myself the other day people were saying it was not what they expected from such a legend and maybe it's time that he gave up. Here's the review from Christine
"hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm very mixed about 'Sir bobness' - lacked passion, in my opinion he was going through the motions.......i could forgive his wierd undulating voice that at times sounded like Vic Reeves when he does his "pub singer impressions" I find it hard to forgive the fact that he hadhis back turned to 50% of the audience the whole night and even worse that he never even attempted to interact - he forced a weak introduction of the band at the end - quite dissapointed really.
I love live music of any kind ('cept jazz) and I also think he is a poet and a legend.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
|
Ewan MacColl |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, November 21, 2005
|
|
|
|
Ewan MacColl, Early history
Born Jimmie Miller in Salford to Scottish parents, William and Betsy Miller. He left school in 1929, joined the Young Communist League and the socialist amateur theatre troupe, the Clarion Players. He began his career as a writer helping produce, and contributing humorous verse and skits to, some of the Communist Party's factory papers. He was an activist in the unemployed workers campaigns and the mass trespasses of the early 1930s. One of his best known songs The Manchester Rambler was written after the pivotal mass trespass of Kinder Scout. He was responsible for publicity in the planning of the trespass.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Kirsty MacColl |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, November 21, 2005
|
|
|
|
Family life and career
Kirsty MacColl was the daughter of dancer Jean Newlove and noted folk singer Ewan MacColl.
Her initial career followed a substantially different path than that of her father; she first came to notice when Stiff Records released an EP by the band the Drug Addix, a punk-pop band she fronted under the pseudonym Mandy Doubt. Label executives were not impressed with the band but liked her and signed her to a solo deal.
Her debut solo single "They Don't Know", released in 1979, was an huge airplay hit in the UK, but never reached the shops due to a distributors' strike. After another single, "You Caught Me Out" failed to chart, MacColl felt she lacked Stiff's full backing and moved to Polydor Records in 1981. She had a UK Top 20 hit with the witty yet meaningful "There's AGuy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis," taken from her critically acclaimed debut album Desperate Character.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Music of Ireland and Instruments Used in Traditional Irish Music |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, November 21, 2005
|
|
|
|
Ireland is internationally known for its folk music, which has remained a vibrant tradition throughout the 20th century, when many traditional forms worldwide lost popularity to pop music. In spite of emigration and a well-developed connection to music imported from Britain and the United States, Irish music has kept many of its traditional aspects; indeed, it has itself influenced many forms of music.
Instruments Used in Traditional Irish Music include Fiddle, Flute, Whistle, Uilleann pipes, Harp, Accordian, Concertina, Banjo, Guitar, Bouzouki, Mandolin and Bodhrán.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
The Pogues |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, November 21, 2005
|
|
|
|
The Pogues, original members, left to right: Andrew Ranken, James Fearnley, Jem Finer, Cait O'Riordan, Spider Stacy, and Shane MacGowan. The Pogues are a popular Irish folk rock band of the 1980s and 90s. They have a strong following, essentially inventing Celtic Punk and having a large influence on the larger Celtic Fusion scene as well.
The Pogues were founded in King's Cross, a district in north London, in 1982 as Pogue Mahone — "pogue mahone" being the Anglicisation of the Irish póg mo thóin, meaning "kiss my arse." The band specialised in Irish folk music, often playing with the energy of the punk rock scene from which several of the members had their roots.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
More about Folk Music |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, November 21, 2005
|
|
|
|
Folk music is usually seen as the authentic expression of a way of life now past or about to disappear (or in some cases, to be preserved or somehow revived). Unfortunately, despite the assembly of an enormous body of work over some two centuries, there is still no unanimity on what folk music (or folklore, or the folk) is.
The English term folk, which gained usage in the 18th century (during the Romantic period) to refer to peasants or non-literate peoples, is related to the German word Volk (meaning people or nation). The term is used to emphasize that folk music emerges spontaneously from communities of ordinary people.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Martin Carthy |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, November 21, 2005
|
|
|
|
Martin Carthy (born May 21, 1941) is an English folk singer and guitarist who has remained one of the most influential figures in British traditional music, inspiring later artists such as Bob Dylan and Richard Thompson since he emerged as a young musician in the early days of the folk revival.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Folk-Rock |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, November 21, 2005
|
|
|
|
In the original and narrowest sense, the term referred to a genre that arose in the United States and Canada around 1960. The sound was epitomized by tight vocal harmonies and a relatively "clean" (effects- and distortion-free) approach to electric instruments epitomized by the jangly sound of the Byrds' guitarist Roger McGuinn. The repertoire was drawn in part from folk sources, but even more from folk-influenced singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan.
This original folk-rock directly led to the distinct, eclectic style of British folk-rock (a.k.a. electric folk) pioneered in the late 1960s by Pentangle and Fairport Convention. Starting from a North-American style folk-rock, Pentangle, Fairport and other related bands deliberately incorporated elements of traditional British folk music.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Jim's Cafe for another Thursday Night |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Friday, November 18, 2005
|
|
|
|
Last night got out to Jim's cafe for another music night, a fairly quiet night, maybe down to it being a very cold night and the freezing temperatures outside.
A nice accoustic session with a good crowd of people and plenty of musical talent.
Well worth a visit just to sample the vegetarian food, and enjoy the live music.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Mike Harding - BBC Radio 2 - November16th |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Thursday, November 17, 2005
|
|
|
|
Wednesday night is folk night on Mike Harding's show BBC Radio 2 at 8 pm.
Always worth a listen for the latest in folk music and folk news, hate to miss any of the show, but fortunately the show is available for 7 days on the internet for the best of folk, roots & acoustic music, special guests & live sessions.
If you get a chance have a listen on http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/r2music/folk/harding
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Folk Music - Taken From Wikipedia |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Thursday, November 17, 2005
|
|
|
|
Here is a little information about Folk Music and Defining Folk Music taken from Wikipedia the free Encyclopedia. Jazz musician Louis Armstrong and blues musician Big Bill Broonzy have both been attributed the remark "All music is folk music. I ain't never heard a horse sing a song."
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Kieran Halpin - General Ludd Folk Club - Golcar - Huddersfield |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, November 14, 2005
|
|
|
|
A great Friday night out over in Golcar near Huddersfield, I was invited to go and see Kieran Halpin play at the General Ludd Folk Club, nice little venue, good company and great music, superb live set by Kieran who is a highly acclaimed Irish singer songwriter, also a few songs from Alistair Russel of Battlefield Band fame.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Another good night at Jim's Cafe |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Friday, November 11, 2005
|
|
|
|
Back to Jim's Cafe last night for the music night, it was looking like I had turned up on the wrong night, it was a little quiet to start, but it took of nicely.
Some great singing and playing, great food, good beer and good company.
So much talent in this area, we are truly spoilt, last night was all original material
performed by singer songwriters, guitarists and pianists.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
|
Show of Hands - Burnley Mechanics. |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, November 07, 2005
|
|
|
|
Last friday Show of Hands were playing with Miranda Sykes as guest, unbelievably talented musicians, a fantastic set, one of the best live bands I have seen.
After seeing them play live I'm not suprised they sold out twice at the Royal Albert Hall.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Last night at Jim's Cafe. |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Friday, November 04, 2005
|
|
|
|
Here is a little info about a well known Vegetarian Restaurant in Colne, Jims Cafe.
Don’t want to shout to loud about this one, as it’s a small intimate restaurant serving fantastic food, has great live music, and friendly clientele, wouldn’t want it to get so busy that locals like myself can’t get in.
I was there last night, it was a little quiet compared to last week, but I still had an enjoyable night,
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Local Folk, People and Music |
Folk Music
Local Folk Clubs, Pubs and gigs.
|
By Fusive on
Friday, November 04, 2005
|
|
|
|
As this is a blog about Folk Music and Local folk, I'd like to give a big mention to Mr Mike Craine, Futile Brother and Musician extraordinaire, speaking to him last night and he mentioned lots of gigs lined up for the near future, I know it's not Folk Music, but what is folk music? local folk making music, good enough for me.
|
|
|
|
|
More...
|
|
|
BBC Radio Player - On Demand |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Thursday, November 03, 2005
|
|
|
|
Just looking at the other folk shows on the BBC Radio player, well worth a look and a listen, seems like we are spoiled for choice, the options include:
Caisthream Ciùil - Celtic music and what's on listings.
MON TUE WED THU FRI
Celtic Connections - Mary Ann Kennedy with celtic and world rhythms.
Celtic Fringe - James McKeefry presents brings you a real taste of Ireland.
Celtic Heartbeat - Traditional and contemporary folk and acoustic music.
Country Afternoon with Hugo Duncan - Country Music from Ireland and around the world.
|
|
|
|
Comments (1)
|
More...
|
|
|
Last nights Mike Harding Show. |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Thursday, November 03, 2005
|
|
|
|
Last nights Mike Harding Show was well worth a listen, it was one of those shows that I want to listen to again, and fortunately using the listen again feature on the BBC radio 2 website, I can, so will listen again in the next hour or so hopefully as I get on with my daily chores.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
|
Pendle Hill - Halloween - Samhain |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, October 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
Not much to add from the weekend, I was trying to take it easy and shake off a heavy cold, so took it easy, not too many late nights filled with alcohol and music, unfortunately.
I know there were a few local music events over the weekend including,
Trouble At’ Mill, at Colne Hippodrome.
Live music at the Derby’s Colne.
Music session at The Bridge in Burnley.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Jim's Cafe - Vegetarian - Restaurant |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Thursday, October 27, 2005
|
|
|
|
Friday at last, been a short first week blogging,
what a great week it’s been, had a chance last night to listen to most of the Mike Harding Radio show from Wednesday night, fantastic, started off with Sixteen Fisherman Raving from Christy Moore’s latest Album “Burning Times” always good to hear any music by Christy, I have got to treat myself to the six cd box set.
|
|
|
|
Comments (2)
|
More...
|
|
|
Show of Hands |
|
Folk Music
Local Folk Clubs, Pubs and gigs.
|
By Fusive on
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
|
|
|
|
Show of Hands - To play Burnley Mechanics 4th Nov.
Nominated this year as "Best Group" and "Best Live Act" at the Radio 2 Folk Award.
Amazing Acoustic Roots duo from the West Country - Sold out the Royal Albert Hall twice - Book early to avoid dissapointment.
|
|
|
|
|
More...
|
|
|
Dick Gaughan |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
|
|
|
|
Up and Coming gig dates for Dick Gaughan in this area - Colne - Liverpool - Hebden Bridge.
Dick Gaughan is due to play 3 gigs in Dec. Jims Cafe, Colne, Lancashire (To Be Confirmed) Hebden Bridge Trades Club, just over the border into West Yorkshire and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, I was lucky to see him play twice last year, the first time at Padiham town hall, the second time was his last gig of the year in December at the Hebden Bridge Trades Club W.Yorkshire, which is his usual last gig of the year before returning over the Border to Scotland for Christmas.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Christy Moore |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, October 24, 2005
|
|
|
|
I was given the opportunity to see Christy Moore play at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic last Saturday 22nd Oct, It was a great night out.
It was the first time I have seen Christy Moore play live, it was fantastic, only wish I had got the chance to see him play at Cambridge Folk Festival earlier in the year.
Christy and Declan spoiled us with over two hours playing lots of my favourite songs.
|
|
|
|
Comments (0)
|
More...
|
|
|
Mike Harding - BBC Radio 2 - Wednesday 8 pm - Folk Roots & Acoustic Music. |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Sunday, October 23, 2005
|
|
|
|
Listen to the latest folk roots music from the U.K.
Mike Harding brings a fantastic selection of the latest news, interviews and music each week from the folk world. Listen to the show each week on Wednesday 8 pm BBC radio 2, or listen on the website, show updates each week. Not had chance myself to listen as yet to last nights show as I was out at the Derby's in Colne for the Jam night, it was a little quiet, some goodtunes were played, but not one of the best nights in my opinion, I will hopefully get to listen tonight. Looking forward to hearing Christy Moore playing sixteen fishermen raving. It was a song from the set list he played last Saturday at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
|
|
|
|
Comments (2)
|
More...
|
|
|
Local folk music venues, jam and open mic nights. |
|
Folk Music
Local Folk Clubs, Pubs and gigs.
|
By Fusive on
Thursday, October 20, 2005
|
|
|
|
I have had the good fortune of meeting quite a few talented local musicians, performers and the occasional instrument maker, there are regular music nights at a few excellent venues in this area of Lancashire, if you know of any more that are not mentioned, please contact me and let me know, and I will try to list them.
I will also list some of the Folk clubs in Yorkshire as I come accross them, if you have any info or suggestions please let me know.
|
|
|
|
|
More...
|
|
|
Local Folk Music |
|
Folk Music
|
By Fusive on
Monday, October 17, 2005
|
|
|
|
I have a great interest in all types of folk music especially local folk songs, the ones that tell storys of how life was in times gone by, a lot of lancashire folk songs tell of the hard life that people lived working in the Cotton Mills, if you have any songs, lyrics and chords that you would like to send in to me, especially ones that mention the different Town names I would appreciate it very much, also if there are local folk songs that you are looking for, please contact me and I will try to help.
|
|
|
|
Comments (6)
|
More...
|
|
|