I mentioned elsewhere, I’ve been on holiday on Shetland and Orkney. Cycling by day, that still left plenty of time for reading and for learning songs. One of those that I took, prompted by Jackie Oates’ […]

There is one B that will see me on the dancefloor all night. Sod social distancing; I want me old normal back.

Who was it said something along the lines of ‘Songs are like children. You bring them into the world, but then they grow up and leave you and you are no longer in charge of them.’

And some get murdered by […]

True. But again the cynic in me says that the non-populist part of government will find a way for Glyndebourne and Covent Garden to happen. If Glyndebourne can happen, so can Cropredy. If Covent Garden can happen, […]

The cynic in me says that live music will get to return on the coat tails of sport. Soon enough, a populist government will have to cave in to the demand for live football attended by crowds. Once that concession […]

Curved Air – Sonja Kristina

seconded

ELP – Greg
Genesis – Steve, once the undergrowth was removed
Yes – Chris
King Crimson – er, Greg

I find it hard to break out of West Africa as there’s just so much just there.
Toumani Diabate
Ali Farka Toure
Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba
to add to those already mentioned.

Now when I make my travel plans, they include the lyrics and melodies of songs I intend to learn. I am in barely post-lockdown Shetland, so there’s plenty of time! Anyway, the title track from that album is on my […]

Which leads to the inevitable
Don’t Stand So Close to Me due to the pandemic.

Trails and Tribulations (sic) by Martin Simpson. I don’t think he’s ever brought out a flawless album but this, his last but one, is the closest thing to it.

I hear you knocking (but you can’t come in) due to the pandemic.

“Those Windward girls are hard to beat /
When they pull on your mainsheet”

Roll Her Down the Bay, Trad Sea Shanty

Such beautiful beautiful winter soup. But yes, I had one night lying in bed swearing I would never have one again.

Not a Jerusalem artichoke to be seen. Fie!

That reminds me of seeing The Unthanks do that at Cambridge, probably 10 years ago. One of those live performances that has stuck forever.

Barafundle, Pembrokeshire

Meanwhile down the coast

Bridlington

The laptop is also used for running his very good silent ceilidhs – perfect for those late night festival curfews. I have a particular memory of stripping the willow (is Moose back yet?) to Smells Like Teen Spirit.