BBC Folk Awards 2008

Posted by: Guido Fawkes on 07 February 2008

Anybody taken a look at the folk awards http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/events/folkawards2008/winners.shtml

I agree with

GOOD TRADITION AWARD

SHIRLEY COLLINS

Shirley Collins MBE was a major contributor to the English folk revival of the 1950s and '60s, fusing a deep understanding of England's folk heritage with a contemporary attitude to musical settings. Following her work with famous American folklorist Alan Lomax, she introduced many innovations to the revival through collaborations with guitar maestro Davy Graham, David Munrow’s Early Music Consort, the 'father of folk-rock', Ashley Hutchings, and her sister Dolly. Billy Bragg has called Shirley, "one of England's greatest cultural treasures."

While my view is and always has been that Shirley is the most important person in 20th century music and I think it is crazy that many pop artists and ridiculous people (a.k.a politicians) get knighthoods and it still isn't Dame Shirley.

I also don't see the need for Billy Bragg to say one of - just "England's greatest cultural treasure" would be my take.

However, there are lots of worthy awards

Nonetheless, they got the folk album of the year completely wrong - relegating the album that should have won to second place. The Bairns by Rachel Unthank and the Winterset is an incredible record and nothing else from these shores came close this year (2007). However they did give an award to the group and said With their debut scooping Mojo magazine’s Folk Album of 2005 and their 2007 follow-up causing a sensation with its original and empathic arrangements, the Northumbrian quartet have already established themselves in the folk hierarchy - whatever that means, if if is trying to say they are currently the best folk group around then I agree (as the BBC haven't come to terms with HMHB as folk group). Still there is nice footage of Rachel singing Felton Lonnin from their masterpiece.

Good to see Bellowhead recognised

But why did they get Mr Obnoxious to give the life time achievement award to John Martyn - oh well.

Well that's my view - still not convinced by these award things, but if gives publicity to folk music then it does serve a useful purpose. But please don't bother with that yawn a minute folk album of the year, buy The Bairns instead.

Any other views?

ATB Rotf
Posted on: 07 February 2008 by Ian G.
I'm pleased for Julie Fowlis who won Singer of the Year. Saw her last year in a half full, tiny venue, and she and her band seemed like a delightful talented unaffected group of folk. A very good show.

I might add that I saw Rachel Unthank and the Winterset in an even smaller venue over the summer too and they are also a 'delightful talented unaffected group of folk'.
Posted on: 07 February 2008 by Guido Fawkes
quote:
Originally posted by Ian G.:
I'm pleased for Julie Fowlis who won Singer of the Year. Saw her last year in a half full, tiny venue, and she and her band seemed like a delightful talented unaffected group of folk. A very good show.


Hi Ian

Julie Fowlis does sound really good, but I don't understand a word she's singing Smile Nonetheless, I shall definitely get a copy of cuilidh - the music, the rhythm and her voice are too good to ignore.

ATB Rotf
Posted on: 08 February 2008 by BigH47
quote:
I also don't see the need for Billy Bragg to say one of - just "England's greatest cultural treasure" would be my take.


Culture covers more than your music taste though.
Posted on: 08 February 2008 by Guido Fawkes
quote:
Originally posted by BigH47:
quote:
I also don't see the need for Billy Bragg to say one of - just "England's greatest cultural treasure" would be my take.


Culture covers more than your music taste though.


Yes - that's very true.

Shirley brought back folk music to England's green and pleasant land and folk music, at its best, documents our culture. Music is very important to me and I feel without Shirley Collins many of the artists that I enjoy would not be making music today or at least not in the form that they are. I think that sentiment extends beyond the perpendicular pronoun - at least I hope so.

Perhaps it should read England's greatest (traditional) music treasure.

Nonetheless, she deserves far more recognition than she gets.

Why no Arena documentary about her?

What do you think of the awards? Are they worth having?

ATB Rotf
Posted on: 08 February 2008 by BigH47
ROTF I'm with you I was just playing devil's advocate.
Yes the awards are worthwile,loads of fuss over MOBO's why not folk?
I just wish the BBC would make a little more effort and televise the Folk awards(assuming they aren't). They have done so in the past, so not consistent.
I quite like BB,annoying as he can be at times,he has done quite a bit towards the folk movement.
Posted on: 08 February 2008 by Guido Fawkes
quote:
Originally posted by munch:
Rotf,
I think they are worth having.
I just cant stand Billy B.
Munch
PS, did you get my mail in the week?


I'm with you on Mr Bragg.

Yes e-mail, sorry haven't replied yet - will do,
Posted on: 08 February 2008 by Guido Fawkes
Have a check - it should be OK.
Posted on: 12 February 2008 by Wolf2
I don't know these people but I understand your gripe. I've thought some early people were really wonderful even tho I came to them later. One woman I'd heard was Odetta, never owned an album, but used to hear her on a folk radio show. Dylan has even said he was indebted to her in his early years.

Recently I just about fell off the couch one evening on an interview show on TV he interviewed her. I thought she was dead! and she's living right here in LA. Such a lovely lady tho must be in her 80s. Asked about being on the coat tails of fame and not getting much recognition, she just said she was happy to be in the scene back then and has had a blessed life. Wow, such grace.