This edition has arrived in dribs and drabs because I have had a lot of family problems that have taken up most of my time. But I hope you'll agree that the finished (well, ongoing...) mag is fair - it has something for everyone. Having said that I have already had the expected moaning complaint from a certain SW England quarter that "There's too much American content!" My reply to that is "What do you want me to do - cut some out?" I would put more UK material in if I could, but getting it can be difficult. Like concert tour organisers who won't pass on the tour details? Or festival organisers who have last years details on their web sites, when this years are known (to them)? Bands who get a CD out but don't arrange a review or CD for review? I've even been told off before now for advertising events... Life is too short for me spend any more of it trying to encourage the British Bluegrass community to be more proactive... too many people seem not to realise the value of free publicity and exposure.

There's a lot of USA stuff because, well, there's more of it, for one thing! And it is American music after all despite the many protestations that we should be playing British Bluegrass. But mainly because people west of 'the pond' write quality articles and send them, and news too - and even American ghosts don't want to miss out! I think that it is essential that UK players and fans are well aware of the situation Stateside, by reading, watching and listening. Some British writers also send quality articles, but it's thinner on the ground.

Fortunately most things are good in the UK - there is a small, solid core of people who work hard for British Bluegrass and the British Bluegrass Music Association tries hard, too, with some success. Festivals flourish, more or less, and there are many USA touring bands, some of which play at the festivals. But even here all isn't simple - see Larry Carlin's letter.

5th November means something to the Brits and Cinque Mayo means something to the Mexicans, but not just 5th May but all of May means "Bluegrass Month" to us all. Not much will be arranged specially in the UK, but at least the North Wales Bluegrass Club is celebrating with a Bluegrass Day. If you organise a British Bluegrass Month event and send me the details I will post them for you right away!

We used to have no trouble getting tablatures with an accompanying description, but it is getting harder. Guitar tabs in particular are hard to get at any level, so if you are able why not send us one in? Tabrite or MusEdit is OK. But a description of some sort is essential - that's because there are endless sites for straightforward tabs, but we like to add that little extra that gives them more meaning. Also they must be your own work. See some Instrumental Workshops (and their corresponding article links) for an idea of what's required.

Anyhow, I'm looking forward to a good festival season - all in the UK this year, unfortunately! Jean is going alone to San Francisco to meet our daughter and on to Hawaii... drat! At least I'll probably lose some weight...

Derek Brandon, Chester UK.
Editor.

15th February 2001