 WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION of 1997 - that’s 1 year
in the new format. The Newsletter is going from strength to strength and
this month we’re having our first Sponsors Competition - easy to answer
and easy to enter. The CD prize is sponsored by Frets Old & New and the
NWBN funds, so only those who have put money in can enter! Fair enough? The
theme is ‘Carolina Moon’ and you’ll see why when you read
Arthur Robinson’s article, the reviews and the competition!As though the loss of Bill Monroe wasn’t enough we’re very sorry to have to report the passing of top mandolinist John Duffey, of The Seldom Scene, who died on 10th December following a massive heart attack. Tom Travis presents an obituary this issue. Speaking of Tom, on 17th Dec. I was the first to receive his press release about the future of the Edale Bluegrass Festival. Many people have complained and/or commented about ‘Edale’ so now is the time to put the words into action! Do send your written comments to Tom, but don’t just moan. Offer constructive criticism by all means but mainly come up with some ideas and helpful suggestions. This last-minute news, plus John Duffey’s demise have really caused production problems! I have been accused in the past of censoring (as distinct from editing) articles. Well, there’s an article in this edition - The Ideal Bluegrass Festival - that some may take exception to and perhaps think it should have been censored. However your editorial team has considered it carefully and discussed it with all the people with whom it might have any connection. A slightly censored (first ever!) and edited version has been approved. If anyone has any complaints please make them in writing - don’t moan at me on the side! I’ve been asked “Why is the word ‘Sponsor’ used and not ‘Subscriber’?” Well, subscriptions confer rights such as an entitlement to a given number of copies a year, but we can’t promise that. Also, subscribers would have no share in the Newsletter, but if and when this newsletter is ‘wound up’, the capital will be dished out amongst the Sponsors. Incidentally, we’ve got our first sponsor in... New Zealand! The Newsletter has a bank account etc., so it’s best if you make any cheques payable to North West Bluegrass News. Thanks. Well, a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all our Sponsors and other readers! You’ve not made a New Years resolution yet? Gosh! OK, do you want some ideas? (1) If you don’t play then start to learn something. (2) If you don’t already sing give it a try. (3) Try to go to more than one picking session - they all need support and all benefit from variety. (4) If you’re an ‘expert’ resolve to support the needy sessions - as Arthur says in his article: “Remember, you weren’t always this good!”. If you don’t do anything else for Bluegrass, at the very least support the regular local sessions! This is the final edit at 1 hour to print-time - 13,413 words!
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