 How fast should it go?Dear Ed., You don’t usually say in Instrumental Workshops how fast something should be played (how many beats to the bar) and I would find that very useful. I’ve enjoyed learning Chris Moreton’s version of Billy In The Lowground but how fast should it go? Also, what’s the best way to build up speed? Phil Heald, Bolton.
I can only put in what contributors send me. Come on, tutors, send some
info! Ed.
Thanks for thinking about giving my small bluegrass slot a ‘plug’. Manx Radio has recently restructured the schedules and country music is now broadcast twice weekly:- once on Sundays at 12 mid-day (featuring New Country) and a new show on Thursdays 6.30 to 7.30 entitled ‘Real Country’. The Thursday show features the more traditional sounds and my approximately ten minute, three-track Bluegrass slot goes out at about 7.15 p.m. The Thursday show is broadcast on 1368 MHz AM (medium wave) and on 89, 97.2 and 103.7 MHz FM (VHF). I know from experience that the AM broadcast can be clearly heard in the Merseyside and North Wales area so I would expect that a number of readers could pick it up - probably in The Fylde and Cumbria, for example. I’m still a very amateur DJ but if listeners ignore what I say it's worth listening for the music! I try to feature mainly recent releases, taken from Prime Cuts of Bluegrass (supplied to Radio Stations only), my own rapidly growing personal collection and from samplers generously sent to me from some of the US labels (mainly Pinecastle, who are very kind to me). The Irish Sea is expensive to cross but I still get to Liverpool occasionally to watch Everton and to allow my wife to visit the large stores - hopefully I will be able to get to one of your club nights in Chester during a visit. Keep up the good work and I hope to see you at Edale next year or maybe in Chester sooner. Best Wishes, Brian Barker, Onchan, Isle of Man.
Pleased to oblige, Brian - we’ll mention your slot whenever possible,
and really hope to see you again! Come and stay over at our place! Ed.
Stuart Tod, Egremont, Cumbria. Many thanks for the cheque! If you check the ‘Contacts’ list in ‘Small Ads’ [now discontinued. Ed. Jan 2003] you’ll find Bill Gilson (Kendal) and Chris King (Glasson, W.Carlisle) so how’s about starting a club at, say, Keswick? Maybe you need a mentor - how’s about it, Bob A.?
Also, have you heard of ‘Old Time News’, published by the
‘Friends of American Old-Time Music and Dance’ (FOATMAD)? £12
pa, write to David Payne, 39, Colby Rd., Gypsy Hill, London SE19-1HA. Tel:
01734-668791. Ed.
Ken Nield, Oldham.
Thanks a million Ken. Our main objective is to get everyone in the
NW area to know about each other - not just the ‘high-profiles’
who run clubs and festivals or are in bands, but all the others, many of
whom are labouring in a vacuum. They’re hard to find, so as you say
- just ‘spread the word’! Regarding the newsletter: What we need
help with most is collating, stapling and posting it, and that needs someone
close-by to avoid travelling expenses carting it about. But we always need
people to write up news events, make suggestions, send photos and write
articles. Ed.
Neil Rennie, Aintree. I tend to include what people send in and so far I’ve had zero input from Rainford. The entry in our Sessions listing was based on the British Bluegrass News entry, which is out of date, by the way. Ed. Please keep your letters coming; we print every one, complimentary or not!
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