CD Prize appreciated Dear Derek, Thank you for producing such an excellent newsletter and thank you for running a super competition, in which I won the Carolina Moon CD by Lou Reid, Terry Baucomb and Carolina. The production, picking and singing are of a standard that is becoming the norm - faultless. There are lots of licks to hold ones attention. The powerful singing by Lou does not detract from the easy listening quality of this CD. I'm enjoying it and I even got a 'Folkie' to say "It sounds quite good!". Keep up the good work, Pete Ainsworth, Leamington Spa. Well, thank you for taking the trouble to enter! The low response makes one wonder if it's worth bothering, but then general apathy is so bad that if we let that be the guide, we'd never do anything. (Lou Reid & Carolina are appearing at Ironbridge this year). Ed. J.P., Abergele (by Fax) I hope your readers will back me on this request – I would like to see more tabs. For myself, more banjo tabs, but I do realise that this is a Bluegrass mag so maybe each issue could include an extra tab for each instrument on a rotational basis? Even tabs for familiar tunes are welcome, if they are new or interesting interpretations. Bruce Dewdney, Runcorn Thanks for the feedback, Bruce – it's the first we've had! There are problems with including more tabs, not least getting the tabs in the first place! But our main tab team is very helpful, prolific and respected, sending in very good tabs, I think. If there was sufficient demand then we could do it, at the expense of something else. What do other readers think? See also the next letter . Ed. I would be interested to have some feedback from your readers as to whether they are actually interested in these tabs. If they do find them useful, do they want more fiddle tunes or would they prefer breaks for songs? If there is a call for tabs I am happy to do them. Perhaps a questionnaire aimed at getting an answer to these questions would be useful. Best wishes, Martyn (Peters), Stourbridge. Well, you read what Martyn says, and what Bruce says above – but please why don't you write or otherwise let me know if you want tabs or not. All letters will go into a draw for a bluegrass tape prize! Ed. The regional Christmas party round-up struck me as a naturally-observed and reported page, reminiscent of down home events you see reported in North Georgia or the Carolinas. I now know who John Baldry is through reading your mag, though I've seen his stuff in BBN. You can certainly expect a check for a fiver to be in the post as my contribution to party funds (New Labour - New Bluegrass) and some adverts for the Dalebilly Museum. Yours Sincerely, K.Tardley, Huddersfield. (by Write to) pete@zeus.hud.ac.uk Well, Pete Wraith, that was most unexpected! Honestly! What can one say other than "TVM!" And don't forget to send articles, too… please… Any Bluegrass info would be welcome in NZ. and I would subscribe if you could send the NWBN 'down under' - it's first class (the N/L, that is!). Brian Oldham, Christchurch, New Zealand. Thanks for the tab and tips, Brian. And no sweat - we'll see that you get it in NZ! (Brian has since become a sponsor) . Andy, Colwyn Bay. Well, Andy, I've spoken to him on your behalf. He was most embarrassed and apologises profusely. Ed.
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