By Derek Brandon

I’VE HAD A DISTRESSING PHONE CALL from a sponsor who said that s/he wasn’t going to renew. OK, so that’s no problem, but what worried me was the three reasons why. The first was that s/he took exception to something I put in the “Planetarium” article in the November issue, about it being “Invitation only, to keep the undesirables out.” I know that the reasoning was to reduce the chance of the “rabble” that often appears at these events hearing of it - after all, a planetarium does have that kind of ‘starry’ connotation that attracts a wacky element. But if “Not invited” was taken as meaning “You are undesirable” it’s unfortunate. It’s a shame that people should be so sensitive, because the vast majority of the NW Bluegrass Scene weren’t invited!

The second reason concerned the importance attached to “novices” at festivals - the example quoted was Silsden, where “Unless you’re an ardent talented player or well-known sessionist you don’t get a look in - there are no sessions or other provisions for beginners.” The final reason (there may have been more) was the use of drugs at the festivals - “I’m fed up of seeing it - how do drugs and Bluegrass go hand in hand? And these are supposed to be family occasions - how can you take the family?” The drugs quoted do have something in common with Bluegrass, if you cut the ‘blue’ part, and the festival in question wasn’t Silsden... I must say that, though I’ve seen smoking at festivals, it disappoints me rather than worries me, and there’s very little of it.

So yes, I know, it’s up to him/her to sort it out - find or create a session at a suitable level - one can’t expect to get into “hot” sessions just like that - it takes years, maybe (the subject had been learning hard for 3 years). And the other points can be pooh-poohed as well. But the fact is that if one person thinks like this there must be others, and these people count amongst those that we absolutely need in order to ensure any future for Bluegrass, let alone a popular public breakout. Do festival and session-club organisers give enough thought to the needs of beginners / novices? Probably a majority don’t....

LAST TIME I MENTIONED how well the Sensitive New Age Cowpersons performed (as distinct from played) at Didmarton ’97. I made the mistake of mentioning middle-of-the-road performances by some British bands in the same breath as the Didmarton Festival. I should have made it clear that this in no way at all reflected upon the festival itself - Didmarton is a very good festival and deserves support. As expected I got a lot of flack for it but also received lots of support . But also please look carefully at The Acme Band report- no need to read it - just look at the photos - says it all. They played well, looked good and enjoyed themselves.

BLUEGRASS IS UNDER PRESSURE from the greater popularity of ‘New Country’. (See ‘Letters’, Brian Barker). Without a doubt the most effective way that ‘ordinary’ mortals like us can get more BG on radio is by writing to the presenters (and to the stations) telling them how much we enjoy the BG slots and how we’d love to have more of them. People DO take note of listeners comments. For example, as a result of writing to Chester Library with a detailed list of CDs I wanted them to buy, the Head Librarian wrote back thanking me and saying how useful such lists are in helping him to make selections.

THIS MAG AND NW GIGS are now promoted by Kenny Johnson in Radio Merseyside’s Saturday morning “Back-to-Back” Bluegrass slot about 10.45 am. But does it do any good? As a result of massive poster, newspaper and radio exposure the Chester Club hasn’t benefited by a single extra punter...

FOR ME 1997 WAS the year of reconcilliation and, with one notable exeception, I’ve succeeded. Well, whether or not you had a good 1997 and a Merry Xmas, we all wish you a very Happy New Bluegrass Year!!

Updated 23rd Jan 1999