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The Living Tradition |
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| DESERT ISLAND DISCS
The long running BBC Radio programme asks a series of celebrities what books and recordings they would take with them were the marooned on a desert island. Part of the fun of course, is listening to 'the reasons why'. We make a start at a Living Tradition version by asking some of our staff for a list of their 'essential recordings. PETE HEYWOOD Nic Jones - 'Penguin Eggs' - or some other recording by Nic Jones would certainly be on my list. I have all of Nic's albums, mostly on LP. These were early in my collection because The Halliard were among my early experiences in folk clubs. Cilla & Artie - Memories of Folk Club performances again bring this one into my list. Planxty - 'Planxty' - 'the black album' Tim Hart & Maddy Prior - 'Folksongs of Old England' -Tim and Maddy were resident musicians at a youth club weekend in Derbyshire. I stuck with them as they moved to Steeleye Span but never really became much of a fan of Folk Rock. Sometime during that weekend, Rosemary Hardman played a selection from about 10 LPs. That introduction led me to seek at a number of performers at local clubs. It was the first time I heard Irish pipes, prompting me to take a motorbike ride to Rochdale to see Finbar & Eddie Furey.. Finbar Furey - I would take this album even if it only had the one track on it, as long as that track was 'Madame Bonaparte'. You will travel far to find pipe playing as alive as this. Heather Heywood - By Yon Castle Wa' - When you are married to a great singer, and editor of a magazine, it is hard to praise something without being accused of bias. I was in the studio during the recording of this and so know the emotional input. Geoff Wall writing for Folk on Tap thought that this was a really groundbreaking album. I know how hard it is to capture the real magic in a solo performance. This recording attempts to frame the voice with some music to try to translate the spirit of the songs into a recording. For me it stands comparison with the very best. Dick Gaughan - 'Live in Edinburgh' - I could choose from several of Dick's albums, including his first on Bill Leader's Trailer label. Robin and Barry Dransfield - 'The Rout of the Blues' This was an LP that stood out from the crowd. I saw Robin & Barry at Mike Harding's club in Manchester. Fiddle players were in short supply then, but to see two guys, one playing guitar the other playing fiddle in the crook of his arm, and both singing - was just incredible. I would cheat and take Free Reeds tribute box set of The Dransfields to the island giving most of this LP and lots more. The Watersons - I am not a lover of harmony singing, but the Watersons sound is the exception to the rule. I will remember forever seeing Blue Murder live in Dumfries. Totally uplifting, absolutely unique. I am now off to rummage through my record collection to narrow the field down for the rest of my selection. ......
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