Following the huge 7.8 earthquake near Kaikoura, the local folk music community rallied round. And you can help too. Continue reading
Some songs grab you with a catchy, singalong chorus, some with a great instrumental break (would Gerry Rafferty’s career be the same without the sax on Baker Street?) You listen, soak them up, eventually hum along with a mix of … Continue reading
When Ed Force One thudded onto the runway at Christchurch Airport a few weeks ago, it wasn’t just the pilot that was unusual. Lead singer Bruce Dickinson was at the controls, while the hold contained all the gear for Iron … Continue reading
A few hundred years ago, Holland (and Belgium for that matter), were not united, but ruled by Spain. As the low countries moved to Protestantism (Spain was deeply catholic, and home of – Monty Python fans would know this – … Continue reading
On tour in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand. So I get to play some nice venues, meet great and friendly people, while driving some of the best roads in the world and enjoying the spectacular scenery along the … Continue reading
It almost didn’t happen. I am so glad it did. I have just returned from a superbly relaxed, friendly festival in beautiful South Island scenery. What a great way to spend a New Year’s break. Carol and Steve Rose have … Continue reading
It came out of the blue. Actually, it came out of the ether. I want to interview you about Row out to your ship of dreams. How could I refuse (he was so polite)? So here it is; When did … Continue reading
This sounds like an old song, at least the lyrics do. It was actually written in the 1960’s by English folkie David Dodds. It uses an old nursery counting rhyme; one for sorrow, two for joy …… In England, the … Continue reading
The absolute genius of Carol and Steve Rose, who run the Tui Farm folk festival each New Year, is in programming large gaps in the schedule. There is plenty of time for just being; being with friends, being in the … Continue reading
Here we go before I forget too much; I left off the last part of the story while standing with friends at the Village Pump folk festival, under the floodlit gaze of a white horse carved into a Wiltshire hillside. … Continue reading
