Following the huge 7.8 earthquake near Kaikoura, the local folk music community rallied round. And you can help too. 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
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
Well, thanks to the staff of Paekakariki 88.2FM for inviting us into the studio, and for looking after us so well when we got there. The audience in the little studio was perhaps five. I know we were actually playing … Continue reading
Roll on the Day is a sad, haunting ballad created by UK folk singer Allan Taylor. It tells of the health difficulties suffered by a working man from the north of England struck down in retirement by a typical industrial … Continue reading
Now THAT was an experience. So I have been in studios before (mainly radio and TV, but still with mics and other bits & pieces you don’t have at home) and done some bash recording, but nothing is quite like … Continue reading
Playing with other musicians is a special thing. Especially when it all comes together so nicely. Solo can be a bit limiting if it is all you do. And although I can put together extra instruments and harmonies with my … Continue reading
Sometimes an earworm wont stay in my head. It goes round and round, then starts to leak out through vocal chords and, occasionally, fingers. Singing in the shower or while making breakfast is one thing, but there are occasions when … Continue reading
One for sorrow, two for joy….. The song The Magpie is a favourite of mine. Originally penned by a chap called Dave Dodds around 40 years ago it pulled together much older traditions of kids counting rhymes and superstitions. I … Continue reading
