July 2024: The last update was January 6 this year when, had she lived, Sandy Denny would have been celebrating her 77th birthday, writes Colin Randall. It felt appropriate to mark her birthday once again. I have also posted an... Read more →
Dave Goulder’s January Man has been covered by enough artists to be considered a modern folk classic. But which version is best? We’re calling this for Christy Moore, but you might disagree. Read more →
Dec 2023: a further update. We've had a bit of Martin Carthy lately, a review of his talking/singing tour and a look back at his version, with Dave Swarbrick, of Byker Hill. But there's also Eliza Cartthy, Martin's daughter of... Read more →
Dec 2023 update I wish to record my sadness at the passing yesterday (Dec 15) of Bob Johnson, such a great fixture of Steeleye Span for most of the band's distinguished career. Excellent guitarist and a pivotal inspiration for some... Read more →
It is hard to believe (as I update this introduction in 2021) that more than 70 years have passed since Ewan MacColl wrote his second best known song, Dirty Old Town. MacColl composed compellingly on many subjects, from the challenges... Read more →
December 2022 update: thoughts of reviving this post from my Cover Story series, this instalment comparing different versions of the heartwarming song of farewell, The Parting Glass, came to mind as I joined relatives, friends and acquaintances at the funeral... Read more →
