CARRY on STREAMIN from EDINBURGH FOLK CLUB Probably the Best Folk Club in the World! Dateline: Wednesday 22 July 2020 Volume 1.04

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CARRY ON STREAMIN from EDINBURGH FOLK CLUB Probably the best folk club in the world! Dateline: Wednesday 22 July 2020 Volume 1.04

language bodies will outlive the actual speaker SCOTTISH GAELIC group and the Scottish people will soon only CARRY ON STREAMIN IN CRISIS? have Gaelic as a heritage language." You may recognise in our banner a A MAJOR NEW STUDY published Scottish Gaelic is not a core curricular subject ‘reworking’ of the of the Carrying earlier this month, has found that in Scotland as Irish Gaelic is in Ireland Stream festival which EFC’s late chair, Paddy Bort, created shortly after the Scottish Gaelic is rarely used by although Prof Ó Giollagáin said there were death of Hamish Henderson. younger generations following its identifiable similarities between what was accelerated decline as the community happening in the Scottish Gàidhealtachd and After Paddy died in February 2017, vernacular since the early 1980s. The the experience in the Irish Gaeltacht. “The EFC created the Paddy Bort Fund study, conducted in the Gaelic-speaking similarities relate to a process of demographic (PBF) to give financial assistance to communities of the Western Isles, Staffin in the contraction and loss of social densities of folk performers who, through no fault Isle of Skye and the Isle of Tiree in Argyll and speakers in the vernacular areas and to the of their own, fall on hard times. Bute, concluded that in 10 years’ time English similar irrelevance of formal public supports No-one contemplated anything like the will supplant spoken Gaelic because the Gaelic and provision for the Gaelic communities. coronavirus. Now we need to communities are collapsing. Prof Ó Giollagáin said authorities in both replenish PBF and have set a target of Carried out by academics at the University of jurisdictions should acknowledge the severity (at least) £10 000. the Highlands and Islands and Soillse, a multi- of the threat faced by both languages. “Political There are two strands to Carry On institutional research project that includes leaders and governmental bodies in both Streamin - this publication and our Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye, the study - entitled, jurisdictions should admit publicly the level of YouTube channel where you will find, "The Gaelic Crisis in the Vernacular crisis faced by the Gaelic communities and every fortnight, videos donated by Community: A Comprehensive Sociolinguistic consult with each other about devising feasible some of the best folk acts around. Survey of Scottish Gaelic" - noted how the measures to help the Gaels in the current Gaelic-speaking community had fallen to just predicament." Please donate to PBF as best you can, 11,000 people, the majority of whom were over using the PayPal links we provide. 50 years old. Gaelic language use no longer Ed: So, after many years of support with aid extends beyond what the study describes as, from The European Charter for Regional or “fragile and marginal social networks”. Minority Languages (ECRML), an EU programme supporting minority languages The study's lead author, Professor Conchúr Ó throughout Europe, and the promotion of Giollagáin, who is Director of the Language Gaelic in education by the Scottish Sciences Institute at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, said: government, will Scottish Gaelic be allowed to “This is a more severe crisis than the Irish just fade away and die? What went wrong? Gaeltacht. The Gaelic communities are smaller, more dispersed and collapsing and moving into The ECRML was adopted in 1992 under the the final phase of language shift to English, auspices of the Council of Europe to protect which will culminate in 10 years’ time in the and promote historical regional and minority monolingualisation of community language languages in Europe. Ireland has not been able practice." to sign the Charter on behalf of the Irish language (although a minority language) as it Some 80% of the resident population reported an is defined as the first official language of the ability to speak Scottish Gaelic in the 1981 census state. The United Kingdom has ratified the but this had declined to 52% by the 2011 census. Charter in respect to (among other languages) During this period a net loss of 9,660 Gaelic Welsh in Wales, Scots and Gaelic in Scotland, speakers was recorded, with those aged from three and Irish in Northern Ireland. to 17 years experiencing a fall of 41%. To see Scottish census information about Scots Prof Ó Giollagáin added: "Without radical Gaelic go here action the remaining Gaelic-speaking communities do not have the demographic or Click here PayPal to donate societal resources to sustain a communal to the Paddy Bort Fund. presence beyond the next 10 years. Gaelic will cease to exist as a community language in any And click here to go to EFC’s part of Scotland. Language policy and official YouTube channel.

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taobh a deas Glàschu far an robh sinn a’ Ar cànan agus ar fuireach, neo anns an sgoil agam. coimhearsnachd (Our Fad mo bhèatha, tha ùidh mhòr air a bhith agam anns na h-òrain Gàidhlig agus language and our dh’ionnsaich mi iomadh òran bho’m community) mhàthair, agus bho m’ sheanmhair nuair a bha mi ann am Barraidh airson saor- Tha Magaidh NicAonghais a laithean. Sheinn mi gu tric anns na ’sgrìobhadh ... conseirtean sgoile ann am Pàisling ach cha O chionn goirid, chuir UHI agus Soillse (a do chord sin ìdir rium oir bha mo multi-institutional research collaboration) charaidean air fad a’ smaontinn gu’ robh Maggie MacInnes (pic by Elaine rannsachadh ùr a mach mu dhéidhinn mi gu math neònach ann a bhith seinn Livingstone) Gàidhlig anns na coimhearsnachdan agus anns a’ chànan sin. Bha a’ mhór chuid a’ bha mi glè dhuilich a’ leughadh. Bha iad Is mise Magaidh NicAonghais. Rugadh smaointinn gur ann as Èirinn a bha mi a’ smaointinn gum bi Gàidhlig marbh anns agus thògadh mi ann an Glàschu ach tha agus cha robh eolas idir aca mu Ghàidhlig na coimhearsnachdan Ghàidhlig ann an mo mhathair à Barraidh agus m’athair à Albannach. Bha mi caran diùid agus cha deich bliadhna eile as aonais gum bi Glaschù le a phàrantan à Barraidh. Nuair a robh e furasda dhòmhsa a bhith eadar- atharraichean mòra air an cur an gniomh. bha mi òg, bha Gàidhlig gu leor anns an dhealaichte. Bha mi cho ìosal nuair a bha mi a’ taigh againn ach cha robh Gàidhlig leaghadh sin ach, a bheil seo ceart? Agus timcheall oirnn anns a coimhearsnachd (a ’leantainn thairis air ...) ma tha, dè nì sinn?

Aig an aon àm, bha mi cìnnteach gun robh Cha bhi e furasda agus feumaidh sinn a analysing the seriousness of the situation na h-òrain agam cho breagha agus cho bhith ag obair còmhla ri na Riaghaltasan in 2016, Professor Ó Giollagáin concluded Albannach. Tha mi a’ smaointinn gum agus anns na coimhearsnachdan gus ar that those in positions of leadership were biodh e air a bhith nas fhearr dhomhsa cànan agus ar cultar Gàidhlig a chur air part of a ‘no-choice scenario’. While this agus airson na cànain nam biodh Gàidhlig talamh shàbhailte airson ùine fhada. Tha may be true in terms of socio-linguistic (mar roghainn)air a bhith air a theagasg mi an dochas gum bi sibh den aon policy-making, it does not provide a anns na sgoiltean air feadh Alba neo fiu’s bheachd mu tha Gàidhlig agaibh neo blanket excuse for the rapid demise of any rudeigin mu dhéidhinn Gàidhlig neo nacheil…… Bu dùal a bhith seinn … language. There have also been earlier eachdraidh na Gaidhealtachd. studies, such as Nancy Dorian (1981) and Ken MacKinnon’s surveys, yet even An diugh, tha Foghlam tro Mheadhan na WHAT CAN WE DO TO Dorian’s book title (‘Language Death’) Gàidhlig againn agus tha sin cudthromach didn’t raise the alarm – or were folk airson na canain a chumail beò airson PREVENT THIS DEATH? leaving it all to Donald Stewart, MP for bliadhnaichean ri thighinn. A bharrachd Prof Margaret Bennett writes ... the Western Isles who worked tirelessly air a sin, tha na àireamh de luchd- on the Gaelic Language Bill he proposed ionnsachaidh gu math falainn agus tha in 1980? Ceòl Gàidhlig gu math laidir air feadh an t-saoghail. Ach càite bheil na duine, gu h- It is already well-documented that the araid an oigridh, fileanta Gàidhlig ga Scottish Education Act of 1872 was the cleachdadh taobh muigh Foghlam, a most deadly blow to all languages as well Mhedia agus Ceòl neo Drama Ghàidhlig? as dialects of the British Isles. Nevertheless, native speakers, particularly Tha e soilleir dhomsa gum bi e parents and teachers, were free to make cudthromach Gàidhlig a’ bhrosnachadh choices that could have made a difference, anns na coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig agus had they heeded the ‘diagnosis’ or the anns na coimhearsnachdan eile cuideachd countless warnings and cautions for over a gu h-araid timicheall nan sgoiltean The importance of diagnosis has century, yet the ‘refusal to engage with Gàidhlig. Tha atharraichean mòra air a dominated our minds throughout the diagnosis’ seems close to the truth. The bhith anns na coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig coronavirus pandemic, and, as far as we Melbost bard, Murdo MacFarlane, who anns a’ cheud bliadhna a tha air a dhol gather, most people paid attention, doing gave us that wonderful anthem ‘Canan nan seachad. Anns na h-eileanan mar all possible to avoid disaster. It put the Gaidheal’, gave an interview with the eisimpleir, ghluais tòrr de na daoine gu fear of death in most of us. The relevance BBC, which now seems prophetic – na bailtean-mòra mar Glàschu, Dun of diagnosis was also central to Professor filmed in 1979, he warned the Gaels about Eideann agus Lunnain airson obair Conchúr Ó Giollagáin’s professorial taking care of their language, and, fhaighainn agus aig an àm cha robh iad a’ address to the University of the Highlands speaking to an English audience he said: smaointinn mu dheidheinn Gàidhlig a and Islands in 2016. He expressed grave “How I envy you people here, who are not shàbhaladh. Chan eil mi a dol a’ concern for the health of the Celtic faced with my problem. Just imagine if bhruidhinn an seo mu dheidhinn mar a bha languages, particularly Irish and Scottish you were going home tonight, and you Riaghaltasan a’ cuir sios air a’ chanan tro Gaelic, noting that collaborative research were saying to yourself ‘The language I’m na linntin ach ’s e an fhirinn duilich a tha evidenced a consistent refusal in language speaking will be dead in another sixty sin gu dearbh. A nis, tha ar n-eileanan làn institutions to engage in diagnosis. The years.’ Just imagine yourselves in my de dhaoine gun Ghàidhlig bho àitichean result was that those in positions of position… it’s so discouraging. But still eile san t-shaoghal agus tha mi toilichte gu leadership gave the appearance that they we sing and still we make songs, in spite leor mu dheidhinn sin. Tha Gàidhlig ann were participating in their own demise. of everything.” fhasast ach nuair a bhios sibh ann Did nobody react? cluinnidh sibh barrachd Beurla na As a young man MacFarlane had As I was not in the audience, I listened Gàidhlig. emigrated to Canada, but finding that online in the wake of Professor Ó economic advantage of living in the Na mo bheachd-sa feumaidh sinn a bhith Giollagáin’s recent announcement that the Prairies could never compensate for ag obair leis a h-uile duine anns na language could be extinct within a decade. cultural deprivation, in 1932 he decided to coimhearsnachdan, gus Gàidhlig a This is a devastating blow to anyone who return to the Isle of Lewis, where he bhròsnachadh, agus airson cuideachadh na cares about the language and culture. would wait two more decades for the duine le Gàidhlig a bhith nas moteile mum Could it have been different? Did nobody advent of electricity. cànan agus mun cúltar. else warn the Gaels this might happen? In (continued on page 4 ...)

(… continued from page 3) recordings made in and around a huge revival, with Gaelic-medium Stornoway, Quebec. Most of the audience schools and increasing numbers of For the rest of his life he was a crofter, and were Gaelic-speakers, and during the speakers. On my first visit to the island, I was well-known as the local bard – we ‘talk’ I quoted from an article published in was invited to spend a morning in a lived in the same community, three miles 1970: classroom, teaching Gaelic songs – we from Stornoway. Despite being the found we could understand one another stronghold of Gaelic, there was no At the time of the first Great War there quite well. What impressed me most of all, educational provision for learning Gaelic were approximately two thousand five however, took place outside of the until the Education (Scotland) Act of hundred Gaels in Marsboro alone (3 miles classroom: the children in the playground 1980. from Stornoway). We were talking with a did not switch to English (as happens in so man who told us that he did not know that The 1970s and 80s seemed full of many of our schools) but they continued to there was any other language in the world optimism, giving hope, if not faith, that use Manx. And at the end of the school but Gaelic until he was seven years old. Gaelic would not only survive but day, when I was met by the parents of two flourish. In Skye, Iain Noble was one of In 1992 there was one Gaelic speaker left, children, there was no switch to English the prime movers, having learnt the Angus Morrison, whose people left Harris on the way home, but a delightful chatter language himself, he put his whole hearted in the early 1880s. I played a recording about the day’s happenings. The Manx support into the foundation of the Gaelic made in his native Quebec, of his clear, have proven that a language can be College, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. In the Outer rich voice – sadly the language died with revived. Hebrides, Father Colin MacInnes set up him not long afterwards. As Professor Conchúr Ó Giollagáin the first Fèis in his native Barra, planting In the discussion that followed, it seemed cautioned in 2016, however if Scottish the idea that we should teach the language, evident that language death is not Gaels refuse to engage with the diagnosis, songs and music in the cultural context of impossible, it is a reality. But the last ‘essentially we will end up with a culture the Gael – it was a huge success and (as word went to a Gaelic-speaker, well- that is performed rather than lived.’ they say) the rest is history. respected for community leadership: On reflection, I return to the question of “That could never happen in Lewis,” was engaging with diagnosis: while attending the emphatic response. CANADA’S JASON the Fèis with my son, Martyn, who was All languages need role models for new WILSON ON SINGING thirteen, it only took one visit to the local generations – listening to the voice of the Co-op in Castlebay to realise that children late Dr John MacInnes on a Gaelic radio TO THE IN-BETWEENS from Gaelic-speaking homes generally broadcast is akin to listening to the responded in English when Gaelic was AND UNBELONGING Richard Burton of Gaelic. I have become used. In a discussion with parents I afraid to listen to the early evening suggested that this was the thin edge of a programmes on BBC Radio nan Gaidheal wedge: if Gaelic-speaking adults instantly as the chat is peppered with ‘Yes’ and switched to English, then children would ‘No’ (which don’t exist in Gaelic) as well settle for the majority language. There as Americanisms, “yeah! Cool!” Surely have also been some exemplary teachers those in positions of leadership can take a whose approach has been inspirational – stand, I thought, as I approached such a one of the most memorable being Angus person at a gathering in Sabhal Mòr Brendan MacNeil from Barra, who set up Ostaig. The response was a flat refusal to the Gaelic medium unit in Mull. (He is recognise the problem and (to make things now MP for the Western Isles.). worse) an emphatic ‘Tha sin cool.’ Gaeldom now has a plethora of cultural (That’s cool). Where is the leadership if it events, with music, drama and literature as is cool to water down the language until it well as radio and television. As a writer I is almost unpalatable? Jason Wilson have enjoyed the challenge of presenting Is there any hope? As an eternal optimist, I was looking forward to performing in occasional ‘book events’ on topics relating I take hope in what has happened in the Edinburgh this October alongside my to Gaelic culture as well as to the Isle of Man. The last native-born Manx good friend Dick Gaughan, but then, as community in which they take place. An speaker died in 1974, and with him the you know, COVID intervened. Hopefully, event in Stornoway seemed the ideal place Manx language, which is very close to we’ll be able to sort out a return for 2021. to share my book about Gaelic settlers in Scottish Gaelic. Since then there has been Quebec, and to show old photographs and (continued on page 6 … )

(… continued from page 4) Later, at 18, I was introduced to key So, while I may always be the “Scottish” reggae architect Jackie Mittoo, who took guy in Canada, or the “Canadian” guy in Some of you may know my work with me under his wing in the last couple of Scotland, or the “reggae-head” in the folk Dave Swarbrick (I’m the “Wilson” in years of his too-short life. All this to world and even the “folkie-jazzer” in the Wilson & Swarbrick), but I’m guessing explain: reggae rather chose me early on. reggae scene, I’m okay with that. I was that most of you are otherwise unfamiliar. never going to appeal to the At university, I expanded my palette, By way of introduction, I’m a Scottish- fundamentalists. learned jazz and delved deep into the Canadian reggae-folk-jazz artist with a Scottish and English folk traditions. Fast- The good news for me is that there are still penchant for penning songs about history forward to 2008 and the release of The enough of the in-betweens and (just rolls off the tongue doesn’t it?). Peacemaker’s Chauffeur album, where I unbelonging out there to sing with and to. Having just summited the 50 year mark, attempted to unite all of these worlds. however, I confess my comfort with (Ed: for a great musical experience listen playing the “outsider” role: I’m an “in- When I set out to record Matty Groves, I to Jason et al with “My Love Is Like A between”, unbelonging to any one thought “why not give Swarb a call?” My Red Red Rose” which segues into Bob designation. career forever changed the moment Dave Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” on the accepted the invite. In fact, he was so Lion Rampant album (Wheel I grew up in Toronto with a hoose fou o’ delighted with the result, that he asked us Records/Shirty Records, 2014, Ayrshire folk. In 1966, my mom, dad, to appear on his raison d'être album. This WR008B/SHIRTY4 and available as a sister, gran and aunt boarded a plane in led to two further full-length albums and a single as “Red Rose Medley” (Wheel Prestwick for a new life in Canada. I ton of touring across Canada and the UK. Records, 2011, WR008A) arrived in 1970, and for the first decade of my life, I spent my summers in Ochiltree At the 2009 Calgary Folk Festival, I was (near Cumnock). Thanks to this constant asked to host one of the workshop stages CLIVE GREGSON writes exposure, I ended up with a bizarre accent with an unusual line-up: American hip that can only be called Ayrshiretonian (a hoppers Arrested Development, Jamaican mix of Ayrshire and Torontonian). Mutabaruka and – to my astonishment – Fortunately, at school in Canada, there Dick Gaughan! I think I freaked Dick out were plenty of other “funny accents”. One when I introduced myself to him of the more prevalent being Jamaican backstage and asked - in my strongest patois, as many Jamaicans had also come Ayrshiretonian - if he wanted to do a to Toronto in search of a new life. version of ‘No Gods and Precious Few Heroes’. As Dick had long and rightly At 12, I joined my first band – the regarded reggae as a “folk” music, I didn’t inelegantly named Pyramid of Dance – have to sell him on the various with my best friend, Jamaican-Canadian intersections. After the weekend was over, Richard Harvey. Like me, Richard was the Dick invited me and my band to join him first Canadian born in his family. His two for Celtic Connections in 2010. We’ve older brothers had already, by this time, played it three times now. established themselves musically: Carl was and remains bandleader to Toots Clive Gregson & The Maytals, while Rupert was frontman to Canada’s biggest reggae band, I HOPE THIS finds you all well and Messenjah. I played my first nightclub gig coping with the current health situation as with the latter when I was 14. best you possibly can. Interesting times we Around the same time, I learned that my are living through … cousin Michael Virtue was the keyboard Some of you may be aware that I had player in UB40. Michael and UB40 were decided to retire from touring at the end of very helpful during the earlier part of my this year. I turned 65 back in January and career, allowing me to open for them have been a pro musician for forty years. several times and even appearing on some of my recordings (Ali Campbell and father (continued on page 7 ...) Ian appear on Wilson & Swarbrick’s Kailyard Tales).

(… continued from page 6) bills.Set against that is the reality that cultural ways of life? Their music is played many people involved in the folk scene on fiddle, cello, accordion and bagpipe. That feels like enough… and although are, like me, of advancing years, more at They have a distinctive national dress worn I’ve been extremely fortunate in that I’ve risk from CV-19 infection and perhaps at festive occasions, and a tradition of coun- never had to play music I didn’t care for in rather less likely to return to their clubs try dances which are ring, couple and line order to keep the lights on, it’s also true to until they feel it is truly safe. dance. As they spin quickly they are given say that I don’t find touring in the UK as to spontaneous cries of “Hee-euch”. pleasurable as it used to be. I should have made two visits to Edinburgh this year… once to play at the The answer is ... Poland. The Poles are one I still love performing and the time spent Edinburgh Folk Club and again to play the of Scotland’s most prolific and long-stand- onstage is as good as it gets for me... but I Fringe. I shall greatly miss both... they are ing immigrant communities, thoroughly in- seemed to be spending inordinate amounts gigs that I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed tegrated in all but those surnames, which of time on my own and sitting in endless and people attend that I like very much even Leo Tolstoy sent up in War and Peace. traffic jams. I’m hoping that there are and will most likely not have a chance to better ways of spending my time! In the Polish highlands, which lie in the see this year. The post gig catch up with south of the country, a folk tradition parallel I’ll continue to write, record, produce, Dr John, Paddy et al at Sandy Bell’s was to the native Scots still thrives amongst the engineer, play sessions etc and would hope always fun. Goral people, a distinct ethnic and linguistic to play live again with the various combos I’m so pleased that Paddy’s fund was group. The word “Goral” means simply I’m involved with: 3 Boxes, The Black’edds, established to assist musicians who have “highland”, and the people, like the more Raggedy Ass etc. I’m always open to fallen on hard times... and I’m sure it’s westerly Catalans, Romansch and other interesting offers… and I’m hoping to return been hugely appreciated in recent months. mountain people, straddle modern national to full time education (as a student!) in 2021. I really hope that I’ll have an opportunity boundaries in the mountain ranges that join I’d like to finish the degree I was lured away to come back and play for you folks at to form the spine of Europe. from in 1977 by sex, drugs, rock and roll and some point… excessive drinking. On the whole, I’m relieved that I’m at this In the meantime, as part of my giant leap end of my “career” (although in truth, I’ve into oblivion, I decided to release a new always considered what I’ve been doing as CD every month throughout 2020 ... and a good way of avoiding a career!) … the despite the many logistical difficulties thought of starting a life in music now thrown up by the lockdown, I’m would be very daunting, I suspect. I can’t ploughing ahead with that plan. For many imagine any scenario where social and varied reasons, I am about a month gatherings for live music will be feasible adrift of my original schedule but I’m until an effective CV-19 vaccine is confident I’ll be able to catch up over the available... and that seems to be a way off next six months. Check out progress to yet. I worry that many venues will go date here for more information. Thanks! dark permanently in the meantime... and Do stay well... my very best to you all. many musicians and support staff throughout the industry will lose a (Ed: Thanks Clive. We’d love to see you livelihood that has been somewhat back up this way at some point. precarious for many in any case. I remain Meanwhile good luck with the CD to be convinced that the government bail project! It sounds like a lot of work.) out announced two weeks ago will be much more than a sticking plaster or even TRADITIONS IN THE The Goral live in modern Poland, eastern reach as far as the grass roots venues and Slovakia, and the Silesian area of the Czech performers. Time will tell. Oddly enough, HIGHLANDS OF POLAND Republic. Their highlands are in the Tatra I think that folk clubs will be better placed Prof Pam King writes … mountains, the highest part of the than many venues to survive the CV-19 Carpathian range. During World War 2, the fallout... assuming the venues they can Where do you find a thriving folk tradition coming from the highlands of a country, and Nazis attempted to Germanise the Goral, be- meet in remain open. The “not for profit lieving them distinct from the ethnic Polish- and run by volunteers” nature of most folk preserved particularly by a distinct group of clubs means that they are generally not mountain people with their own language (continued on page 8 …) burdened with high overheads and wage and dialects who still hold to their old agri-

(… continued from page 7) In the smaller mountain communities, as is still the case in the Western Highlands and Slav, but these days, the Goral self-identify Islands of Scotland, the whole community purely on territorial grounds. turns out for the funeral of one of its num- My Polish friend and neighbour is Goral, ber. They follow the hearse to the graveyard from the city of Zacopane. Polish people on foot and sing a particular song. In sum- have found Scotland a congenial place to mary the first verse says that the sun has al- settle at two points in recent history. Firstly ready set behind the mountains and the there were those who came here to fight in Goral who has died has said goodbye to the World War II, escaping a country invaded peaks of those mountains. In the following by Hitler, and who stayed. Secondly there verse the Goral sings in first person “Good- has been an influx since post-Soviet Poland bye valleys; maybe one day I’ll come back joined the EU. My friend came here alone in to these mountains and valleys”. But so search of education and better economic much is lost in translation, and the original prospects than those offered in Poland. She certainly makes the hairs stand up on the was born in the immediate post-Soviet era back of my neck, thinking of the whole album of covers.” into a family of mountain farmers at a time community processing solemnly and singing when many were not only poor but starving. in unison: YouTube 6. There is no more perfect a time for an Like so many highly motivated immigrants album like this, “Just forget the world for she has made a successful life for herself, a moment and let the music in.” Kate says, and claims hardly to miss Poland at all - ex- NEW RELEASES “Music is such a powerful potion, it can’t heal the world but it can heal the heart, cept for the traditional folk culture. (And we KATE RUSBY releases her new album, have a UK government that claims the Arts Hand Me Down (Pure Records), on even for a fleeting moment.” don’t matter!) Here is her selection of what August 14 2020. The album is full of Of all the stars in folk music’s wondrous she finds the most authentic: cover versions. Listen here . firmament, few shine as brightly as YouTube 1 :: YouTube 2 Yorkshire’s Kate Rusby, prompting the The album started life a few years ago whilst And here is the Goral bagpipe, as with all Kate was rehearsing for the Jo Whiley Show Sunday Times to comment “Everybody loves and respects Kate Rusby, not just for bagpipe music an acquired taste: YouTube 3 on BBC Radio 2. Jo asks her live music guests to perform songs of their own plus her lovely voice, but for the way she has The traditional costume that the men wear, moved folk forward while remaining true any cover version of their choice. has, like the kilt, evolved from a practical to tradition”. weather-beating original. In this case So Kate chose 'Don’t Go Away' by Oasis, trousers were reinforced with string embroi- (which subsequently appeared on her last We’re always looking for dery across the front where they were most album Philosophers, Poets and Kings). On likely to fray during hard work, such as a second visit to the show she chose contributions from you – articles, guiding the horse-plough. This accounts for 'Friday I’m In Love' by The Cure, which news, pictures, opinions, reviews. the very elaborate blue and red string em- will make an appearance on Hand Me broidery that decorates the current tradi- Down. Please click here to email them to us. tional dress. Traditional cloaks are also held Kate says, “As a folk singer, it’s what I do, on with highly decorative clasps, equivalent re-interpret existing songs, but usually the Click here PayPal to donate to the plaid brooch or kilt pin. songs are much, much older. After playing to the Paddy Bort Fund. The dance tradition like the Scottish one, a version of Oasis’ ‘Don’t Go Away’ on has its show dances and the more social and the BBC Radio 2 Jo Whiley show, about 5 And click here to go to less challenging equivalents. It falls to the years ago, it dawned on me that not just men to perform the most physically chal- the very old songs are handed down EFC’s YouTube channel. lenging moves, as this professional group through the generations, but also favourite Featured performers on this shows. The over-forties try this at home at songs of any age, of any generation. Songs edition of the COS video are your own risk… YouTube 4. More achiev- are precious for many different reasons. Winter Wilson, Nick Keir, Margaret able versions of the same moves can be seen With 'Don’t Go Away' proving so popular Bennett, Paul Walker and Karen in the Zacopane Festival, an annual celebra- on the last album and hearing the reaction Pfeiffer, Murray MacLeod, Wizz tion of Goral traditional music, song and when we performed it on tour, I decided, Jones. dance, sadly cancelled in 2020: YouTube 5. “Right, that’s it! I am doing a whole

MALCOLM MacFARLANE and ROSS MILLIGAN – Two Rivers Meet (released July 3 2020)

Malcolm MacFarlane and Ross Milligan are both well-established jazz and freelance guitarists based in Scotland. They have worked together for 15 years in musical settings as varied as jazz groups to the Scottish Guitar Quartet to performing together with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. In Spring 2019 under the watchful eye of Mark Knopfler they made up the formidable guitar section for the world premiere run of Knopfler’s musical Local Hero at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh. This time, playing together, inspired them to establish new projects including electric guitar quartet ‘Sequence’ and a prolific series of virtual guitar duo compositions and recordings mainly created during the current period of lockdown. On this, their second duo release, they have expanded on the more live, spontaneous feel contemporary Scottish music. outbreak of Coronavirus to be a pandemic, of their first album with a series of ten we learned that ‘social distancing’ meant ‘no original compositions which are multi- The album also features specially handshakes, no hugs, and a distance of 2 textured and reflective in nature. As well as commissioned artwork from Belgian artist metres.’ The date was March 13th, 2020, and showcasing their jazz influences these pieces Lieve Peeters. some folk thought it was a joke; but it was also have distinct roots in Scottish, folk, And now for for something completely no laughing matter on March 17th when our classical and minimalist music. different – not your usual sort of ‘New First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave the first The album features ten mainly acoustic Release’ ... of a series of daily broadcasts. Phrases stay compositions which, transcending musical SCOTTISH DOMESTIC BLISS 2020 with us…. “Let me be blunt… follow the genres, are subtle, textured and reflective in LOCKDOWN (see advert) rules… nature. Performed by two of Scotland’s finest guitar players, this is a superbly Margaret Bennett writes … “When the (continued on page 10 ...) melodic journey through the best of World Health Organisation declared the

(… continued from page 9) during the weeks and months to come…. CROSSWORD (1.04) compiled by The Bairn Lockdown… over-70s stay at home … children, listen to your parents… but also have fun…”.Weeks and months? That’s a lot of days, but, as Charlie Chaplin always said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted”. Though it’s not officially on the list of how to help the NHS save lives, laughter goes a long way to save our sanity. Or, as Allan and Rosemary have proved, it’s the only way to save domestic bliss!” Scottish Domestic Bliss 2020 Lockdown by Allan and Rosemary McMillan: pub. Grace Note Publications, available late July. Buy on-line at Amazon

Clues Across: 3. Large fish that spends part of its life in salt water and part in fresh, tasty too! (6) 6. Type of vessel claimed by the sea off the coast of Alaska, New Years eve 2019 (4,4) 8. Sewing term for nipping in material with stitches, or to move quickly (4) 9. To concur (5) 10. Picturesque Scottish seaside town in Fife (4) 11. Very well known performer and songwriter, with over 50 years in the Clues Down: Newton (8) folk scene, first album ‘Do You See 1. US state that is home to The Ozark 17. Synonym for clans (6) the Lights?’ ______(3,6) Folk Centre (8) 18. Scarcity, or lack of something (6) 12. Traditional folk song, hugely 2. Common symbol used by brewers to 19. Small Irish town on SW coast, hosts a popularised by The Animals, ‘The represent the 5 ingredients of brewing (4) folk festival and birthplace of singer House of the Rising ___’ (3) 3. A mouse says ‘_____’ (6) Pauline Scanlon (6) 13. To sing in a traditional Alpine style (5) 4. Traditional British Navy ballad 22. ‘I Heard It Through The Grape____’ 15. Debut novel by Mike Kitson, two ‘Spanish ______’ (6) recorded first by Gladys Knight & young sisters trying to survive in 5. Word meaning to chat informally (6) The Pips (4) Scottish wilds (3) 7. Drum of Irish origin (7) Solutions to the crossword in COS1.03 can be 18. Major 1970’s Boney M hit (5,4) 9. Famous studio where Beatles found on page 14 (back page) 20. Bright flowering plant with thorns (4) recorded, _____ Road (5) 21. The highest Ben in Scotland (5) 14. Machines used to weave thread or Click here PayPal to donate 23. Famous Scottish drinks brand A.G ____ (4) yarn into fabric (5) to the Paddy Bort Fund. 24. Term used to indicate which side of a 15. Scottish mythological creature that car is next to the kerb (8) can change from seal to human form (7) And click here to go to EFC’s 25. London based female folk singer 16. 1982 album by Jean Redpath with Abby ______Crawford (6) YouTube channel.

competition at Glenfarg, he entered of traditional folk, roots, Americana, OBITUARY – MURRAY Edinburgh song writing competition. His contemporary singer/songwriters, indie-folk, MacLEOD songs were always quirky! Caitlin’s Song Celtic, bluegrass, and other world sounds. and Road Kill Café just to mention two of BLUES AND ROOTS RADIO - NEW - my favourites. based in Mississauga, ON, Canada. Liz Murray’s ‘Time to Shine’ came when he Franklin (@lizlipwig) presents 'Folk joined the committee of Edinburgh Folk Garden' every Tuesday 6pm - 8pm. All the Club. Here he brought us the ‘Murray best in folk, roots and acoustic music. Board’ which was supposed to help both Paddy and the audience understand the ACROSS THE POND - NEW is hosted raffle prizes … not sure it worked. Paddy by Ed Miller on Sunradio every Sunday still got mixed up and the audience still 3-4pm UK time - straight from Austin, asked for prizes that had already been Texas, USA! claimed. Still, he worked hard on it and it P URE BEAT RADIO - NEW from grew over time until it disappeared at Aberdeen, Scotland is an internet radio Summerhall. After this poor Murray was station that broadcasts all over the world Marianne Doig writes … called on to become the acting Chair at 24*7. Playing a Better Music Mix! You Edinburgh FC on the very sudden death of can tune in on your Smartphone, MURRAY MacLEOD was born in Paddy Bort. He did a wonderful job under Smartspeaker, Deezer and online. Inverness in 1946 and brought up in very difficult and strange circumstances. Scourie in Sutherland. He went to High BOTH SIDE S THE TWEED FOLK School in Dornoch and won a place at On a very personal note I would like to SHOW - NEW is a monthly podcast Edinburgh University but he did not enjoy say Murray always brought a smile to my presented by Gareth Patterson bringing you the it and left to go on to a series of jobs face. There was never a bad gig in all the very best in folk & acoustic music. working with his hands. He worked with a time I saw him play. Yes, there were things Submissions welcomed from artists who blacksmith for a number of years and then that went wrong. He liked very wordy would like Gareth to play their music. A CD went on to wood turning and carpentry. songs and sometimes forgot or stumbled would be appreciated but please remember it on the lyrics. That is why we all enjoy live During this time music was always his must be FOLK. music. He was a lovely man, a good friend touchstone. It is probably not an to many and will by very sadly missed by SOUNDART FOLK SHOW - NEW exaggeration to say that music and his all who knew him. hosted by Steve B. The station is situated family meant more to him throughout his in the Dartington manor estate near Totnes life than anything else. He was a very in Devon and is also available on skilled guitarist and a genius at putting MUSIC WAVES Mixcloud (listen again option). The show alternative words to existing tunes. He MUSIC ROUTES Jim Welsh airs folk in its many guises live monthly to once told me he cut his musical teeth at broadcasts on-line on Edinburgh's Radio a world-wide audience. There are live the famous Triangle Club sessions and in Summerhall. sessions every few weeks with some very the Waverley Bar, St Mary’s Street. special guests playing and chatting live in TRAVELLING FOLK Sunday (7pm) the studio. Read more about the show on He spent some years in America and found Bruce MacGrego r presents BBC Radio their Facebook page a natural home in the folk scene in Scotland's flagship two-hour folk Homestead, Florida where he could programme. STREAM RADIO STATIONS combine his music and woodwork skills AROUND THE WORLD WITH easily. B LACK DIAMOND 107.8 FM RADIO GARDEN – eg Edinburgh (242 Midlothian, Sunday 8pm-9pm (and Somewhere along the way he picked up Radio), Glasgow (Celtic Music Radio), available 24*7). Brian Miller presents "one of London (BBC Radio 5 Live) … and the skills to become a very respected the finest folk music programmes on radio". repairer of stringed instruments. This thousands more. - NEW seemed to the skill that gave him most joy C LICK HERE for a long list of folk Radio Garden is a non-profit Dutch radio apart from performing…well, I say music shows on BBC Radio. and digital research project developed from 2013 to 2016, by the Netherlands performing but really it was just playing F OLK ALLEY (USA) is a 24*7 internet and singing. Murray was a well kent face Institute for Sound and Vision, the radio service produced by the FreshGrass Transnational Radio Knowledge Platform at many of the local folk clubs. He Foundation which went online in frequently entered the comic song and five other European universities. It is September 2003, streaming a unique blend funded by HERA.

THE ONLINE FAB FOLK CLUB - industry's news outlet. A broad range of NEW is a pre-recorded on-air singaround news and information. folk club presented by Tony Haynes in SOUTHSIDE ADVERTISER EDINBURGH York. Anyone is invited in. Video not has a strap-line saying: “Living & Lifestyle in needed, obviously, because this is radio, so and around the Southside & Old Town of just record yourself performing, say, three Edinburgh” and usually carries myriad adverts, of your favourite songs or tunes and email reviews, show and exhibition previews and them or use WeTransfer. Obviously they useful local information doing just that. Worth would have to be close to radio quality, dipping into. but don’t get too hung up about that. Try to avoid background noises such as fridge BOX AND FIDDLE (UK, monthly) is motors, but a bit of bird song would be the publication of the National fine. Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs with an estimated home and GIGS ON-LINE overseas readership of 6,000+. MAIRI CAMPBELL is doing weekly R2 Magazine (UK, bi-monthly) was 'Rock n (Sundays) on-line ‘sessions’ under the Reel' back in the 1990s, hit a rocky patch, heading, Campbell’s Ceilidh. Just click but returned several years ago as a great on the link above to sign up in advance commentator, supporter and reviewer of the and offer yourself for a song or a tune UK music scene in general. Claire Hastings spot. You’ll find lots of other stuff there as MAVERICK (UK, monthly) leading well. CLAIRE HASTINGS writes to say, “On independent country music magazine. Sunday 2nd August at 8pm I will be doing LLANTRISANT FC in S. Wales is RAMBLES (USA, on-line) a wide range a concert with my husband Michael running a virtual Folk Club every of reviews of books and albums. Wednesday at 8:20pm; music starts consisting entirely of covers. We are 8:30pm. Tune in here. looking for some song suggestions, so let FOLKER (Germany, bi-monthly, print, me know if you have a particular favourite on-line) one of continental Europe's you think I could have a go at! (Just click major folk mags – in fact, probably the here to send me an email). The show is leading mag. Folker covers mostly live from my Facebook page. As always, European traditional/folk music and I am live every Sunday morning at 10am world music and is a valuable source on on Claire's Music Club Facebook page, German and other European artists and aimed at under 5s.” the festival scene. It also carries book, record and cassette reviews. (Ed: Editor- cyberPRINT in-chief Michael Kamp was a Sandy Bell’s man back in the 1970’s) LIVING TRADITION (UK, monthly, print, on-line) – next edition out August ENGLISH/WELSH local 2020. See advert in this issue of COS. Living Tradition is a major UK and folk mags – ALL NEW international folk music magazine Paul Walker and Karen Pfeiffer (pic by UNICORN Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, published in Scotland with a 20 year Cambridgshire and Hertfordshire. Chris Basford) history of carrying news, reviews and articles, with a focus on the traditional SHIRE FOLK Berkshire, Buckinghamshire PAUL WALKER & KAREN and Oxfordshire. PFEIFFER invite you to their live folk scene in the UK and Ireland. streams Afternoon Tea with Paul & THE LIST (Edinburgh HQ but FOLKNEWS KERNOW Cornwall. Karen every Friday at 4pm (UK time) national; print, on-line,) This widely read WHAT'S AFOOT Devon. on their Facebook and YouTube pages. and nationally distributed magzine is one SAD Folk Somerset and Dorset. 45 minutes of music, banter and light- to seek out for gig and cultural hearted chat. information in general. MARDLES East Anglia, Norfolk MUSIC NEWS SCOTLAND (UK, FOLK MONTHLY E. Midlands, Derbyshire, weekly, on-line) the Scottish music Leics, Lincs and Notts.

SOLENT WAVES (Folk Association of raised towards the target of £15,000. To (aka TMF) is a key participant in the South Hampshire) Hampshire, Sussex and contribute visit the Save Sandy Bell's Go Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Dorset. Fund Me page. Culture, the Music Education Partnership PUDDINGSTONE (Hertfordshire Folk Group, Culture Counts and Heads of Association) Hertfordshire. Instrumental Teaching Scotland (HITS) to name but a few. Through the website, AROUND KENT FOLK Kent (and some newsletter and social media channels, of Sussex); e mail . TMF continually showcases the diverse LANCASHIRE WAKES Lancashire. activities of their wide membership and shares news, events, and information. And FOLK NORTH WEST (North West notably, EFC's man, Dave Francis is the Federation of Folk Clubs) Lancashire, TMF Director and Lori Watson, is chair. Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales and Cheshire. FESTIVAL ROUND-UP LEICESTER FOLK DIARY Leicestershire The National Piping Centre, Glasgow There are so many festivals around these FOLKTALK Lincolnshire. islands, not to mention abroad, that a better FOLK LONDON London & Home The NATIONAL PIPING CENTRE in use of the limited space in the newsletter is to Counties. Glasgow invites pipers and drummers to list websites offering lists of festival. join their first ever online adult gathering MAD FOLK Merseyside. B ritish Arts Festivals Association from June 29 to July 2 2020. This will be European Forum of Worldwide Music NORTHAMPTONSHIRE FOLK a great thing for your piping and Festivals - Member Festivals ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION drumming with great tutors on hand to Folk and Roots - UK Festivals Northamptonshire. help you! SHREDS AND PATCHES Shropshire. The FRIENDS OF THOMAS MUIR SOLUTIONS to the SUSSEX PIE AND EVENTS SHEET organisation website lists a lot of activity crossword in COS 1.03 ... (Sussex Folk Association) Sussex showing what the Friends are up to on a continuing basis behind the scenes. To find Clues Across: Clues Down: SUSSEX FOLK GUIDE (NB: Online) out more use their contact details here. 2. SHOOGLE 1. HAREM FOLK SOUTH EAST Surrey 6. AMBER 2. SABLE P ENICUIK ARTS promotes and 8. RABAT 3. OATMEAL TAPLAS Wales + The Borders & Beyond encourages the study, practice and 9. KAYAK 4. GANACHE FOLKWALES ONLINE MAGAZINE knowledge of the Arts in Penicuik and 11. YOGHURT 5. EMILY surrounding district. Contact them by 13. ASH 7. BAYOU FOLK MONTHLY West Midlands: email or phone: 01968 678804 14. USUAL 10. KITTENS Worcs, Warks, Staffs, Shropshire, 15. SEA KALE 12. ODE Herefordshire. CEILIDH DANCING in Edinburgh of course has been put on hold during the 16. LEVERET 14. UNLIKED FOLKFAX - Diary of events, news and current crisis but will, no doubt at all, 19. TWITS 17. EYE gossip. (NB: Online only). restart when deemed safe to do so. 20. EAR 18. CEOLBEG WILTSHIRE FOLK ARTS Wiltshire. Meanwhile have a look at 21. KELPIES 19. TREADLE EDINBURGH CEILIDH CLUB. 26. DIVOT 22. LIVER FOLKLIFE WEST Worcs, Glos and The 27. DIRTY 23. SAVED West (Quarterly Magazine and Folk THE SCOTTISH Storytelling Centre in 28. BYRON 24. BURNS Directory). Edinburgh's High Street may be closed 29. DIGGERS 25. THYME FOLK ROUNDABOUT Yorkshire, just now but it is keeping busy with all North & East, Teesside, Cleveland, kinds of streams and on-line stuff. Click Click here PayPal to donate Northumberland. here to find out what's what. to the Paddy Bort Fund. TYKES NEWS (incorporating Stirrings) The TMSA (Traditional Music and Yorkshire, South And West. Song Association) has a calendar list of And click here to go to EFC’s upcoming events it's involved in on its REMINDERS … website. YouTube channel. SANDY BELL’S BAR RESCUE FUND THE TRADITIONAL MUSIC FORUM At the time of writing £3,628 had been