Pointless things.......

are often the only ones worth arguing about.

In the 1960's we spent a lot of time arguing about what was or was not folk music. All right, it was about as relevant as defining Science Fiction, Truth, Love, really good scotch, or any other thing that can exist very well regardless of the number of people who believe in it.

I don't think we ever decided anything.......said discussions were usually held in the candle hours of parties where not being able to remember much was considered a positive review.

So when I describe myself as an unreconstructed folkie, I am thoroughly aware that I am telling you very little. I did live through the Great Folk Scare. I do still keep a guitar in the car when I go to parties. I will be quite happy to play for anybody who can get the room singing. I usually have a thumbpick in my pocket (or looped over the earpiece of my glasses), and I cherish memories of places and people of which and whom most of you will never have heard.

I do believe in The Folk Process. I also believe in Oral Tradition, and I am quite prepared to let you talk about "learning a song from Blind Boy McNasty" when we both know you got it off his record, or out of a songbook, or off a lead sheet that you found in your cousin's gig bag pouch. I'll defend this later, if I can get to the point where I understand it, myself.

I make psalterium harps and Glastonbury drums. I occasionally sell them on the web, either on eBay or via www.psaltoftheearth.com. I play guitar, 6-string zithertop banjo, and hand/frame drums with a modicum of skill. There are a whole bunch of instruments where I can manage a tune or two, or keep up with others.

So I am a folky psaltseller, amongst other things. Nice to meet you. Please come back again.