A RATHER shoddy piece of “smart-alec”

journalism in an otherwise reputable national newspaper caused widespread indignation across the UK Folk Scene earlier this week.

An article about right-wing extremist politician Nick Griffin included rumination as to what he might have on his i-pod for recreational listening. The writer of the piece concluded that folk music, which he described as “that most arthritically white of genres” would undoubtedly feature, and named Eliza Carthy and Kate Rusby as likely favourites.

Understandably, the entire UK folk scene bridled at having such a hideous label hung around its neck, and the two ladies named reacted even more violently at the mere mention of their names in such a context. As I write, the fall-out from this snide little piece has yet to settle, but as I mentioned here last year, it is true that certain elements of the extreme right have indeed high-jacked aspects of folk music as part of their misguided crusade.

Needless to say, no-one on the folk scene wants to be associated with their views and antics, and for the most part are actively against them, while the description of folk music that I quote here is nothing short of an insult.

Hopefully the newspaper involved is already well on its way to a retraction.

Meanwhile, among the fine music on display locally this week, we have that fine Teesside duo Megson at Bellingham All Acoustic Club tonight, The Wilsons at Washington’s Davy Lamp on Saturday, and a choice on Monday between Irish- American duo Bob Conroy and Tony Conniffe at Stockton’s Sun Inn and Michael Woods at The Foresters in Coatham Mundeville. Finally, the great Tom Paxton returns to Gateshead’s Sage on Wednesday for an evening of classic songs and topical ballads delivered in the unique style that has made him a hero for millions of fans over the last five decades.