FOLK music has been dealt another good hand in the "being cool" stakes this week, with the release of Bruce Springsteen's album of Pete Seeger songs, and all the high-profile shenanigans that goes with it.

In America Mr Seeger is revered as a saint-like figure, a lone-voice of reason crying out across the craziness.

There's no equivalent personality here in the UK, which in some ways is just as well, because old Pete has cast such a strong shadow over the US folk music scene, and for so long, that it seems to be struggling to move on and into a new light.

The influx of youth that is reenergising the UK folk movement, does not seem to be happening across the Atlantic, according to most people we spoke to on our recent trip.

Most kids are heading down the country and bluegrass route, where both the money and the glamour are seen to be waiting, and who can blame them?

Perhaps Bruce and Pete together can refocus things a little, with what is a fine CD.

Meanwhile, as we wait anxiously for Sting's album of Johnny Handle songs, this week's local attractions include Billy Mitchell at Hartlepool's Studio tonight, John Wright and The John Wrightson Band at Bishop Auckland Town Hall tomorrow, Briege Murphy at Washington's Davy Lamp on Saturday, Marie Little at Guisborough Rugby Club on Sunday, and a rare local gig for myself at Newton Aycliffe's Candlelight Club on Tuesday.

There's another half-hour of Celtic song on BBC 4 on Friday night, Alaistair Anderson's great folk programme on Radio Newcastle every Sunday night, and a rich and varied selection at www. radiobritfolk. co. uk at any time you care to click on it.