In our feature celebrating the 40th anniversary of Peter Bellamy’s masterpiece folk opera The Transports, Natalya Catton Wilson speaks to some of the cast involved in developing the new show, as well as looking back at why it was voted Melody Maker’s Folk Album of the Year in 1977.
Phil Cross and Paul Ryan recall more than half a century of folk happenings at the nomadic Black Diamond Folk Club in Birmingham, while looking forward to its exciting future at its current home, The Lamp Tavern.
There’s perhaps no more famous family in folk than The Watersons. Natalya Catton Wilson chats to Marry Waterson – also known as Lal’s daughter, Maria – to find out what inspired her to follow in the family footsteps.
Bob Askew discusses Grace Kimmins and her Guild of Play, which promoted English folk dance and song in education in the late 19th and early 20th century.
The future of folk lies with our young people, and there’s a rich seam of talent who are keen to take our wonderful folk traditions forward. Young Leeds-based folk music group Roots Alive tell us about some of their activities, while we meet the new EFDSS Youth Forum, who have plenty of plans afoot for 2017.
There are also regular features including news, reviews, dance events, festivals, lives remembered and much more.
The Winter 2016 edition is available now
