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English Folk Expo 2015 launch event

Venue: Palace Of Westminster
Town: London
Dates: 14/9/15
Website: http://www.englishfolkexpo.com/
http://themet.biz/homegrown/

Katy Spicer, the CEO of EFDSS, spoke of the work of her organisation in developing English folk arts from their base in Cecil Sharp House and around the country and other parts of the UK through programmes involving performers, education and artist development. The idea to engage more people and increase knowledge and understanding of the folk arts of England . A founding partner of EFEx they offer creative bursaries to research and develop new ideas, training and mentoring courses in songwriting for example, and showcases as well, of which EFEx is the largest. Encouraging new and emerging artists is their main focus. They are also responsible for taking artists to Folk Alliance in the US and links in Canada to help artists get out and be seen by UK and internationally promoters to increase their income and make it viable for young artists looking for a folk arts career.

Finally, Gunnar Madsen from Folk Spot Denmark representing the Danish industry organisation ROSA, the the international partner for 2015, took to the stage. Such a delightful gentleman and as an ambassador for the traditional music of his nation, he was most excited by the chance to speak at the English Parliament. Full of praise for the UK and its political tradition, as well as the great work being done to promote the music of the UK in a worldwide showcase he talked of an analogy between trying to cross borders with music and the plight of the poor trying to cross borders to escape poverty and violence. Accepting it was a difficult comparison he saw how the promotion of the culture and the language of music allows doors to be opened more than anything. Bringing things back to the music, he spoke of his admiration for the work of the organisations and teams which push the traditional scene while acknowledging that it's not easy to make serious platforms to promote the music. The chance to co-operate and network has given his organisation a wonderful opportunity to extend the partnership begun at EFEx 2015. The partnership will see three Danish artists added to the EFEx 2015 bill - Rannok, Habadekuk and Basco - all performing at The Met and hopefully the first of many international links and partnerships as EFEx continues to grow.

Naturally, several musical interludes provided a taste of what the 2015 EFEx has to offer. Three performances were introduced by Alan James, Chairman of EFDSS showcasing the cream of English folk music in contrasting ways. One of the high profile young stars of the folk scene, Luke Jackson was joined by Andy Sharps and Connor Down in the trio format with which he's experimenting to show what an outstanding prospect he is. No wonder Katy Spicer joked about why he needed to attend a songwriting workshop with what he's capable of. He'll be showcasing to the delegates in October, an existing commitment not allowing him to make the main events, yet a highly prized export commodity he's likely to be. Interesting too to hear one of his most intense and dynamic songs. 'Sister' done as a three piece and the trio tour later this year should be well worth seeking out.

London's Stick In The Wheel, together with a few choice tongue in cheek comments (possibly as they say there's never a truer word spoken in jest) gave a glimpse of their bleak visions in song whilst toying with Nicola's little accordion, relieved 'allegedly' from a local toy shop in one of the riots they sing about. A band whose social awareness and commentary comes across as sharp and forthright in their songs, it was quite a bold move to place them at the heart of 'the house'.

Eliza Carthy and Saul Rose are simply a couple of pros who've been there and done it and deservedly earned themselves utmost respect along the way. In contrast to Luke and Stick, they may well be regarded as the establishment - not that Eliza (MBE) would welcome the thought, but as a pair of musicians steeped in the tradition, with due respect to everyone in the room, they showed how it should be done.Turning their hands to shanties, a blinding set of tunes and a stunningly appropriate 'I Wish That the Wars Were All Over' they weren't afraid to put a sweat (or glow) on and round off the musical part of the evening in style.

High profile the launch may have been and deservedly so, but the proof is in the pudding (possibly on of Bury's famous black ones) yet no doubt that the hard work that goes into EFEx/Homegrown 2015 will result in nothing less than a triumphant success and provide the Launchpad for ongoing international acclaim.

Words & Pictures Mike Ainscoe