Why are most folk songs so miserable?

The body count was running,particularly high at the Deal Friday Folk Club last night (6th Nov).

We had the slaughter of the Rochdale pals on the Somme, the massacre of an entire extended Yorkshire victorian family on the moors (except the dog), the sinking of the titanic, death of 14yr old troopers, the death of 20 cornish tin miners ... it was relentless ... did I mention the poor polar bears?


Not that it was bad music; just the opposite it was great evening jam packed with performers enjoying every minute and a vocal & engaged audience. This is not an argument for more songs about kittens - (although I note that Adrian O's songs on a truculent donkey and pathological goat both went down very well) - I liked Sue Watson's darkish 'Vampire Rag'. More of Les's demonic accordian on  Leaving Liverpool please....

By the way if you got an answer please tell me.
All IMHO - Roadie
http://www.dealfolkclub.co.uk/

Raising the St Leonards's roof - Gig Report October 17th 2009

There was a real roll-call of local talent at the St Leonards repairs fund raiser on Saturday. The Evening was billed as one of 'music & song' and saw over 15 local groups and performers do their thing in fine style.

The Deal Hoodeners kicked off the event with a sea soaked medley, followed by rockers combo Mac & Clive, a lovely song from Janet, followed by Eddie, the marvellous Val & Bill, Sue Watson's Deal Fisherman's song with Stuart, Mike Woods' bluesy 'Mary Don't You Weep', New kids on the block 'Beux & Belles made their first outing and finally on the second half Bill and his magic accordion & dulcimer.

The second half kicked off with the excellent Loose Change, Mike Broomfield managed to sing his song without being struck by lightning, Jim rendered a great version of the dark isle, Adrian O give us his Ball of Blue, Steve O'Kane sang us his beautiful songs + Fiona lifted the roof (if not the spire) with amazing grace, then Driftwood got them singing in the aisles (literally).

The Management ended a great evening with abba's 'thank you for the music'.

Driftwood YouTube playlist : http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8CEAB4C7BCD8620B 

(as the roadie cannot multi-task there is a bit of wobble on the videos,sorry)

Roadie's photos from the evening : http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/213823947
(There will be some copies for performers at the next Deal Folk Club on the 23rd  - but you can order your own copies/enlargements direct from photobox - if you need a electronic copy drop the roadie a line at roadie@driftwood.uk.net)

A big Driftwood thank you to Lynda for organising the evening