It has already been a momentous year with news reaching us of Denny Bartley's decision to quit the fantastic Last Night's Fun - typically enough their website claims it is because he cannot face sitting next to Chris any longer, before alluding more seriously to Denny's young family and we would wish every happiness to Denny, Karen and the children. (Maybe Denny will have a few spare minutes to finish his own album now....?)
More shockingly, news is breaking of Belinda O'Hooley's parting from Rachel Unthank & The Winterset. This is, on the face of it, terrible news. Belinda speaks of relief in her blog, coupled with disappointment that all fans of The Winterset must share because Belinda was an integral part of the group - her music first, her humour, her presence and for, me the care she put into the live performances, her accompaniment of Becky's singing - captured here at the Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2006 - is so sensitive and intense. Belinda will be hard, probably impossible to replace - certainly The Winterset will never be the same again. I hope they have the courage and strength to move on and find new facets rather than try to emulate Belinda's unique contributions.Talking of which - The Winterset have been receiving many plaudits and end of year honours, and are rightfully nominated for 4 awards in the 2008 BBC Folk Awards to be announced on February 4th - I hope Belinda receives her fair share of the honours here, because she has been a major force in this act and she will be much missed.
FolkingAbout wish Belinda well in her new career, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing Rachel, Becky and The Winterset somewhere on the upcoming tour.
It's not all sad news though! Liverpool has just launched into 2008 as European Capital of Culture - FolkingAbout was there to witness the "People's Launch" - more on that and some interesting new acts coming up next.
No comments:
Post a Comment