This is an email from the eidtor of EFM Magazine that I thought was worth sharing...
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"Hi Everybods

I am just contacting you with regards to a petition that concerns dancers in the UK. I have been informed by a Morris Ring Blog on Google that The Government is in the process of introducing the 'Violent Crimes Reduction Bill' whereby the sale and use of items such as swords will be prohibited unless for historical re-enactment or sporting activities.

As an adjunct to its news-stand magazine, The Word's website features a regular podcast. The current cast is devoted to Cropredy headliners Supergrass.

On the eve of the release of the band's new album 'Diamond Hoo Ha', Supergrass members Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey chat with The Word's David Hepworth and Mark Ellen. Unsurprisingly, Cropredy slips into the conversation; in fact, Mark describes it as "...one of the friendliest events I've ever been to."

To listen to The Word's podcast visit:

http://www.wordmagazine.co.uk

The lineup for Cropredy 2008 is almost complete, but as always the acts are subject to confirmation of contracts, etc. For more information please visit Fairport's website.

Thursday 7th August  read more »

John Martyn, the influential Scottish singer-songwriter whose career spans an incredible five decades, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and perform at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2008 on Monday 4 February.

Since he emerged on the Sixties folk club scene John's distinctive vocal style, ground-breaking use of the echoplex tape delay, emotive lyrics, and fusion of musical genres including blues, jazz, ambient and electronica, have earned critical praise and a devoted fan base.

Over the years he has collaborated with a diverse range of musicians including Danny Thompson, Steve Winwood, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton and Paul Weller, and his prolific back catalogue includes One World, Grace And Danger and Solid Air – the latter often featuring in polls to find the Best album of all time.

The ninth annual Radio 2 Folk Awards will be presented by Mike Harding who says: "With his superb innovative guitar playing and acutely observed song-writing, John Martyn helped define British folk music in the late Sixties and Seventies and in May You Never wrote what is arguably one of the Best-loved folk songs to come from these islands. He has experienced a welcome renaissance in recent years and it's fitting that we reflect his stature as a hugely influential and talented artist."

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