We all have heroes, and maybe we have contemplated how we might react should one of our idols pass. I have, but never expected Steve Irwin to be the first. Upon hearing the news the initial shock made way for the inevitable grief, and I spent the best part of the morning resisting the urge to cry. I know this seems odd, such an open display of grief for someone I have never met, but Steve Irwin had, and has had, a profound affect on my life. I started watching the Crocodile Hunter when I was 15 and remember being compelled, captivated and astonished by the enthusiasm, energy and magnetism Steve Irwin possessed. I had always had a passion for wildlife but he invigorated it to levels that never existed before. Irwin himself was a marvel, a force of nature, and as I write this and the terrible reality becomes painfully clear, I know that something great has been lost. Something lost more penetrating than the tangible loss to the conservation movement. Something greater than Irwin’s ability to reach 200 million people world wide, and engage them in the issues of wildlife conservation and preservation. What has been lost is a spirit, a soul and a dynamic, presented with such altruistic grace, as to now deprive us all of that child like innocence and passion that we often forget exists.

As I reflect on this untimely, tragic and indiscriminate loss I can’t help but feel that we have all lost something. In a world where ubiquitous mediocrity is celebrated, Steve Irwin stood as a beacon of hope, joy and unparalleled brilliance. He loved his life, his family and his job, and if we take one thing from his life it should be to apply his enthusiasm to everything we do. Although his physical flame has diminished his metaphysical beacon still burns the horizons of our minds. Steve Irwin will surely be missed and my thoughts are now with his wife Terri, his children Bindi and Bob and his friends. May he rest in the knowledge that he has achieved more in his short life than a million men have accomplished in their full lives. ‘The streets of heaven are full with one more angel tonight’.

Ben Fellows 

The Festival

Myself and Adam have just got back from the Cambridge folk festival, so just thought I would post a report of our misadventures and highlights of what turned out to be a truely fantastic experience. The folk Festival, now in its 42nd year was established to highlight the best of British and world folk music, and we certainly had that this year.

The Highlights

Where do I start, well i'll begin with the Nickel Creek experience. For those of you who dont know Nickel creek are, they are comprised of three of the most talented, dynamic and energetic musicians in bluegrass or 'newgrass' music, as well as my favourite band. As well as performing twice to packed crowds and wowing everyone, then playing a jam session, Adam and myself met up with them and had a chat and had some albums signed, a true testament to thier possitive attitudes to the fans. If you haven't heard them, go get an album, you'll be hooked for good.

The Surprises

Anna Massie Band. New band on the traditional scottish music scene., Engagaing and highly competent, Scottish traditional music is in very capable hands. Again met for a chat and a sign, really cool and down to earth, go  check them out.

Cara Dillon. One of Irelands best, haunting and delicate. Cara represents a new take on Irish folk but with traditional relish, go buy...NOW.

Julie Fowlis. As talented as she is enigmatic. Julie Fowlis represents the best in Scottish Gaelic traditional music. Singing completely in Gaelic she overpowered the audience with her haunting charms and lively personality. A must see when she tours in November.

Mauvais Sort. I finally like the French, well canadian franch anyway. Energetic, personable and entertaining. Contempoary folk at its best. No one new them before but now everyone at Cambridge is talking about them. Can't get their album in this country so if interested let me know.

As good as it gets

Dervish and the Cheiftens. What can we say, the best Ireland have to offer in tradtional music. Musicianship as good as it gets, and personalities to match, if you get the chance go see them, do so, you won't be dissapointed.

Tift Merrit. Grammy nominee. Don't need to say more than that. Think Cheryl Crow but more talented (sorry Adam!)

Emmylou Harris. Its Emmylou Harris!

John Tams. Many of you will know him as Hagman in Sharpe, but he is also one of the finest and most important artists in British folk music. A gentleman, who inspired all with his melody driven vocal stylings and mesmerising lyrics. A true ledgend who did not dissapoint. Spoke to him afterwards and was star struck, a class act.

Comedy moment of the festival

Adam trying to sort his air bed out, I'm still laughing at that one.

Overview

Some perceive folk music to be antiquated, prozaic and behind the times, not ressonating with contemoary experience. This could not be further from the truth. Folk, and all that encapsulates it, is as powerfull and important as any music. It is the true music of the people. A jig or reel played with a true ferouciousness is as hard and angry as the heaviest German Metal music. The political and cultural statements as ressonate and pervasive as any 'indy' pop record. Many will never appreciate folk, or even try to listen or understand it, but you will be missing out. All who were at the Cambridge folk festival know a secret. The names Anna Massie, Mauvais Sort, Julie Fowlis or Croft no.5 may mean nothing to you but to those in Cambridge these names resonate, affect and will stay with for many years to come. We have a secret, that is open to everyone who is willing to listen, but to those who refuse to listen, or give a chance our greatest cultural and musical herritidge...

FOLK YOU!

Ben Fellows