We've published a short article that tracks the origins and development of the legend of Crooked Mick and the Speech on the blog at
Bruce Watson has released his outstanding commemoration to those whose legacy is the basis of the Australian folk scene. Below is Bruce's introduction to the video and you can view it at
https://sites.google.com/view/immortalfolk
After 15 months and hundreds of hours of work, I am proud to announce that the ‘Immortal’ video is now completed and available to view!
‘Immortal’ remembers and celebrates the extraordinarily talented people who have made a significant contribution to Australia’s folk scene over the decades – but who are no longer with us. People who have played a key role in expressing, and defining Australia’s changing cultural identity, and who have left a lasting legacy through their music, inspiration, knowledge and passion; performers, songwriters, collectors and inspirers.
Photos, video and audio capture their lives and their creative cultural contribution, providing an opportunity for remembering, and giving inspiration to the next generation.
Some early reactions:
I’d love you to have a look, click Like, and comment on the video. And please share it with anyone you know who might be interested in it.
To watch the video, go to this website: https://sites.google.com/view/immortalfolk
Tony Smith as written a piece on music making as portrayed in Eve Langley's classic novel, The Pea-Pickers (1942). The focus is on the intriguing custom of playing a concertina while whirling your partner around the dance floor. What fun!
You can read Tony's article here https://verandahmusic.blogspot.com/p/articles.html
'The Foggy, Foggy, Dew' has been banned by the Australian Broadcasting Commission and the Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations. The song was featured in the film 'Smoky.' Brisbane radio stations have recordings which have been played on the air. They are by the American singer Burl Ives.The A.B.C. director of variety (Mr. H. Pringle) said in Sydney that although the song was good technically, it had suggestive implications. The president of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations (Mr. J. E. Ridley) said that although the song was melodious, the words were 'a bit over the fence.'