|
21 January 2011
Monday 7 February 7.45 – 10.00pm.
Live on Radio 2 and on TV via the red button – see http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/events for a full list of nominees and information on how to watch.
Yes yes, I know what you’re thinking. Why on earth should I spend time watching an awards show?
Awards shows go on so long you lose the will to live and consist of nothing but oleaginous introductions and embarrassing speeches. Well, this one’s different. Firstly, it’s a sensible length, barely two hours. Secondly, the introductions and acceptances are short and to the point. Some of them are even funny. That’s proper funny, not celebrity rictus grin funny. Thirdly, and most importantly, a good half of the show is made up of live performances from the nominees.
That’s all very well, you say, but they’re for folk music. I don’t like folk music, I like Americana. Fair enough, but that means you like good songs, good music and good playing and folk has plenty of that. Amongst those doing a turn on the night are the mighty madness that is Bellowhead (whose latest album, Hedonism, made No. 6 in the AUK 2010 writers Top Ten), Chris Wood (one of the best songwriters in the country today in any genre), The Levellers (whose live performances are as powerful and impassioned as ever they were) and Kate Rusby (whose voice is one of the joys of the world).
Yes, ok, but isn’t Donovan is getting a Lifetime Achievement award? Will he be singing too? Well yes he is and yes he will be, but only one song and that’s bound to be something you know, even if you think you don’t, and his acceptance speech should be a must see. So crack open an ale or two and settle down to watch. You won’t regret it.