Every so often an act comes along which enthralls audiences and changes the face of music. This is not such an act. Though it would like to be. The Folk Detectives are Matthew Crampton and Paul Hutchinson, ditching any reputation they have built as singer-storyteller and accordionist in this misguided assault on accepted wisdom.
Their mission as Folk Detectives is ‘to uphold the lore – the Folklore.’ This leads them to forward outlandish theories as facts they have uniquely unearthed. Morris dancing, for example, actually originated in ancient Egypt and is closely linked to the building of pyramids. Yes, really. Oh, and Little Musgrave was not so little after all.
If this were not bad enough, The Folk Detectives choose to present their nonsense in a format for which they are ill suited – a podcast, recorded live before a festival audience. Their previous twelve pilots all failed, thanks to technical incompetence, audience revolt or guests not turning up/suing the producers. But hope springs eternal – and Crampton and Hutchinson firmly believe their new thirteenth pilot will secure the truth and success they so desperately crave.
Lovers of folk music should exercise great caution in attending any event run by The Folk Detectives. But should you risk it, expect wild lecture, strange songs, radio ads for dodgy sponsors, Paul’s ‘session tips’, and the likely non-appearance of notable guests. You have been warned.