I don't know the question...but the answer is The Blues..
When The Hat eased himself into his specially
laundered black drainpipe trousers this week and headed off to the
British Blues Awards at Colne, he was, as always, high with optimism
that all that extraordinary list of exceptional home-grown blues
talent would get acknowledged in some way or other. The Awards have
always kicked up little dust storms of twitches, ranging from the arguments as to who has been included in the nominations or who got
left out, to the 'there is no point in having awards anyway' – an
observation which usually comes from people who would tear your arm
off if you offered them an award made of sticky-backed paper and
ball-bearings....
To be acknowledged by your peers is something
worth aspiring to and don't let anyone tell you different. Ok, the
system is not perfect and sometimes the net is not fine enough to
catch every deserving talent but by and large, as the Awards go on
their yearly learning curve, most people would readily acknowledge
that here is a wonderful ticked box that everyone would love to have
– and one all those fans, who support their idols through thick and
thin, love to see. It is not easy being a professional musician in
any event – love and acclaim do not pay the gas bill – but if
someone somewhere gives you a ha'porth of thanks, then suddenly it is
all worthwhile.
You can look here for the full final list of award winners. http://britishbluesawards.com/#/2013-winners/4579006139. Huge Congratulations to all those winners and runners-up who are
probably, as I write, still beaming with that daft afterglow of pleasure.
It was endearing to hear the modesty and joy with which each winner
accepted their chunky trophy. Fortunately, there were no Oscar award
style speeches and as far as I am aware no one thanked their fridge
or the intervention of god – which I gather, is quite normal these
days – and this year, even the pre-recorded 'thank-yous' from
Walter Trout and Mike Vernon were handsomely self-effacing and
interesting.
I cannot complete my job here today, however,
without slipping into a nearby 'phone box, stripping off my clothes,
donning my logo printed underpants and turning back into The Hebden
Hat - for just a word or two. The delight at seeing this young
festival pick up its second award as Best Festival, despite some tough competition was evidenced by
the huge cheer that went up when it was announced. I've written many
times over the last few years about the way this team, including The
Hat, has managed to spread the viral notion of everyone being part of
a festival 'crew' or a 'family'. Many of the great musicians who have played
at the Festival have cheerfully signed up to that notion and any fan
or casual visitor who has been to any of the festivals will know that
this intangible feeling of belonging is both powerful and fun. It
doesn't go away.
There is no hidden formula, no secret as to how
this is done. If there were, The Hat, of course, would be the first
to bottle it and find a sponsor. The truth of the matter is that most
of it is down to straight-forward common sense, a smart intuitive and
relevant line-up, having a brilliant and dedicated team (good people
on the door as well as front of stage!!) being inclusive and having
an understanding of what is needed. Simples. Many festivals do most
of that. Hebden just seems to do it better.
Finally, let's raise a small glass to the team at
the British Blues Awards. Every year they set out knowing that they
can't please everybody. Every year they know that the blues talents
that are overflowing from every direction can not be properly
acknowledged. It's not what you would call a win-win situation.
However, as they can't drink to themselves, The Hat is happy to do it
for them.
Pip Pip!
The Man in The Hat.
Pic thanks to hotshot Georgia.