Please note that due to her many commitments Barbara is not able to answer all questions received (but we do try!)
QUESTION : Hi Barbara, as well as being a fan of yours, I'm a big fan of Nic Jones who played fiddle and guitar on "From the Beggar's Mantle". Do you have any thoughts or memories from this time working with Nic?
(from John, Rochdale)
BARBARA : Yes, I remember the lovely Nic Jones very well and his great originality and ability. I recall staying at Dave Brady's house in Harecroft, Bradford with him and us playing together, me on the harmonium and him on guitar. We had hours of fun!
QUESTION : Hi there, Barbara! Two things: Firstly, I wanted to express my deepest love to you for the music that you have given me over the years! My question: What are your personal favourite songs? Which songs do you wish you had recorded but haven't yet?
(from Gary Cowles, Walsall, West Midlands)
BARBARA : I love so many songs, that I really can't choose. This is because they range from 'Linden Lea' by Vaughan Williams to 'All Things are Quite Silent' a traditional song from England, 'The Green Linnet', an Irish Song and 'Annie Laurie' a popular Scottish Song. 'State of Independence' is a great one too... loads and too numerous to choose. Maybe I'll record some of those...
QUESTION : Hi Barbara, I'm a big fan of your work! I was wondering if you have ever considered re-recording all of your biggest successes and personal favourites from your catalogue, in an 'unplugged' style format? I would love to hear 'Answer Me', 'Run Like the Wind', 'Love Hurts', 'Tell Me It's Not True' etc in this format. Cyndi Lauper made an album like this a couple of years ago (The Body Acoustic) and it worked brilliantly. I'd love to hear your songs stripped down. You blew me away with your unaccompanied version of 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' on GMTV, which inspired my question.
(from David Cowan, Glasgow)
BARBARA : I already play most of my hit songs in a stripped down version anyway, so I'd like to continue to work on new material rather than revisiting them. However, I love the new arrangement of 'I Know Him So Well'. That really works. I'm glad you liked 'The First Time', as that was the way I learnt that song, when it was first sung by Ewan MacColl.
QUESTION : Hello Barbara! I've been a fan of yours for quite some time now, and am a fan of folk and traditional music. Would you ever consider recording with Archie Fisher again, or would you ever record a song in Irish or Scottish Gaelic, like Julie Fowlis or Moya Brennan? Apart from the question - thank you so much for your music. You're still as entertaining as the rising stars of folk music and haven't lost your touch one single bit! Thank you for the music, it's been helpful in so many ways and on so many levels!
(from Robbi, Belfast)
BARBARA : Thank you for the kind remarks. I would love to work with Archie Fisher again and do keep closely in touch. We've just redone 'The Witch of the Westmerlands' on Time and Tide, which he LOVED. He came to the Edinburgh concert in February. I'm of course considering doing lots of Scottish and Irish music. There is a song called 'The Lament of the Three Maries' which Troy and I have been looking at and it's in IRISH.... jeepers. I'll have to call Moya Brennan to check pronunciation!
QUESTION : Dear Barbara, are you considering a tour here in Sydney at any time? Thank you!
(from Velma, Sydney)
BARBARA : I'd love to come back to Oz. Please put in a good word for me!
QUESTION : Hi Barbara, Do you know which Scottish Clan the Dickson’s belong to?
Love, Sue xx
BARBARA : The Dicksons do not have a clan, as it is a Lowland name from Midlothian. Pity!
Best wishes,
Barbara x
