interview from the Winter 2004/5 issue of "Tradtion' magazine.
With the release of her latest Full Circle CD, Paul Salmon took the opportunity to find out about Barbara Dickson away from her work.
On your CD sleeve notes you say that you had collected songs written down on bits of paper over many years and deposited in your father's shirt box. Did you collect many songs in this way and was it difficult choosing the eleven you feature on your CD?
It was very difficult to choose songs from the 'shirtbox' source, as there are about 60 in there, some of which I've already recorded on my previous folk album 'Parcel of Rogues' and many are in TV programmes and recordings I made many years ago. However, many more remain for use in the future, if I get the chance.
Have you a particular favourite track from Full Circle?
I love all the tracks. Troy Donockley's arrangements have transformed each song from what I
originally envisaged, so each is a revelation to me.
The CD jacket features a lovely photo of you on the cover by Brian Aris; are you conscious of projecting a certain image?
My image isn't important to me, as people know my face so well after all this time, so I just try to look my best and not appear pretentious or undignified.
Considering that you've gone back to your folk roots, was the title Full Circle of your new CD an obvious one?
It was a difficult decision to tie up the title with what the CD contains. We looked hard at the lyrics of the songs to see if ideas came forth, but I decided to make a bold statement of intent for the
future regarding my direction.
Were you bought up in a family who appreciated folk music?
There was no folk music background in my life. I leamt the songs during the revival of the 60s, like many of my contemporaries. My biggest influences to begin my folk singing life were John Watt and latterly Archie Fisher.
Do your children have any plans to follow in your footsteps?
My eldest son, Colm, is very interested in guitar and bass, but he loves American Punk music at present. However, he's been exposed to folk music all his life, so he may come to love it like me one day.
What was the first instrument you learnt to play?
Piano, when I was a child. I also took up guitar when I was 12.
How many instruments do you play?
Keyboards and guitar. I've got a grand piano at home, a, 5ft 6in long Yamaha, plus electronic keyboards if I need them for stage. I've also got two acoustic guitars, a Martin OM28 and a Fylde acoustic electric for stage. The Fylde has a wonderful stage sound. I keep the Martin at home.
The Fate o' Charlie remains one of your favourite folk albums that you^ve recorded. Why is this?
The Fate o' Charlie is a fabulous album, because the songs are fantastic and Archie Fisher's vision for it was excellent. We all three of us, John McKinnon, Archie and I, all played a special part in its success and Bill Leader did a great job making it work.
Would touring and performing in folk clubs appeal to you again?
I tend to work with a band these days. Once I got the chance to do that, I didn't want to work on my own again. This makes folk club appearances difficult. It's very expensive to tour a production of any size, so I need to play places big enough to get us and our gear in.
What do you enjoy most, acting or singing?
I love both. The appeal is that each is different. However, I use my drama ability as a singer and try to 'live' the songs while I perform them. I also think that my rhythm as a musician helps my timing as an actress. The very centre of my career, however, is singing.
Have you ever been influenced by any other folk performers?
My favourite artistes in folk music performing today are Martin Carthy, Chris While and Julie Matthews, Maddy Prior and of course, Archie Fisher. My friend Rab Noakes is another favourite
and I love Tim O'Brien. Phil Cunningham is a star and I love his work with Ali Bain... consummate good taste. I love the Irish era of Planxty, so have followed Donal Lunny and Liam O'Flynn's work
and I adore Paul Brady singing traditional songs.
My producer Troy Donockley's own compositions are beautiful and I've got many memories of hearing the original Waterson Family. I'm not up to speed with many young players but I love Eliza Carthy.
Are there any folk artistes that you^d like to perform or work with?
I'd love to work with Donal Lunny and perhaps sing with Christy Moore.
How do you like to be thought of, i.e. first and foremost as an established singer or as an all round performer?
I like to be thought of as a singer, but not as a pop singer nowadays. It's been 19 years since I was at No.1 in the charts. I'm an interpreter of songs, really, and choose from all directions.
What do you like doing in your spare time, if you have any?
I do needlepoint and like walking, but not seriously, just gently.
What are your immediate plans?
I'm about to go into the theatre for a week, then more promotion for Full Circle. My tour is next year, from February 20th until March 20th, all over the UK.
Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?
I'd like to be singing and happily working, doing only what I want, mainly to remain vibrant and stimulated. I want to still be enjoying my family life and generally speaking, to be happy and
contented.
