Folk - Pete Coe

Ewan McCall was noted for his unusual singing style. Head cocked slightly to one side and hand cradling the ear. This image comes to mind as I prepare to talk to Pete Coe. A ‘one man folk festival’ can’t be easy to transmit (or receive) via the telephone. But Pete Coe isn’t waiting to be heard. This is a man who plays the melodeon, banjo, dulcimer and bouzouki. He is a singer, songwriter, bandleader, broadcaster, dance caller, (shall I continue?) entrepreneur, folk club organiser, record label boss, and step dance teacher. Chin-wagging down the phone can’t be high on his list. I’m surprised he finds the time for necessary tasks like eating.

Finally I manage to track him down on You Tube, and watch him sing ‘The Fireman’s Song.’ Traditional it is, but Pete’s brand of performance leaves you twitching in the kneecap region. And that’s before you’ve seen him live. ‘It may be easier - and quicker - to list the talents that Pete Coe doesn’t have,’ observed Andy Kershaw on Destination Music, BBC World. With a trip to the Sweeper Community in Dhaka Bangladesh under his belt, you have to agree. And all for the love of folk. When Pete sings the ‘Fireman’s Song’ he does something special. He reminds us that the personal is the political, ‘The driver thinks he runs the show, but if I’m not there the train won’t go.’ Judging by the amount of pies he has his fingers in, you believe him too. EM