Whether by design or happy accident the pairing of Harry Martin and David Francey in a songwriters' Common Ground session, at the 26th Annual SJFAC Folk Festival, was inspired. Both men are gifted performers able to engage their audience in a way that entertains and conveys their passion for the music that is central to their lives.

The workshop format offered an intimate venue (packed to standing room five deep outside the marquee) that created a conversational, rather than stage-performance, atmosphere; a feeling that was enhanced by the lack of microphones and amplifiers. With just over an hour at their disposal there was enough time for both men to captivate the small crowd and leave them wanting more.

The two men were relaxed as they sat on the low stage having what was essentially a private conversation, but one that included all who were present. They chatted a bit about their lives, their music and what inspires them; giving some insight into the songs they write and why they write them. Each took a turn talking about and performing some of their favorite songs while being accompanied by two talented musicians: Harry by Ken Campbell and Richard Neville, David by Geoff Summers and Dave Clarke. There was never any sense that these were just two sets of performers biding time and waiting for their turn to play. Aside from the obvious pleasure all six men showed at being in St. John's, at the Folk Festival, and alive to enjoy the beautiful August morning, they clearly enjoyed being in each other's company. David and Harry spoke and listened to each other with genuine interest, finding a variety of common themes and influences in their lives. And as each trio was performing, their stage mates were attentively following along, openly admiring and eventually joining in; until the final song (which went to David who invited a friend onstage to sing with him) when all the voices and instruments came together in a display that carried over into, and ultimately over-shadowed, the opening of the accordion session on the main stage.

But this session also offered something more: the opportunity to see two men sharing a stage, each of whom exemplifies the best of what folk and traditional music have to offer - but in completely different ways. One man of a specific place and its people, deeply rooted in the traditions of the land and the music; the other man a modern day wandering minstrel gathering the stories of everyday people and translating them into traditional songs. Harry Martin, whose every breath calls forth the spirit of Labrador and David Francey, whose intelligent lyrics awaken the magic and mystery in the mundane. Common stories, common themes, and common traditions combined with exceptional talent to create a wholly uncommon experience.

For someone like myself, with no musical skill or ability of any description, it was a rare and unexpected pleasure.To be invited into and completely immersed in the world of music; to be allowed a glimpse, however briefly, inside the creative process and shown a little of what it means to be a folk musician.To be transported, transformed, enlightened, and entertained; to be carried on a song, to drift away on a tune, to float on an air high above the Common Ground.

In a weekend full of outstanding entertainment, typified by truly excellent musical performances, this session was sublime. My appreciation and thanks to all who had a hand in making it happen.