Folk Music in Somerset – A Traditional Sound

Discover Folk Music in Somerset – a county in the South West of England with a traditional sound. From the Mendips to the Quantocks, there are folk clubs, festivals and radio programmes galore.

Introduction

Folk music has been an important part of the Somerset cultural scene for many years. The county has a rich musical heritage, and folk music is still very popular today.

There are many different folk traditions in Somerset, and the music reflects this diversity. Some of the most popular genres include traditional English folk, Celtic folk, and American folk.

Folk music is usually performed on acoustic instruments, such as guitars, mandolins, fiddles, and accordions. However, some folk bands also use electric instruments and drums.

Somerset has a number of excellent folk clubs and festivals which showcase the best of local talent. The county is also home to a number of well-known Folk musicians, including Kate Rusby and Seth Lakeman.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and songs that are passed down through generations. It is often based on stories and historical events that are specific to a certain culture or region. Folk music has been around for centuries and its popularity has waxed and waned over time. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in folk music, particularly in Somerset.

Somerset is a county in the southwest of England with a long history of folk music. The region has its own distinct style of folk music that has been passed down through the generations. Somerset folk music is often based on traditional tales and legends, as well as more modern stories about the county. The music is usually played on acoustic instruments, such as guitars, fiddles, and accordions.

If you’re interested in learning more about Somerset folk music, there are plenty of ways to get involved. There are many local folk clubs where you can listen to live music or take part in jam sessions. You could also join a folk band or go to one of the many folk festivals that take place in the county throughout the year.

The Origins of Folk Music

The origins of folk music can be traced back to the medieval era, when troubadours and bards would sing songs about chivalry and courtly love. In Britain, this tradition morphed into what we now know as ballads, which were typically about tragic events such as murder or shipwrecks. These songs were often passed down from generation to generation, evolving over time.

Folk music began to take on a different form in the United States, where immigrants brought their own traditional songs with them. African American slaves combined work songs with elements of their native music, creating a new genre known as gospel. In contrast, white Americans tended to sing about their everyday lives, resulting in a more light-hearted style of folk music.

Somerset is home to a number of folk festivals which celebrate this rich musical tradition. The most famous is probably the Glastonbury Festival, which attracts folk musicians from all over the world. If you’re in Somerset during the summer months, make sure to check out one of these fantastic events!

The Traditional Sound of Folk Music

Folk music in Somerset has a long and rich tradition dating back centuries. The music has been passed down through the generations, from mother to daughter and father to son. Today, the music is still being performed by traditional folk bands, who play a wide variety of instruments including fiddles, accordions, guitars and mandolins.

The traditional sound of folk music in Somerset is unique, and it is this sound that has made the music so popular with tourists and visitors to the county. If you are looking for an authentic taste of Somerset, then visiting one of the many folk festivals that take place throughout the year is a must.

The Instruments Used in Folk Music

Different folk bands will use different instruments, depending on what is traditional for the region where the band is from. In Somerset, for example, you are likely to find folk bands using acoustic guitars, fiddles, melodeons (a type of accordion), and mandolins. The drum is also a very important part of traditional folk music, and in Somerset, you will often find a band using a ‘kit’ including a snare drum, bass drum, and cymbals.

The most important thing for any good folk band is that they stay true to the traditions of the music, and this means using instruments that have been used in the area for many years. Folk music is all about keeping alive the musical traditions of our ancestors, and this includes using the same instruments that they would have used.

The Lyrics of Folk Music

Folk music often has lyrics that tell a story or convey a message. The lyrics of folk songs are usually simple and direct, and they often paint a picture of everyday life. Many folk songs are about love, loss, and heartache, but there are also many joyful and upbeat songs. Folk music is meant to be sung by regular people, and its popularity often comes from its relatable themes.

The Popularity of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries and has been a vital part of Somerset’s heritage. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of folk music, with many people rediscovering the joys of this traditional sound.

There are many reasons for the renewed interest in folk music. For some, it is a way to connect with their heritage and roots. For others, it is the simple pleasure of listening to beautiful, soulful music. And for many, it is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a busy day.

Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that folk music is here to stay. If you’re looking to enjoy some traditional sounds, here are just a few of the top folk music events taking place in Somerset this year:

-The Easton Folk Festival (May)
-The Dulverton Folk Festival (July)
-The Bath Folk Festival (August)
-The Frome Folk Festival (September)

The Future of Folk Music

The future of folk music in Somerset is looking very healthy, with a number of promising young bands and musicians emerging in recent years. The popularity of the annual Bristol Folk Festival – which takes place just over the border in Bristol – is also helping to raise the profile of folk music in the region.

There are now a number of Folk clubs thriving across Somerset, including the Taunton Folk Club, which meet every Monday night at The Canal Tavern in Taunton, and Frome Folk Club, which meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month at The Lamb Inn in Frome.

With such a strong tradition of folk music in Somerset, it is perhaps no surprise that the county has produced a number of successful folk musicians in recent years. One of the most successful Somerset-based folk musicians is Jim Moray, who has won praise from both critics and fellow musicians for his innovative approach to traditional folk music. Other successful Somerset-based folk musicians include Seth Lakeman – who has been nominated for five Mercury Music Prize – and Sam Sweeney, who was named ‘Folk Musician of the Year’ at the 2016 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.