The Best of British Folk Music

A blog about the best of British folk music, featuring interviews, album reviews, and more.

The Origins of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, with its origins dating back to the medieval period. Folk music was originally created and performed by working-class people as a way of expression. The music was mainly passed down through oral tradition and was often used as a form of storytelling. Folk music has since evolved and now includes a wide range of genres, from traditional to contemporary.

Celtic music

Celtic music is a genre of folk music that has its roots in the cultures of the Celtic people. The Celts were a group of tribes who inhabited Europe during the Iron Age and Middle Ages. They were Some of the most popular Celtic folk bands include The Chieftains, The Dubliners, and Clannad.

Celtic music is known for its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, and accordion. It often has a fast tempo and is often used for dancing. Celtic music has been influenced by many other genres over the years, including rock and roll, country, and jazz.

Anglo-Saxon music

The Anglo-Saxons were a people who inhabited Great Britain from the 5th century. They came from what is now northwest Germany, southern Denmark, and the Netherlands. The Anglo-Saxons gave their name to England, as they spoke a language called Old English which eventually developed into modern English. Folk music has its roots in the music of the Anglo-Saxons.

Anglo-Saxon music was mostly vocal and used few instruments. The most common instrument was the harp, which was played by both men and women. Other instruments included the pipe, fiddle, lyre, and rebec. Music was an important part of Anglo-Saxon life and was used for entertainment, ceremonies, and entertaining royalty.

Some of the earliest folk songs were written by the Anglo-Saxons. These songs were often about love, loss, or nature. Many of these songs were passed down through generations and are still popular today. Some of the most famous folk songs include “Greensleeves”, “ Scarborough Fair”, “Wild Mountain Thyme”, and “The Water Is Wide”.

The Revival of Folk Music

In the past decade, there has been a resurgence of interest in folk music in the United Kingdom. This is in part due to the popularity of television shows such as Downton Abbey and Outlander, which have featured traditional folk songs in their soundtrack. Even The Beatles included a folk song on their final album, Abbey Road. This renewed interest in folk music has led to a revival of the genre, with new bands and artists emerging in the UK folk scene.

The Folk Revival of the 1950s and 1960s

The folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s was a worldwide phenomenon that saw a resurgence in interest in traditional folk music. This was particularly true in Britain, where a number of factors came together to create the perfect environment for a revival.

First, there was a growing sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, before the industrialization of society. This was coupled with a growing interest in the music of other cultures, which led to a greater appreciation for the traditional songs of Britain.

In addition, there was a growing movement among young people to rebel against the conformism of mainstream society. Folk music provided them with an alternative soundtrack to their lives, one that was steeped in history and tradition.

Finally, new technology made it possible for people to access folk music from all over the world. This made it easier for people to discover traditional British folk songs and learn how to play them.

All of these factors came together to create the perfect environment for a folk revival. Over the next few years, Britain would see a significant resurgence in interest in its traditional folk music.

The Contemporary Folk Scene

Folk music has been on the revival in recent years. One of the most significant contemporary movements has been the extraordinary rise of British folk music.

In the past, folk music was mostly associated with rural communities and was passed down through generations orally. It often dealt with themes of love, loss, and social issues. With the industrialization of society, however, folk music began to decline in popularity.

In recent years, however, there has been a renewed interest in folk music. This is largely due to the work of a new generation of performers who have been inspired by the traditional sounds of their ancestors but have also modernized it for contemporary audiences. These performers have helped to create a new wave of British folk music that is both fresh and exciting.

Some of the most popular contemporary British folk artists include The Staves, Kate Rusby, and Mumford & Sons. These artists have helped to bring folk music back into the mainstream and have introduced it to new audiences all over the world.

The Best of British Folk Music

If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ll love this list of the best British folk music. From traditional ballads to modern interpretations, there’s something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the best of British folk music.

The Best Folk Albums

Folk music has been around for centuries and it is one of the most diverse and interesting genres of music in the world. British folk music is particularly rich and varied, with influences from all over the UK and beyond.

There are so many great British folk albums out there, it’s tough to know where to start. But if you’re looking for a place to start, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten of the best British folk albums of all time.

1. Fairport Convention – Liege & Lief
2. Steeleye Span – Hark! The Village Wait
3. Pentangle – Basket of Light
4. Sandy Denny – The North Star Grassman and the Ravens
5. Vashti Bunyan – Just Another Diamond Day
6. Anne Briggs – The Time Has Come
7. Bert Jansch – Birthday Blues
8. Davy Graham – Folk, Blues & Beyond
9. Robbie Basho – The Art of the Guitar in Britain & America
10. pentangle- Sweet Child

The Best Folk Artists

The United Kingdom has produced some of the most iconic folk musicians in history. From the early days of British folk music to the present, these artists have helped shape the genre and continue to influence modern musicians.

Some of the best known British folk artists include:

-Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull
-Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention
-Richard Thompson of Fairport Convention and solo
-Dave Swarbrick of Fairport Convention and Lindisfarne
-Martin Carthy of Saint Etienne and solo
-John Martyn of Lindisfarne and solo
-Jackson C. Frank of Simon and Garfunkel and solo
-Alistair Hulett of The Pogues