The Best of Folk Music

The Best of Folk Music is a site that discusses, reviews, and promotes the best in folk music.

The Origins of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it’s origins can be traced back to the very beginning of human civilization. Folk music is the music of the people, and it’s always been a part of human culture. It’s a type of music that is passed down from generation to generation, and it has the power to connect people from all walks of life.

The British Isles

The British Isles are a group of islands off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. The largest islands in the group are Great Britain and Ireland. The full list also includes the Isle of Man, the Hebrides and over six thousand smaller islands. This large grouping is unique in Europe, and the music of the British Isles has been shaped by its geography.

The British Isles have a long history of Celtic culture and folk music. This includes music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man. Celtic music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the bagpipes, fiddle, and accordion. It often has a lively rhythm that is perfect for dancing.

The music of the British Isles has also been influenced by the many different peoples who have lived there over the centuries. This includes Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman, and Elizabethan influences. Each of these groups has left its own mark on the music of the British Isles.

Today, folk music from the British Isles is enjoyed all over the world. It has been popularized by artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Simon & Garfunkel. Folk music from the British Isles is still being made today by artists like Christy Moore and The Pogues.

The United States

Folk music of the United States reflects the country’s multi-ethnic makeup, with influences from various European, African American, Native American, and Latino cultures. Folk music in the United States is often divided into several genres: Appalachian folk music, bluegrass music, blues, Cajun music, Native American music, New England music, old-time music, gospel music, parade marches and contemporary folk music.Each region of the country has its own unique form of folk music.

The Evolution of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it has evolved a lot over time. It originally started as a way for people to tell stories and share their culture. As time went on, folk music began to incorporate elements of other genres, and it eventually became its own distinct genre. Folk music is now enjoyed by people all over the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

The British Isles

The British Isles have a long and rich musical tradition, with roots in Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman cultures. Folk music has been defined as music by and for the common people, and it has been passed down through the generations by oral tradition. It is often based on traditional dance tunes and ballads, and it often tells stories of love, loss, and community.

Folk music in the British Isles has been influenced by many different cultures over the centuries, including the Romans, Vikings, and Normans. In more recent history, American folk music has had a significant impact on British folk musicians.

The late 20th century saw a revival of interest in folk music in the British Isles, with new bands forming and old songs being rediscovered. This resurgence of interest led to a new wave of folk musicians who blended traditional folk styles with contemporary influences.

Today, there are many different types of folk music being played in the British Isles. From traditional ballads to modern fusion bands, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The United States

Folk music of the United States is varied and complex. It has been influenced by many countries, including England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Africa, and Native American nations. The first American folk music was brought over by English and Irish settlers in the 1600s. This music was usually sung in work settings, like field work or barn raising. It was often repetitive and used simple words that could be easily understood by everyone. American folk music began to evolve in the late 1700s with the arrival of African slaves. elements of their music were combined with the music of the white Americans to create a new type of folk music called Negro spirituals. This new style was very popular during the Civil War (1861-1865).

In the early 1900s, a new style of folk music called country music became popular in the United States. This style was created by combining elements of English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh folk music with African-American blues. Country music is still very popular today.

Other important styles of American folk music include bluegrass (a type of country music that originated in the Appalachian Mountains), Cajun (a type of French-Canadian folk music), and Mexican-American folk music (which includes such styles as ranchera and Tejano).

The Best Folk Music of Today

Folk music has come a long way since its early beginnings. Today, there are many different artists who have taken the genre and made it their own. In this article, we will be taking a look at some of the best folk music of today. We will be highlighting a few different artists and discussing what makes their music so special.

The British Isles

The British Isles have a long and rich history of folk music, with many different regional styles developing over the centuries. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional folk music, with many new bands and artists emerging on the scene. Here are some of the best folk musicians from the British Isles today.

-The Staves: Hailing from Watford in England, The Staves are a sister trio who create beautifully harmonized folk-pop songs. Their debut album, Dead & Born & Grown, was released to critical acclaim in 2012, and they have since toured with Bon Iver and First Aid Kit.

-Kate Rusby: One of the most well-known and respected folk musicians in the UK today, Kate Rusby hails from Yorkshire in England. She has been making music for over 20 years, and her unique blend of traditional and contemporary influences has won her a wide fanbase. Her most recent album, 20, was released in 2016 to mark her 20th anniversary as a musician.

-Cara Dillon: A native of County Down in Northern Ireland, Cara Dillon is a stunning singer with a powerful voice that has been described as “honeyed” and “angelic”. She first came to prominence as a member of the Irish traditional music group Dordan, before going on to release several solo albums including After The Morning (2006) and Hill of Thieves (2010).

The United States

The United States has produced a number of folk music scenes, including the American folk music revival, which began in the 1940s and peaked in the mid-1960s. It included such artists as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Lead Belly, Josh White, and Cisco Houston. The roots of American folk music are found in the songs of British and Irish immigrants who arrived in the United States during the 18th century. Some of these songs have been adapted into traditional folk songs, while others have become popular bluegrass or country songs. Folk music is also an important part of African American culture, with such artists as Lead Belly, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter.