The Best of British Folk Music
Contents
If you’re a fan of British folk music, then this is the blog for you! We’ll be exploring the best of what the genre has to offer, from classic artists to new up-and-comers.
Introduction
British folk music is a rich and varied tapestry, ranging from the traditional ballads of the countryside to the more modern, urban sounds of the streets. It is a music that has been shaped by centuries of history, and its influences can be heard in many different genres today.
Folk music has always been an important part of British culture, and has been used to tell stories, express emotions and even make political statements. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in folk music, with many young people rediscovering the joys of this unique and fascinating genre.
There are many different styles of British folk music, from the gentle sounds of the English countryside to the energetic tunes of the Scottish Highlands. Whatever your taste, there is sure to be something to suit you. So why not take a listen and see for yourself?
The Origins of Folk Music
Folk music has been around for centuries, and it is still very popular today. Many people enjoy listening to folk music because it is soothing and relaxing. It can also be very upbeat and lively. Folk music has its roots in the British Isles, and it has been influenced by many different cultures over the years.
The British Isles
The British Isles have a long and varied history of folk music, with roots going back hundreds of years. Celtic music is perhaps the most well-known type of folklore from the region, and includes styles such as Irish reels, Scottish ballads, and Welsh traditional songs. Other popular genres include English Morris dancing tunes and sea shanties from the days of sailing ships. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in folk music from the British Isles, with new bands taking inspiration from the old traditions and crafting their own sound.
The Celtic Connection
British folk music has its roots in the music of the Celtic countries of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Celts were a group of tribal peoples who inhabited these countries during the Iron Age and medieval period. Celtic music is characterized by its use of ancient musical instruments, such as the Irish harp, and its use of traditional songs and dances.
Folk music also has its roots in the music of England. English folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle and accordion, and its focus on storytelling. English folk music often tells tales of love, loss and adventure.
Scottish and Irish immigrants brought their folk music to America during the 18th and 19th centuries. American folk music is a mix of Celtic, English and African influences. American folk musicians have created their own unique style of music that includes blues, country and gospel influences.
The Folk Revival
The British folk music revival was a phenomenon of the 20th century. It began in the 1940s with the work of Ralph Vaughan Williams and his colleagues, and achieved its greatest popularity in the 1960s. The revival brought traditional folk music and dance to a new audience, and had a significant impact on popular culture.
The Late 1950s and Early 1960s
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, there was a renewed interest in British folk music. This was partly due to the work of academics such as A.L. Lloyd and Ewan MacColl, who collected and recorded traditional songs. It was also due to the skiffle craze, which saw young people playing guitars and washing boards in makeshift bands.
This new wave of folk music was often more political than its predecessor. Many of the songs were about social issues such as poverty and unemployment. Others were about historical events, such as the Industrial Revolution or the Second World War. The folk revival also saw the rise of protest songwriters such as Ewan MacColl and Bert Lloyd.
The revival reached its peak in the early 1960s with the release of two seminal albums: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan and The Beatles’ Please Please Me. These albums introduced a new generation to the sound of British folk music.
The Late 1960s and Early 1970s
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a significant revival of interest in British folk music. This was initially led by the work of A. L. Lloyd and Ewan MacColl, who both collected songs from traditional sources and wrote new songs in a traditional style. The release of several important albums, including The Kingston Trio’s Folk Songs from the San Francisco Bay Area (1962) and The Weavers’ Reunion at Carnegie Hall (1963), helped to increase interest in folk music in the United States, while Bob Dylan’s decision to embrace a more roots-based sound on his seminal album Blonde on Blonde (1966) was a major factor in sparking the British folk revival.
Among the most important figures in the British folk revival were Fairport Convention, who were one of the first bands to experiment with electric instruments; they also played a crucial role in popularising traditional songs such as “Matty Groves” and “A Sailor’s Life”. Other key figures included Martin Carthy, Bert Jansch, Davy Graham, Nic Jones, John Renbourn, Pentangle, Steeleye Span, Dick Gaughan, Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson and Maddy Prior. These artists helped to revitalise traditional songs and tunes, often with innovative arrangements or instrumentation, and also wrote new material in a traditional vein.
The British folk revival had a significant impact on the development of popular music in the UK; many of its leading lights went on to form successful careers in other genres such as rock and roll, pop and jazz. The revival also played a part in fostering cross-cultural exchange between different musical traditions; particularly influential were Lloyd’s Shanties from the Seven Seas (1964), which helped to spark an interest in maritime music among young people in Britain, and MacColl’s The Singing Island (1960), which popularised Caribbean calypso music among white audiences.
Contemporary Folk Music
Contemporary Folk Music has its roots in the traditional music of the British Isles. It often features traditional instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, and penny whistle, as well as modern acoustic guitar and mandolin. Contemporary Folk Music is often characterized by its use of traditional folk forms such as the ballad and the folk song, as well as its focus on storytelling.
The British Folk Scene Today
The British folk scene is thriving and more popular than ever.A new generation of musicians are keeping the tradition alive, while adding their own unique spin to it.
There are many different subgenres of folk music, from traditional folk songs to contemporary folk-rock. Whatever your taste, there is sure to be a style of British folk music that you’ll love.
Here are just a few of the fantastic British folk artists making music today:
-The Unthanks: A Durham-based band who mix traditional folk with unconventional instrumentation and beautiful three-part harmonies.
– king creosote: A Scottish singer-songwriter whose heartfelt songs have drawn comparisons to Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens.
– Stornoway: A five-piece band from the Outer Hebrides who create atmospheric folk songs with an indie rock sensibility.
Folk Music in the United States
Contemporary folk music in the United States is often influenced by the music of other cultures. For example, many folk musicians in the United States have been influenced by the music of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These influences can be heard in the music of such folk singers as Odetta, Pete Seeger, and Willie Nelson.
In addition to being influenced by other cultures, American folk music has also been influenced by popular music. Folk musicians have borrowed elements from rock, blues, country, and other genres to create their own unique sound. This can be heard in the music of such contemporary folk singers as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Emmylou Harris.
Conclusion
In conclusion, British folk music is a rich and diverse genre that has something to offer everyone. From the toe-tapping rhythms of ceilidh dancing to the soul-stirring sounds of ballads, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So why not give it a try? You might just find your new favorite music!
