The Best of Folk Music in Cambridge
The Best of Folk Music in Cambridge is a compilation of the best folk music performances in the city.
Origins of Folk Music
Folk music has its origins in the medieval music of Europe, which was largely functional in nature and related to the needs of everyday life. Folk music was originally passed down from generation to generation orally, and later, through the use of sheet music and recordings.
Traditional ballads
Folk music originates from the common people of a country and is passed down orally from generation to generation. It is often patriotic, and often tells stories of love, loss, humor, history, or any number of other topics. Folk music is often played on acoustic instruments such as guitars, banjos, fiddles, and harmonicas.
Traditional ballads are one type of folk music that originated in Europe during the Middle Ages. These ballads were originally written in a narrative style and told stories of chivalry, romance, and tragedy. Many traditional ballads were later adapted into popular songs that are still known and loved today, such as “Barbara Allen,” “Greensleeves,” and “Scarborough Fair.”
Celtic music
Celtic music is a genre of folk music that has its roots in the cultures of the Celtic people. These people are spread across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany. Celtic music has been influenced by many different genres over the years, including Classical, Scottish, English and Irish folk music.
The most common instruments used in Celtic music are the fiddle, accordion, guitar, tin whistle and bagpipes. Celtic music is known for its melodic style and haunting lyrics. It often tells stories of love, loss, battle and wanderlust.
If you’re looking to explore Celtic music, there are many great albums to choose from. Some of our favorites include “Celtic Voyage” by Maria Doyle Kennedy, “The Best of Folk Music in Cambridge” by Martin Carthy and “The Fairie Round” by Liz Carroll.
English music
Folk music of England is tradition-based music, which has existed since the later medieval period. It is often contrasted with courtly, classical and later commercial music. Folk music has been preserved and transmitted orally, through print and later through recordings. The term is used commonly to refer to traditional English folk music and dance.
There are many types of folk music in England, including sea shanties, Morris dance music, pyrotechnic display pieces known as fireworks melodies, mixed media works that juxtapose different musical styles and songs that deliberately set out to subvert the 17th-century ballad tradition.
The Revival of Folk Music
Folk music has been making a comeback in recent years, and Cambridge is at the forefront of this revival. With a rich history of folk music, Cambridge is the perfect place to experience this genre of music. From traditional folk songs to modern interpretations, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s take a look at some of the best folk music in Cambridge.
The folk music scene in Cambridge
The folk music scene in Cambridge is booming, with new clubs and venues popping up all over the city. Folk music has always had a strong presence in Cambridge, but in recent years it has seen a resurgence in popularity. This is thanks in part to the work of local promoters and venues, who have worked hard to create a thriving folk music scene.
There are now a number of places to see folk music in Cambridge, from the famous Club 47 to newer venues like The Roundhouse. There are also a number of folk festivals held in the city each year, including the Cambridge Folk Festival and the Boston Folk Festival. With so much going on, it’s no wonder that folk music is enjoying something of a renaissance in Cambridge.
The influence of Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s impact on folk music cannot be understated. His work in the 1960s – both with his own music and with his production of other artists’ music – helped to revive the genre and make it relevant for a new generation of listeners. His songs are still covered by new artists today, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary folk musicians.
The influence of The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are commonly regarded as the most influential band of all time. The group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and all four main members were inducted individually between 1994 and 2015. In 2008, the group topped Billboard magazine’s list of the all-time most successful artists; as of 2017, they hold the record for most number-one hits on the Hot 100 chart with twenty. They have received seven Grammy Awards, an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and fifteen Ivor Novello Awards. The Beatles are also collectively included in Time magazine’s compilation of the twentieth century’s 100 most influential people.
The Contemporary Folk Music Scene
Folk music has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with artists like Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers bringing the sound to a new generation of fans. If you’re a fan of folk music, or just looking to check out something new, Cambridge is the perfect place to do it. The city has a thriving folk music scene, with plenty of venues and events to check out.
The folk music scene in Cambridge
The folk music scene in Cambridge is thriving, with new and innovative musicians making their mark on the genre. The city is home to a number of great folk clubs and venues, which showcase the best of local and international talent. If you’re a fan of folk music, then Cambridge is definitely the place to be.
There are a number of reasons why the folk scene in Cambridge is so strong. Firstly, the city has a long history of involvement with the genre, dating back to the 1960s when it was at the forefront of the British folk revival. Secondly, there are a number of excellent universities in the city, which have helped to nurture young talent. Finally, the city itself is very culturally diverse, which has resulted in a rich mix of influences on the music.
If you’re interested in checking out the folk scene in Cambridge, then there are a few places that you should definitely head to. Club Passim is one of the most popular folk clubs in the city, and regularly hosts both local and touring acts. The Lizard Lounge is another great venue, which has an intimate atmosphere and often features up-and-coming talent. Finally, if you want to catch some traditional folk music, then make sure to check out The Morrisson Workshops – they offer regular sessions of traditional tunes from all over England.
The influence of The Internet
The contemporary folk music scene has been profoundly influenced by the Internet. Through online platforms such as YouTube and Bandcamp, unsigned and independent artists have been able to reach a wider audience than ever before. This has led to a renaissance of sorts for the genre, with a new wave of folk musicians emerging in recent years.
One of the most notable aspects of the contemporary folk music scene is the DIY ethic that prevails among many artists. In Cambridge, for example, there is a vibrant community of musicians who are self-producing and self-promoting their music. This is in contrast to the major label-dominated folk scene of previous decades, where only a handful of artists were able to achieve commercial success.
The contemporary folk music scene is also marked by a strong sense of collaboration and community. Artists often work together on projects, share resources, and provide support for each other. This spirit of cooperation has led to some truly innovative and boundary-pushing music being created in recent years.
In recent years, folk music has undergone a bit of a renaissance, particularly in the United States. This is in part due to the increased popularity of social media, which has allowed musicians to connect with fans and followers all over the world.
One of the most notable changes in the folk music scene has been the rise of independent artists. In the past, most folk musicians were signed to major labels and had to adhere to certain expectations and constraints. However, with the advent of digital streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as platforms like Bandcamp and Soundcloud, musicians now have more freedom than ever before to release music on their own terms.
This increased independence has also led to a more diverse range of sounds and styles within the genre. Where once there was a relatively uniform sound that could be broadly classified as “folk music,” there are now endless subgenres and sub-subgenres, each with its own unique flavor.
Of course, social media hasn’t just had a positive impact on folk music – it’s also had its share of problems. One of the most significant challenges facing folk musicians today is the issue of royalties. Because of the way digital streaming services work, it can be very difficult for artists to earn a living from their music, even if they have a large number of streams or downloads. This has led many artists to ditch traditional forms of distribution in favor of alternative methods, such as Patreon or selling merchandise.
It’s clear that social media has had a profound impact on folk music over the past few years. While there are still some challenges to be faced, it’s undeniable that this period has been something of a golden age for the genre – one that has seen it evolve and grow in ways that would have previously been unthinkable.
