Folk Music in Plymouth

Plymouth is home to a vibrant folk music scene. From open mic nights to full-blown festivals, there’s something for everyone. Check out this blog for the latest news and events.

Origins of folk music in Plymouth

Folk music in Plymouth has its origins in the maritime and agricultural traditions of the area. The songs were originally sung by fishermen and farm workers as they went about their everyday tasks, and were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. Many of the songs have been collected and published in books, but there are still many more that exist only in the oral tradition.

The majority of folk songs from Plymouth are about love, loss, and the sea. Some of the more famous ones include “The Leaving of Liverpool,” “The Banks of Newfoundland,” and “Whisky in the Jar.” There are also a number of political and social protest songs, such as “The Ballad of Joe Hill” and “We Shall Overcome.”

Folk music from Plymouth is still performed today by a number of local artists and bands. It is also sometimes heard at folk festivals and other events around the world.

The influence of the sea on folk music in Plymouth

Plymouth has a long and proud maritime history, and this is reflected in the city’s folk music traditions. Many of the songs that have become associated with Plymouth have a nautical theme, telling stories of seafaring adventures and the lives of those who make their living from the sea.

One of the best-known examples of this is ‘Sally Brown’, a song about a young woman who is courted by a sailor but eventually rejects him in favor of someone who can offer her a more stable life ashore. This song was collected by folklorist Alfred Williams from a fisherman called William Brown in the early 1900s, and has since been recorded by many artists, including Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel.

Other popular Plymouth folk songs include ‘The Bold Fisherman’, which tells the story of a fisherman who is lost at sea but found safe and sound by his wife; ‘The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee’, which is about a young woman pining for her sailor lover; and ‘Leave Her Johnny’, which is a lament for a drowned sailor.

These songs provide us with a unique insight into the lives of those who have always been closely linked to the sea, and they continue to be enjoyed by generations of Plymouthians.

The influence of the Pilgrims on folk music in Plymouth

The Pilgrims who journeyed on the Mayflower in 1620 were a Puritan sect who broke away from the Church of England. They brought with them their love of music, which was an important part of their religious beliefs. The Puritans believed that music should praise God and inspire religious devotion, so they brought hymns and other religious music with them to Plymouth.

The Pilgrims also brought instruments with them, including violins, flutes, guitars, and drums. These instruments quickly found their way into the hands of the native Wampanoag people, who began to play their own music on them. The Wampanoag also taught the Pilgrims how to play the drums and use other musical instruments.

Over time, the two groups began to share their musical traditions with each other. The result was a new style of folk music that blended elements of both English and Wampanoag music. This new style of folk music continued to evolve over the centuries, and it can still be heard in Plymouth today.

The influence of the Wampanoag on folk music in Plymouth

The Wampanoag were the original inhabitants of Plymouth and the surrounding area. They were a peaceful people who lived off the land, hunted, fished, and gathered shellfish. The Wampanoag also had a rich musical tradition. Their music was an important part of their culture and was used for ceremonial purposes.

The Wampanoag influence on folk music in Plymouth is evident in the songs that are still sung today. Many of the tunes and lyrics are based on Wampanoag melodies. The Wampanoag also introduced new instruments to the area, such as the rattle and drum. These instruments are still used in folk music today.

The Wampanoag musical tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and is still alive today. If you listen carefully, you can hear the influence of the Wampanoag in the folk music of Plymouth.

The influence of other cultures on folk music in Plymouth

The influence of other cultures on folk music in Plymouth is evident in the wide variety of musical styles and instruments that can be heard in the city. The early settlers brought with them a variety of musical traditions from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, which were later adapted and assimilated into the local culture. African-American slaves also brought their own musical traditions to the region, which had a significant impact on the development of Plymouth’s folk music scene.

Over the years, Plymouth’s folk music has been influenced by a number of different genres, including blues, country, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll. This diversity can be heard in the work of many local folk musicians, who often incorporate elements of different styles into their playing.

The modern folk music scene in Plymouth

Over the past few years, the folk music scene in Plymouth has undergone something of a renaissance. In addition to the well-established Plymouth Folk Club, which meets fortnightly at the Plymouth Conservative Club, there are now several other regular folk music events taking place in the city.

The most recent addition to the folk music scene in Plymouth is ‘Folk at the Factory’, which takes place on the first Friday of every month at the Blackadder Brewing Company in Plympton. The evenings feature a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music, with an emphasis on promoting local talent.

Another new monthly event is ‘Folk on the Hoe’, which takes place on Plymouth Hoe – yes, that’s right, on the actual Hoe! The event features a mix of local and national acts, and takes advantage of the wonderful views over Plymouth Sound.

If you’re interested in exploring the folk music scene in Plymouth further, there is a wealth of information and resources available online. The ‘Folk South West’ website (www.folksouthwest.co.uk) is a good place to start, and includes listings for folk clubs and events in Devon and Cornwall as well as further afield.