British Folk

British folk music is a genre that dates back to medieval times, and it has undergone many changes over the years. It is a genre of music that has been handed down from generation to generation and has been shaped by various cultural influences, including migration, religion, politics, and economics. The genre has been defined by its use of traditional instruments, lyrical stories about social and political issues, and distinct regional styles. Early British folk music was characterized by the use of fiddles, drums, and harps. The songs were typically about daily life and were stories that were passed down orally. The instrumentation was basic, but the songs still managed to stir the hearts of the listeners. The songs were sung during harvests, weddings, and Sunday services and were used to foster community bonds. During the Renaissance period, the social status of music increased. The nobility of the time would often commission musical works, and the gentry would enjoy performances at local taverns and in the streets. The songs of this era were often sung in Latin, but the tradition of storytelling in the folk music genre was still very much alive. In the early 1600s, with the rise of the Puritan movement, music was seen as sinful and was discouraged. This had a significant impact on folk music, and many traditional songs were lost. It wasn't until the late 1700s that interest in traditional music was revived. This was a time of great political change in Britain, and the songs of this era reflected the struggles of the working class. In the 1800s, the Industrial Revolution brought about new economic opportunities for the working class, but it also brought about new social struggles. The songs of this era reflected the harsh working conditions and the fight for workers' rights. The songs were typically sung in unison by group of people and were used as a means of political protest. In the early 1900s, the genre was revived once again, and new subgenres emerged. The most notable of these subgenres was the “Skiffle” genre, which emerged in the 1950s. This genre was characterized by its use of improvised instruments like washboards, and its music was more upbeat and rhythmic. In the 1960s, British folk music experienced a revival once again. This time, the genre was influenced heavily by the American folk music scene. The songs of this era had a more polished sound and included new instruments like the guitar. The harmonies in these songs were often complex and were used to portray emotional depth. In the 1970s, the genre again underwent a transformation. This time, the songs were heavily influenced by the folk rock movement. The incorporation of electric guitars set the genre apart from its traditional roots and gave it a new, more contemporary sound that appealed to a broader audience. Today, the British folk genre is still alive and well. It continues to be influenced by various cultural and social changes, and new subgenres and styles emerge regularly. From its humble beginnings as music of the people, the British folk genre has grown into a complex and multifaceted genre that is enjoyed globally.

Fairport Convention: a legendary band in British Folk scene, known for their traditional and contemporary fusion music style. Nic Jones: a singer-songwriter & guitarist, recognized for his emotive singing and intricate guitar playing. Kate Rusby: a Yorkshire-based folk singer, famous for her evocative singing style, she is often regarded as one of the leading lights in current British Folk. Steeleye Span: a folk rock band that rose to fame in the 1970s for their innovative music style, blending traditional and modern sounds. John Renbourn: a guitarist, composer & singer, known for his improvisational style, and fusing blues and jazz with traditional folk. Eliza Carthy: a singer-songwriter and fiddler in the Britfolk revival scene, known for her strong and distinctive voice. Martin Carthy: a guitarist and singer, famous for his innovative and influential music style, and for his role in the British Folk scene revival. Bellowhead: a multi-award-winning 11-piece band, known for their innovative and energetic music style that combines traditional folk with contemporary influences. The Unthanks: sisters Rachel & Becky Unthank, and a select group of musicians, produce a distinctive and emotive sound, by blending traditional folk with contemporary indie rock. Billy Bragg: a singer-songwriter, known for his socially conscious, politically charged songs, Bragg has been influential in the British folk and punk scenes.

1. "Scarborough Fair" by Simon & Garfunkel 2. "Matty Groves" by Fairport Convention 3. "The Times They Are A-Changin'" by Bob Dylan 4. "The Water Is Wide" by James Taylor 5. "Greensleeves" traditional English folk song 6. "The Trees They Do Grow High" by Martin Carthy 7. "Blackbirds and Thrushes" by Nic Jones 8. "The Foggy Dew" traditional Irish folk ballad 9. "The Gypsy Rover" traditional Irish folk song 10. "The Wild Rover" traditional Irish folk song 11. "She Moves Through the Fair" traditional Irish folk song 12. "Green Grow the Rushes, O!" traditional English folk song 13. "The Lark in the Morning" traditional Irish folk song 14. "The Four Marys" traditional Scottish folk song 15. "The Bonny Swans" by Loreena McKennitt 16. "Siúil A Rún" traditional Irish folk song 17. "The Banks of the Lee" traditional Irish folk song 18. "Wild Mountain Thyme" by Donovan 19. "The Blacksmith" traditional Irish folk song 20. "The Maid Freed from the Gallows" traditional English folk song 21. "Bonnie Ship the Diamond" traditional Scottish folk song 22. "Henry Martin" traditional English folk song 23. "Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?" by The Clancy Brothers 24. "The Ballad of Tam Lin" traditional Scottish folk song 25. "The Parting Glass" traditional Irish folk song.

One of the most influential books on British folk is Cecil Sharp's "English Folk-Songs from the Southern Appalachians." In it, Sharp compiled over 200 traditional ballads, many of which were brought to the United States by British immigrants. The book, first published in 1917, has been described as "an important contribution to the study and preservation of folk music" and "a fascinating look at the British musical heritage." In the words of British folk singer Shirley Collins: "The songs in Sharp's collection are like jewels. They are so beautiful and so full of meaning. They are part of our history and our culture, and they deserve to be treasured and remembered." Another influential book on British folk is Dave Harker's "Fakesong: The Manufacture of British 'Folksong,' 1700-1900." In it, Harker argues that many of the traditional ballads that have come to be associated with British folk music were actually invented by songwriters in the 18th and 19th centuries. Harker writes, "There is no such thing as 'pure' folk music. All folk music is, to some extent, manufactured." In a review of the book for The Guardian, Paul Kingsnorth writes, "Harker's book challenges many of our assumptions about folk music and forces us to question what we think we know about our own cultural heritage. It is a fascinating and thought-provoking read." British folk music has been the subject of many notable quotes. Here are just a few: - "There is no music like that of a nation; its history is in its songs." - Samuel Johnson - "The function of folk music is to provide a lens through which we can understand our own history and culture." - Martin Carthy - "Folk music is the history of a people. It tells their stories and reflects their struggles." - Ewan MacColl - "Folk music is not so much a genre of music as it is a way of life." - Pete Seeger - "British folk music is like a living museum. It allows us to connect with our ancestors in a way that no other art form can." - Eliza Carthy

The folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s occurred at a time when Britain faced significant social changes. It was during this period that Britain saw liberation movements, such as the sexual and women's liberation, as well as the immigrant movement, which played a crucial role in the development of the music genre. The British Folk music genre is characterized by storytelling, which provides insight into the cultural context that existed. The themes in folk music often discuss the political, social, and economic struggles of the working-class communities in Britain. As a result, the roots of the genre were firmly rooted in the working-class culture, traditions, and experiences of the time. The cultural context of British Folk emphasised the importance of preserving traditional music while still creating a fusion with contemporary sounds. Folk musicians used traditional instruments such as the fiddle, banjo, and accordion, which were popular among the working-class communities up until the 20th century. However, they also incorporated contemporary elements by using electric guitars and modern percussion techniques. The combination of traditional and modern elements in British Folk Music broadened the genre's audience beyond the working class, and it became popular among the middle and upper-class communities as well. This trend led to the emergence of folk festivals and clubs where fans of the genre could come together to listen and appreciate the music. In the technological context, the advent of recording technology played a pivotal role in the popularity of British Folk Music. The emergence of record labels such as Topic Records, Transatlantic, and EMI led to the extensive distribution of music and provided a platform for new artists to showcase their work. Notable figures within the British Folk scene include Bert Jansch, who played a crucial role in promoting the Scottish Folk Music. Ewan MacColl was another significant figure who used folk music to tell stories of social injustice and inequality. In addition to musicians, journalists such as John Peel played an essential role in the promotion of the genre, providing a platform for lesser-known artists to be heard.