An important collection of field recordings made between 1940 and the late 1960s, which focus upon the traditional instrumental music of rural England. Most of the musicians featured were born towards the end of the 19th century and developed their musical skills in the years before the Great War. The carnage of World War 1, the movement towards towns in search of employment and the influence of mass media, all served to bring about a decline in country music. This recording captures some of the finest surviving performers and the repertoire they played for social dancing in country pubs and village halls.
1 Jenny Lind / Untitled Polka – Scan Tester and Rabbidy Baxter
2 The Irish Washerwoman / Garryowen / Rory O’More / St Patrick’s Day – Billy Cooper
3 The Boscastle Breakdown – The Tintagel and Boscatle Players
4 The Boscastle Breakdown (six hornpipes) – William Hocken
5 The Helston Furry Dance – Mr Dangar’s Trio
6 Lady Evesham’s Jig – Mr Dangar’s Trio
7 Untitled Polka – Walter and Daisy Bulwer and Reg Hall
8 The Yarmouth Hornpipe introducing The Four Hand Reel / The Sailor’s Hornpipe – Billy Cooper
9 Dulcie Bell – Billy Cooper
10 The Breakdown / The Flowers of Edinburgh – Harry Lee
11 The Italian Schottische – The Dorset Trio
12 The Lass of Dalogil – The Dorset Trio
13 Bonfire Tune / Untitled Polka – Albert Farmer
14 Untitled Waltz / The Cuckoo Waltz – Albert Farmer
15 Unidentified Tune – Harry Lee
16 The Sailor’s Hornpipe / The Shipdham Hornpipe / Untitled Polka / The White Cockade / Untitled Polka – Walter and Daisy Bulwer
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