The Northumbrian Small Pipes have, at various times, been called seductive, wild, plaintive, lyrical, exciting and sophisticated. These apparently contradictory descriptions result from the unusual versatility of the instrument as well as the differences in the tonal quality of individual sets of [...]
THREE SCORE AND TEN is seven CDs in a ten by ten inch hardback book, with dust jacket containing 108 profusely illustrated, full colour pages with a narrative portrait of Topic from 1939 to the present day. Also included separately is a [...]
Louis Killen is a hard-core, unadulterated folksinger whose passionate delivery is matched by a deep and wide-ranging knowledge of the songs and the working people who made them. Born in Gateshead in Co. Durham, he was noted for his love of sea [...]
In this impressive debut Tabor tackles not only the traditional stories of Reynardine and the Plains of Waterloo but the harrowing narrative of Eric Bogle's World War I song The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, in what is now recognised as its definitive [...]
Though on its first release in 1976 Crown of Horn attracted attention with its unpredictable elements, such as Leon Rosselson's mordant song Palaces of Gold, the album can now be seen as a logical stage in Carthy's development, as well as a [...]
Three notable figures in the annals of Irish fiddling, Padraig O'Keefe, Denis Murphy and Julia Clifford, play fiddle solos, duets and trios in an exceptional collection of music chiefly from the Sliabh Luachra (Kerry/Cork) region of Ireland. A classic collection of Irish [...]
First released in 1965 Martin Carthy is the debut album from the most creative folksong interpreter of his generation. His singing and guitar-playing have been imitated wherever the revival has reached, across North America and Europe no less than in Britain. Martin [...]
Dave Swarbrick's increased contribution on this 1966 album was a signal that he and Carthy were rapidly forming folk music's most potent collaboration, creating a clean, sharp sound that would be honed over the next three albums. Martin Carthy vocals, guitar Dave [...]
As he grew in confidence and dexterity Martin Carthy tested himself with tricky rhythms and challenging songs, and the title track of Byker Hill (1967) electrified the folk scene with its audacious syncopation. His most carefully planned and executed album up to [...]
Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick continue their bold and virtuosic transformation of traditional songs and melodies on this 1968 set, adding a memorable treatment of Sidney Carter's Lord of the Dance. Martin Carthy vocals, guitar Dave Swarbrick fiddle, mandolin 1 Ship in [...]
In this 1969 album Martin Carthy focuses on traditional songs, producing powerful readings such as the title track and his lengthy retelling of the ballad Little Musgrave & Lady Barnard. "One of the best albums anyone's ever done" Folk Roots Martin Carthy [...]
Martin Carthy's 1971 solo album tunnels further than its predecessors into contemporary song, coming up with memorable performances of Dave Goulder's January Man John Kirkpatrick's Dust To Dust and David Ackles' His Name is Andrew. Martin Carthy vocals, guitar 1 Here's Adieu [...]