Muswell Hill in North London has long been home to folk musicians, most notably Sandy Denny (known for her iconic singer-songwriter abilities). Now newcomers are exploring traditional tunes with fresh perspectives.
Travellers have emerged as an invaluable source of ballads for modern folk singers. Song collectors like Sam Lee are reigniting the folk music renaissance by unearthing new gems from gypsy camps.
Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention combined traditional music with electricity and rock energy, creating a musical movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Considered one of the pioneers of folk-rock, Fairport Convention paved the way for many contemporary bands that followed suit; guitarist Richard Thompson and singer Sandy Denny went on to enjoy successful solo careers. Additionally, Fairport Convention became famous for its live albums that helped revive interest in folk music.
Folk music has always been associated with the people, particularly from lower classes. It differed from court music which was typically performed by upper echelons of society; tunes for folk songs were passed from generation to generation orally rather than written down and often changed between performances – this gives the genre its democratic appeal and flexibility.
Folk songs were traditionally humorous or irreverent in nature; others told stories of local heroes or historical events. Sung by sailors to ease homesickness or encourage safe travels; still others depicted daily sorrows and heartaches – thus serving as forms of social commentary to give an audience insight into life itself.
Folk songs were composed by professional musicians; however, most were handed down orally and taught ear by ear rather than being written down. Unlike court music which utilized orchestral instruments, folk music was typically performed by ordinary musicians using instruments like an acoustic guitar, violins (known as fiddles in folk circles), flutes, whistles and pipes; other reed instruments like the hurdy-gurdy and hammer dulcimer were also commonly utilized.
Many traditions brought from Europe were adopted into American musical culture through immigration, eventually giving rise to country and blues music. Meanwhile, other types of folk music also evolved during American history – work songs by slaves as well as songs of settlers, cowboys, and railroad workers are examples. Many forms of this folk music can still be heard today.
John Martyn
John Martyn was a British musician known for combining folk and jazz music. His work greatly impacted musicians of his day and remains relevant today. Born Iain David McGeachy in 1948 in Glasgow to light opera singer parents who later split apart, his grandmother raised him, his guitar being taught by Davey Graham (his mentor) before changing it to John Martyn when moving to London.
Martyn first released his album London Conversation in 1967; its innocent songs won him critical acclaim from music journalists. Subsequent album The Tumbler featured more experimental jazz elements; also, Martyn experimented with using effects to augment his electric acoustic guitar for creating fuller sounds unreliant upon acoustics alone.
After the success of The Tumbler, Martyn began touring with a backing band. He collaborated with numerous high-profile musicians such as Al Stewart and Paul McCartney; touring with Free and Traffic while still recording solo albums; his 1973 release Solid Air was dedicated to Nick Drake; however his alcohol problems caused significant setbacks to his career.
Martyn continually experimented with new styles throughout his career. With an exceptional voice capable of conveying emotion in song, his music was an eclectic blend of folk, jazz and blues – truly progressive artists never falling back on tried and tested styles!
He passed away at 60, having made an immeasurable contribution to folk music. One of the most innovative artists of his era, his songs filled with passion and emotion and many people fell deeply in love with both his voice and music.
He was an artist who stood up for himself and never shied away from experimenting with different musical forms and sounds, creating music that brought an innovative, fresh sound into an industry which had grown stagnant and boring. All who loved his music will miss him dearly.
Cara Dillon
Cara Dillon has earned worldwide acclaim as one of the UK’s premier carriers of song, as evidenced by her two decades as one of the leaders of folk music scene. Her rich, ringing voice captivates both intimate listeners and audiences; whether she’s breathing life into Ireland’s greatest traditional songs or writing mesmerising carols for her 2016 release “Upon a Winter’s Night”, one can’t look at Cara’s work without wanting to listen in!
Born in Dungiven, County Londonderry, Cara Dillon first made her mark as part of folk supergroup Equation before going on to form Polar Star with Sam Lakeman in 2001 and release their debut album under that name in 2002. Since then, Cara’s emotive interpretations of traditional folk songs have garnered her many fans and nominations at various award shows including four nominations at 2002 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
In 2003, she released both Inspiration (live album) and Sweet Liberty (co-released with her husband). Recorded at their home in Somerset, Sweet Liberty featured five original Dillon/Lakeman compositions as well as Cara’s powerful rendition of Tommy Sands’ There Were Roses about Northern Ireland Troubles.
Dillon’s second album was another huge success and established her as an important artist to watch. One significant difference from previous records is Dillon’s move away from using instruments for her sound and texture – creating a more intimate and atmospheric record with vocal-driven melodies and textures.
Wanderer is Dillon and Lakeman’s latest release and follows suit by offering an intimate set of 10 tracks with an air of separation and yearning that makes this album arguably his most satisfying work to date. Wanderer features contributions from various musicians including guitarist Justin Adams of Lo’Jo and cellist Caroline Dale (seen on Bush and Wet Wet Wet records).
Tim Cumming
Folk music refers to all manner of musical, oral and cultural traditions associated with particular regions and cultures. As a broad genre, folk music encompasses a range of traditions that span from ancient to contemporary forms; classical music on the other hand has no connection with either church or royalty; its name derives from its function within society–its music was often associated with everyday events or traditions associated with them – hence why people referred to it as folk music!
Folk music is generally passed from generation to generation orally through oral transmission, and may involve singing or playing instruments. Many styles remain unknown despite traces of authorship being traced. Some folk songs, however, may draw upon ancient ballads, popular tunes from music halls or have even been composed specifically by their singer.
Folk songs traditionally covered a range of subjects, spanning commemorations (e.g. the death of Nelson), rural matters such as plowing hayfields, and later after the Industrial Revolution they also took on more urban themes with political implications. Songs typically comprised a repetitive chorus punctuated with changing verses; groups often sang these at social occasions and locations – agricultural laborers sang working songs to pass time more quickly while sailors sang responsorial ‘Sea shanties’ using an eight-note melody pattern using eight melodic patterns with distinctive dotted rhythms – making these ideal songs for workplace settings where repetitive choruses could make singing work songs part of everyday work environments such as agricultural labourers singing working songs sung to help speed along their daily routine.
Folk music refers to the music played by local people of a given region or country and plays an integral part in upholding cultural heritage and fostering national identity. This music can especially help immigrant societies remember their homeland culture while simultaneously uniting them as one community. Folk music can also be heard at community and religious festivals and serves as a platform for non-professional singers to perform publicly for audiences that may feel distant from them otherwise.