English folk?

[Guest]

Does English folk music count as 'World Music'? I am not at all familiar with the folk scene there- I lead a very sheltered life- but I get the impression that it does not arouse a great deal of interest. Am I wrong?

The reason I ask is that I have come across, by accident, a group called The Unthanks. I'll nail my colours and say that I like very much what I've heard of them.
What do others think, and how and where do they fit into the English folk scene?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBc_hGykW4k

[Paul Sherratt]

Patrick,
They've played live on ' World Routes ' so they MUST be world music !
Whatever that is
What do I think ?
Well .................................................. ...........................................

[PatrickOD]

I'm merely a dabbler in World Routes Paul, but I can say that, from my dabbles, I know more about the sounds from far flung mountain villages that are hard to get at than I do about those of Northumberland which is, I believe, just up t'road.

'Well............................................. ..' covers a multitude. Come on Paul, don't be shy! Is there someting I should know? I'm just about to order a CD:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heres-Tender-Coming-Rachel-Unthank/dp/B002JAPEYG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1299705980&sr=8-3

[Paul Sherratt]

Well it's only fiver, Patrick !
You know it's on Spot O' Fi don't you ?
Anyway shyly I'll have to admit that I don't quite believe them.


Whereas I do believe Meg Baird, for some reason.

http://cdn.pitchfork.com/media/10253-dear-companion.jpg

[johncorrigan]

I like them in small doses Patrick - but I love this in a large dose - one of the great songs, I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVecC8oNJl8

[Lateralthinking1]

The Unthanks were at Womad in 2009. A useful measuring stick for worldliness. I was there and of all the very fine performances I have witnessed at the festival over the years, I can think of equal performances but probably none better. It was "emotional".

In my humble opinion, their first two albums are both contenders for the finest of the last ten years. Neither wins that award and I hesitate to volunteer what does. Nevertheless, I have to say that there are times when one thinks that there will be nothing new musically that is exceptionally special. I have rarely felt so uplifted in being found wrong.

[PatrickOD]

Thanks for that Paul. But I thought it was going to be an English singer, which is what my ear wants. I like The Unthanks because they sound English, and folky, and have that earthy feel about them. I also like the arrangements and the whole ambience of the group. It's all new to me, yet I respond to their approach.
No, I forgot about Spotty and am now listening. But I ordered the CD anyway.

[JoeG]

My view - as both an English 'folk' and 'World Music' fan is that there is no logical reason not to include English folk music under the broad heading of World Music - its never been a comfortable heading but to me represents the folk/roots music of all the world's nations and I cannot see any sense in leaving England out of it! As for the Unthanks I have been a fan since I first saw them at a Demon Barbers session in the Love Apple cafe in Bradford when I went to see the other guest artist that night. There are so many other pleasures to discover - as a start can I suggest John Tams, Jez Lowe, Tom Bliss, Old Dance School, Rebekah Findlay, Tickled Pink, Blowzabella, Bella Hardy, Lisa Knapp, June Tabor, Robb Johnson, Brother Crow, Bellowhead, Jim Moray - the list goes on......

[antongould]

I've always seen English Folk as a very broad church. In the sixties when I was closest to it there was a partial or total cross over to "pop" and other things. My favourites were Ralph McTell who went to No. 1 and Paul Simon who was called back to the US by the overnight success of an electrified Sounds of Silence.

[PatrickOD]

John and Lt (Sir!) I hadn't noticed your replies when I answered Paul's. Thanks for those.
John, that was a strong performance in a fine tradition.

Lt (Sir!) I bow to your personal experience of The Unthanks - it was obviouly a memorable one. To think that I only came across them briefly and by accident! But I am greatly heartened that I picked up something of what you witnessed.

JoeG, Thank you, too, for your endorsment and the list you offered. I shall be pursuing those names - one or two of which ring a bell- in due course. I know I'm on a hobby horse at the moment (gee, isn't that a folky thing too!) but The Unthanks have touched a nerve and I want to learn a bit more about English folk, and to hear some more.

[PatrickOD]

Anton, you will be glad to know that when my CD of The Unthanks arrives it will be accompanied by, I hope, Glenn Gould's Art of Fugue. Would you believe that there seems ro be a rush on that recording as this is the second time I have had to order it?
Yes I remember the crossover period you refer to. It put me off a bit and I suppose it's only now that I've sort of taken up the gauntlet again. The Streets of London was a big favourite at the time.

[Lateralthinking1]

PatrickOD....Thank you for your good words. Of those on the list, and there are many fine ones, June Tabor is the one who stands out for me. From "The King of Rome" to "Sudden Waves" and "Verdi Cries", she sets the standard.

Fisherman's Friends are good fun. They sing in the open air at Port Isaac. Eliza Carthy is an artist who improves with each year, fabulous live, and from one of the most significant folk families. John is right to mention Chris Wood. Like Eliza, an artist with substance and longevity. Show of Hands, Kate Rusby and Tim van Eyken also spring to mind. Certainly Jackie Oates.

Seth Lakeman and Jackie's brother, Jim Moray? Both are seen as commercial and sometimes questioned on the grounds of authenticity but I'm with them too. Spotify is the place for dipping in. Hope this is helpful. - Lat.

[johncorrigan]

June Tabor is the one who stands out for me. From "The King of Rome" to "Sudden Waves" and "Verdi Cries", she sets the standard. .

Lat, I assume you've noticed JT's new one.

http://open.spotify.com/album/3FIeYpVRJtH5xURKduG02i

[Lateralthinking1]

John, I didn't know about it, thanks. It has a sea theme. I'm going to like it. In fact, I'm going to shut up and listen to it now - Lat.

[Paul Sherratt]

Patrick, quick while no one's looking :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_6pDwjbUzs

Their session for R3 in that pub just outside BH was lovely !