Follow the links to find each artiste:
Return Journey
Old Time ballads and
tunes from the British Isles and America. An exploration of tunes and songs
which have found their way to and from America and the UK. Return journey? In a
couple of ways. Firstly, a number of the songs here had their origins in the
British Isles, before travelling across to America on the lips, in the fingers,
and in the hearts of generations of emigrants, who left these shores in search
of a better life, or fame and fortune, or perhaps simply for adventure and
freedom. Secondly, several of the tunes I first heard in Britain suffered a sea
change by the time they washed up in the Appalachians.
Dave Arthur has been singing, playing, and researching English and Appalachian
music for more years than he cares to remember, and has recorded the music and
life stories of traditional musicians on both sides of the Atlantic.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
TSCD526 Track List
Everyday Lives
Steve Ashley has been one of the best kept secrets on the scene
since the early 1970s. One of the original members of the first Albion Country
Band, Steve went solo soon after and his albums have grown in stature over the
years.
With "EVERYDAY LIVES", Steve has created a extraordinary
album of contemporary songs which are informed, but never overwhelmed, by the
tradition. As the title suggests, they focus on aspects of everyday lives and
loves, but that shouldn't mislead the reader into thinking they are mundane. Far
from it, this is a very special evocation of ENGLISH culture with no apologies
(and why should there be?). A deeply atmospheric collection of remarkable songs.
Full lyrics included in booklet.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
CFCD 406 Track List
Sit Down and Sing
(£12.99) Add to Basket
CFCD405 Track List
The Writing On The
Wall
"Live at Cambridge 2000"
(£12.99) Add to Basket
CFCD403 Track List
Past Masters
Contributing musicians
include: Leon Rosselson, John Kirkpatrick, Sue Harris, Chris Leslie, Howard
Evans, Richard Cheetham & Firoz
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
CFCD404 Track List
Coda
Musicians: Karen Tweed, Ian Carr, Andy Cutting, John Kirkpatrick, Rory McLeod, George Whitfield, The Band of Hope (Martin Carthy, Steafan Hannigan, John Kirkpatrick, Dave Swarbrick) and The Albion Band (Ashley Hutchings, Neil Marshall, Joe Broughton, Ken Nicol
(£12.99) Add to Basket
CFCD402 Track List
New Directions in
the Old
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
CFCD400 Track List
Business As Usual
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
CFCD399 Track List
What You Do With
What You've Got
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
CFCD396 Track List
Why Does It Have To
Be Me?
with John Kirkpatrick, Sue Harris & Val Bailey
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
CFCD170201 Track List
Up The Wooden Hill
(childrens' CD)
(£8.99)
Add to Basket
COF 0504 Track List
Yorkie
Interesting versions of songs from a fine singer.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD187 Track List
Fair Annie
Double CD for the price of one. Two albums - 'Peter Bellamy' (previously only released in the U.S.) and 'Fair Annie' (previously ony released on cassette). Plus unissued tracks.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD162 Track List
Mr Bellamy - Mr Kipling and the Tradition
(£12.99) Add to Basket
WGS326CD Track List
Fruits of the Earth
Jim Causley is one of the exciting young singers who are making a name for themselves in the traditional song arena. This album is mainly of traditional material and includes some unusual pieces as well as some self penned material.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
VT143CD Track List
Uppards!
‘Northern Monologues’
John Cocking is one of today's finest exponents of the humorous monologue. Born and bred in the south Peninnes he has learned his craft by listening to the great northern monologue writers and performers. Some are only known in his locality while others have gained national recognition. As John says, 'Let your imagination run free to paint the pictures created by these wonderful words'.
To read reviews on this and other CDs on the Veteran label visit www.veteran.co.uk
(£12.99) Add to Basket
BashCD45 Track List
Long
Company
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
(£12.99) Add to Basket
See also The New Victory Band
TSCD552 Track List
The Common Stone
A new album of traditional and original songs by one of
the all time great voices of the English folk scene. Renowned on both sides of
the Atlantic for his uncompromising, gritty talent, Davenport’s recording
history goes back over four decades and has produced raw, idiosyncratic nuggets.
His unique poetic realism has been a profound influence on such disparate
artists as Richard Thompson and Ray Davies. Never one to court fashion, Bob has
remained true to the living tradition while being on the cutting edge of
revivalism.
When word got round that Bob was recording a new album, the
cream of the current folk scene queued for a chance to participate. The final
list includes appearances by Richard Thompson, Chumbawamba Acoustic, Martin
Carthy, Linda Thompson, Mike and Norma Waterson, John Tams, Coope, Boyes and
Simpson and Fi Fraser. The resulting album is raw, real and original.
(£13.99)
Add to Basket
Great songs, great tunes from Bob and The Rakes. One of the classic combinations of the past thirty years.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
TSCD544 Track List
Borrowed Moments
Described by Ralph McTell as “one of England’s best
voices”, Bob Fox makes his first recording for Topic, and we’re delighted for
him to be here. He is one of the hardest working performers in the country,
playing more dates than almost anyone else.
His exceptional voice and inspired guitar have a lightness of
touch and a sureness of purpose that go straight to the heart of the song, be it
traditional or contemporary.
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
WGS316CD Track List
A Little Bit Off the Top
An album of music hall and funny songs by an entertainer well steeped in the tradition of the songs and how they should be delivered.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
COF 003 Track List
by arrangement
This is an exploration of folk music through the eyes of a saxophonist. Joined by 8 friends playing a wide range of instruments from English Bagpipes through Melodeons to Irish Banjo you are offered tracks that range from Irish session tunes to multi-tracked saxophone harmonies.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD141 Track List
Happy Hour
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD169 Track List
Carousel of Noise
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD184 Track List
Long Story Short
A new set of songs from quirky pen of Clive Gregson. His unique style has earned him a firm following and the orders for this CD were coming in long before it was released - such is the power of the grapevine!
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD198 Track List
Liverpool Connexions
Formerly of the internationally acclaimed folk group The Spinners, Hughie returns with an album of songs connected in one way or another with his home town.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD147 Track List
Seascape
(£12.99) Add to Basket
TSCD411 Track List
Penguin Eggs
This mature work of a brilliant song-interpreter and guitarist, packed with fresh songs and novel settings, is rendered all the more valuable by the scarcity of his recordings. When Bob Dylan appropriated his arrangement of Canadee-I-O, it was just one sign of Jones' status among musicians as well as lay listeners.
Nic Jones vocals, guitar, fiddle, Tony Hall melodeon, Bridget Danby recorders, vocals, Dave Burland vocals.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
VTD148CD Track List
A Shropshire Lad
‘English Folk Singer’
Fred Jordan was first recorded in 1952 singing songs he had learnt from his family, from workmates and visiting Gypsies in his native Shropshire. With the emerging folk revival of the 1960s he began singing at folk clubs all over the country and over the next forty years he appeared at most major folk festivals. After a lifetime of singing he is viewed by many as the iconic English folk singer.
To read reviews on this and other CDs on the Veteran label visit www.veteran.co.uk
(Double CD - £16.99) Add to Basket
WGS297CD
Live at the Lion
Recorded live at The White Lion folk club in Wherwell. It captures all the spirit and energy of a wonderful performer who has devoted his life to traditional music. The charisma of his performance is reflected in the strength of singing from the audience.
(£5.99) Add to Basket
FECD172 Track List
Taking Routes
(£12.99) Add to Basket
VT129CD Track List
I've Come to Sing a Song
Vic Legg was born into one of the best known West Country travelling family, the Orchards, and many of his relatives sang. His two aunties Charlotte and Betsy Renals and his mother Sophie Legg sang and it was from them that he gained his early interest in singing.
Vic has gathered his songs from a variety of sources, but most on this recording have come from his family. As he says; 'Some were learned on purpose, while others were by osmosis!' Songs have come to him throughout his life, such as the dockyard medley which comes from the days when he served his apprenticeship in the Devonport dockyards. Then there's the anti-drink anthem he picked up somewhere along the line: 'The Hell-bound Train'. There would have been some disappointed listeners if we hadn't included that one!
With such a background of singing it's hardly surprising that Vic has become an integral part of Bodmin Folk club, the local Trigg Morris Dancers and the Bodmin Wassailers. If you're in Cornwall it is certainly worth making the effort to hear this fine singer. Then again you might be lucky enough to catch him on one of his rare sorties out of the West Country, when you can hear Vic Legg Come to sing a song near you, and once you've heard him you will certainly not be disappointed with his CD.
To read reviews on this and other CDs on the Veteran label visit www.veteran.co.uk
(£12.99) Add to Basket
WGS296CD Track List
Fine Colours
English songs old and new, by a leading light of the tradition and a superb concertina player.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
WGS338CD Track List
Barry Lister must be one of the best ballad singers in the country. He has been singing in groups since the sixties but this is his first solo album. It is not quite solo since Barry has brought in some of his friends to provide other voices and some backings.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD186 Track List
Fearful Symmetry
Debut album from a young talented singer and multi-instrumentalist who specialises in traditional material.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD195 Track List
Far As My Eyes Can See
A mixture of American traditional songs, blues and contemporary material from a highly respected young singer who divides his time between the US and UK.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
VT146CD Track List
Still Fretting -
‘English banjo music’
Rob Murch plays the five string banjo; an instrument associated most frequently with American bluegrass music. Yet Rob’s repertoire is as English as it comes, and includes traditional country dance tunes as well as classic banjo pieces; all played with his own style and panache. As one reviewer commented, ‘A banjo is a happy instrument in Rob’s hands!’ See also VT139 Moor Music
To read reviews on this and other CDs on the Veteran label visit www.veteran.co.uk
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD197 Track List
Oceon in the Sky
Martyn has always had an ear for good song writers. This collection features songs by writers as well known as Eric Bogle and Cyril Tawney to writers who deserve to be as well known such as Mike O'Connor, John Beavis, Derek Moule, Jane Coombs, etc.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD146 Track List
Beyond the Red Horizon
Martyn Wyndham- Read and No Man's Band
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD157 Track List
Where Ravens Feed
Martyn Wyndham- Read and No Man's Band
(£12.99) Add to Basket
see also FECD176D Song Links
Bin Born A Long Time
(CDR - £11.99) Add to Basket
45 Stringed Guitar
(CDR - £11.99) Add to Basket
When The Moon Peeps O'er The Hill
(CDR - £11.99) Add to Basket
Hev Yew Gotta Loight Bor ?
(CDR - £11.99) Add to Basket
Followin' Th' Binder Round
(CDR - £11.99) Add to Basket
The Devil's Hoofprints
(CDR - £11.99) Add to Basket
Roundabout
(CDR - £11.99) Add to Basket
FECD185 Track List
Narrative
Debut CD from a fine singer of traditional songs and ballads
(£12.99) Add to Basket
See also The Bismarks
TMM1911CD Track List
Melodeon Mania
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
TMM1956CD Track List
Squeezebox Schizophrenia
(£12.99) Add to Basket
see also The Posh band
WGS317CD Track List
Well Seasoned
Songs and tunes which reflect the turning of the seasons and the passing of the ritual calendar. The album has songs for each of the major seasons plus songs from the Sheffield Christmas tradition, the new year, Easter, and Whitsuntide. This is his third solo recording and is a testament to his consummate ability to stand alone as a singer and one of the best concertina players in the country. His obvious grasp, clear insight, and love, of the musical genre is simply a joy to behold. Many of the songs are Derbyshire based and display the pride that Keith has in being a Derbyshire mon.. He has always harboured a love of the ecclesiastical sounds and textures of carols and hymns and this is apparent in his choice of material for this album.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
WGS337CD Track List
Songs from the Derbyshire Coast
When Keith discussed making this third album with WildGoose the idea was to address several aspects of Keiths performing career. It was also planned to be a solo album but given that his career has always featured collaborations with other musicians this proved impossible so we have tried to reflect this without masking his own undoubted abilities as a solo artist. The pieces here reflect Keiths own ideas and arrangements and we have tried to present other artistes contributions as enhancements rather than using them as props - often a difficult balance to strike, but I hope that this comes across.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD181 Track List
Half a Fruit Pie
Benji (Dr Faustus/Magpie Lane/Oyster Band Big Session fame) sings & shows what the bouzouki can do for English traditional tunes (plus self-composed ones). Benji is joined by Seth Lakeman, John Kirkpatrick & Richard Adams on some tracks.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
see also Dr Faustus & Bellowhead
TSCD473 Track List
A Short History of John Kirkpatrick
Drawn from eight original albums of the '70s and '80s,
this 19-track survey finds Kirkpatrick singing and playing a hugely varied
repertory of English songs and tunes, some solo, some with Sue Harris (hammered
dulcimer) and others in the bands Umps & Dumps and Brass Monkey.
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
see also Brass Monkey CDs TSCD467, TSCD501, TSCD550, TSCD531
TSCD528 Track List
Mysterious Day
Mysterious Day is Oliver's first solo project and, in truly
typical fashion, it is a collaboration with others. The vocals on the album are
handled by Christine Collister, Eliza Carthy, Norma Waterson, Maria Gilhooley,
John Tams and Barry Coope and additional instrumentation is provided by Chris
Parkinson (piano & harmonica), Jo Freya (sax), Alice Kinloch (tuba) and Andy
Cutting (melodeon). A long time in gestation, the album continues in the family
"tradition" of highly original English composition which, although owing much to
the folk tradition, is not beholden to it. He has written all the material
except for Evona, written by Lal Waterson, Once In a Blue Moon, co-written with
Lal Waterson and the traditional Go From My Window, arranged with Eliza Carthy.
As well as producing and engineering the album, Oliver Knight played all guitars
and arranged all the music.
Oliver Knight guitars, sequencing, programming, production and recording, Chris Parkinson piano & harmonica, Jo Freya sax, Alice Kinloch tuba, Andy Cutting melodeon.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
'Bert' Lloyd occupied a unique position in the folksong revival
of the 1950s and '60s. He was a musicologist with an international reputation,
who wrote on the social history of British folk music and broadcast many series
on traditional musics of the world. A learned and kindly mentor to younger
singers, he was himself a performer of great charm, who united in his
performances a scholar's respect for text and a singer's instinct for
expression.
TSCD496 Track List
English Drinking Songs
These songs of merriment and mayhem were of the kind, Lloyd said,
that might be heard 'around the barroom table of a little country alehouse on a
Saturday night not drinking songs in the strict sense - not songs merely in
praise of liquor' but songs that 'tell a bit of a story songs as sly as a
tinker's wink, as rough as a ploughman's hand.' They are accompanied on banjo or
concertina.
Alf Edwards English concertina, Al Jeffery banjo & harmonica.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
TSCD497 Track List
Leviathan!
Lloyd brought to this collection of whaling songs and ballads a
love and knowledge of the subject inspired by his own experience at sea. The
harsh life of the whaler is described in laments, shanties and narrative songs.
Dave Swarbrick fiddle, Martin Carthy mandolin, Alf Edwards
English concertina & ocarina, Trevor Lucas, Martyn Wyndham-Reade chorus
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
FECD173 Track List
England and her Traditional Songs
A Selection from the Penguin Book of English Songs.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD174 Track List
The Yellow Haired Lad
Northumbrian Small pipes
(£12.99) Add to Basket
TSCD540 Track List
Righteousness & Humidity
Released in August 2003, this follow up to the
award-winning album "The Bramble Briar" is a collection of new recordings, this
time drawn from the American tradition and featuring his unequalled instrumental
and vocal ability. As Martin says in his album notes, this record allows him to
tip his hat to the music and people of the Southern US, and features a mix of
traditional song and Martin’s own compositions. Alongside his singing, Martin
plays acoustic guitar, ukulele, electric guitar, lap-steel, percussion, 5-string
banjo and slide guitar. Much of the album was recorded in New Orleans and he is
joined by a crack team of local musicians. Steeleye Span’s Rick Kemp features on
some of the tracks recorded in the UK.
Martin Simpson guitars, ukelele, lap steel, banjo, vocal, James Singleton acoustic bass , Rick Kemp electric bass, percussion, Jessica Radcliffe backing vocals, Carl Budo drums, Amassa Miller organ, Reggie Scanlan Fender bass, Dave Malone electric guitar, Mike Skinkus percussion.
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
TSCD513 Track List
The Bramble Briar
Arguably the finest finger style acoustic guitarist on the
planet, Martin Simpson returns to Topic Records after a break of almost fifteen
years. Surprisingly, this is his first recording of exclusively English material
- predominately traditional, completely English and totally outstanding. Martin
Simpson's guitar and vocals have never sounded better and classic traditional
material is delivered in subtle and innovative ways.
Martin Simpson guitar, vocal, Martin Carthy guitar, Chris
Parkinson accordion, harmonica, Jessica Radcliffe backing vocals, Barry Phillips
cello
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
TSCD430 Track List
The Collection
This collection, drawn from three Topic albums, finds him working
both solo and with other musicians in a variety of inventive settings
(£6.99)
Add to Basket
TSCD517 Track List
Rags, Reels and Airs
Rags, Reels & Airs was produced by Joe Boyd,
who introduced Dave Swarbrick to Fairport Convention - the result of which was
Liege & Lief and a whole new era for folk and rock music. Joe Boyd's sleeve
notes included this comment: 'This record should provide ample evidence of the
fact that Dave Swarbrick is doing perhaps the finest job of reconciling
traditional instrumental styles with modern ideas and technique'.
Dave Swarbrick first came to prominence on the folk scene as
as young instrumental virtuoso in the Ian Campbell Folk Group. By 1967, when the
recording took place, Dave had already left them and had teamed up with Martin
Carthy as a duo. While they featured hot instrumental tracks in their live sets
and recordings, Dave's forte in the duo was sensitive accompaniment to Martin's
vocals and guitar. On Rags, Reels & Airs the focus was solely on Dave and it
finally gave him a chance to really stretch out and demonstrate his leading
instrumental prowess. The result was a new era of English instrumental folk
music and a new approach to folk music altogether.
Dave Swarbrick fiddle, mandolin, 8-string fiddle, Martin
Carthy guitar, Diz Disley guitar.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
see also:
TSCD492 Skin & Bone
TSCD491 Life & limb
TSCD343 But Two came by
FRQCD60 The Carthy Chronicles
TSCD551 Track List
The Reckoning
John Tams is one of our finest musicians and singers and one of our greatest
songwriters. He can sing traditional material wonderfully and, at the same time,
has written some of our best songs ever. Harry Stone, otherwise known as Hearts
of Coal, and the beautiful Hugh Stenson and Molly Green are just two of his
songs that have entered the canon in the last few years.
On this album, John deals the tradition – reworking
several classic songs - and then adds his own unmistakable originals to produce
a landmark new album.
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
TSCD533 Track List
Home
"Home", the follow up to the award winning "Unity", reasserts the claim that
there is no greater writer of English songs on the current folk scene. John
Tams' writing and performance grow with each new project and he and the band
assembled for the previous album are now a fully integrated unit producing a new
contender for "album of the year".
John Tams acoustic & electric guitar, keyboard, melodeon, vocal, Graeme Taylor acoustic & electric guitar, mandolin, lap steel, Barry Coope keyboards, string synth, crematorium organ, harmonium, vocal, Andy Seward electric bass, Alan Dunn hammond organ, piano accordion, keyboards, whistle, anglo concertina, Keith Angel drums, marimba, mbira, surdo, congas, djembi, tambourine, percussion, Rosie Tams backing vocals.
(£12.99)
Add to Basket
TSCD508 Track List
Unity
The John Tams Band evolved through the recording of his latest album, Unity.
Collaboration has always been central to his work and although a solo record,
this release is no exception. Keith Angel, Andy Seward and Barry Coope, (of
Coope, Boyes and Simpson) were joined by former Albion Band comrade Graeme
Taylor and Alan Dunn from the Bob Geldof Band.
The legendary Linda Thompson also makes a rare appearance, on an album that may
yet prove to be the pinnacle of this anthemic and commanding style of folk
music.
John Tams electric guitar, vocal, Graeme Taylor lead guitar,
Barry Coope keyboards, vocal, Andy Seward electric bass, Alan Dunn accordion,
keyboards, whistle, Keith Angel drums, Linda Thompson vocal.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD183 Track List
The Night is Young
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD159 Track List
Fragile Peace
(£12.99) Add to Basket
FECD148 Track List
Singing
(£12.99) Add to Basket
RUFCD10 Track List
The Lark Descending
'The Lark Descending' celebrates a few of the stories of the people who are governed and you ought not to be surprised at how rich and compelling some of the stories are. Our indigenous population have been unravelling the universe for us in music and song for millennia while the governing class have been ridiculing our folk music for only a couple of hundred years.
(£12.99) Add to Basket
For more Chris Wood also look at: Chris Wood & Andy Cutting Chris Wood & Jean-Francois Vrod Wood Wilson Carthy & Old Hat Dance Band
TSCD565 Track List
Stiffs Lovers Hollymen Thieves
Tim Van Eyken is one of the most outstanding members of the new folk generation who have taken the folk tradition as inspiration and brought it bang up to date. Collecting together a band of like-minded musicians – Nancy Kerr, Oliver Knight, Pete Flood and Colin Fletcher, Tim has produced an astonishingly impressive debut album.
(£12.99) Add to Basket