Lucy is a young singer from Derbyshire who sings both traditional and her own self-penned songs: her second solo CD is due to be released later in 2013. She won the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2012. Author and broadcaster, Roy Palmer, writes about the source of the song, Emily Bishop, who lived in the Forest of Dean, where she was recorded by Peter Kennedy in the 1950s. Incidentally, the other three singers on the Fellside CD (called, The Liberty to Choose) have all been featured in previous Singer, Song and Source articles: Brian Peters, Bella Hardy and James Findlay. Listen to Lucy Ward singing the song here.

From Monday 20 May until Tuesday 24 September the sound and audio visual collections in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library will be unavailable. Thus is due to major building works, including the installation of a lift, at Cecil Sharp House from June – September 2013.

If you require more information contact library@efdss.org | +44 (0)20 7485 2206 ext.33

The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) has been awarded a grant of £378,842 from Arts Council England, as part of their small capital grants programme, to improve access at Cecil Sharp House. Improvements will also be made to other public areas of the building to enhance access and visitor experience. More info

Revealing a hidden wealth of information about England’s cultural heritage

Ballot opens for tickets to exclusive launch event

In partnership with leading academic institutions, the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) have created the world’s most comprehensive searchable digital archive of English folk songs, tunes, dances and customs.

To celebrate unveiling The Full English digital archive, we’re giving you the chance to win two tickets to the official launch event at Cecil Sharp House on Thursday 20 June. The world’s biggest digital archive of English traditional folk music and dance, this will be a ground-breaking resource. Twenty five pairs of tickets are available, via ballot entry only.

To be amongst the first few people to experience this unique resource, which brings together the collections of Harry Albino, Lucy Broadwood, Clive Carey, Percy Grainger, Maud Karpeles, Frank Kidson, Ella Mary Leather, Thomas Fairman Ordish, Cecil Sharp, Frank Sidgewick, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Alfred Williams for the first time.

And the excitement does not end there. We will be presenting a live preview of The Full English Tour, a concert of new compositions and arrangements - commissioned by EFDSS, with support from Arts Council England’s Grants for the Arts and PRS for Music Foundation - from artist Fay Hield, inspired by The Full English collections.  Fay will be joined by her uber band - Seth Lakeman, Martin Simpson, Nancy Kerr, Sam Sweeney, Rob Harbron and Ben Nicholls - with whom she will be touring the complete show in the autumn.

How to enter

To be entered into the ballot for a pair of tickets, send us your name, email and postal addresses, and telephone number to: thefullenglish@efdss.org
Closing date: Friday 31 May

Twenty five people will be selected, at random, and will be notified by email.

Please note: this is an invite-only event, and tickets cannot be purchased.

Find out more about The Full English project

Join the conversation
Twitter @TheEFDSS | Tweets about "#thefullenglish"

Project supporters
The National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund | National Folk Music Fund |
The Folklore Society

Archive partners
Clare College | The British Library | The Folklore Society | The Mitchell Library |
Vaughan Williams Memorial Library | Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre

Cultural partners
Cambridge City Council/Cambridge Folk Festival and Cambridgeshire Music in Cambridge | Cecil Sharp House, Sound Connections and The British Library in London |
Colston Hall/Bristol Music Trust in Bristol | Folkworks/The Sage Gateshead in
Gateshead | mac (the Midlands Arts Centre) in Birmingham | Opera North in Leeds |
SoundLINCS and Lincoln Drill Hall in Lincolnshire | The Met in Bury |
The Stables in Milton Keynes

Songlines magazine have announced the winners of this year's Songlines Music Awards, for full details including videos of the four winners visit their website.

We have three copies of their Awards compilation album up for grabs featuring all 16 nominees including Seth Lakeman, The Chieftains, Sam Lee and Bellowhead.

To enter the prize draw for a copy of the compilation CD, please email marketing@efdss.org. The draw will close on Friday 31 May.

Proposals are invited from Monday 29 April up to and including

Friday 31 May, before 5pm.

For full details please contact Operations Director, Rosie Baker rosie@efdss.org

Lisa Knapp brings her ethereal voice and singing style to Cecil Sharp House on 24 May to share songs from her most recent EP, Hunt The Hare, A Branch of May as well as tracks from her forthcoming second album. Ahead of the gig we asked Lisa a few questions about her music and its roots.

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Describe your music?

I sing traditional folk songs, sometimes unaccompanied, sometimes very minimal
self accompaniment, sometimes with a band mostly playing acoustic instruments. I
also write songs which at the moment tend to explore slightly different musical
forms.

Musical influences?

My Mother and my Nan enthralled me with nursery rhymes as a child. My mother’s
family were all musical and would play boogie woogie type piano which they had all
taught themselves. My Grandad played early jazz songs on piano too. My Mum
would play pop music on the record player when i was a child, her musical taste
ranged from trad jazz to classical to opera, crooners and general pop hits of the
day. I remember singing loads hymns at school some of which have some amazing
melodies and I think hymns and nursery rhymes have a lot of folk melodies and
motifs embedded within them. When I got old enough to work a radio I became
quite obsessed with pop music and that continued throughout my teens.

Classically I went through many teenage ‘phases’ and there’s always musical
acompaniments to that, I think growing up in an urban area there was always a lot
of soul and dance music within my sphere. I remember the arrival of hip hop and
what a force that was in music. Then I got to a point where I began to explore for
myself more acoustic based music and also discover music I hadn’t heard through
my friends.

What was the first tune you learnt to play?

I can’t remember. I learnt the violin at school and played as a child for some years.
I remember us playing carols and short classical pieces. I became alienated by
‘classical’ teaching as I got older so I stopped playing and didn’t play at all during
most of my teens though I then used to learn lots of pop songs word for word. I
took the fiddle up again in my early twenties and began to play folk tunes on it,
mostly Irish. Some of those early first tunes would have been jigs like Lark In The
Morning, Tripping Upstairs, a few Shetland tunes, the Horses Brawl, common
session folk tunes really. Having said that I started to play the guitar when I was
seven and I think the first song I learn on that was Daddy’s Taking Us to the Zoo
Tomorrow... I was only 7!

Career highlights?

Playing at Queen Elizabeth Hall for packed audience at Shirley Collin’s Close of Play. Singing with
late Mike Harding for BBC Electric Proms Lal Waterson celebration. Singing with Kath
Williams, Lou Rhodes and the mighty Martin Carthy. Being asked to do projects like
Canal Project with electronic wizboy Leafcutter John. Playing at Larmer Tree was
lovely, Cambridge was definately a highlight. I’ve got to work with loads of great
people as a matter of fact, they were all highlights.

Hunt the Hare your most recent release is inspired by the month of May. Where did the idea for this EP come from?

It was supposed to be a single and grew legs. I am fascinated by tradtions
surrounding that time of year and wanted to explore it artistically.

Most recent musical discovery?

Hmm, the last two CDs I bought were a fairly new one by West African kora player
Toumani Diabate & Ali Farka Toure and one of Jackie Daly & Seamus Creagh a great
Irish accordian and fiddle duo album recorded way back. Not really new discoveries
though. Actually I saw Elizabeth Laprelle recently at Inishowen Singing weekend. She’s
a young, old timey singer and banjo player from Virginia and she was fantastic,
definitely one to look out for if she ever tours here.

Who we should look out for in 2013?

See above. Also, there is so much happening in the folk world and I’m sure
there’ll be many people to look out for this year.

Your dream collaboration?

Ooh, that’s got me thinking.

The future?

Gigs, recordings, singing, good times.

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More info

Buy tickets for the forthcoming gig at Cecil Sharp House.

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Lisa Knapp - I Wish My Love Was a Cherry

Folk Nations featured at the Southbank Centre's Alchemy festival

Folk Nations is an exciting 3 year programme led by British Council aimed at bringing together musicians, creative producers and practitioners from the UK and the South Asia region, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh for exchange, collaboration, creative and professional development and showcasing opportunities.

The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) in partnership with the British Council and Banglanatak dot com created a week-long music residency in Kolkata, as part of Folk Nations, in February 2013. 

British Council is working in partnership with Southbank Centre to present collaborative Folk Nations work and discussion - featuring the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s (EFDSS) Artist Development and Programming Manager - as part of Alchemy.

Folk Nations - a musical conversation

Wednesday 17 April 2013, 6 - 7.15pm
Purcell Room, Southbank Centre
Free

A panel session bringing together folk musicians and practitioners from UK and South Asia to explore folk, identity, contemporary culture and collaborative practice. This session will explore traditional music forms and their place in shaping contemporary culture.

Taking part are Mercury Award nominee Sam Lee, Bangladesh artist Labik Kamal, Scottish fiddler Patsy Reid and Indian musician Suhail Yusuf Khan - all artists who have participated in collaborative work, alongside Neil Pearson, EFDSS’ Artist Development and Programming Manager.

They will share some of their experiences about their folk heritage and collaborative process.
More info

Martin Simpson and Arieb Azhar

Wednesday 17 April 2013, 7.45pm
Purcell Room, Southbank Centre
Tickets £15/£10

Arieb Azhar, a guitarist and singer from Pakistan, is immersed in the traditional music of his own country, while Martin Simpson is one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world. Together they perform collaborative work.

This collaboration is the result of a project partnership between the British Council and The Sage Gateshead.
More info

Cecil Sharp House

Music, dance, song & May in a Day!

A packed programme of music, dance and song at Cecil Sharp House next month will include performances from top folk musicians and a special family friendly festival to celebrate May.

Gigs

South London born Lisa Knapp will be perform songs from her most recent EP, Hunt the Hare, a Branch of May, a collection of songs inspired by the month of May on Friday 24 May. Lisa is famed for merging a radiant style of traditional folk with fiddle, hammer dulcimer, strings and banjo. 

Spiers and Boden, described by The Guardian as the “finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene” and twice winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo, will lead a family friendly afternoon ceilidh followed by an evening concert on Saturday 25 May.

The evening concert will be the last in their Backyard Songs tour where fans can suggest a local song for them to perform.

For the Family

This year, our family focused annual festival May in a Day! is themed around the mysterious seasonal character Jack-in-the-Green and will take place on 11 May. There will be opportunities to take part in and enjoy barn, maypole and morris dancing, stories, songs, Jack-in-the-Green themed arts and crafts, live music and more.

There will be ceilidhs and a maypole workshop from caller/melodeon player Liam Robinson, pianist Nina Zagorski and percussionist Tim Walker, singer Lisa Knapp will perform, dances from up and coming morris side Fool’s Gambit and arts and crafts workshops with artist Shelagh McCarthy. The event is most suitable for families with children aged 12 years and under and is promoted in association with the Friends of Cecil Sharp House.

Rachel Elliott, Education Director at EFDSS, said: “May in a Day! is one of our most popular family events. It’s a fun and family focused with something for everyone regardless of their musical or dancing ability."

“Some families come back every year to join in and others find their first introduction to folk arts.”

As usual we have an excellent variety of classes for you to get involved in over the next couple of month. More info can be found here.

Download a PDF  of our May Events Guide which will give you detailed information on everything happening at Cecil Sharp House.

Ticket booking

www.musicglue.net/cecilsharphouse
www.ticketline.co.uk/venue/cecil-sharp-house | 0844 888 9991

Tickets can also be purchased from the reception desk at Cecil Sharp House (in person only), Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm. No booking fee.

The EFDSS promoted music programme at Cecil Sharp House is supported by Media Partner Songlines magazine.

Other concerts also take place at Cecil Sharp House throughout the year, put on by independent promoters. See the event section of our website for more information.

Jack-in-the-Green

The merry month of May is fast approaching. Soon there will be parades, hobby horses, May Queens, garlands, songs and dancing. One enigmatic figure which continues to charm and intrigue us is the Jack-in-the-Green. He is the leaves of summer come to life, crowned with a garland of flowers, and can be seen hobbling through the streets amidst the May Day parades.

But where did he come from? May Day parades have been a regular sight in London and the surrounding Home Counties since the mid-17th century. These originally were the domain of the local milkmaids as they danced through the streets carrying decorated milk pails on their heads, visiting customers’ houses and collecting tips. Soon, the town chimney sweeps joined in the joviality, dancing and drumming with their brushes. They too sought to earn extra income during this slow period in their trade. By the mid-18th century, new characters were thronging the streets and amidst the crowd appeared the Jack. Sometimes he accompanied chimney sweeps, but often he danced to the tune of his own fiddler.

Nobody knows where the character of the Jack-in-the-Green originated. Some seek to associate the Jack with the medieval image of the Green Man which can be found carved into the stone and woodwork of Britain’s churches. While it is easy to see similarities between the leaf-like men, there is no evidence to show a connection between the two. Others have suggested that the Jack is a development from the garlands held by the milkmaids and chimney sweeps. Regardless of where he came from, it looks as though the Jack is here to stay!

Want to celebrate Jack-in-the-Green? Why not come along to May in a Day!  on 11 May.

This family firendly afternoon festival will have you singing and dancing your way into summer. The event is suitable for everyone, especially children under 12 and their families.

Activites will include:

• Energetic barn dancing with live music
• Exuberant morris dancing
• Creative arts and crafts
• Fun maypole dancing
• Captivating stories and songs

Line up unveiled for TOUR OF unique music commission

Inspired by The Full English, a new digital archive, featuring:

Seth Lakeman

Martin Simpson

Fay Hield

Nancy Kerr

Sam Sweeney

Rob Harbron

Ben Nicholls

Some of the top names in folk will join together for an 11-date tour later this year to perform music inspired by The Full English - the world’s biggest digital archive of English traditional folk music and dance tunes that will launch in June.
 
Seth Lakeman, Martin Simpson, Fay Hield, Nancy Kerr, Sam Sweeney, Rob Harbron and Ben Nicholls will perform new music and arrangements inspired by material Fay Hield has found within The Full English archive.

The Full English is an English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) project, supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Folk Music Fund and The Folklore Society. It will bring together 11 major collections for the first time in the most comprehensive free searchable digital archive in the world.

Fay was commissioned by EFDSS, with support from the Arts Council’s Grants for the Arts and PRS for Music Foundation, to create new work, arrangements and a full concert performance piece to commemorate The Full English. The results of Fay’s journey through the digital archive will premiere on 20 June at Cecil Sharp House in London, the home of EFDSS.

The Full English Tour will run from 19 October until 2 November taking in Bury, Gateshead, Southport, Derby, Bristol, Colchester, Sheffield, Milton Keynes, London, Birmingham and Lincoln.

Fay Hield said: “Exploring the archives so far has led to some amazing discoveries and there is a wealth of material that, from 20 June, will be available to anyone who is interested. I am delighted that so many talented and experienced musicians will be part of The Full English Tour, enabling us to share our discoveries.”

Seth Lakeman said: “I have always been interested in folk stories, songs and tunes so the plan by EFDSS to make a lot of their archives available via the internet is something I want to support. So I’m excited that I’ve been asked to be part of this special project celebrating this work and I’m looking forward to working with this great bunch of musicians.”

Martin Simpson added: “I'm delighted to be involved in The Full English Tour - it gives me the chance to work with some of our finest young musicians and singers, and to learn new pieces from the big folk song collections.”

Katy Spicer, Chief Executive of EFDSS, said: “These collections include songs and music dating back to the early years of the 20th century and it is wonderful that digital technology is helping to bring it back to life and to a new generation.

“As the national organisation for the folk arts, EFDSS is delighted that the tour will reach people across the country and illustrate how the archive will be able to help them rediscover old songs and music.”

Tour dates

19 October The Met, Bury
Book online | 0161 761 2216 

24 October Sage, Gateshead
0191 443 4661

25 October The Atkinson, Southport
Book online | 01704 533 333   

26 October Darwin Suite, Derby
Book online | 01332 255 800 

27 October Colston Hall, Bristol
Book online | 0117 922 3686 

28 October Arts Centre, Colchester
Book online | 01206 500 900 

29 October Firth Hall, Sheffield
Book online | 0114 256 5567 

30 October The Stables, Milton Keynes
Book online | 01908 280 800

31 October Cecil Sharp House, London
Book online | 0844 888 9991

01 November MAC, Birmingham
Book online | 0121 446 3232

02 November Drill Hall, Lincoln
Book online | 01522 873 894   

For more information or images please contact press@efdss.org or Sophia Linehan, Marketing and Communications Director sophia@efdss.org | 020 7485 2206 ext.39

Find out more about The Full English

Read The Full English blog

Arts Council England

PRS for music Foundation

Heritage Lottery Fund

We are delighted to announce three very exciting volunteer opportunities with EFDSS as part of The Full English project taking place nationwide.

Volunteer in London
More info on the role and how to apply: word doc | PDF

Volunteer in Cambridge
More info on the role and how to apply: word doc | PDF

Volunteer at our Folk Song in England Study Days
More info on the role and how to apply: word doc | PDF

For more information about the project please contact frances@efdss.org.

Photographs by Sara Hannant

16 January - 31 March 2013
Cecil Sharp House, London



Since encountering Deptford Jack-in-the-Green in 2006 photographer Sara Hannant began a journey to explore seasonal rituals as they occur throughout the English year.  This touring exhibition, which coincides with the publication of a book of the same title, mingles folklore, myth and tradition.

The images give a real sense of what it was like to be there; jostled by crowds at the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, or listening to the clink and rustle of the milkmaids, decked out in silverware, who parade with the Deptford Jack. The photographs are compelling, at once capturing the vividness, excitement and mystery of costumed processions, fire rituals, traditional dances and mumming plays that are held in rural and urban locations throughout the country.

While some folkloric customs claim ancient origins, others are recent revivals or re-inventions.  Regional traditions also vary, incorporating local and transnational influences. However, all the featured traditions mark significant times within the wheel of the year, from the spring ritual dances in Bacup to the lighting of mid winter fires in Sussex.

Photography, like ritual, charts a moment in time, yet nothing is fixed: traditional culture is shown as a continual communal process of evolution, forging a dynamic connection between past, present and future.

Janet Vitmayer, Director of the Horniman Museum and Gardens says, "We are delighted to present this fascinating exhibition, which gives a unique insight into Englishness."

Professor Ronald Hutton, University of Bristol "Sara has a rare gift for capturing peak moments in such celebrations … the human participants emerge as vivid characters in their own right, adding depth to the drama and humour of the local seasonal rites in which they are involved. She is a genuinely talented artist."

"Sara Hannant's remarkable photographs convey, with joy and compassion, the mystery, charm and exuberance of traditional English ritual." - Shirley Collins, President of the English Folk Dance and Song Society

This is a Horniman Museum touring exhibition. Promoted by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) in association with the Horniman Museum.

Singer Maz O’Connor has become the first folk artist to be awarded a prestigious BBC Music Fellowship.



Under the scheme, the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) will support Maz, a BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award Finalist in 2013, over a year to develop her industry profile.

Maz will also have access to rehearsal and performance opportunities and be part of EFDSS' showcasing programme both in the UK and abroad.

The fellowship is awarded by the BBC Performing Arts Fund, which has given a total of £190,000 to 19 music organisations across the UK so they can host a bespoke placement opportunity as part of the scheme.

Successful organisations were able to demonstrate that a Fellowship placement with them would offer significant professional development opportunities for a Fellow, that their placement would be realistic and achievable, and that the selection process they went through to identify the Fellow was fair and transparent.

EFDSS Chief Executive, Katy Spicer, said: "EFDSS is very excited to be part of the BBC Performing Arts Fund Fellowships and be working with Maz O’Connor over the next 12 months. Maz is a highly talented young artist at a stage in her career when this support can really help her to develop both her creative and business skills. It is a wonderful opportunity for both Maz and EFDSS and we are very grateful to the BBC PAF for this award and the opportunities it will bring."

Miriam O’Keeffe, Director of the Fund, said: "We are delighted that the money raised through the phone voting on The Voice will be used to support the support the next generation of musical talent. 

"Working with some of the most well respected arts & music organisations in the UK will not only nurture this talent, but will give the Fellows the experience and confidence to pursue their musical ambitions."

Maz O’Connor, who was a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2009, began her musical career singing at the Folkworks summer schools.

She also spent a year in the youth ensemble run by Kathryn Tickell, Folkestra, and performed with young folk award winners Last Orders at festivals across the UK, before developing her own solo career.

Find out more about the BBC Performing Arts Fund and all of the Music Fellowship scheme winners

This Fellowship forms part of EFDSS' Artists' Development Programme. Find out more

The year started with a new presenter for BBC Radio 2’s folk music programme. Mark Radcliffe is a seasoned broadcaster, who was first heard on Piccadilly Radio and Radio Manchester before moving to BBC Radios 5, 1 and, now, 2, as well as Radio 6 Music. Under Mark, the show has been rebranded The Folk Show, and English Dance & Song, Spring 2013, carries an interview with Mark Radcliffe by editor Derek Schofield.

Mark has a long-standing interest in folk music, having played the likes of Martin Carthy and Kate Rusby on his various shows over the years. Mark himself is a musician, formerly in the band The Family Mahone, who performed at festivals and concerts, especially in the north-west of England, and now with Mark Radcliffe and The Foes. 

The Folk Show will be different from the former show because, generally, it will go out live, with studio guests performing in the studio.

With changes in technology, more and more folk music programmes are being broadcast on community radio stations and on the web. Derek Schofield is now compiling a list of all folk music programmes, however they can be heard, which will eventually appear on the EFDSS website. Email details of your favourite folk programmes to eds.editor@efdss.org

Check out English Dance & Song for the full article...

- - -

English Dance & Song (EDS) is the longest-established magazine devoted to folk music, dance and song in England. First published in 1936, it has appeared at least four times a year ever since. EDS exists to interest, inform and stimulate Members of EFDSS. More info

Find out more about EDS
Find out more about EFDSS Membership

A recent schools project in a primary school in Derby used folk music and dance to help celebrate Derby-born Joseph Wright, an Enlightenment artist who painted scientific and early industrial revolution subjects. The project was led by Folk-3D, and an article by Mo Bradshaw appears in English Dance & Song, Spring 2013. Members of Folk-3D used three of Wright’s paintings, The Blacksmith’s Shop, The Orrery and Landscape with a Rainbow to stimulate the writing of a song about a blacksmith’s trade, and constructing a well-dressing with a rainbow theme. Instrumentalists in the school learned some Derbyshire dance tunes, and all the classes in the school had a dance class during the week of activities.

The project culminated in an event for pupils, friends, families and guests from Derby Museum and Art Gallery where many of Wright’s paintings are displayed.

Folk-3D are members of the Folk Educators Group, a national networking group of folk arts educators, facilitated by EFDSS. See www.efdss.org/folk-educators-group  

Check out English Dance & Song for the full article...

- - -

English Dance & Song (EDS) is the longest-established magazine devoted to folk music, dance and song in England. First published in 1936, it has appeared at least four times a year ever since. EDS exists to interest, inform and stimulate Members of EFDSS. More info

Find out more about EDS
Find out more about EFDSS Membership

At the end of a series of articles celebrating the centenary of the English Folk Dance Society in 2011, editor of English Dance & Song magazine, Derek Schofield, looked at the future of folk dancing, gathering comments from a variety of callers, dancers and musicians. The debate has continued, and now the band Playford Liberation Front, fronted by Paul Hutchinson and Paul James, has been established to take the Playford tunes and dances to new audiences. 

An article on the Playford Liberation Front is published in English Dance & Song, Spring 2013. It takes the form of a conversation between the two Pauls, with additional comments from dancer Kerry Fletcher. Crucial, they say, is the need to provide good quality music. “The music is so strong it can handle a wide variety of interpretations and sound exciting,” says Paul James.

They are keen to involve people who have not tried dancing to the Playford dance repertoire before, and have been working with a teacher of historical dance who is looking at the dances with fresh eyes. There is an opportunity to dance to the Playford Liberation Front at Cecil Sharp House on 6 April. More event info

Check out English Dance & Song for the full article...

- - -

English Dance & Song (EDS) is the longest-established magazine devoted to folk music, dance and song in England. First published in 1936, it has appeared at least four times a year ever since. EDS exists to interest, inform and stimulate Members of EFDSS. More info

Find out more about EDS
Find out more about EFDSS Membership

This is a significantly revised and expanded second edition. The first was published in 1993, as Vaughan Williams Memorial Library Leaflet no. 21, by the English Folk Dance and Song Society. This new edition covers the same territories and topics, and corrects a few errors from the first, but it has added a number of entries. The best introduction to the subject that we know.

Download here

The Best of British Taste met with the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s (EFDSS) Chief Executive Katy Spicer to explore Cecil Sharp House, as well as some of the beautiful items housed within by EFDSS and the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.

Taking a look at the romanticism of the English folk tradition revival at the start of the twentieth century, this piece showcases a number of rather lovely photos.

View the article on the Best of British Taste website

Sam Lee, Mercury Prize nominated folk singer, promoter and animateur, explores England’s emerging and ‘under the radar’ folk music scene, highlighting a selection of emergent artists making waves and forging their way to established performing careers.

As the New Year establishes its presence and gets fully to work, all the exciting prospects that will define the progressions from 2012 reveal themselves as not so distant excitements. It’s around this time that the world of folk workers, enthusiasts, tastemakers and the likes look to the horizon in search of a new crop of albums and whole musical outfits to titillate their appetite for English folk.

Of course to talk about the English scene as a tradition in the singular is utterly ill-founded. English folk music is fractured, disparate and multiplicitous, broken up by geography as much as by style.  In a culture searching for that slippery hold on a national identity, one of the few certain classifications of ‘Englishness’ is the constant ability to reinvent itself and its artistic forms. And there is no better example of this than our acoustic music scene.



England can be looked at like a mosaic of little fiefdoms littered across the boroughs and counties, harbouring both musical outbursts as well as whole communities pulsing with musicians swapping and supporting within evolving collectives. This phenomenon, explicit in the programming of the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s (EFDSS) and The Nest Collective’s Folk Rising series at Cecil Sharp House, is astounding for being versatile and experimental yet arising from a demographic originating in areas seemingly unblessed with established music scenes or traditions. These are basically not the kids of seasoned folk enthusiasts but a generation discovering it on their own.

In a wonderful case of the youth making it up ‘by themselves and for themselves’ this is most likely product of the innate pioneering mentality we posses alongside an entrepreneurial DIY climate. Transcending labels of traditional or singer-songwriter, these communities are tenaciously flourishing across the country in a ‘funding cuts’ riddled atmosphere of creative resistance.

Take the seaside town of Deal in Kent for instance where Smugglers Records has bred many a stunning troupe, most of whom have broken the thriving local stronghold to become main-staples in London circuits - Cocos Lovers being the most noted and successful. The Folk Rising showcases at Cecil Sharp House act as a conduit for this feed of musical progress. The concerts are split four ways between artists of all varieties, covering the wider spectrum that makes up folk and acoustic music. And it is incredible seeing how the progression of acts can fly from such an intimate platform (120 person audience capacity) onto major arenas.

Since The Staves performed back in 2011 they’ve been signed to Atlantic Records and recently come off tour supporting Bon Iver, amongst other artists. Fiona Bevan, who performed in the autumn 2012 line-up has had recent success with a song co-written with Ed Sheeran reaching number one in the December 2012 UK singles chart as performed by boyband One Direction; a veritable leap in scale.

Regulars on The Nest Collective stages, This Is The Kit recently performed at the now seminal Other Voices series in Dingle, County Kerry, from humble beginnings in the very leftfield Bristol scene. Alongside teammates like Rozi Plain, Whalebone Polly and Rachel Dadd, this entire circle has risen to dominate many a festival stage and have crafted amongst them an iconic sound of soulful downbeat, femme folk, electric guitar groove.

The progression from small stages to larger platforms can be astonishingly fast in this scene, where sounds get shaped and shipped out onto the major circuit faster than it can take to sing an old ballad. London too, quite surprisingly, has fostered the village phenomenon where neighbourhoods will give rise to whole festivals worth of bands in total isolation from another postcode, but a mile away across a river.

The philosophy The Nest Collective has always believed in is ‘if you create the platform, you create the artist’ and this has been reflected elsewhere in so many instances where homemade, informal and often isolated platforms have produced unlikely musicians and unlikely professional journeys that can inadvertently end up being the leaders of a scene.

The forest of emerging and ‘under the radar’ performers is rich and varied and is exciting to navigate through, but nowhere does it better than England. It possesses an idiosyncratic form of modest yet imaginatively forward thinking, edge cutting sound-scapists where the depths of tradition is at its root yet the flowers are wholly original but of the rarest hues. The hardest thing is not trying to find them, but is trying to keep up with them. Creatively speaking, being small and local is proving to be most effective on these here shores.

Sam Lee | The Nest Collective

This article was originally written for inclusion within issue #2 of the Spotlight England newspaper. Unfortunately, due to space restrictions, this could not be included so we have decided to share it online instead.

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Forthcoming Folk Rising gigs in London

7 March & 11 April, Cecil Sharp House
More info

Folk Rising gigs, around the country

15 March, The Sage Gateshead
More info

12/13 April, Derby (Hairpin Hullabaloo)
More info

27 April, 25 May & 23 June, Beverley
More info

31 May, Derby
More info

Images from a Folk Rising gig in autumn 2012

Roots Across the Atlantic

We are delighted to be taking musicians Jim Moray and Lucy Ward to Folk Alliance, the largest folk and roots conference in the world, next week. With a delegate list of artists, festivals and agents, supporting artists to attend this international conference forms part of EFDSS’ Artists’ Development Programme.

Jim and Lucy have official showcases at the event and will perform as part of the bedroom showcases, where hundreds of artists perform in designated rooms throughout the conference. It is hoped that these Folk Alliance industry-facing showcases will create world-wide opportunities for both musicians.

Jim and Lucy have been supported by the British Music Abroad Fund. Run in partnership with PRS for Music Foundation, British Underground, UK Trade & Investment and Arts Council England, the British Music Abroad scheme offers support for UK artists to reach a worldwide audience.

Sam Carter and Sam Lee have also been supported by the British Music Abroad Fund and will be performing at Folk Alliance.

English artist schedules

February 2013

Details of where and when all four English folk musicians will be performing during the conference below.

Jim Moray

Wed 20, midnight - Crossing Borders Suite, Room 1280
Thurs 21, 12.15am - Monkey Room, Room 1074
Thurs 21, 2am - Folk Music Canada & British Underground Present, Room 1281
Fri 22, 6.30pm - Official Showcase, Windsor Room
Fri 22, 10.30pm - Roots Across the Atlantic (ITR w/ Andrew James O'Brien, Ashley Condon), Room 1264
Fri 22, 12.30am - Roots Across the Atlantic (w/ Cara Luft), Room 1264
Sat 23, 11pm - Roots Across the Atlantic, Room 1264

Lucy Ward

Wed 20, 10pm - Roots Across the Atlantic (ITR w/ Georgia Ruth Williams, Ashley Condon), Room 1264
Thurs 21, 2.30pm - Monkey Room (ITR), Room 1074
Thurs 21, 11pm - Roots Across the Atlantic, Room 1264
Fri 22, 11.30pm - Roots Across the Atlantic (ITR w/ Amelia Curren, Tim Chaisson), Room 1264
Sat 23, 7.30pm - Official Showcase, Windsor Room

Sam Carter

Thurs 21, 2.30pm - Roots Across the Atlantic (Song Swap), Room 1264
Thurs 21, 10.30pm - Roots Across the Atlantic (ITR w/ Jordie Lane), Room 1264
Thurs 21, Midnight - Folk Music Canada and British Undergound Present, Room 1281   
Fri 22, 8pm - Official Showcase, Carlyle Room
Fri 22, 11pm - Roots Across the Atlantic (ITR w/ Catherine MacLellan, Andrew James O’Brien), Monarch Room

Sam Lee and Friends

Thurs 21, 12.30am - Roots Across the Atlantic, Room 1264
Fri 22, 1.10am - Roots Across the Atlantic Showcase, Monarch Room
Sat 23, 3pm - Roots Across the Atlantic, Room 1264
Sat 23, 7.30pm - Official showcase, Churchill A
Sat 23, midnight - Folk Music Canada & British Underground Present, Room 1281

Folk Alliance Conference Panel

English Folk – The Next Generation

Fri 22 Feb, 2pm - Carlisle Room

Hosted by Alan James, artist manager and chair of EFDSS, this panel introduces delegates at Folk Alliance to English artists showcasing at the event and will explore the music and culture of contemporary English folk music.

Chair – Alan James, Sam Lee, Sam Carter, Jim Moray, Lucy Ward

The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) has been awarded a grant of £378,842 from Arts Council England as part of their small capital grants programme.

This funding will improve access at EFDSS's venue, Cecil Sharp House, and enable DDA compliance, thereby making the building fully accessible for all users. Improvements will be made to other public areas of the building to enhance access and visitor experience, helping to increase the organisation's earning potential from ticket sales and room hires.

More information about how EFDSS will use this grant will be publically announced in due course.

EFDSS if one of thirty-five successful applicants to whom Arts Council England has awarded a total of £11,699,523. This was part of the first round of funding, out of the £20 million budget, for small capital grants from the National Lottery.

Read more about Arts Council England’s small capital grants, and see who the other successful applicants are on their website.

Katy Spicer, Chief Executive of the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) will feature on The Wireless, between 7 – 9pm this evening, talking about Spotlight England. Interviewed by Mike Norris, Katy will explain the background to the Spotlight England project, so tune in if you are interested to find out more!

You can now also listen to The Wireless from Age UK on DAB Radio, if you live in London or Yorkshire.  To tune-in, press autotune, reset or scan to update your digital channels. Scroll through to ‘T’ or ‘W’ for The Wireless from Age UK and select as instructed by your manual.

Spotlight England

England has been invited by Glasgow music festival Celtic Connections to be their international partner in 2013. Six English folk artists and bands have been selected to perform as part of Spotlight England, which is a campaign that aims to raise the world-wide profile of English folk music.

Spotlight England will give a taster of the range and diversity, power and emotion that is English folk. The six artists on show – Bella Hardy, Bellowhead, Sam Carter, the Tom McConville Band, Spiro, and Lucy Ward – will brilliantly showcase an exciting breadth of musical styles, sounds and scales.

If you're planning to attend this year's Celtic Connections festival, don’t miss the Spotlight England showcases: 30 January - 3 February 2013.

Spiro
Thurs 31 Jan
St Andrew's in the Square

Sam Carter 
Thurs 31 Jan
Tron Theatre

Bellowhead
Fri 1 Feb
02 ABC Glasgow

Lucy Ward
Fri 1 Feb
St Andrew's in the Square

Bella Hardy
Sat 2 Feb
Tron Theatre

Tom McConville Band
Sun 3rd Feb
Mitchell Theatre

Project led by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS)

Supported by Arts Council England | PPL | Songlines | Speak Media | English Folk Expo   

Partnership with Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections 

Thursday 24 January 7 - 9pm
British Music Experience, O2 Arena 



Fifty years ago, Bob Dylan visited a snowy London (perhaps not unlike to one we are experiencing today?!) and caused a stir amongst the UK folk scene as some embraced  the 21 year-old musician, while others struck out with scathing reviews. Whichever side  of the camp you were on – UK or US – there was no denying that the English folk scene  of the time was a rich and thriving place. Artists such as Martin Carthy, Paul Simon and  Ewan MacColl rivalled the New York Greenwich beat scene with a truly British sound – something that has inspired and engaged Dylan throughout his career.

The central themes of the evening’s discussion will be the UK’s folk scene during the 1960s.

Panellists include:
Mike Harding
Will Hodgkinson
Malcolm Taylor

Part of the British Music Experience’s programme of events surrounding Daniel Kramer’s Photographs Of Bob Dylan exhibition, this panel discussion will explore the English folk scene that Dylan found on his first trip to London in 1962.

More info 

Tickets £6
Book now 

Promoted by the British Music Experience in partnership with the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS).

How to get to the British Music Experience museum

About the British Music Experience

About the image

Courtesy of Collections/Brian Shuel, this image shows Bob Dylan at the Singers Club’ Christmas Party in London 1962. It was taken on his very first visit to Britain. The photo also shows Ewan McColl (right edge of the picture) and A.L. Lloyd (top right) sitting behind Dylan.

On Friday 25 & Saturday 26 January the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) will be shining a light on some of the best musicians England has to offer at Cecil Sharp House (London).

These concerts will highlight the cream of folk musicians, ahead of Spotlight England, England’s international partnership with Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections 2013.

Come along and sample half a dozen very different artists – all fine examples of the range of excellent musicianship around:

Friday 25 January, 7.30pm
Martin Simpson, Jim Moray and Emily Portman present The Big Ballads
More info

Saturday 26 January, 7.30pm
Jez Lowe, Emily Portman Trio and Spiro
More info

Spotlight England at Showcase Scotland

If you're planning to attend this year's Celtic Connections festival, don’t miss the Spotlight England showcases: 30 January - 3 February 2013.

Spotlight England will give a taster of the range and diversity, power and emotion that is English folk. The six artists on show – Bella Hardy, Bellowhead, Sam Carter, the Tom McConville Band, Spiro, and Lucy Ward – will brilliantly showcase an exciting breadth of musical styles, sounds and scales.

Spiro
Thurs 31 Jan
St Andrew's in the Square

Sam Carter 
Thurs 31 Jan
Tron Theatre

Bellowhead
Fri 1 Feb
02 ABC Glasgow

Lucy Ward
Fri 1 Feb
St Andrew's in the Square

Bella Hardy
Sat 2 Feb
Tron Theatre

Tom McConville Band
Sun 3rd Feb
Mitchell Theatre

Project led by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS)

Supported by Arts Council England | PPL | Songlines | Speak Media | English Folk Expo   

Partnership with Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections 

Folk musician Martin Carthy was Kirsty Young's castaway on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs on Sunday 13 January. The programme will be repeated on Friday 18 January at 9am.

For more than 40 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music's greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures.

Programme duration: 45 minutes

Listen again online

Martin Carthy

The Folklore Society’s annual bursary competition for the Estella Canziani Post-Graduate Bursary for Research is now open for applications.

About the bursary

The bursary, worth up to £1,000, is tenable in a wide range of research, in the areas of folklore studies, ethnography and anthropology.

The bursary is intended to support the research aspects of an applicant's programme of study. Funding will not be provided for tuition fees or any fees related to registration and matriculation on a programme of study.

The scope of an applicant's research may be on any aspect of Folklore Studies broadly defined, and may be conducted at any university in the UK.

The bursary may be used for assistance in the conduct of research such as:
•    the purchase of materials and equipment relevant to the applicant's research
•    costs of transport to a place of field research whether the location is inside or outside the United Kingdom
•    maintenance while conducting research in the field

Other needs may be considered at the discretion of the Society's Post-Graduate Bursary Committee.

Requests for assistance in attending a conference at which the applicant will present a paper on his or her research may also be considered.

The value of the bursary will vary according to the needs of the applicant's research project, but should not exceed £1,000.

The bursary is for a period of one year or less.

Applicants

Applicants for the bursary must be currently registered on, or in the forthcoming academic session will be registered on, a full- or part-time programme of research leading to a PhD or an equivalent degree with a research component.

Applicants must be either UK nationals, or persons who are permanent residents in the UK.

Application for a bursary may be made for any year in the student's research career.

An applicant is permitted to make only one application in a calendar year. A candidate may make further requests for assistance in a programme of research for a period of two further consecutive years following the first grant of a research bursary.

Upon completion of the degree programme, the recipient shall deposit with the Society a copy of his or her thesis either in printed and bound form, or in a digital format. Any subsequent publication which is based upon the research conducted with the assistance of the Estella Canziani Bursary from The Folklore Society should include an acknowledgement of this assistance.

How to apply

Complete the application form, which may be obtained on request from enquiries@folklore-society.com. In addition to the completed application form, a candidate's application should include the following materials:

•    a one thousand word statement describing their research project and how the bursary would assist the conduct of that research. The statement should state both precisely how much money is requested, and precisely how the bursary would be used 
•    a brief CV, which should include information about the applicant's education
•    two testimonial letters written by academics who are familiar with your work

Send to:
The Estella Canziani Post-Graduate Bursary Co-ordinator
The Folklore Society
C/o The Warburg Institute
Woburn Square
London WC1H 0AB

Deadline

Completed applications must be received by the Society by the first Friday in May.

Applicants will be notified by the end of May about the decision of the Society.

More info

How do you get from the heart of English folk to Björk?

In 2005 the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) commissioned sound sculptor Henry Dagg to create an interactive sculpture for the garden of its London home, Cecil Sharp House.

Although the project was originally meant to take six months it ended up taking Dagg five years. The completed sculpture, a 'Sharpsichord', was a solar powered music box, pin-barrel harp - built entirely out of stainless steel - that played itself. It was not suitable to be kept in an outdoor garden, as was originally intended.



Dagg decided to buy himself out of the original agreement with EFDSS and kept his Sharpsichord for other ventures.  Björk included the Sharpsichord in her 2011 Biophilia tour.

Watch Dagg's ‘guided tour’ of Dagg's of the Sharpsichord

Information sourced from: http://dvice.com/archives/2013/01/yanko-design.php

Kolkata Music Residency, 10 – 17 February 2013

We are delighted to announce that the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) will be working in partnership with the British Council and Banglanatak dot com as part of Folk Nations to develop a week long music residency in Kolkata.



The Kolkata Music Residency project will  bring together some of the most outstanding folk musicians from the UK folk scene with counterparts from South Asia, and will provide space for musicians to a dialogue and learn from each other’s culture and musical traditions, as well as foster collaborative working and hopefully inspire the creation of new projects.

UK musicians selected to participate in this project are; English banjo player Dan Walsh, Scottish fiddler Patsy Reid, Welsh harpist and chanteuse Georgia Ruth Williams, and singer and English clog dancer Hannah James (pictured above). They will meet and work with two musicians from India, viz. sarangi player Suhail Yusuf Khan and vocalist Saurav Moni; two musicians from Pakistan viz. Shahid Hamid, a vocalist and Turab Ali Hashmi, a sitar player and two musicians from Bangladesh in a week long exploration of each other’s music and traditions. 

This residency project will be concluded by a work in progress style performance for a select audience in Kolkata.

Neil Pearson, Artist Development and Programming Manager at EFDSS, will be facilitator and artistic director of the Folk Nations Kolkata Music Residency project.

Katy Spicer, Chief Executive of EFDSS, commented: “EFDSS is delighted to be working with the British Council on Folk Nations.  A key element of the EFDSS Artists’ Development Programme is to foster opportunities for creative development and exchange between artists and so we are delighted to be expanding this element through this project.”

Welsh harpist and chanteuse, Georgia Williams, commented: “I'm delighted to have been invited by the British Council to take part in the Folk Nations project. I can't wait to meet my fellow musicians. I look forward not only to being able to share my own Welsh folk heritage, but also to being able to discover new and exciting music.”

Amitava Bhattacharya, Founder and Director of Banglanatak dot com, commented: “Exchange and collaboration is the mantra in this internet driven global world and cross cultural exchange will strengthen people to people contact and music can be an important powerful tool in development and bridging the gap between nations.”

The Folk Nations programme

Folk Nations, an exciting new three year programme organised by the British Council, will bring together musicians, creative producers and practitioners from the UK and South Asia for exchange, collaboration, creative and professional development and showcasing opportunities.  The project will explore traditional music forms and their place in contemporary culture, how younger audiences engage with heritage and adapt into new ways of presenting folk music.

As part of Folk Nations, UK folk artist, song-collector and promoter, Sam Lee will travel to Bangladesh with Francesca Ter-Berg, a leading klezmer cellist, Camilo Tirado, a London-based percussionist, and Jonah Brody, an international award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist, in January. They will work in a week-long residency with a group of Bangladesh’s finest folk musicians to share and explore music traditions and present a performance in Dhaka.

Project will unearth rarely heard and previously unpublished songs and tunes 

A new music commission will mark the launch of the world’s biggest online portal of English folk music and dance in 2013.

Fay Hield will create new work, arrangements and a full concert performance piece that will feature the discoveries from the 10 archives that are being drawn together by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) to create The Full English.

Funding for Fay’s project has been received from the PRS for Music Foundation. The Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Folk Music Fund are funding The Full English, which also includes a nationwide learning and participation programme delivered through nine regional partners.

The archive will bring together the collections of Harry Albino, Lucy Broadwood, Clive Carey, Percy Grainger, Maud Karpeles, Frank Kidson, Thomas Fairman Ordish, Cecil Sharp, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Alfred Williams for the first time, to create the most comprehensive free searchable database of British folk songs, tunes, dances and customs in the world.

The new web portal will be launched in June 2013 and Fay Hield & The Big Hurricane Party featuring special guests will unveil the results of their research at the event at Cecil Sharp House in London.

EFDSS is in the process of digitising the collections containing more than 58,400 items held within the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library (VWML) at Cecil Sharp House, and significant folk collections from the archives of project partners: The British Library in London, Clare College in Cambridge, The Mitchell Library in Glasgow, The Folklore Society Library and Archive at University College London, and the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre.

Fay completed her PhD addressing the contemporary English folk singing scene in 2010.  She currently lectures in Ethnomusicology at the University of Sheffield and these research interests will underpin the project.

Fay said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to explore a mountain of material previously out of grasp. Seeing the handwritten notes made by collectors in the field really makes these manuscripts come alive and that is what we will try to communicate through the show. 

"Archives can be dusty old places, but this music is full of life and needs to be out there.  Supporting EFDSS’ tremendous efforts to get all this material online we want to let people know what they’ve got access to.”

Katy Spicer, Chief Executive of EFDSS, said: “The digitising of the collections and the creation of the online portal is just the beginning of what The Full English aims to achieve. Fay’s commission will show how the portal will be able to bring to life some of the songs and tunes that make up an important part of England’s cultural history.

“It is very exciting as there will be lots of music in the archives that people have never heard of before and it will be exposed to a whole new generation through Fay’s work.”

Find out more about The Full English

Read The Full English blog

PRS for Music Foundation

After hibernating in Northumberland for the last year or so, Whapweasel have re-emerged in recent months in a different guise. The line-up is the same but their former profile as one of the country’s top ceilidh bands has undergone a transformation, and they are now performing as a concert band with a new repertoire of traditional songs.

Whapweasel are the cover feature artists of the new issue of English Dance & Song (EDS) magazine, and feature in the regular Singer, Song and Source series. As author of the article on the band, Raymond Greenoaken, writes, 'their signature blend of energy, exuberance and sheer musicality' will ensure that they enjoy success in this new focus.

A key feature of the Whap sound continues – the twin saxophones played by the ‘toots’: Stuart Finden and Fiona Littlewood – alongside the strong melodeon of singer Saul Rose. They were a much-sought after band on the festival ceilidh circuit and in 2005, the won Best Dance Band in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards on a listeners’ poll.

As befitting their origins, the first track on their new CD – and the song that is featured in Singer, Song and Source – is ‘The Hexhamshire Lass’, and north-east traditional music historian, Dave Harker, has written about the songs origins. Listen to the song, streamed on the EDS Winter 2012 page.

- - -

English Dance & Song (EDS) is the longest-established magazine devoted to folk music, dance and song in England. First published in 1936, it has appeared at least four times a year ever since. EDS exists to interest, inform and stimulate Members of EFDSS. More info

Find out more about EDS
Find out more about EFDSS Membership

Folk festivals are one of the principal ways in which people enjoy their folk music and dance. Folk festivals are not just for summer – you can go to a festival just about every week of the year! Get your diaries ready and mark up the dates of your favourite folk weekends with the English Dance & Song (EDS) magazine’s list of Folk Festivals in 2013. There are over 170 of them in England and Wales.

Editor of EDS magazine, and compiler of the annual list, Derek Schofield explains, 'Folk festivals come in all shapes and sizes. There are the large festivals such as Cambridge, and the small-scale such as the English Country Music Weekend; green field sites as well as town or single-venue based events. There are winter events such as Cheltenham Festival, and seaside resort venues such as Sidmouth and Broadstairs. Some festivals encompass all the folk performing arts, while others concentrate on dance, or sea shanties, or bagpipes.'

The list of Folk Festivals in 2013 is published in the Winter 2012 issue of EDS magazine, and is also available on the EFDSS website.

Additions and updates to the list can be sent to eds.editor@efdss.org

- - -

English Dance & Song (EDS) is the longest-established magazine devoted to folk music, dance and song in England. First published in 1936, it has appeared at least four times a year ever since. EDS exists to interest, inform and stimulate Members of EFDSS. More info

Find out more about EDS
Find out more about EFDSS Membership

Long before King’s College’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols set the style for carol services and concerts, many communities in England had their own Christmas carols. The music – and sometimes the words – were often locally or regionally composed, with the songs being performed through the night on Christmas Eve, or in church, or even in the pub. 'While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night’ was a standard set of words that was sung to a variety of tunes. Today, this local carol tradition prospers in the Sheffield and Derbyshire Peak District areas.

In other parts of the country, similar carolling traditions are being revived – such as the carols on Exmoor. Devon-based Wren Music has helped stimulate renewed interest in these carols, and a feature about the carols is included in the latest issue of English Dance & Song (EDS) magazine. Written by Paul Wilson, the article, ‘Come Sing for the Season’, describes the carols and the recent revival.   

Cecil Sharp House, home to the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS), will host the annual A Ceremony of Customs and Carols on 16 December, Bella Hardy on 13 December and The Mellstock Band on 22 December.

Other folk-music based Christmas concerts and events

Belshazzar’s Feast ‘Stocking Fillers’ show

The Albion Christmas Band tour

John Kirkpatrick ‘Carolling and Crumpets’ tour

Bella Hardy’s ‘Bright Morning Star’ tour

‘A Tale of Two Christmases’ tour from The Mellstock Band

Details of two new publications on the Sheffield and Derbyshire carols, compiled by Ian Russell, and further information on the Sheffield and Derbyshire carols are available on www.villagecarols.org.uk and www.localcarols.org.uk.

- - -

English Dance & Song (EDS) is the longest-established magazine devoted to folk music, dance and song in England. First published in 1936, it has appeared at least four times a year ever since. EDS exists to interest, inform and stimulate Members of EFDSS. More info

Find out more about EDS
Find out more about EFDSS Membership

Thursday 24 January 7 - 9pm
British Music Experience, O2 Arena 

Part of the British Music Experience’s programme of events surrounding Daniel Kramer’s Photographs Of Bob Dylan exhibition, this panel discussion will explore the English folk scene that Dylan found on his first trip to London in 1962.



Fifty years ago, Bob Dylan visited a snowy London and caused a stir amongst the UK Folk scene as some embraced the 21 year-old musician, while others struck out with scathing reviews.

Whichever side of the camp you were on – UK or US – there was no denying that the English folk scene of the time was a rich and thriving place. Artists such as Martin Carthy, Paul Simon and Ewan MacColl rivalled the New York Greenwich beat scene with a truly British sound – something that has inspired and engaged Dylan throughout his career.

EFDSS Library Director, Malcolm Taylor, will provide a snapshot of UK’s folk scene during the 1960s, which will be the central theme of this evening's discussion. Other speakers still to be announced.

More info 

Tickets £6
Book now 

Promoted by the British Music Experience in partnership with the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS).

How to get to the British Music Experience museum

About the British Music Experience

About the image

Courtesy of Collections/Brian Shuel, this image shows Bob Dylan at the Singers Club’ Christmas Party in London 1962. It was taken on his very first visit to Britain. The photo also shows Ewan McColl (right edge of the picture) and A.L. Lloyd (top right) sitting behind Dylan.

To celebrate the launch of EFDSS' winter/spring season of music at Cecil Sharp House, we've teamed up with Côte Brasserie to bring audiences an exclusive offer.

Located on Camden’s Parkway, Côte Brasserie is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Côte is dedicated to serving authentic French dishes with a modern twist, using high quality produce at great prices. There is also a weekday lunch and early evening set menu providing outstanding value at £9.95 for two courses and £11.90 for three courses.

Côte is offering people attending EFDSS promoted events at Cecil Sharp House* a complimentary glass of Lagarde rouge or blanc, Meteor beer or a soft drink when dining from the set menu. 
Monday to Friday, 12 - 7pm
2 courses, £9.95 | 3 courses, £11.90

To redeem this offer simply mention ‘EFDSS ticket offer’ when making a table reservation and show the event ticket to your waiter.

To make a reservation call 020 7482 0527 or email
camden@cote-restaurants.co.uk.

*See individual event listings for details of which events are promoted by EFDSS.

Find out what's on at Cecil Sharp House

Download our winter/spring season brochure (PDF)

Terms and conditions

1.  This offer is available to people who have purchased a ticket for any EFDSS promoted event at Cecil Sharp House in the 2013 winter/spring season, between January and April 2013. Offer is valid until 31 May 2013.
2.  This offer is only available at the restaurant specified Côte Camden (32 Parkway, London, NW1 7AH) and is non-transferrable. Please bring your voucher with you when you visit the restaurant and surrender it to your waiter or waitress. 
3.  This offer is available every Monday to Friday, between 12 noon and 7pm, when dining from the weekday lunch and early evening set menu.
4.  Your EFDSS event ticket entitles you and your guest to a complimentary drink from the following items: Glass of Lagarde rouge or blanc, Meteor beer, or a soft drink. You cannot swap any of the items included in this offer for other items in the main menu.
5.  One complimentary drink per person.
6.  Only one voucher is required per table/bill. This voucher entitles a maximum of eight people on your table to enjoy this offer. 
7.  This offer is only available when you eat in and is not valid on takeaway. 
8.  This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion or deal. 

Folk Sounds Best at Cecil Sharp House

Cecil Sharp House’s winter/spring season continues its series of music with a focus on the new – new artists, new music, and new partnerships.

The programme is presented by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS), supported by world music magazine Songlines, and includes:

• Evenings with a great line-up of UK folk artists: Andy Cutting (10 Feb), Jim Moray and The Skulk Ensemble (14 Feb), Heidi Talbot & Friends (21 Feb), Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings (1 Mar) and Steve Tilston (4 Apr)
• A precursor to England’s international partnership with Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections 2013; two concerts highlighting the cream of folk musicians featuring Martin Simpson, Jim Moray and Emily Portman (25 Jan) followed by Jez Lowe, Spiro and the Emily Portman Trio (26 Jan)
• A day long exploration of Welsh folk arts (10 Mar)
• Folk Rising curated by The Nest Collective's founder, Mercury Prize nominated Sam Lee, continues to showcase emerging artists



The year begins with performances from leading lights in the young folk scene: Jack Harris and Maz O’Connor, a BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award finalist, on January 9. As part of the evening Jack, the first non-American to win the New Folk Competition at Texas’ Kerrville Folk Festival, will showcase new songs created as part of his EFDSS artist in residence project.

Six English folk artists and bands have been selected to perform on the ‘International Stage’ at Celtic Connections in Scotland (30 Jan – 3 Feb) as part of the EFDSS led campaign Spotlight England to raise the worldwide profile of English folk music.

Two preview Spotlight England concerts in January will showcase some of the contemporary forerunners of the folk scene, highlighting a selection of England’s finest artists.

A one-off show combines Martin Simpson, Jim Moray and Emily Portman playing together and sharing songs January 25. Singer songwriter Jez Lowe, the Emily Portman Trio and Spiro come together for the second unique Spotlight England performance on January 26.

Groundbreaking BBC Folk Musician of the Year (2008 and 2011) Andy Cutting is next on stage on February 10. With only a handful of tickets available, it is an opportunity to see one of the greatest British exponents of the diatonic button accordion (also known as the melodeon or squeezebox) playing an acoustic show in the venue’s most intimate basement performance space.

Multi award winning Jim Moray (Sweet England, BBC Folk Award-winning album in 2003; Low Culture, fRoots Critics Poll Best Album Award-winner and Mojo Folk Album of the Year in 2008) returns to Cecil Sharp House on February 14 with support from The Skulk Ensemble, performing tracks from his acclaimed fifth album Skulk.

Heidi Talbot will perform songs from her new album Angels Without Wings with a show featuring, amongst others, John McCusker, Karine Polwart, Boo Hewerdine and Ian Carr on February 21.

Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings revive their A Folk Song A Day tour and will play on March 1. The band’s line-up includes fellow Bellowhead multi-instrumentalists Sam Sweeney and Paul Sartin, with concertina virtuoso Rob Harbron and double bass maestro Rick Foot. The show will include a post performance traditional sing around in the bar.

Wales in London – the result of a new partnership between EFDSS and trac, the Welsh folk development agency – will be a day-long celebration of the best in traditional and contemporary Welsh folk dance and song on March 10. Suitable for families, there will be workshops, poetry readings and singing sessions, culminating in an evening concert by Welsh five-piece Calan.

The results of another EFDSS creative artist in residence project will be unveiled on March 24 when Alison Rowley debuts her orchestral fantasia, based on Cotswold Morris tunes in the style of Ralph Vaughan Williams and George Butterworth.

Once again Cecil Sharp House will host Folk Rising – an opportunity to hear 30 minute showcases from four emerging folk music acts – presented by EFDSS in partnership with The Nest Collective on February 7, March 7 and April 11. Sam Lee, Mercury Prize nominated folk singer, promoter and animateur, curates each concert.

Songwriter and guitarist Steve Tilston wraps up the season of music at Cecil Sharp House on April 4. With more than 40 years on the English acoustic scene, Steve won the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Original Song with the title track form his most recent album The Reckoning.

EFDSS Artist Development and Programming Manager, Neil Pearson, said: “The winter/spring season offers a number of one-off exclusive shows along with performances from a number of leading folk artists.

”We are delighted to be able to offer our audience such a varied and interesting programme and look forward to welcoming both old and new visitors to Cecil Sharp House.”

Jo Frost, Editor of Songlines magazine and Media Partner of the EFDSS promoted music programme, said: “Yet again, EFDSS has planned a fabulous programme for the winter/spring season. The Spotlight England concerts promise wonderful evenings of entertainment.

”As well as providing a great line-up, the venue itself, as the home of English folk music, lends itself to a great all round experience for visitors.”

Ticket booking

www.musicglue.net/cecilsharphouse
www.ticketline.co.uk/venue/cecil-sharp-house | 0844 888 9991

Tickets can also be purchased from the reception desk at Cecil Sharp House (in person only), Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm. No booking fee.

The EFDSS promoted music programme at Cecil Sharp House is supported by Media Partner Songlines magazine.

Other concerts also take place at Cecil Sharp House throughout the year, put on by independent promoters. See the event section of our website for more information.

The call is out to young musicians, under the age of 25, who sing or play traditionally based music to enter New Roots.

Whether your style is traditional or contemporary folk, roots or world music, whether you perform traditional material or write your own, the organisers of New Roots would like to hear from you. There are two categories: under 18s and 18 - 24 years. 

The list of judges for 2013 has now been finalised. Between them, Lynne Heraud, Janet Russell, Dave Delarre and Joe Heap represent a wide spectrum of insights into the folk scene. Their task will be firstly to listen to the entries sent in and select the performers who will take part in the final at from 11am on Sunday 14 April 2013 at Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0JQ. On the day they will give constructive feedback to performers. There is no overall winner and the aim is to match the performers to the opportunities at folk festivals, clubs and other events which are offered to New Roots finalists. At folk clubs, opportunities include support slots, featured spots on singers’ nights and full bookings.

Performers who want to enter are invited to complete the entry form and send it, along with a CD featuring up to 15 minutes of their music, to: Alison Macfarlane, 40 Warwick Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 4DL. The closing date is 31 January 2013.

More info

When the Licensing Act 2003 (“the 2003 Act”) was launched supporters of live music were concerned that the legislation would stifle development of emerging musicians by deterring small venue owners, for example pub landlords, from hosting live performances.

The Live Music Act received Royal Assent on 8 March 2012 and came into force on 1 October 2012. It means that many small venues are now able to put on live music without a music license.

The changes were introduced through a private member's bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat Don Foster, in order to amend some of the bureaucracy imposed on gigs by the Licensing Act 2003. Foster steered the bill through the House of Commons on behalf of his Lib Dem colleague, Lord Clement Jones.

It’s hoped that this revision will energise and promote grass roots music, something which is vital for the long term health of the UK music industry.

What changes does the Live Music Act 2012 introduce?

You are able to put on live music under the terms of the Act if:

• you are based in England or Wales
• you have an alcohol licence (although in some circumstances an alcohol license may not be required)
• there will be fewer than 200 people in the audience, for amplified music. There is no audience limit for unamplified music
• the live music will not take place between 11pm and 8am.

You will not need regulated entertainment on your license if you want to have music as part of another event, and if the following conditions apply:

• music is not the main, or one of the main, reasons for people attending the venue
• music is not advertised as the main attraction
• the volume of the music does not disrupt or predominate over other activities, and could be described as background music.

There will be no restriction on the number of musicians allowed to perform.

The Act also widens the licensing exemption for live music integral to a performance of Morris dancing, or similar, so that the exemption applies to live or recorded music generally instead of just unamplified live music.

Katy Spicer, Chief Executive of the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS), said of the revised Act: “Having being involved in the consultation for this amendment, EFDSS are delighted at the outcome, and congratulate Don Foster and Lord Clement Jones for making sense of the 2003 legislation and so supporting and encouraging live performance.”

Alan James of Hold Tight Management which currently works with Spiro, Sam Lee and Three Cane Whale, also Chairman of the EFDSS Board of Trustees, said: “I think the exemption for small venues helps us all in the live industry because it’s the grass roots where all the new artists emerge.  Also, for the bands I work with a 200 cap room makes sense for the size of our audience and the economics.  We need more of these venues, now is the time for a new generation of promoters to start running clubs and nights.”

Terry O’Brien of Playpen Management and Agency, said: “As someone who works closely with folk clubs across the UK, I know that freeing music venues of 200 capacity or less from the burden of licensing will be most welcome, particularly for the active amateur promoters who are without doubt the engine house of the folk scene.  This change alone will not of course mean a sudden blossoming of new clubs and events.  That particular change, in the folk genre, will take a concerted effort by the folk scene as a whole to encourage, train and support a new generation of young promoters, who will no doubt welcome the fact that their first efforts in promoting live music will not be hampered by licensing administration.”

Useful links

More information from The National Archives on behalf of HM Government

More information from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport

More information from the BBC

Musician Union

The Musicians Union have launched a Live Music Kit containing both practical and creative advice for venues.

The pack outlines the terms of the Act, explaining how a live music programme can enhance businesses with a higher public profile, vibrant venue atmosphere and an increase in heads through the door and revenue.

There’s also advice on the legislative, practical and creative elements involved in hosting live music, and features a range of resources, including performance contracts, health and safety issues, promotional advice and useful contacts.

The Live Music Kit is available for download here as a PDF or can be read on ISSUU page turner here.

Book and DVD-ROM chronicling the history of traditional North East dance to be published

Release Date: 6 October, 2012

Book

Author: Phil Heaton
Publisher: English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS)
ISBN: 978-0-854182-12-1

DVD-ROM

Produced by Garland Films

Book £12
DVD-ROM £15
Combined £23

Available to purchase from the Folkshop from Saturday 6 October 2012

Rapper - The Miners’ Sword Dance of North East England is a book that celebrates the origins and recent developments of the short sword dance that originated in the pits and collieries of the North East.

What was once a pastime purely for men from the coalface in this corner of England is now a fast, entertaining and skilful dance practised by thousands of people in the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia and increasingly in Europe.

The new book, written by native North Eastener Phil Heaton, pulls together a collection of newspaper cuttings, documents, family histories and tales from the former Northumberland and Durham coalfields from where the dance originated.

Although well known as a particularly Northern pastime, growing numbers of miners adopted the old rural sword dance as the coalfield expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries to feed the Industrial Revolution. In the hands of the miners, the dance changed character and became shorter, faster and more of an indoor spectacle.

In recent years, the rapper dance has spread and developed in style and performance across the English-speaking world and its spectacular speed and precision sharpened in ruthless competition in the UK and USA.

Rapper - The Miners’ Sword Dance of North East England, published by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS), tells the story of rapper from its roots, through its Geordie development and its adoption and massive development among younger dancers and enthusiasts worldwide. 

“... a one stop shop for all things rapper!” - Derek Schofield, Editor of English Dance and Song magazine

A double DVD-ROM, produced by Garland Films, has also been produced containing archival footage of traditional North Eastern teams such as High Spen, Earsdon, Winlaton and Newbiggin alongside modern teams such as the Kingsmen and Monkseaton.

The second disc contains histories, manuscripts and images of every rapper team found. It also shows dance movements developed from the original notations.

Producer Chris Metherell said: “The DVD-ROM uses modern technology to allow the reader to access the complete history of the rapper dance through original historical documents, photographs and archive film. 

“Crucially, each piece of material has been the subject of rigorous research and analysis allowing readers an unprecedented insight into not only the dance itself but also the lives of the individuals involved in both the performance of the dance and its collection.”

“The book and DVD-ROM provide a worthy 21st century rapper (Short Sword) compendium to join established works of reference, ‘Bacon’ (Morris) and ‘Allsop’ (Long Sword)...” - Mary Wilson-Jones, English Folk Dance and Song Society Publications Committee

About the Author

Phil Heaton comes from a family steeped in the mining tradition from Seaham in County Durham. A former National Union of Miners member himself, he has been dancing rapper ever since he can remember.

As well as forming several of the celebrated sides on the rapper circuit, Phil was one of the prime movers behind the launch of Dancing England, a showcase of traditional dance, which led to the creation of the annual Dancing England Rapper Tournament.

Phil, who now lives in Draycott in Derbyshire, said: “The old Geordie pitmen would be proud but astounded by the modern vision of their dance and where it has spread to in the world today. The book gives an insight into how their humble past time has evolved into the high energy, entertaining and popular dance it is today.”

Launch event

The official book launch will take place on 6 October 2012, at The Sage Gateshead as part of One Night in Gateshead - Dance Traditions of the North East: Clog and Sword event.

Earlier this month the 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize Albums of the Year were announced.

Covering a diverse range of styles and genres, the twelve Mercury Prize albums share a common sense of adventure, pushing music in fresh and dynamic directions.

The nominees

Alt-J 'An Awesome Wave'
Ben Howard 'Every Kingdom'
Django Django 'Django Django'
Field Music ‘Plumb’
Jessie Ware ‘Devotion’
Lianne La Havas ‘Is Your Love Big Enough?’
Michael Kiwanuka ‘Home Again’
The Maccabees ‘Given to the Wild’
Plan B ‘Ill Manors’
Richard Hawley ‘Standing at the Sky’s Edge’
Roller Trio ‘Roller Trio’
Sam Lee ‘Ground of its Own’

More info

We’d like to congratulate all of the nominees

...especially London folk singer Sam Lee who has volunteered in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, is involved in EFDSS’ Education activities and, as part of The Nest Collective, curates the Folk Rising series at Cecil Sharp House.

His debut album 'Ground of its Own', released in June, sees him re-interpret eight traditional folk songs drawn from across the British Isles, a number of them from gypsy and traveller communities.


Announcing his Mercury nomination, the judges saluted the "unadorned singing" and "adventurous instrumentation" that made up what they described as "an album of singular charm and beauty".

More info

The Mercury prize will be awarded on 1 November at the Roundhouse in London. The winner will receive £20,000, along with an expected boost in sales.

Follow conversations about the Mercury Prize online

Twitter #MercuryPrize
Facebook

Four awards made to artists working with folk music, dance and storytelling

The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) has announced the first successful applicants in a new scheme offering creative residencies at its London base.

Four projects have been given the go ahead after more than 50 submissions from a strong field  of artists from a range of art forms were received.

The artists receiving the awards will undertake research and development for new music, storytelling and dance projects, all using folk material as their source and inspiration.

The artists will receive a bursary towards expenses and fees plus rehearsal and performance space at Cecil Sharp House, and support and guidance for the future development of their work.

The creative residencies are the latest initiative by EFDSS to encourage and invest in the creativity of artists working with folk art forms, and to promote the richness of the folk arts to artists from all disciplines and genres.

The chosen artists are:

Rachel Rose Reid from Brighton, East Sussex. The writer and storyteller will create a new performance that explores the three worlds on which she was raised - immigrant tradition, urban jungle and English folk music.



Alison Rowley from Hockley in Essex. Working with a 30-piece orchestra, she will undertake research and development for an orchestral fantasia score based on Cotswold Morris tunes in the style of Ralph Vaughan Williams and George Butterworth.



London based Jack Harris. He will revisit classic ballads to address the changing conditions of British life and create new ballads reflecting modern life.

Darren Ellis, also from London. He will be exploring new choreography inspired by English rituals such as traditional Maypole, circle and ribbon dances, working with folk musician Emily Askew.


Neil Pearson, EFDSS’ Artist Development and Programming Manager, said there had been a very positive response to the bursary scheme.

“We were delighted with the range of ideas that were submitted from all sectors and cultures. We have chosen four very different projects and artists and we excited by their creative potential.

“EFDSS is strongly committed to helping artists with their individual development. We were keen for artists to develop work that has the potential to go on tour and reach a wider audience to spread the message about the creative wealth of the folk arts.”

It is envisaged that the bursaries will become an annual award for artists who want to research and develop new work.

The creative residencies were open to professional artists across all sectors – from classical composers and contemporary dancers to poets, musicians and visual artists – not just those working within the folk arts.

Proposals needed to be about working with an aspect of the folk arts and were particularly sought from artists keen to work cross-genre, cross-arts, or cross-culture to create performances with the potential to go on tour.