british folk | Musicosity

british folk

Old Swan Band

In the early 1970s the pioneering folk band Oak disbanded, but the nucleus of that band went on to form the Old Swan Band, the name originating from music sessions held in the Old Swan pub in Cheltenham. They became key players in the so-called English Country Music Revival, championing tunes mainly from the English tradition, and influencing a whole generation of folk music performers. They played at barn dances and festivals throughout the seventies and eighties, undergoing a number of personnel changes, and still perform today under the snappier name "Old Swan".

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Peter Knight

Peter Knight (b 1947) is a folk musician, member of the electric folk group Steeleye Span. Peter Knight was born in London on 27 May 1947. As a child he learned the violin and mandolin before going to the Royal Academy of Music from 1960 to 1964. The recordings of the Irish fiddler Michael Coleman inspired him to take part in Irish pub sessions. He teamed up with guitarist and singer Bob Johnson until 1970 when he joined Steeleye Span. The parting was short-lived, as Bob Johnson himself also joined Steeleye Span in 1972.

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Spiers & Boden

Spiers and Boden are an English folk duo. John Spiers plays melodeon, concertina and other squeezeboxes, while Boden plays fiddle, sings, and stamps out the rhythm on a piece of board. They began playing together in 1999 and their first album as a duo was Through and Through (2001). In 2002 they were both session musicians on Eliza Carthy's album Anglicana, and toured with her as part of her band The Ratcatchers.

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The Pentangle

Pentangle, along with Fairport Convention, were one of the shining lights in the modernisation of British folk music in the 1960s. Rather than adding elements of rock music, however, they leaned toward jazz, supplementing twin acoustic guitars with jazzy drums and acoustic bass. The band consisted of two of the superstars of British folk guitar, Bert Jansch and John Renbourn (both of whom also sang,) singer Jacqui McShee, bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Terry Cox.

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Elbow Jane

Elbow Jane are a premiere 5 piece acoustic band from the Wirral, comprising guitars, bazouki, mandolin, piano, bass, percussion and expressive vocals. From thought provoking self-penned songs…to unique Interpretations of the worlds best songsmiths. From the emotion of O’Carolan…to the techniques of Tommy Emmanuel. From sensitive ballad, through infectious rhythms…to luring harmonies. Live they excel - playing festival stages and clubs up & down the UK winning fantastic reviews and a loyal following.

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