Various Artists – The Ultimate Guide to English Folk (Arc Music EUCD2671, 2016)
A nation’s folk music is not merely a hodgepodge of tunes from some vague, past period. Within that broad definition is an axis that is that nation’s most dramatic, memorable period, the time in which the nation’s entire populace observed and participated in great changes, triumphs and tragedies. For England, that was the period of transition from rural to urban and from nation to empire, roughly from the 16th through the 18th centuries.
As England settled into the Industrial Revolution’s prosperity and stability, its folk music, with an overall expressive style in which each song’s story was imbued with an ambiance of power and importance, diminished in popularity. Largely superseded by generations of what we might generally label, “pop,” English folk received new attention in the days of skiffle and the folk revival from which many British Invasion single B sides sprang.
Those B sides made it on to full albums and were copied and covered by a new generation familiar with and respectful of hoary roots, but wholly receptive to new instruments, techniques and technologies. This fairly young group with long pedigree is the one captured and presented on this lovely ARC anthology.
Two CDs, 35 songs in all, tell stories of traders, craftsmen, seafaring men and the women who hope for their return and other folk archetypes. There is not a lackluster tune in the bunch. Indeed, one hesitates to select any favorite or favorites from this culling from the entire, diverse country, because all offer reward to all.
Whether one comes from the lightest pop, heaviest rock or most stringent folk perspective, this collection will earn appreciation and frequent play.
This is an excellent release to keep in mind for upcoming holiday gift-giving.
Buy The Ultimate Guide to English Folk
Author: Arthur Shuey
Arthur has been reviewing music for publications since 1976 and began focusing almost exclusively on world music in 2012.
His musical background includes past presidencies of the Cape Fear Musicians Association and Blues Society of the Lower Cape Fear, founding membership in nine other blues societies, service on 17 music festival planning committees, two decades of teaching harmonica to individuals and groups, operating a small recording studio and performing solo and in combos for 30 years.
Arthur has written professionally since 1975, pieces ranging from short fiction to travel articles, humor to poetry, mainly for local and regional entertainment media. His blog,” Shuey’s World,” is featured at www.accesswilmington.com.
Arthur Shuey writes eloquently and stylishly, in an informative manner that both educates and inspires. A fine review from a fine reviewer.