57 episodes

A brief look at the history and tunes linked to popular traditional songs and ballads

Nick Caffrey a singer's view on traditional songs Nick Caffrey

    • Music

A brief look at the history and tunes linked to popular traditional songs and ballads

    10 The Broom of the Cowdenknowes

    10 The Broom of the Cowdenknowes

    In today’s podcast I will look at the two separate songs that we know as The Broom of the Cowdenknowes. I will look at the songs and publishing history, show the difference between the songs and sing samples of the songs and end on a complete performance of one of the songs

    • 17 min
    9 The Death of Admiral Benbow

    9 The Death of Admiral Benbow

    In today’s podcast I will look at the background to the death of Admiral John Benbow in 1702 and why he was celebrated in songs that are still sung today. I will sing samples of the songs and end on a full performance.

    • 11 min
    8 Katherine Jaffrey / The Green Wedding /Lochinvar

    8 Katherine Jaffrey / The Green Wedding /Lochinvar

    Today’s podcast looks at the Scottish ballad Katherine Jaffrey, its English equivalent known as The Green Wedding and the reworked poem Lochinvar. I will look at their publishing history, show the difference and sing samples of the songs and end on a complete performance of one of the songs

    • 12 min
    7 High Germany / The Kings Command / Wars of Germany

    7 High Germany / The Kings Command / Wars of Germany

    Today’s podcast looks at the ballad High Germany along with two other songs that have similar themes - The True Lovers and The Wars of Germany.  
    I will look at its background and printing history, sing samples of the different tunes and versions I will end on a full performance.

    • 11 min
    5 The Silkie of Sule Skerry

    5 The Silkie of Sule Skerry

    Today’s podcast looks at the ballad The Great Silkie of Sule Skerry often referred to as The Silkie or The Norway Maid. I will look at its background and printing history. Sing samples of the different tunes and versions, and end on a full performance

    • 15 min
    5 The Foggy Dew

    5 The Foggy Dew

    Today’s podcast looks at the song The Foggy Dew, a tale of seduction and lasting love. I will look at what we know about its origin, its variations and printing history. I will sing samples of the song tunes and end on a full performance 

    • 22 min

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