Free Reed Newsletter

Dear customer – or NEW friend of Free Reed!

Here’s our Spring/early Summer 2008 Newsletter for you, full of news on the final two groups of the massive block-release of the Free Reed archives of classic vinyl LPs from the 1970s - this now forms a superb cased set of 18 remastered CDs - including John Kirkpatrick’s Plain Capers and Going Spare, Bellamy’s The Transports, and a wealth of traditional and field recordings, with bags of classic concertina masters, of course! - Now available to Free Reed customers.

Last summer’s exquisite Steve Tilston box-set, "Reaching Back" has received some super reviews (FRQCD 70 - (visit www.free-reed.co.uk/tilston): This fine box-set celebrates the career of one of Britain's most respected singer-songwriters, in five themed CDs, and in a 100-page book that's full of undiscovered tales and images of the great man!

And don’t forget, we are so proud of our re-release of all the classic Clare Concertina recordings made by John Tams and Neil Wayne back in 1974 - a real celebration of the wonderful music and musicians of County Clare!

……..And if you haven’t the time to browse through this rather lengthy Newsletter – here’s some quick links to the sections about all the new releases and special offers! - Just click on any title for full info, tracklistings and CD images!

** "The Clare Set” The definitive 6-CD archive of the Concertina Traditions of Co Clare

** “MidWinter”
The splendid box set of folk music for Christmas and the Turning of the Year

** and check out these lovely Box-sets from Free Reed , some by our friends at other labels - all are 4 &5 CD classics featuring the lives & music of:

A big thank you to all our customers old & new – hope to see you soon!
Thanks again for your support

Neil & Nigel
Co-Producers
-and Ian, Mike H, Ben-'G' and Ben-T', Allison, all at Proper and 'JG’ - the Free Reed Team.

The Free Reed label took the British folk scene by storm in 1976, when it was launched with a blockbuster package of eight full length LPs, (many with extensive booklets, and some with gatefold sleeves) – a release was spearheaded by the iconic Plain Capers LP – John Kirkpatrick’s definitive celebration of the music of Morris Dance and its traditions.

Within a few short years, the new label had released either the first – or finest! - recordings of many of the new and rising stars of the British and Irish folk revivals, with lavish LPs from the Old Swan Band, Peter Bellamy, Robin & Barry Dransfield, Flowers & Frolics, Tony Hall & Nic Jones, Sue Harris, folk-rock from John Kirkpatrick: there were the debut folk/comedy LPs from Roaring Jelly and Les Barker: important veteran traditional musicians - Seamus Ennis, Eddie Butcher, Micho Russell; plus fine LPs from concertina players Gordon Cutty, Tommy Williams, Alistair Anderson and Michael Hebbert.

The label’s 1980s swan song was the release of two ground-breaking double LPs, each a hefty gatefold, and with large booklets, firstly The Tale of Ale – the story of the English and their Beer! – then The Transports – a Ballad opera by Peter Bellamy – an award-winning tale of love, transportation and the founding of Australia which featured the elite of the UK folk revival.

We now present virtually all of these ’70s and ’80s classic recordings as remastered and enhanced CDs, with full original notes and with many extra tracks and unreleased material where available – plus video tracks on certain CDs - and invite you to celebrate the first 30 years of the ‘little in-the-red label’ – Free Reed!

First Series – released June 2007 – see On-Line Site - All Available!

‘Plain Capers’ - John Kirkpatrick’s definitive Morris album - was the iconic LP that launched the Free Reed label back in the mid-’70s: and brought the new label immediate coverage, recognition, respect, major distribution – and sales!

After his major input into the experimental ‘Morris On’ LP in 1972, John K still felt that “the music of the Morris is exciting in itself”, without the “extra excitement” of folk-rock/electric arrangements.

For his debut Free Reed LP, John created this next giant leap in the Morris music revival, an LP which became the premier source for all the magical marvellous excitement of the Morris – and the Free Reed label never looked back!

Here are classic LPs from two friends who were prime movers of the discovery of English traditional songs & dance music throughout the 1970s and ’80s. Both were engineered by the legendary Nic Kinsey.

Sue Harris took up hammered dulcimer in 1975, and played in the Albion Country Band, and was one of the key musicians on ‘Plain Capers’. Her eclectic selection of tunes and songs, enhanced by Plain Capers veterans Martin Brinsford & John K, and melodeon maestro Tufty Swift, created a revival classic.

Tufty Swift, a noted Derbyshire musician, collected and popularised the dance tunes of Derbyshire and the Yorkshire Dales; He formed the influential country music band Umps and Dumps with John K and Sue Harris, both of whom guested on this delightful LP of rare and tasty music.

Melodeon maestro - Tony Hall

The 1977 classic “Fieldvole Music” is arguably the greatest selection of classic melodeon tunes & songs ever recorded: creator of its bizarre title, music – and artwork – was the famed cartoonist and melodeon maestro Tony Hall. Tony was the accompanist of choice for many ’70s folk stars – he played on June Tabor & Maddy Prior’s ‘Silly Sisters’ tour in 1976 – and here he’s joined by Nic Jones & Johnny Moynihan to create a sublime classic. Production by the great Nic Kinsey, the CD includes 7 extra tracks from the 1977 sessions. Booklet notes are by the shanty historian Stan Hugill.

The star-studded 1977 double LP “The Tale of Ale” told “The story of the English and their Beer” in almost fifty songs, tunes & readings, and here receives its long-awaited CD re-release on Free Reed. With performances by legends of the ’70s folk scene – Peter Bellamy, the Dransfields, John Foreman, Eddie Upton, and Roy Harris; great bands; and hilarious readings from Willie Rushton, the LP became the nation’s natural accompaniment to good ale, approved by the Campaign for Real Ale! With the full original notes from its creator, the folklorist and academic Vic Gammon, it remains the definitive showcase of the songs and stories of beer-drinking, by the masters of tale-telling!

Les Barker’s unique act took 1970s folk clubs by storm - or double-act, with his superstar terrier Mrs Ackroyd – and this CD re-release of his 1978 first LP is well-sprinkled with the well-known names that Les’s talent still attracts as supporters today. With help from the late Jake Thackray, Noel Murphy, Saffron and Mike Harding, the original LP brought his far-out poetry and satire to the wider world, and this CD release - with full notes and nine extra tracks from his prodigious current CD catalogue and from original sessions - showcases the national treasure that is Les Barker!

The Free Reed Records label grew out of Neil Wayne’s enthusiasm for the concertina - interviewing and recording the old gentlemen who played these uniquely English instruments; the two key “Masters of the Concertina” who most influenced Wayne’s move towards LP releases were Gordon Cutty and Tommy Williams; Gordon was a Co Durham miner who’d led a dance band on his Wheatstone concertina in the 1940s, and Tommy was a Londoner who’d worked for the Lachenal Concertina factory in the 1920s, had played his concertina in pre-war music hall and concert parties.

They both played at the ‘Concertina Conventions’ that Free Reed ran in the early ’70s, and their music and tales were recorded by Neil, and immortalised on two vital LPs as part of the eight-LP debut of the Free Reed record label.

FRRR-10 “Going Spare”

John Kirkpatrick

After the great success of his debut Free Reed LP Plain Capers, John spent time in Steeleye Span, Umps & Dumps, and further explored the Morris traditions of Britain. This late ’70s LP, sprinkled as it was with folk rock and even pop-folk classics, and with John K’s new songs in a unique style certainly turned the heads of folk fans, and it introduced the wider world to mysterious punk trio The Pork Dukes. One of the ground-breaking releases of the 1970s - and Free Reed’s Final Vinyl – is here fully remastered & with enhanced original notes

The Old Swan Band brought a new energy to the revival of southern English rural dance music, giving the music (as recalled by musician Dan Quinn) “a good kick up the arse!” The band’s roots were in the Old Spot Morris, the ‘Cotswold Liberation Front’, and the influential trio ‘Oak’, with a repertoire learnt ‘at the feet’ of source musicians such as Oscar Woods, Scan Tester, Jim Small, Bob Cann: OSB’s influence permeates English country music to this day. The classic “No Reels” LP was recorded ‘as live’ by producer Nic Kinsey, and this CD re-issue includes three extra tracks from the original sessions, and a video track on the story of Old Swan and its related bands.

Peter Bellamy’s music and song runs through the history of Free Reed like a seam of gold: when Neil Wayne first met this pillar of the folk revival he promptly licensed his US LP of Kipling’s “Barrack Room Ballads” for the growing label. Peter played on Free Reed’s “The Tale of Ale” double LP (now released as CD FRRR-04), and in late 1977, released his epic ballad opera “The Transports”, which became ‘Folk LP of the Year’. This stunning selection, with many rare and unavailable performances, offers16 grand Ballads: Big, Broadside & Barrack-Room as a fitting celebration of his genius.

FRRR-07 “Popular to Contrary Belief”

Robin & Barry Dransfield

For Robin and Barry Dransfield, their1978 Free Reed album was very much a return to their roots. Their first two LPs (now both lost Leader folk-classics) were hugely influential, but they wandered into the world of folk rock with the band Dransfield and the superb Fiddler's Dream LP. On PTCB they returned to their tight, yet simple, acoustic approach and created a classic album that many fans still rate as their favourite. This welcome CD reissue includes many extra tracks from the Fiddlers Dream sessions.

These two LPs were recorded in 1975 by Neil Wayne and Lyn Murfin, and offer rare examples of northern Irish music and song, from three giants of the tradition.

Eddie Butcher (1900 –1980) was born in Magilligan, Co Derry. His early life revolved around the Hiring Fairs, potato lifting, and nights of songs and music at home and in local Ceilidh houses. His 1960s radio broadcasts influenced younger singers like Paul Brady and Andy Irvine, and local tradition-bearers like Joe Holmes and Len Graham, who joined with him at the 1975 sessions at Eddie’s home that gave rise to the two Free Reed LPs of fine and rare Ulster song & music now re-released here.

Here’s two of the light-hearted LPs that entertained and surprised Free Reed’s increasing admirers in the 1970s:

The Derbyshire-based comedy trio Roaring Jelly had built a great fan-base with their hilarious songs and novelty instrumentals, underpinned by seriously good songwriting and instrumental skills. ‘Golden Grates’ (geddit?) was their first LP – and a comedy triumph.

Michael Hebbert was the pub musician from the “Rampin’ Cat” pub in Wallingford, and played his ‘Portable Pub Piano’ (a rare Jeffries Duet System concertina) in a wide and varied repertoire of ballads, songs and English country music. Michael only encountered ‘the Folk Scene’ in 1973, but here he’s joined by John Tams, Rod Stradling and Three Men in a Boat to create a jolly new take on pub music and song!

Micho Russell, the flute & whistle-player of the legendary Russell Brothers of Doolin, Co Clare, learned much from iconic Clare musicians such as Johnny Doran, Willie Clancy, and concertina players Martin Kiloughery and Paddy Murphy. The fame of Micho and his brothers Pakie and Gus brought legions of fans to Doolin, and the trio were recorded in 1974 for their classic LP, now released as Free Reed CD FCLAR-01, part of “The Clare Set” of early Co Clare concertina recordings. In 1975, Neil Wayne & Lyn Murfin recorded this important LP of Micho’s unique tunes & songs, now re-released on enhanced CD.

Peter Bellamy’s double LP masterwork ‘The Transports – a Ballad Opera’ was one of the jewels of 1970s folk music: it was acclaimed as ‘Folk Album of the Year’, and featured most of the leading folk personalities of the day, (The Watersons, Swarb, Nic Jones, Martin Carthy, Cyril Tawney, A L Lloyd, June Tabor and Peter Bellamy himself, all singing the parts for which Peter had so carefully crafted for them, in this epic tale of convict transportation, of love and loss, and of the birth of the Australian nation. The entire 1977 Ballad Opera has been digitally re-mastered and re-mixed to create this 2007 Edition of The Transports.

Sailing to the Moon was Bernie Parry’s debut album and one of the final releases in the vinyl era of Free Reed Records: this remastered reissue includes the original Sailing To The Moon album in its original form plus eight unreleased songs from the same era.

After further albums in the ’90s, Bernie has now released three new CDs that have generated a much overdue revival of interest in the man and his music.

His classic songs Man of the Earth and Village Fool are amongst the most-recorded on the British folk scene.

After the energetic explosion of English country dance music on their debut LP No Reels, Old Swan Band brought further uncompromising treatments of the tradition to their 2^nd LP in 1978: This time, with multi-track recording, a sprinkling of songs, and overdubs of brass bands and Bampton Morris, the tunes and sets created on the Old Swan Brand LP still reverberate around sessions and concerts to this day, and here are presented in a remastered and enhanced CD version. Their No Reels album is on Free Reed Revival re:Masters CD FRRR 05.

FRRR-15 “Concertina Workshop” Alistair Anderson

Originally released as part of the Topic-Free Reed series of concertina-related LPs (many now on Free Reed CDs as The Clare Set – AnClar-07) this delightful feast of tunes and songs from the Northumbrian concertina maestro and High Level Ranter Alistair Anderson serves a dual purpose: It’s a great record for listening to, like any other – but – its companion Book, (now available on-line), is a tutor for all who wish to learn the ‘English’ concertina, and the 28 traditional tunes on the CD serve as ideal exercises for learners! With erudite notes from A L Lloyd, and consummate playing from Ali and friends, it’s a rare musical treat!

This much-loved and highly influential band sprang from a mid-‘70s musical melting pot:There were the sessions at the Union Bar, Islington; the influence of Australian melodeon-player & song-source Graeme Smith; and the memorable joint sessions with Old Swan Band’s musicians at Sidmouth’s Ship Inn in August 1974. Their meld of urban Music Hall, English Country Music sourced from respected traditional players, and Graeme’s outback songs and tunes won respect and admiration from both dancers, fans and performers – they became much in demand at England’s many Folk Festivals, and by 1977, recorded a first LP for Free Reed, with contributions from respected singers Bob Davenport and June Tabor. Here’s its welcome re-release – with eight bonus tracks – and with fascinating notes on the band and its history – a delightful load of Flowers and Frolics!

Special Boxed Set edition of

The Revival re:Masters Series

of 18 Free Reed Archive recordings

All 18 CDs of this monumental release from the Free Reed vinyl archives are due to be released by April 2008; buyers of the first six releases are eligible for a complimentary copy of the Limited Edition shelf-casket, which will contain and display all 18 CDs in a specially-illustrated box. When all CDs are consecutively-arranged within, the good ol’ Free Reed logo will appear!

The first six releases will each contain a write-in card with which purchasers can request the Limited Edition shelf-casket.

From summer 2008, the entire 18-CD set, in its Case, will be available at a special price.

- a deluxe Box-set comprising five full-length themed CDs, over 85 Tracks……. with previously-unreleased rarities and new recordings from Steve, his friends and musical collaborators - plus: a 100-page full-colour book with detailed discography, image archive, and career overview

The set has been compiled with unprecedented access to Steve’s own archives and with tracks contributed by Steve’s many fellow musicians and admirers from around the world.

CD1: Who Made up the Rules?” A first CD that takes us from Steve’s debut album, through his ground-breaking stays in London and Bristol, to his move north - and the album that made him world-famous.

It includes tracks from every album he released in that period, as well as some new recordings made especially for this set. Among the guests playing with Steve are John Renbourn, Lea Nicholson, Chris Parkinson, Dave Pegg, Rick Kemp, Gary Boyle, Rupert Hine, Maartin Allcock, Pete Zorn & Maggie Boyle

CD2: “He Took Most Delight” - Decades of contrasts… keynote collaborations… classic compositions…definitive solo work - This was the era that established Steve as an international force. Climaxing in tracks from an acclaimed solo album, this CD takes in his two groundbreaking albums with Maggie Boyle, participation in WAZ and the all-star Fairport Supporters band.

CD3: “Staring at the Time” - New routes and old roots. The songs poured out so fast that many were left unreleased – and the pick of those overlooked gems join the established Tilston Classics in this set, which brings the story up to date. Guests include Dave Pegg, Chris Parkinson, Brooks Williams, “The Bedroom Choir”, Pete Zorn, Maartin Allcock, annA rydeR, Maggie Boyle, Andy Shepherd.

CD4: “Do What You Please” - This unique collection is “The album Steve never made”. Though he often includes cover versions in his live set, they do not normally make it on to recordings, so here, in songs “from other hands”, is a musical autobiography of the wide and wonderful Tilston influences and inspirations.

Bonus CD5: “Bringing in the Steves” - a unique collection of cover versions of Steve’s songs, many recorded especially for this release, by the many artists and performers around the world who have admired and performed his music: friends and guests’ tracks by - Ralph McTell, Jez Lowe, Pete Morton, Bob Fox, Fairport Convention, John Kirkpatrick, Chris Parkinson, Martha Tilston, Robin Williamson, Chris Smither – and many more!

Five full-length themed CDs, a **-page book and discography, …..and a 10/- note

Free Reed is proud to release this lavish set of enhanced and remastered CD recordings of the entire classic series of 1970s LPs that documented the legendary players of Clare concertina music. All six original LPs, each with additional recordings from the original ’74 sessions, are now available, both as a luxury 6-CD box set “The Clare Set” (AnClar-06) – and as individual CDs with extensive booklets and extra tracks. The original notes now have new articles from John Tams and Neil Wayne, who recorded these classic LPs in 1974, and have up to date information of the music of Clare, and the many festivals of Clare concertina playing and concertina tuition gatherings now so popular.