ewan maccoll

The Radio Ballad ‘Singing The Fishing’, a gripping and enchanting tale of the East Coast Herring Fishing Industry, is to be brought to life in a new stage production. Read about the Radio Ballads, including extracts from our interview with Peggy Seeger and more.

In a new series of posts looking at Folk and Traditional Music over the ages, we head back to 1951 for The first Edinburgh People’s Festival Ceilidh – the big bang of the Scottish folk revival; presided over by Hamish Henderson and recorded by Alan Lomax.

A new Sky Arts documentary, ‘Set The Night On Fire’, examines both the life and music of Ewan MacColl featuring interviews with Peggy Seeger and contributions from the likes of Billy Bragg, Barbara Dickson, Harp & a Monkey, Stick In The Wheel and more.

The contribution that MacColl and his contemporaries made to the early days of the folk revival can never be underestimated and this album also serves as a timely reminder of what a powerful performer he was.

Joy of Living pays tribute to iconic folk singer, songwriter and activist Ewan MacColl with a host of performers from the world of folk music and beyond including Karine Polwart, members of the Waterson: Carthy clan, Christy Moore, Steve Earle & more!

Joy of Living is a Tribute album to Ewan MacColl which features performances from an all-star cast including Waterson:Carthy, The Unthanks, Dick Gaughan, Martin Simpson and Jack Steadman & Jamie MacColl performing ‘The Young Birds’, our Song of the Day.

Watch the 1972 documentary The Shoals of Herring which was based on one of the original Radio Ballads. A radio series that revolutionised documentary making.

Watch the official video to Martyn Bennett’s ‘Move’ from his 2003 album ‘Grit‘ which was released on Real World Records. The vocals featured on this track are that of the famous Sheila Stewart of Rattray who came from a family of travellers.

Stephen Cracknell talks about the Folk on Film project to be held at Kings Place this week on 27th January.

Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo record a new video for the ‘Billowing Sea’ from their album ‘Almanac’ and giveaway two free songs.

The long-awaited second album from Breabach titled The Desperate Battle of the Birds is due for release on 22nd March. Breabach caught the attention of Folk Radio UK and many celtic folk music fans back in 2007 with release of their debut album “The Big Spree”. They had a very clear Scottish stamp on their work thanks to a great line-up as well as a double bagpipes.