A Traditional Christmas - English Folksong & Carols
11th November 2009:
Lovers of folk song and the 'traditional' spirit of Christmas are in for a rare treat on Sunday 6th December when a unique concert “A Traditional Christmas - English Folksong & Carols” takes place upstairs at the Bargeman’s Rest pub in Newport. The concert features a one-off UK performance by Heather Wood from legendary 60s folk group The Young Tradition.
The Young Tradition were one of the most original and influential folk groups of all time. They started out as an unaccompanied duo (of Peter Bellamy and Royston Wood) before Heather, a former army officer cadet - and no relation to Royston - joined them in 1965. They were signed to Transatlantic Records the following year, cutting three seminal albums before disbanding at the height of their success in 1969
”The Young Tradition releases show just how daring they were for the time. They dressed like pop stars, but sang a-cappella traditional folk music. They set out to make folk music hip, and to some extent succeeded. There was a richness to their work that made it seem almost impossible that they hadn't worked endlessly at their harmonies and arrangements. But the truth was that it all fell together perfectly naturally, both the wondrous way with singing and the bringing out of some excellent songs from the dust of history - while dressing it all up in Carnaby Street's best: remarkable achievements indeed.” (All Music Guide)
A great part of the Young Tradition’s success was its stage manner: Unafraid to bring humour and even irreverence to the fore, they let affection for the songs, and delight in singing them, infuse their concerts. "You can say, 'This is a song that came from Bill Smith, who was the smith in the village, and this is the name of the village, and this was collected by somebody in the year whatever,'" says Wood. "Or: 'This song came from a village blacksmith; he was an old guy when he sang it; he lived in such and such a village. He's probably dead by now and probably listening to make sure you'll join in on the chorus, so just do it, okay?' You can entertain with the information instead of trying to be a bloody professor."
After the group disbanded, Heather emigrated to America where she continued to sing in various combinations. However, she hasn’t sung in the old country for longer than she “…cares to remember”. Heather’s performance has been arranged by Virgil Philpott - former director of the Quay Arts Centre and currently RJR’s practice manager - on the basis that “…the opportunity was just too good to miss. It’s possible that Heather may not sing outside of US again - and virtually certain that she’ll never be back to the Island”.
For “A Traditional Christmas” Heather will be joined onstage by the Island’s own Dollymopps (including Virgil!) and Brian Reeves. Advance tickets are available from Virgil on (01983) 617553.
The concert takes place at 3:00pm in the afternoon with doors open at 2:30pm.