Nick Caffrey a singer's view on traditional songs

Today I will look at the ballad known as The Lass of Roch Royal it is also known as Lord Gregory and The Maid of Aughrim. I will look at the songs and publishing history, sing samples of the songs and end on a complete performance of one of the songs

In today’s podcast I will look at the song Sweet William also known under several other titles including Father, Build Me A Boat, A Sailor’s Life, and Early, Early in the Spring.I will look at the known background to the song, its printing history and development.I will sing samples of the tune linked to the song and end with a full performance.

Today’s podcast looks at the seasonal carol The Moon Shines Bright also known as The Bellman’s Song. I will look at the background to the carol, its publishing history, and sing samples of the carol and end on a complete performance of a version of the carol

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Today’s podcast looks at the ballad Death of Queen Jane. I will look at its background and printing history Sing samples of the different tunes and versions and end on a full performance. The ballad tells of the death of Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII of England and I explore the probable truth and the political spin of that time.