Nick Caffrey a singer's view on traditional songs

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.

Today’s podcast looks at the ballad Sweet William’s Ghost. I will look at its background and printing history. Sing samples of the different tunes and versions, and end on a full performance All the podcasts can be found on the website: caffreymcgurkmadge.com

In today’s podcast I will look at the maritime song A Ship in Distress and two associated songs The Silk Merchant’s Daughter and Little Billee. I will explore its background and printing history, sing versions of the song and end on a full performance

Today’s podcast looks at the ballad The Three Butchers, a tale of robbers, an heroic butcher and a traitorous woman. I will look at its background and printing history Sing samples of the different versions and end on a full performance