The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #105960   Message #2184222
Posted By: GUEST,redmax
01-Nov-07 - 10:25 AM
Thread Name: Versions of The White Hare (of Howden)
Subject: Versions of The White Hare (of Howden)
...or (of Oldham)

I know there's a version by Andy Irvine, but I'm interested to know about two distinctive versions of this song collected in England:

1. The Joseph Taylor / Martin Carthy version
2. The Traditional Tunes / Watersons version

I think the differences were mainly in the tune rather than the text, although I know the Watersons added their own chorus.

My question is, have more subsequent versions followed on from the Taylor version than the Trad Tunes one?

I can think of a few off the top of my head: Shirley Collins on No Roses, a Danish folk rock band called Fungus, and a UK ensemble called Vulcan's Hammer. All three followed the Joseph Taylor tune.

Can anyone remember the Trad Tunes version being sung by anyone except the Watersons?

Also, I gather Gary Aspey made up an alternative concluding verse in which the hare escapes. Was this recorded? Does anyone else sing it his way?

Any info appreciated, thanks