best musical morris side

Subject: best musical morris side
From: GUEST,FloraG.
Date: 08 May 16 - 04:38 AM

I came across a couple of youngsters at Sweeps ( Rochester) who joined in the session with a set of Irish polkas and joined in a fairly obscure tune - Crossing the Minch - that I played when one of the singers sung an island tune. It made me consider which morris sides do a good job at encouraging the playing of music, bringing on youngsters and contributing to the after dance sessions.
I'm not really looking for the best - just those that are good at what they do. Any recommendations?
FloraG.

Subject: RE: best musical morris side
From: Mo the caller
Date: 08 May 16 - 09:09 AM

A few years ago I was in a session with some of the Earl of Stamford's (a Cheshire team). At the time (before they all went off to college) they had a young team of dancers as well as the regulars. The music in the session was good too.

Subject: RE: best musical morris side
From: Jack Campin
Date: 08 May 16 - 12:46 PM

"Crossing the Minch" is NOT an Irish tune! (Or a polka).

The folklore about it is that it's not actually about the strait in the Western Isles either - the tune was written by a Highland piper in Edinburgh, and "the Minch" was the way his fellow drinkers used to refer to the stormy and turbulent stretch of street separating two city centre bars that Hebrideans would often drink in.

I really liked the musicians from Gog Magog when I heard them in Whitby.

Subject: RE: best musical morris side
From: Vic Smith
Date: 08 May 16 - 12:57 PM

Gog Magog
Agreed... and in the south of England there's none can match the 8 piece band than accompanies our local side, The Knots of May. They are even making a CD of their music at the moment.

Subject: RE: best musical morris side
From: RTim
Date: 08 May 16 - 03:22 PM

The Adderbury Morris Men - but then again, I am biased!!

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: best musical morris side
From: Mo the caller
Date: 08 May 16 - 03:46 PM

Put your glasses on Jack. The way I read the OP was they led some Irish Polkas, then joined in with the other.
Mind you I though ALL tunes were Irish, even if someone else played them first.

Subject: RE: best musical morris side
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 09 May 16 - 03:20 AM

jack -Mo is right - I know Crossing the Minch is Scottish - and its only obscure in England because of that; I think its a hornpipe -but thanks for the background which I didn't know. When I play it I have a picture in my mind of a beautiful view of sparkly water and sunshine which can turn to fierce storm within minutes. I think I might stay with this vision rather than the drinking one.
I was lucky enough to hear Gog Magaog - I think it was at the straw bear and they were very good.
FloraG.