The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4

Subject: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: Rain Dog
Date: 10 May 18 - 05:25 AM

Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Monday 30th April & Monday 7th May

The Song Hunters

Singer and song collector Sam Lee celebrates the work of those who have fought to save the ancient folk songs of Britain from extinction.

The Song Hunters

Follow the links for further information on the 2 programmes

Subject: RE: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: GUEST
Date: 11 May 18 - 04:02 PM

All a bit precious really

Subject: RE: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: Tradsinger
Date: 11 May 18 - 04:13 PM

I think the work that Sam and his team are doing to collect songs from the Irish gypsies is interesting and worthwhile, but I was disappointed that his second programme didn't cover a wider range of post-war collecting in England and elsewhere. Scope for follow-up programmes?

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 15 May 18 - 05:12 AM

I have finally caught up with this and I am mightily impressed. As a singer Collector and Broadcaster for the last 40 years I could write a long diatribe on what I think is wrong, however much more is right and there are some touches of pure excellence.
I am reminded of the four programmes I putout and were syndicated throughout out the BBC in 1984.
However, and here is my point. As a young man I received very little, or no encouragement in my collecting activities, and by some of my elders and betters I was actively discouraged as a blundering amateur.
Blundering amateur I most certainly was, (I was 29 years old) but what would I have achieved if I had been properly trained by a mentor.
I am determined that Sam Lee will not have the same treatment by me at least, and I intend to get in touch.
If you have not heard these programmes, then please make the effort. It is well worth the while.

Subject: RE: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: GUEST,Bob
Date: 15 May 18 - 05:59 AM

The idea has interested me all my life but my time was taken up with earning a crust.

Perhaps someone could run a 'summer school' on the methodologies of song collecting?

I'm well aware that recording oral histories is far more complicated than just starting the recorder and waiting.

Now I'm retired, I have the time and limited funds to finance travel but where does one start? HOW does one start?

Bob

Subject: RE: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 15 May 18 - 06:22 AM

My method was to start in an area that had been covered by the early collectors, trace the family and see where it led.
I discovered several singers this way in Dorset. Then a magazine got in touch and published an article and other singers wrote in 'I know those songs!' and that led me to Surrey, and Lincolnshire. The Travellers material came from being married into the community.
If you listen to the programmes, Sam Lee gives his methods.
Where are you Bob? Who collected in your area? What were the singers names? Even if you don't immediately get songs you might come up with a valuable photo of a singer from the past. I did, when I found the only existing photo of Marina Russell (Bedmaking-Ye Mariners all etc.)
Come on Bob! Start with the Full English Website, select Archives from the advanced list and put in your home town in. Then go to 192 .com and see who is still around today. Please let me know how you get on.

Subject: RE: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: GUEST,Bob
Date: 16 May 18 - 06:47 AM

Well, Nick, that certainly sounds like a first step.

I'm in north Derbyshire.

I'll report back

Bob

Subject: RE: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 16 May 18 - 02:52 PM

Kidson went to Derby, and collected from an old woman called W.H. Lunt.
An unusual name! There's your starting point IMHO

Subject: RE: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 16 May 18 - 04:10 PM

Another tack is to make a list of what songs have already been recorded in Derbyshire. There are strong links with Sheffield and some of the Sheffield carolling and house visiting customs. There are people in Sheffield who have collected material in the area. No need to work in isolation or duplicate others' work. Paul Davenport would be able to offer advice.

Subject: RE: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 16 May 18 - 06:19 PM

Nick Dow said "As a singer Collector and Broadcaster for the last 40 years I could write a long diatribe on what I think is wrong, however much more is right and there are some touches of pure excellence."

Something that may or may not be wrong is that Sam says some of the same things that the collectors of a hundred-odd years ago were saying. The songs go back many centuries. The people who are singing them now are old and when they've died there will be no-one left. The old songs are being swamped by modern mass culture.

Still, Sam is collecting and recruiting other collectors, and they are still finding singers and songs, so power to their elbows.

Subject: RE: The Song Hunters - BBC Radio 4
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 16 May 18 - 06:36 PM

Agreed.

Subject: Folk radio
From: fat B****rd
Date: 05 Jul 18 - 05:53 AM

There's a Folk type programme on BBC Radio 4 at 11.30 today (Thursday)

Subject: RE: Folk radio
From: DaveRo
Date: 05 Jul 18 - 06:38 AM

It's a repeat of The Song Hunters
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=164101