THE SPRINGTHYME ARCHIVE

The Springthyme Archive is a collection of recordings of folk songs and traditional music made between the early and mid 1960s to the present day. Many of these are field recordings of folksongs and traditional music made in Ireland, Scotland, England and some in Canada by folk enthusiast and collector Peter Shepheard. Some of the recordings from the early 1960s were made using a small 2" reel to reel Phillips machine, later recordings from the mid 1960s were made on a 5" Uher tape machine. In the 1970s recordings were made on more professional equipment - a Revox A77, a Sony PCMF1 and later on DAT. Recordings made by other individuals have been added to the Archive over the years - recordings made at festivals, sessions and folk clubs.

Recordings made at the Kinross Festival in 1974 with a professional mobile set-up led to the release of a 12" LP album of highlights from the festival including artistes Aly Bain, Tom Anderson, Peerie Willie Johnstone, Stanley Robertson, Angus Grant, Willie Fraser, Jane and Cameron Turriff and the Clutha. The Springthyme Records label was set up as a vehicle to launch the album as SPR1001 Songs and Music from the Kinross Festival. Over the years Springthyme Records has recorded and released numerous albums - on LP, cassette and CD and the master recordings (including several unissued masters) are considered as part of the Springthyme Archive. These releases are to found on the main Springthyme Records site.

In recent years, a number of recordings from the Springthyme Archive have been made available for release on other specialist labels - in particular by Musical Traditions Records based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. These include recordings from romany gypsy singers in and around Gloucester made in the 1960s and 1970s - in particular from the Brazil Family and the Smith Family. Musical Traditions Records have also issued recordings from Scotland's northeast include a compilation of archive recordings of songs from Daisy Chapman - recorded by Peter Shepheard, Peter Hall and by Rod Stradling of Musical Traditions. We are also listing a superb collection of songs from the great northeast ballad singer Lizzie Higgins - with many recordings from the Peter Hall archive.

The Brazil Family
Down by the Old Riverside

[More & Song Texts] [Booklet Notes][Review]

In his review, Keith Chandler writes: This really is the most important commercial release showcasing the English tradition to have appeared in many a long day. I cannot stress it enough : absolutely essential.

Triple CD with 48 page integral booklet in DVD case: 3 CDs, 89 tracks, 195 mins.
£20.00 plus postage

This is Musical Traditions first 3-CD set. A selection of songs, ballads and tunes from the Brazil Family of Gloucester. A unique compilation of the repertoire of a single English Gypsy family, from the collections of Peter Shepheard, Gwilym Davies, Mike Yates, Hamish Henderson and Peter Kennedy.

Featuring: Danny Brazil, Harry Brazil, Lemmie Brazil, Hyram Brazil, Tom Brazil, Weenie Brazil, Alice Webb and her son, Angela Brazil, Doris Davies, Joan Taylor, Debbie and Pennie Davies.

Daisy Chapman
Ythanside

[More & Song List][Booklet Notes][Review]

In their review, Alison McMorland and Geordie MacIntyre write: A fitting memorial to a fine singer as well as a celebration of good songs and the enduring spirit which keeps them alive. We commend it unreservedly.

CD with 32 page integral booklet in DVD case. 23 tracks, 68 minutes
£12.50 plus postage

Wiggy Smith
and other Smith Family members
Band of Gold

[More & Song List] [Booklet Notes][Review]

In his review Tom Walsh writes: This is for the lover of song, sung in authentic style, no frills, no instrumental accompaniment, no artifice - just genuine. It's the best compilation of its kind I have ever heard. I can return to it again and again and hear new delights. It's that link with the past that gets me. The old tradition is faithfully reproduced, and now preserved forever. One of the most significant contributions to recorded traditional song of the last fifty years.

CD with 28 page integral booklet in DVD case. 33 tracks, 74 mins.
£12.50 plus postage

In Memory of
Lizzie Higgins

[More & Song List][Booklet Notes][Reviews]

In his review Alasdair Maclean (The Scots Magazine) writes: The quality shines through throughout this collection, from the tracks of muckle sangs, or songs verging on the muckle, to merry little ditties almost like interludes. A fitting celebration of a gifted traditional singer ... a collection of gems.

Double CD with 36 page integral booklet in DVD case: 2CDs, 34 tracks, 155 mins.
£16.00 plus postage

A memorial album of this great Aberdeenshire singer, containing 34 recordings of the best of her songs not currently available on CD, many of which have never been published before. The 36-page booklet contains a brief biography and an appraisal of Lizzie's singing style by Dr Ian Olson, full song notes and transcriptions - and lots of photos.