We heard Jackie Lyness singing the Helston May song Hal-An-Tow earlier in this blog series. And I have had it in my head all month - sometimes I burst out into actual song at unexpected moments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs9PMky7Fj0
I first caught Hal-An-Tow on the Waterson's magnificent album Frost and Fire, which was apparently Melody Maker album of the year in 1965. Now, I don't work for or receive any commission from Topic Records, but I am going to quote their description of the re-mixed album in full. I'm off to buy a copy now and urge you to do the same.
"First released in 1965, Frost and Fire, A Calendar Of Ritual and Magical Songs was the debut album from the then new group on the folk scene. Originally from Hull, two sisters, their brother and cousin had been singing family songs all their lives and as a new folk group had been attracting attention for their powerful and exciting performances.
They were taken into the studio by Bill Leader to record an album for Topic Records and what came out of the sessions was incredible. Frost and Fire was essentially a concept album, the songs following the passage of the year. It's effect was seismic, standing the folk scene on it's head and influencing not just folkies but the ever growing and eclectic rock scene as well, particularly Traffic whose magnificent "John Barleycorn Must Die" came directly from Frost and Fire.
Sympathetically and carefully re-mastered from the original master, the resulting sound on this new release of Frost and Fire is nothing short of a revelation. Belying it's years, the power and sonority of the voices hits the listener just as hard now as it did in 1965. To accompany such an incredible sonic upgrade, the packaging has been enhanced with a slipcase and an expanded booklet which has many photos of English folk traditions and is a visual treat."
