More Info
Originally from Hull, two sisters, Norma and Elaine (or 'Lal'), their brother, Mike
and cousin, John Harrison, 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 infuencing
not just folkies but the ever growing and eclectic rock scene as well, particularly
Trafc whose magnifcent "John Barleycorn Must Die" came directly from Frost
and Fire.
Sympathetically and carefully re- mastered from the original master and cut at
45rpm for optimal quality, 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.
"Ground Zero for anyone discovering English folk song and culture" - Tradfolk.co
"Quite without parallel amongst British group singing" – English Dance and Song
"These are vital, transcendent recordings. Essential listening" – Living Tradition
Tracklist
Here We Come A-Wassailing
The Derby Ram
Jolly Old Hawk
Pace Egging Song
Seven Virgins (The Leaves Of Life)
The Holly Bears a Berry
Hal-An-Tow
Earsdon Sword Dance Song
John Barleycorn
Harvest Song : We Gets Up In The Morn
Souling Song
Christmas Is Now Drawing Near at Hand
Herod And The Cock
Wassail Song