The Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC is a major publisher of recordings from around the world, with a stable of record labels including Folkways, which was acquired in 1987. With a huge catalogue of US and world recordings, it has recently turned its attention to England, with the release of two valuable, authoritative and immensely enjoyable compilation CDs of English regional music. English Village Carols , edited and introduced by Ian Russell from his Village Carols archive, will surely appear in these pages in the near future, but I give nothing away by saying that it is a stupendously knowledgeable, accessible and uplifting production. Northumberland Rant is equally a labour of love by an editor who knows his stuff inside out, and enjoys sharing his musical loves.
Every track is a treasure and a pleasure.
At the same time, it does succeed in sketching a coherent panorama of the musical life of the area in the last fifty years. Hearing different players so close together not only highlights the striking differences in style of different players, but also focusses attention on the potential of the instrument itself. Putting him in his context, however, has thrown into relief both his playing, and that of the other pipers. And everyone wins. But, of course, Northumbrian music isn't all piping, and to be fair, Burt Feintuch makes this point clearly in his essay.