The First of May
Oxford Ramble track 3
This is a version of the tune Fishar's Hornpipe, from the Headington Quarry concertina-player William Kimber.
The tune is known by a number of titles: 'Fisher's Hornpipe', 'Fisherman's Lilt', 'The Egg Hornpipe'. And it is unclear which Fisher or Fishar it is named after - possibly James A. Fishar, who was dancer, musical director and ballet master at Covent Garden during the 1770's. There's a good summary provided by Andrew Kuntz's The Fiddler's Companion.
This track encapsulates the "village band" sound of early Magpie Lane. It was recorded with six musicians in a fairly small circle, all playing and being recorded live:
Andy Turner - anglo-concertina
Mat Green - fiddle
Isobel Dams - cello
Tom Bower - recorder
Heather Bower - clarinet
Mandy Townsend - hammer dulcimer
Only Ian Giles' percussion was added later.
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