Years active 1964–present Genre Celtic music Members Johnny Handle, Colin Ross | Website highlevelranters.co.uk Record label Topic Records | |
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Genres English folk music, Celtic music Labels Topic Records, Trailer Records, Broadside Records Past members Alistair Anderson
Tommy Gilfellon
Forster Charlton
John Doonan
Pete Wood
Louis Killen Origin Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Albums Ranting Lads, Four in a Bar, Border Spirit Similar Alistair Anderson, Harry Boardman, Louis Killen, Billy Pigg, Dick Gaughan | ||
The high level ranters ranting lads
The High Level Ranters are a Northumbian traditional musical group founded in 1964, best known for being one of the first bands in the revival of the Northumbrian smallpipes.
Contents
The high level ranters byker hill
Name and history
The name was chosen as a combination of the location of the Bridge Folk Club at the north end of the High Level Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne, where they all played, and from the Cheviot Ranters, a famous Northumberland dance band operating in the Alnwick area from about 1953 to 1996.
The High Level Ranters have been playing traditional music and song from North East England for nearly 40 years, becoming one of the most influential groups of the British folk revival. For many years they were the only group featuring the Northumbrian smallpipes in their performances, and are thus responsible for introducing many of today's pipers to this unique instrument. They have also introduced many of today's musicians to the distinctive traditional music in the North East, and have done so with a unique enthusiasm of performance. Performers such as The High Level Ranters brought Northumbrian folk to national and international audiences.
The band were featured twice, live in session, by BBC Radio 1's John Peel - first on 18 October 1972, recorded at the Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue in London and later, on 3 July 1974, recorded at the BBC Newcastle studio. The band continues to tour and may be booked through their official website.
Band members
Between 1969 and 1979 the band consisted of Alistair Anderson, Tommy Gilfellon, Johnny Handle and Colin Ross. Since 1980 the line-up has been Jim Hall, Johnny Handle and Colin Ross.
At various times and for various recordings Forster Charlton, John Doonan, Pete Wood and Louis Killen have also been band members.
High Level Ranters (1966-1979)
”New” High Level Ranters (1980-2004)
Compilation Albums with Tracks from the High Level Ranters
Songs
Whinham's Reel / Nancy1997
The Lads of Alnwick / Lamshaw's Fancy1997
Because He Was a Bonny Lad / Salmon Tails Up the Water / Sweet Hesleyside1997