A unique and groundbreaking collection of songs which focuses on the singers, their background and the place of the songs in Ulster history and society.
Available here from Temple Records
The collection was originally published in 1970, but was re-edited and updated by Robin Morton, just before his death in 2021.
The new edition contains a wide range of songs – humorous, tragic, political and historical. Morton’s notes are informative, deeply researched, often amusing and easy to read.
Additionally, the reader can now hear the original source singers on a 22 track CD included with the book.
‘… a tribute to Robin’s loving energy and steadfast valuation of the voices of the people’
John Moulden
‘… the best ballad book yet to be published…’
Benedict Kiely, Irish Times
Here's some lock-down listening to keep you going; 19 great tracks from Battlefield Band's 'The Producer's Choice' , a compilation which was released to celebrate the groups induction into The Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame a few years back. You can find more info on the album below, and a link to the sleeve notes, but it's not obligatory - just press play and enjoy!
In 2016 Battlefield Band were inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, after almost half a century as internationally acclaimed ambassadors for Scottish folk music. With thirty albums under their collective belts, and thousands of concerts played worldwide, the honour naturally extends to all of the many great musicians who have passed through their ranks over the decades, as each individual brought something new to the party and added to the freshness and creativity that has defined the band.
Even as the music evolved and the personnel changed there remained a distinctive continuity to the 'Battlefield Band' sound. This cohesion can be traced, in part at least, to the long-term producer and manager of the group, who has overseen so many of their albums and continually brought talent to the fore. As a founder member and player-manager of the early Boys of the Lough, Robin Morton helped take the music he loves to huge audiences worldwide and his Temple Records label and record production have continued to fight the good fight since 1978.
These nineteen tracks are his choice then; personal highlights and favourites from the man in the producer’s chair. Enjoy!
Sleeve Notes: download the album sleeve notes here
Our latest release, which celebrates Battlefield Band's recent induction into The Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, is now also available on CD.
Initially this compilation was only made available for download & streaming but, due to popular requests for something a bit more shiny and tangible, we've now produced a limited edition run on CD.
CDs are available now direct from Temple Records. They will also be available in the other usual outlets towards the end of January 2017.
You can hear clips and purchase Battlefield Band 'The Producer's Choice' at: www.templerecords.co.uk/battlefield-band-the-producers-choice