A Cumbrian singer-songwriter has created a book of county folk songs – and will be holding concerts and workshops to promote it.
Contemporary Cumbrian Folk Songs (and how to write them) by Steve Wharton features melody notation, transcribed by Ally McGurk, with guitar tab, chords, lyrics and comprehensive background notes for 16 songs – 13 are originals and three are settings of 19th century Cumbrian poems by William Wordsworth, Robert Anderson and John James Lonsdale.
Steve said: “Whether you’re looking to learn some songs about the area or even write your own, this book is an ideal companion. Packed with folklore, history and notes about the songs’ writing process and life in front of audiences, there are also chapters about the evolution of folk music and our collecting of folk tunes.”
A native Cumbrian, Steve grew up in Ulverston hearing lots of stories about the area before leaving to study and work all around the county. His introduction to folk music came whilst working as a photographer for Furness Tradition, roots/ceilidh band Striding Edge and as a compere for the Lancaster Maritime Festival.
After working in Finland, China and the Czech Republic, experiencing folk performances and developing his own songwriting skills, Steve returned to Cumbria in 2015. Since then he has created a unique repertoire of songs and stories which celebrate the county and dig deep into its history and folklore.
