The High Level Ranters originally came together through Folk Song and Ballad Newcastle, one of the first folk clubs in Britain. The Bridge Hotel, in which a folk club still meets, is situated at the North end of the High Level bridge. The group took their name from the bridge, and also from the rant step, used in local dances such as the Morpeth Rant. The original Ranters began playing together as a band in the early 1960's, when the folk song revival was in full swing. Instrumental folk music was practically unheard in the folk clubs at the time, but the Ranters proved that traditional British dance tunes could be just as interesting and exciting to listen to as the songs. Their fine spirited playing of rants, reels, jigs, and hornpipes pointed the direction that this form of British folk music was to take. The band draws extensively upon the wealth of Northumbrian music in both dance and song, and remains closely in touch with the country areas where traditional musicians still make music at home and in the pubs. Music hall songs from Newcastle also have an important place in their repertoire - but apart from their own tradition in the North East of England they also enjoy playing and singing songs and tunes from all over the British Isles. The Ranters unique sound is produced by combinations of the small pipes, fiddle, accordion, tin whistle and piano. A typical Ranters concert is a balance between group instrumental and singing, with solos by individual members of the band. The total effect is an immensely versatile and highly entertaining performance, and their group and solo skills are in great demand at festivals, for workshops, concerts, sessions and singarounds.
Today the High Level Ranters are known as one of
the longest standing traditional bands in the country, losing none of their
enthusiasm for entertaining audiences. Whilst their line-up and instrumentation
has changed and evolved over the years, they undoubtedly remain one of
the leading exponents of the traditional music of the North East of England.
CURRENT BAND MEMBERS
Jim Hall
Being born in Gateshead, Jim grew up with many of
the songs and tunes which are such an important part of the Ranters repertoire.
He played these and many other music-hall songs on the piano in pubs around
Tyneside in his student days before becoming seriously involved in traditional
music and in particular the Northumbrian small pipes. He quickly became
an outstanding player and won many competitions, played at festivals and
concerts both in this country and abroad, and made radio and television
appearances. In addition, he plays the piano with the band.
Colin
Ross
One of the original members of the band and a continuing
influence in the group with his strongly rhythmic fiddle playing. His earlier
experience as a folk dance musician shows clearly when he is leading the
band in the ceilidhs they also play for. He also plays the tin whistle
for accompanying the singing, but is now better known for his making and
playing of the North-East's own instrument, the Northumbrian small pipes.
He is a full time pipe maker, and has taken an active part in the Northumbrian
Pipers Society for many years, being its current Chairman.