Even more niche than “Traditional Folk and a Six Pack,” we’re exploring only folk music of the British Isles. From solo musicians such as Anne Briggs and June Tabor to larger ensembles including Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, each of these artists is a fine example of British folk music.
Nick Drake and Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout
Starting out our British Folk and Six Pack is Nick Drake. Probably the most well-known of the bunch, Drake’s melancholy folk has been popularized by being included in commercials and movies such as the Royal Tenenbaums. Known for well-regarded albums including Pink Moon and Five Leaves Left, with only a short career, Drake left an important legacy behind. The Imperial Stout is a robust offering from Samuel Smith, a British brewery that makes excellent beer.
June Tabor and Eagle’s Banana Bread beer
Unlike popular sour or fruit beers today, the Banana Bread beer is subtle. It enriches the ale taste, adding a slight banana taste to a bready beer. June Tabor is a traditional British folk singer known for her work as a solo artist, with the Oysterband and with Maddy Prior.
Steeleye Span and Newcastle Brown Ale
Back in the day, a Newcastle was a bit more rockin’ than the domestic beers that could be found stateside. Similar to Steeleye Span, not only is this beer a classic British beer, but Steeleye Span added electric guitars to a traditional music genre. The lead singer is Maddy Prior who works with June Tabor.
Morris On and Strongbow Cider
Get your bells on because it is time for Morris Dancing! Morris On is a fun folk supergroup of sorts featuring members of Fairport Convention, including Ashley Hutchings and Richard Thompson. Acoustic and electric instruments are intertwined within traditional Morris Dancing music with rhythm, bells, and sticks. Some songs are traditional and some are bawdy but all are fun. With this is a refreshing Strongbow Cider, the island country’s most popular cider.
Fairport Convention and Boddingtons Pub Ale
The indefatigable Fairport Convention has existed for decades in different incarnations. Melding traditional British folk with rock ‘n roll undertones, the band is perfect pub music. What is better than a Boddingtons Pub Ale with that? Easy to drink and smooth, Boddingtons will satisfy any palate.
Anne Briggs and Robinson’s Trooper
This one is an interesting match! Anne Briggs is certainly on the more traditional side of the British folk music presented here, not really associated with a British metal band such as Iron Maiden, whom the Trooper beer is made for. Funny though, like Briggs, this beer is not a robust assault on the taste buds, it’s gentle at under 5%, to me it is more Briggs than Dickinson.
The next time you’re at your local package store, don’t forget about paying the imported beers a visit. There are plenty of tasty beers from the British Isles and beyond to go back to. This way you can make your own British Folk and a six-pack experience!
