A folk song a day keeps the doctor away?

Jon Boden, who was named as the BBC's folk singer of the year has committed to a new project in which he has undertaken the task of recording a new folk song every day over the next year.

The project began last month on June 24th when Jon decided to go down to his friend's house and record an unaccompanied rendition of the well known tune "The Larks They Sang Melodious." Referred to as the Folk Song a Day Concept the project is designed to promote the lost art of social or communal singing (nowadays confined to the church and football terrace) by using the internet as a means of reintroducing a tradition that once thrived in our public establishments and at social gatherings.

The idea has been accused by some, according to the guardian as just a tool for self publication or a mad capped idea that is of little merit, but in my opinion anything that encourages people to experience traditional folk songs in a new and original way can only be a good thing.

Jon intends to release the songs as twelve albums over the next year, recording a total of 365 songs. His blog provides information on each of the songs, a great way of understanding the context of the music as well as the ability to listen to them. Great stuff!

Jon is an established solo artist with two albums under his belt, has had two appearances on Jools Holland as well as being the front man for eleven piece folk band Bellowhead.

Visit the folk song a day blog

Official website for Jon Boden