The High Level Ranters

The High Level Ranters are a Northumbian traditional musical group founded in 1964, best known for being one of the first bands in the revival of the Northumbrian smallpipes.

The High Level Ranters
OriginNewcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland
GenresEnglish folk music, Celtic music
Years active1964–present
LabelsTopic Records, Trailer Records, Broadside Records
Websitehighlevelranters.co.uk
MembersJim Hall
Johnny Handle
Colin Ross
Past membersAlistair Anderson
Tommy Gilfellon
Forster Charlton
John Doonan
Pete Wood
Louis Killen

Name and history

The name was chosen as a combination of the location of the Bridge Folk Club at the north end of the High Level Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne, where they all played, and from the Cheviot Ranters, a famous Northumberland dance band operating in the Alnwick area from about 1953 to 1996.

The High Level Ranters have been playing traditional music and song from North East England for nearly 40 years, becoming one of the most influential groups of the British folk revival. For many years they were the only group featuring the Northumbrian smallpipes in their performances, and are thus responsible for introducing many of today's pipers to this unique instrument. They have also introduced many of today's musicians to the distinctive traditional music in the North East, and have done so with a unique enthusiasm of performance.[1] Performers such as The High Level Ranters brought Northumbrian folk to national and international audiences.[2]

The band were featured twice, live in session, by BBC Radio 1's John Peel - first on 18 October 1972, recorded at the Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue in London and later, on 3 July 1974, recorded at the BBC Newcastle studio.[3] The band continues to tour and may be booked through their official website.

Band members

Between 1969 and 1979 the band consisted of Alistair Anderson, Tommy Gilfellon, Johnny Handle and Colin Ross. Since 1980 the line-up has been Jim Hall, Johnny Handle and Colin Ross.

At various times and for various recordings Forster Charlton, John Doonan, Pete Wood and Louis Killen have also been band members.

Discography

High Level Ranters (1966-1979)
  • Northumberland for Ever, 1968 (Topic 12TS186)
  • The Lads of Northumbria, 1969 (Trailer LER 2007)
  • Keep Your Feet Still Geordie Hinnie, 1970 (Trailer LER 2020)
  • High Level, 1971 (Trailer LER 2030)
  • A Mile to Ride, 1973 (Trailer LER 2037)
  • The Bonny Pit Laddie, 1975 (Topic 2-12TS271/2)
  • Ranting Lads, 1976 (Topic 12TS297)
  • English Sporting Ballads, 1976 (Broadside BRO 128) (with Martyn Wyndham-Read)
  • Four in a Bar, 1979 (Topic 12TS388)

"New" High Level Ranters (1980-2004)
  • The New High Level Ranters, 1982 (Topic 12TS425)
  • Border Spirit, 1983 (Topic 12TS434)
  • Gateshead Revisited, 1987 (Common Ground CGR 005)

Compilation albums with tracks from the High Level Ranters

References
  1. Official Website, Highlevelranters.co.uk
  2. S. Broughton, M. Ellingham, R. Trillo, O. Duane, V. Dowell, World Music: The Rough Guide (London: Rough Guides, 1999), pp. 66-8 and 79-80
  3. "PEEL SESSIONS - High Level Ranters", Bbc.co.uk
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