Magpie Lane

about

Magpie Lane is an English folk group, based in Oxford that first came together in the winter of 1992–93 to record The Oxford Ramble, a collection of songs and tunes from, or about, Oxfordshire. Although originally conceived as a one-off recording project, the band soon took on a life of its own. The success of "The Oxford Ramble" led to the release of a second CD, "Speed the Plough", a year later; to be followed shortly afterwards by "Wassail: a Country Christmas" and "Jack in the Green". The celebration of beer in song "A Taste of Ale" was commissioned by highly respected author and folksong scholar Roy Palmer, to accompany his book of the same name, and was the first to feature new recruit Benji Kirkpatrick. Next came "Six for Gold" with Sophie Polhill and Marguerite Hutchinson in the line-up, alongside Benji, and original members Ian Giles, Mat Green and Andy Turner. The band's most recent recording, the only so far to feature Jon Fletcher, is another Christmas CD, "Knock at the Knocker, Ring at teh Bell". Immediately after the release of "The Oxford Ramble", a series of promotional concerts in and around Oxford proved immensely enjoyable - for band and audience alike - and confirmed Magpie Lane very much as a live band, as well as a recording outfit. Since then Magpie Lane have built up a loyal following: in particular, the band’s regular Christmas concerts at the Holywell Music Rooms have become something of a tradition on the Oxford music scene, and are invariably s

top songs

albums

Wassail! A Country Christmas

English Country Songs and Dances

The Oxford Ramble: Songs And Tunes Of Oxfordshire

Jack-in-the-Green

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A Taste Of Ale

Knock At The Knocker, Ring At The Bell

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Six For Gold

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The 25th

Speed The Plough

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French Blend - A Celtic Music Odyssey

The Oxford Ramble

Speed the Plough: Songs and Tunes of Rural England

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