The High Level Ranters are an esteemed folk group hailing from North East England, known for their authentic performances of traditional music from their home region. The band formed in the 1960s during the British folk revival and quickly became known for their dedication to preserving the rich musical heritage of Northumberland - the northernmost county in England - and the surrounding areas. The band's name itself is a nod to the High Level Bridge in Newcastle, bridging their music with the heart of the North East cultural landscape.

The High Level Ranters are celebrated for their adept musicianship and their use of a diverse range of instruments typical to Northumbrian and Border folk music, including the Northumbrian smallpipes, fiddle, concertina, and guitar. Their repertoire is a stirring homage to the history and people of their region, as seen in albums like "The Bonnie Pit Laddie - A Miner's Life in Music and Song," which pays tribute to the mining community, and "Northumberland Forever," which showcases the dance and song traditions of the North East. With releases such as "Border Spirit," "Four In A Bar," and "Ranting Lads," The High Level Ranters have not only preserved the music of yesteryears but also brought it to contemporary audiences, fostering a renewed appreciation for the folk traditions of Britain.

Genres

Northumbrian Folk

Related Artists

Johnny Handle

The Cut & Dry Band

Bob Davenport

Louis Killen

Alistair Anderson

Andy May

Waterson:Carthy

Dick Hensold

Jock Tamson’s Bairns

Paddy Tunney

Gordeanna McCulloch

Nioclás Tóibín

Latest Release

Border Spirit

The High Level Ranters

Album - 11 Tracks - Released December 29, 2016