I like folk music - and occasionally I come across songs that really grab me. I particular like music that evokes strong imagery or 'the past' - all cultures, but England and it's neighboring islands more so, so I can understand the words.

Does anybody out there have some artists they could share that fall into this category ?

as a regular on the folk club circuit in the UK in the 60s i got to see a fair few of the big names of the folk boom - joni mitchell played one of the clubs i used to go to.

for trad folk songs two names i think you would like are Martin Carthy and Nic Jones. Martin Carthy apparently taught Paul Simon the riff to Scarborough Fair! He played as a duo with Dave Swarbrick on fiddle and later joined Steeleye Span. Nic Jones started in a trio called the Halliard but later went solo. He was the most amazing guitarist until a road accident.

Both of them are available on Amazon so I assume they'll be on spotify and similar. a good example of Nic Jones's guitar playing is 'Reynard the fox' on ballads and songs

the whole album is available here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kxbK46Ql8g

for the best folk rock album of all time try No Roses by Shirley Collins and the Albion Band. especially if you've never heard a flanged concertina!

thanks for sharing Bob - love your suggestions - old names that are brand new to me.

You could try searching YouTube for Eric Bogle. He's originally from Scotland and he emigrated to Australia about 50 years ago. His best known songs are "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" and "No Mans Land" which was recorded by some Irish bands as "The Green Fields of France".
I saw him perform several times in the late '70s and it was hard not to tear up when he did those two songs and also another one called "Now I'm Easy".

I just followed my own advice and went on YouTube to listen to a couple of his songs. I came across this interview he did last year. It's easy to see what a thoroughly decent human being he is and how he is capable of writing such emotive songs.

Eric Bogle Interview

John Martyn was a Scottish folk singer/guitarist, over the years his style evolved passing through many genres. You will find him also on YouTube.

Thanks Richard, thanks TryUK - more great musicians.
Great minds think alike ; )

I can always count on discovering great music when I throw the question out to the BB forum !!! (and thanks Peter, for creating such a great product and forum of users)