Fakenham Fair - Traditional - A. Cook

The origins of the song Fakenham Fair are somewhat obscure. It was collected by Peter Bellamy, who performed it unaccompanied on his first solo LP, "Mainly Norfolk" in 1968, giving credit to a Peter Bullen of Norwich from whom he had learned it, Bullen in turn giving credit to his grandfather. But beyond that, other than it definitely being a Norfolk folk song, the rest is a mystery.Over the years, Fakenham Fair has become a firm favourite among folk audiences, probably the most famous version being the 2008 recording by folk supergroup 'Bellowhead' which this setting for brass band pays tribute to. A bright, quirky, and bouncy 5:4/10:8 waltz, the band parts dance back and forth from simple time to compound time and back again, giving a constant flow that somehow always feels natural despite the irregular rhythm... but which will also keep your audience guessing where the beat will land next! With solos and features for principal chairs around the band, nobody is left out of the fun. Engaging to listen to and even more so to play, Fakenham Fair is a perfect light concert item for the band that likes to show off their rhythmic and lyrical sides at the same time.

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