A Christmas single from Bellowhead
Single release: Christmas Bells / Jingle Bells
Release date: 1 December 2013
Label: Navigator
Listen: on official website
Bellowhead release a new single, ‘Christmas Bells/Jingle Bells’ on 1st December 2013. This follows three successful singles from their top 20 album ‘Broadside’ which was released in October 2012 and went on to win Best Album at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Jon Boden says “‘Christmas Bells’ is based on the mummers play ‘Christmas : his Pageant Play, or Mysterie of St. George’ written down by a Mr. H Slight and published in 1842. It seems perfect for Bellowhead, linking Father Christmas with the tale of St. George & the Dragon. Mummers plays were found all over England up until the Second World War and many Christmas mumming traditions carry on to this day. ‘Jingle Bells’ is rather better known as a song, though what is not so well known is that it was initially written in the 1850s for American Thanksgiving day celebrations. It’s ours now though!”
To crown a hugely successful twelve months Bellowhead will be embarking on a major tour of the UK throughout November. The excitement continues into 2014 with the publication of a beautiful Bellowhead songbook in March, by Faber Music publishing house, and the band will also be celebrating their 10th Anniversary with two special concerts at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester (April 19) and London Royal Albert Hall (April 20).
"One of the most exciting live bands in Britain” The Telegraph
“Surely the best live act in the country” The Independent