Sleeve Notes:
SCOTLAND'S famous folksong trio take their name from the Scots Border raiders
or 'reivers' of centuries ago who used to rustle the English cattle. In a way, the
title is very appropriate for The Reivers now raid the folksong treasury of the
world for the delight of millions of ballad-lovers.
The group came together just over a year ago in 1958 under the direction of
Norman Buchan, a Glasgow teacher, to appear on Scottish TV's Jig Time. An
instant success, they remained with the programme for 40 weeks.
The Reivers are (l. to r.): ENOCH KENT, 27-year-old sales representative, who
graduated from Glasgow School of Art in Pottery and Design. He has frequently
broadcast with Alan Lomax, the American folksong authority, who described him
as the best ballad singer he'd heard in Britain. RENA SWANKIE, 24-year-old inspector
in a Glasgow engineering factory, was formerly a children's nurse. She interrupted
her honeymoon to make this record. JOSH MACRAE, 26-year-old teacher, is also a
graduate of the Glasgow School of Art where he studied drawing and painting.
All three have been recorded independently by Edinburgh University's School of
Scottish Studies, but this is their first record for a commercial recording company.
As with most folk, music, the origin of four of their songs is obscure. The Wreck
of the John B. obviously comes from the Bahamas and its form owes much to
Pete Seeger of America's famous Weavers; The Wark o' the Weavers probably
came from Angus but is now mostly heard in Aberdeenshire; Johnny Lad is a
popular Glasgow children's street song probably derived from an 18th century
love song; Balloo Bakery is an old Scottish lullaby. The Wee Magic Stane, on
the other hand, is a modern ballad, inspired by the daring ' theft ' of the Stone
of Destiny from Westminster Abbey a few years ago.
Roly Harrison sent me this information on the second Reivers EP.
The Work of the Reivers—Volume 2
1960—JKP 2062 EP
Side One
Auld Maid in the Garret
Jock Since Ever I Saw Your Face
Kellyburn Braes
Side Two
Govan is a Busy Place
Down in the Mines
…and according to Roly, “it had the same cover and personnel as Vol 1.”
My thanks to Roly
