This is a re-release of a "classic" set of recordings made by Greg Stephens for Fellside Records in 1978. In many ways this is the inspiration behind Gregs "Trip to the Lakes" CD recently released on Harbourtown. The story behind these recordings is well documented by Greg in the accompanying 12 page booklet (read it here) along with information on the musicians involved, where they are now and indeed a picture of those young men way back when they made this recording!.
These twenty-four tunes represent a cross section of the music played by traditional musicians in the north-west of England over the last four hundred years or so; some were, and are, widely known and played throughout the British Isles, while others only seem to have enjoyed local currency.
This is the music of the area from Chester to Carlisle, bounded by the Irish Sea to the west and the Pennines to the east.

Here's a set of review comments from its first release back in 1978!!
"verve, skill and style"(Time Out)
"an inspired record"(BBC Folkweave)
"an album of exceptional quality"(NW Folk Guide)
"one of the most enjoyable instrumental albums I've ever had to review"(Fretwire)
"extremely enjoyable and very well researched"(Sandy Bell's Broadsheet)
"displays of solo virtuosity and joyous ensemble bashes"(Folk Roundabout)
"my copy is new but already well-worn"(New Tomorrow)
"one of the best performances and most enjoyable listens I have had recently"(Guardian)

For more Northern tunes check out HARCD 047 "Trip to the Lakes"