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Illustrated Forest Tracks Discography

This is a list of the few albums on the defunct Forest Tracks recording label that I have (either as physical copies or as generous downloads).

Forest Tracks was founded as a non-profit-making organisation to issue recordings of local folk music from Hampshire and Dorset. Originally the brainchild of Gordon Mignot, Forest Tracks was formed after a meeting (c.1970) of interested parties at which the original team of Gordon Mignot, Dave Williams and Andy Jackson was established. John Edgar Mann joined when he suggested and planned the Folk Songs From Hampshire album.

Paul Marsh, a local singer, musician and folk music collector, became involved in the early nineties and Forest Tracks released important field recordings of previously unknown artists featuring Paul’s personal recordings. After the death of Dave Williams in 1997 it seemed more important than ever to keep Forest Tracks going, and Paul became a fully fledged and active member of the team, especially responsible for the label’s later CD releases.

The extended CD reissue of Folk Songs From Hampshire and Dorset is the only album I have that includes a song sung by Paul Marsh, The Shoemaker’s Kiss.

John Edgar Mann retired from his involvement with Forest Tracks in 2001 and local singer and folk musician Ron Coe joined the team. Paul Marsh died unexpectedly in 2018 and Forest Tracks had to close in 2021.

> Folk Music > Records > Forest Tracks

Various Artists: Folk Songs From Hampshire (Forest Tracks FT2006) Various Artists: Folk Songs From Hampshire, LP, Forest Tracks FT2006, 1974

Various Artists: Folk Songs From Dorset (Forest Tracks FT3007) Various Artists: Folk Songs From Dorset, LP, Forest Tracks FT3007, 1975

William Barnes: Lydlinch Bells (Forest Tracks FT3012) William Barnes, Lydlinch Bells, LP, Forest Tracks FT3012, 1978

William Barnes: The Year Clock (WildGoose WGS436CD) William Barnes, The Year Clock, 2 CD-R, Forest Tracks FT2CD 202, 2001; 2 CD, WildGoose WGS435CD, 2020

Various Artists: Folk Songs From Hamphire and Dorset (Forest Tracks FTBT 2CD1) Various Artists: Folk Songs From Hampshire and Dorset, 2 CD-R, Forest Tracks FTBT 2CD1, 2005

Tim Radford: George Blake’s Legacy (Forest Tracks FTCD 209) Tim Radford: George Blake’s Legacy, CD-R, Forest Tracks FTCD 209, 2009

Sarah Morgan and Jeff Gillett: The Flowers and the Wine (Forest Tracks FTM CD1) Sarah Morgan and Jeff Gillett: The Flowers and the Wine, CD-R, Forest Tracks FTM CD1, 2012

Tim Radford: From Spithead Roads (Forest Tracks FTCD 211) Tim Radford: From Spithead Roads, CD-R, Forest Tracks FTCD 211, 2012

The Willett Family: A-Swinging Down the Lane (Forest Tracks FT2CD KS1) The Willett Family: A-Swinging Down the Lane, 2 CD-R, Forest Tracks FT2CD KS1, 2013

> Folk Music > Records > Forest Tracks

Acknowledgements

Thank you very much to Tim Radford for invaluable help!