This is one of the many tunes used in the North of England for While Shepherds Watched their Flocks written by Nahum Tate and published in 1703. I think I first heard it sung in Ripponden at the Ryburn club and it stuck fast in my memory. Although I have heard lots of other tunes used such as Ilkley Moor and Willie o’ Winsbury, this is the one I like best. We had great fun putting all the extra harmony parts including cheesy chiming bells. We once sang this at a village Christmas party in Cambridgeshire to which the local vicar was invited. Her face was a picture during the song and the raucous chorus that everybody bellowed. I suspect that she had never heard a congregation take to a carol in quite the gleeful way they did that night. She made a very rapid exit afterwards.
~ Mary Humphreys
credits
from A Baker's Dozen,
released June 6, 2012
Mary Humphreys: vocals
Anahata: Anglo concertina, chorus vocals, bells
supported by 4 fans who also own “Sweet Chiming Bells”
Because I couldn't decide what my favourite track was. It's a beautiful album and every track could be my favourite. However, I am a soppy git so I chose stowaway. Thank you Jon and keep up the good work. amediamonkey