Search - Van Morrison, Lonnie Donegan, Chris Barber :: Skiffle Sessions: Live in Belfast 1998

Buena Vista Social Club, UK!

Peter Savage | Near Portland, ME USA | 02/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Is this the English 'Buena Vista Social Club', or what? It's certainly the surprise of the year, and a record anyone interested in rootsy music should seek out. For those who don't recall this far back, 'skiffle' was a short-lived English phenomenon, following right on the heels of rock 'n' roll. A great do-it-yourself leveller, it was essentially three-chord folk music with simplistic musical accompaniment: a couple of acoustic guitars, often a one-string bass made from a tea chest and broom handle, with scrubbed washboards instead of drums. Its origins were in 'between sets' breaks by 'trad jazz' (Dixieland) bands. A way of giving guitarists something to do apart from plonking away on chords. Characteristically, skifflers liked breakneck tempos, tongue-twisting lyrics, and sly innuendo.The musical content was mostly American folk music, often blues or Appalachian standards. And Lonnie Donegan was one of the most commercially successful performers, before he slid into the 'family entertainer' category, as so many British popsters have done ever since.So, here's a surprise. Archgrowler Van Morisson, teaming up with the legendary Donegan and the venerable Chris Barber, one of the more 'purist' trad jazz bandleaders, nearly 40 years after the event, to offer a bunch of skiffle to the unenlightened -- or old guys like me! The live recording is rough, no one seems to have rehearsed very hard, and ... it's great. Van does his usual things, well. Donegan is a revelation, singing incredibly well. And the material is as great as it ever was. Never wanted to hear "Goodnight Irene" again? You'll love the version here. Everything's done with great enthusiasm, and the bit players include Dr. John, and the legendary sessionman Big Jim Sullivan. There are lots of surprises: Van's neo-primitive guitar solo, some great Django-isms, semi-operatic tenor bursts from Donegan, some carefully-planned harmonizing.It's all shamelessly inauthentic, ersatz and perked up with music hall asides. Unpretentious, unlike the 'blues boom' of the late 1960s, with all those fake Mississippi accents and mumbles. Well okay, Van mumbles up a storm, but that's part of his charm. You'd think they'd all just wandered in from the pub into your front room, and decided to jam... Simply put, it's fantastic. Was skiffle important, in the greater scheme of things? Sure. It got thousands of Brit kids playing the guitar. Among them, the Quarrymen, from a Liverpool school, who went on to become.... the Beatles. Skiffle was as seminal as punk in the late 1970s. Listen to this, and find out why. I only wish it had included two Donegan faves: "Rock Island Line" and "Cumberland Gap." This CD could have been twice the length, and still not delivered enough. But hey, there's always a next time..."

Van Morrison Turns Back the Clock for Us

Jerome Langguth | Erlanger, KY United States | 01/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Van Morrison has never really been comfortable in the post-Beatles rock world. His heroes tend to be jazz musicians, traditional folk artists, and, now we learn, skiffle pioneers. Every song on this disc reflects the love that Mr. Morrison and company have for this jumping, blues drenched, music. Especially noteworthy are the band's versions of Leadbelly's "Midnight Special" and "Goodnight Irene." The interplay between Mr.Morrison, Mr.Donegan, and Mr.Barber here is truly wonderful. It's also nice to hear Dr.John adding his two cents on a couple of tracks. I have read several reviews of this album that speak of the songs themselves as if they were "silly" or "trite." But, in fact, they are just good old folk, blues, and country songs set in motion by passionate and swinging musicians. Besides, how many of today's pop songs do you think will be performed, or even listened to, fifty years from now?"

Van the Man Lets Loose and Has Some Fun

Miss P | Dirty Jerz | 02/07/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Van Morrison had a good time the night this cd was recorded! He seems to be right in his element, singing songs on his own terms, with his own friends and it's a great thing to be a part of as Van welcomes you in with open arms.As far as content goes, this music is not for everyone. Fans of Van Morrison's more recent albums might resist the music as it's not smoothly polished like his studio recordings. Instead, Skiffle Sessions is more a combination of raw jazz, bordering on bluegrass, with a twist of folk, a sprinkling of country and a hint of Irish drinking songs mixed in for flavor. For those who like a comparison, the closest thing I can (or would) compare it to, would be "Shady Grove," the Jerry Garcia/David Grisman compilation, but with a much bigger potpourri of stylings.Notable songs include the two featuring Dr. John: "Goin' Home" and "Good Morning BLues." Dr. John adds a rich New Orleans sound to these tunes that is first rate. "Outskirts of Town" is rich and jazzy, while "It Takes a Worried Man," is the kind of song that will stay in your head all day, whether you want it to or not. Every good album must have a cover tune and Skiffle is no exception. Look for a sweet and sentimental version of "I Wanna Go Home," that ends the journey of the album.This album is no Astral Weeks. Do not look for songs like Moondance, or Brown Eyed Girl. Just sit back and enjoy it as much as Van seems to."