Calling All Chickens!
When I was a nipper they used to have a programme on the Â鶹Éç called Workers' Playtime.
Basically the Beeb used to send an outside broadcast van round to the canteen of
various factories at dinner time and broadcast a half hour variety show
presented for the workers while they were munching on their corned beef
and salad cream barm cakes.
I seem to remember all kinds of acts on the bill from comics like and , to mandolin players and "soubrettes".
It would no doubt sound corny and dated now but, believe me, it was cutting edge in them there days.
Why am I once more stirring up the murky waters of the stagnant quarry pool of my ancient past to tell you this? Well because the theme tune to Workers' Playtime 'Calling All Workers' is featured on a new album by one of my favourite English dance bands, .
Their new CD, 'Calling All Chickens' is a gem of vibrant eccentricity.
Imagine the orchestra at the Cafe Royale meets Whapweasel and you are somewhere close.
Brilliant tongue in cheek folk dance musicianship of the highest order, a plethora of tunes with more than a bit of eclecticism about them, and all coated with an indecent layering of fun.
'Calling All Chickens' should be dosed out on the National Health to all those suffering from depression. It could make a stone smile - never mind get up and dance.
Comment number 1.
At 29th Apr 2009, jdmorris4 wrote:I like to listen to that cd's.Thank for sharing
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Comment number 2.
At 4th May 2009, EnglishFolkfan wrote:Heard some of the tracks and background to the album on Genevieve Tudor's Sunday Folk, Â鶹Éç Radio Shropshire programme yesterday, when her guest was Edward 'Ted' Crum. Some wonderful live harmonica playing and great banter. Hope to hear more of the album on the airways and looking forward to seeing Steamchicken in full force at Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Ted was full of praise for young upcoming Folk musicians which rightly includes his lads.
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