Live Music

[Bill]

Caroline-you're right about origins of Skiffle music, but the term itself is American, having been in use since the 1800's to describe the music, often played on home-made instruments, by the so-called 'jug bands' in the Southern States. The term 'skuffle' was also used, although this may be just a misspelling based on Southern pronunciation of the word! Whatever, for more info, see the RR's website at:

http://uk.geocities.com/ramblinriversiders

[Bill]

Noel, regarding tea chest basses. Harold Dearden, leader of the Ramblin' Riversiders has actually constructed a WATER TANK bass! Made from a plastic water cystern and with a length of wood as the 'neck'.The single string can actually be tuned as he has fit a tuning peg and the 'fretboard' has markings. It also has a 'pick up' fitted. Sadly, I don't think he'll be using that at Fox Lane as bass duties are handled by Pat Flood, one of the UK's top 'slap' double bassists.

As regards the Americans -they tended to use wash tub basses rather than trea chest basses. Washboards can still be purchased-at extortionate prices- from musical instrument manufacturers-they are purpose built. Otherwise, it's car boot sales, flea markets or hardware shops off the beaten track-like Ulverston!

PS Tickets still available for 24th!