Customer Reviews

Skiffle Sessions: Live in Belfast 1998

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4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
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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?

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 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.

Remember that mountian family from the Andy Griffith show? The one where all the men played in a bluegrass band and Ernest T. Bass was in love with the daughter, Charlene? Well, take that band, throw in a dash of the Stray Cats, a shake of Waylon & Willie, put it all on Bourbon Street, and you've got the idea here. Lot's of fun, but probably not up your alley if you're looking for more of the Man's ballads of the 80's or his Celtic blues/soul/pop of the 90's. However, this collection is certainly more fun than his other recent diversions - improvisational jazz in "How Long Has This Been Going On?" and his contribution to the Mose Allison tribute "Tell Me Something".

While wandering through Dubai record shop I saw the album Skiffle Sessions and recognized the names of Van Morrison, Lonnie Donegan and Chris Barber from my long ago youth. Taking a chance I bought it. Best mistake I ever made. A great combination of rock, folk, jazz and blues from old masters. A must for Donegan collectors or for just hearing great fun music.

Morrison is the only famous musician I've heard who successfully marries so many distinct musical styles: Jazz, country, folk, gospel, blues, celtic, and rock and roll. I've never heard of "skiffle", but I love its basis of acoustic blues, country, and jazz. These three styles are blended well here with lots of musical hooks. Essentially, it's an acoustical jam session and a great musical diversion for the Man (and listeners). Van purists will probably disapprove, which is probably your best reason for checking into it. Look no farther than Carlos Santana to confirm that in music, like so many other things, diversions can be a good thing.

The Skiffle Sessions is a foot-stomping, high energy release featuring legendary Van Morrison and a couple of his old musical heros. Van is uncharacteristically upbeat on this CD. It is loaded with sheriffs, and gun-toting western country energy... A very different Van Morrison release but very lively and fun to listen to. Van's long and illustrious career is dotted with a variety of musical styles and Skiffle is a great new addition. I saw the group perform live recently and Donnegan, Barber and Mr. Morrison were clearly having a good ol time performing. I would highly recommend this release for Van fans and everyone else.

In the early 1960s Skiffle was a folk-bluesy phase the first generation of Irish-English rockers all went through. Cause they were enthusiastic and hard poor, they used tin cans, washboards, empty bottles, whatever, as instruments. And tried to play songs they'd heard coming out of the U.S. country-blues/folk movement.

Morrison gathered the original Irish Skiffle crew together for a concert. You've got to be a real musicologist to recognize their names, and I'm not. This time they've got guitars [mixed acoustic and electric], a genuine drum kit, etc. They've lost none of their anarchic, improvisational spirit, however. Great stuff! Van sings like he's into it.

Whenever I want great (eg. amazon five-star) truck-drivin' music, the first place I search is amazon "truck-drivin". Of course, this was my connection with Van Morrison's Skiffle Sessions. You wonder why?. Well, here's why: I don't own a truck, but I do own a Van. When I entered "Van Drivin Music", amazon returned The Skiffle Sessions. I've got to admit, it's the finest 53 minutes of van drivin music I can remember. I loved it and I bought it. Every time I hear the Ballad of Jesse James, it reminds me a little bit more of Jesse's birthdate. It really gets to me. Tom

I have never before owned a Van Morrison recording. I am a long time devotee of blues, folk and bluegrass and never have I experienced all three on one recording. If you can sit perfectly still while listening to this gem, you'd best call your doctor. For me this is kind of like discovering a new author and then reading everything he or she has published. I tried to read my e-mail in the office this morning but couldn't concentrate on it until all 15 tracks had played. I've never heard of skiffle but I love it.