South London Folk Blog

I had the good fortune to play for a second time at the Gorringe Park Tavern this week (Tuesday). My first visit was with John and Justine as my backing to perform a few ‘Dick Philpot’ songs. This weeks visit was a more spontaneous affair with my rather cheekily asking Tim Buckley at very short if I could play harmonica on his set. The gent that he is Tim said yes which led to another extremely enjoyable evening. This night at the Gorringe happens once a month and features singers and comedians and I believe spoken word and its all hosted by Pete Kermally a grand comic and Andy Gibbons and grand singer! The event is a joy and at present I’m looking forward to listening to the live recording of the evening that Andy does for free and then posts on the web. I am also enjoying receiving photos via facebook again taken and generously shared by Andy. I’ll be updating this post as the live recording ‘hits the web’ and I recommend you looking these guys up on facebook and saying hello.

I just couldn’t resist……. free download

The gentleman on the right in the stripey jacket is Edward C Byles of the Harmonica Scamps. The Scamps were a Harmonica Orchestra who trod the boards in Norfolk / Great Yarmouth back in, I believe, the 1950s. Sadly Mr Byles passed away last year but his harmonicas remain! and lucky fella that I am a I acquired them for a few pieces of eight from his niece. I’m currently reworking a few new recordings in order to, in particular, incorporate the the deep and dark sounds of the Hohner G Bass. Oh the joy - I know there’s an answer!