Play 90 second soundbite of 'Wreck Of The Old '97' @ 'CD quality'
The British music scene would not be what or where it is now without the magnificent Lonnie Donegan. He took skiffle to Britain and then the world. Much maligned for his sheer arrogance at the time Donegan knew what he was doing and where it could take him but I bet he didn't realise what an impact his music would eventually have. Prior to this, the last recording I have featuring Lonnie Donegan is a superb 2000 album by Van Morrison called 'The Skiffle Sessions' where the great men also team up with jazz man Chris Barber.
The roots of Donegan's genre come from blues, jazz and country with a hint of gospel thrown in. With basic instrumentation, little money and no backing, Lonnie Donegan came as an inspiration to music lovers of the late 40's and early 50's. He went against the grain, paddled against the flow, persevered and won through with guts and an unthwartable determination to succeed with his new 'love' - skiffle.
Borrowing heavily from American grass roots country Donegan laid down his often simplistic words against almost minimalistic melodies and came up with fantastically original and catchy story-telling songs. This double album compilation pays tribute to the extraordinary man and raw talent of Lonnie Donegan. Fifty tracks of uplifting ditties to make you feel better about your place in this world. They may sound naive, almost crude, nowadays but back then these songs were almost revolutionary. And now here is the chance to sample the exceptional delight of the man and his music. This is a fantastic collection of works - 'Lonnie Donegan (just about as good as it gets!)' is a real charmer. It's a piece of brutal reality from way back when but, surprisingly, Donegan's work is as relevant now as it was courageous then.
'From little acorns big oak trees grow', and so it was with Lonnie Donegan and his skiffle music. Donegan paved the way for others to follow, grow and prosper - all musicians now owe a debt of eternal musical gratitude to this great man. Superb!!
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