THE ETCHINGHAM STEAM BAND (Fledgling FLEDG3002)
Having missed the Etchingham Steam Band the first time round, I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never get to hear them.
When Squire Hutchings mentioned in phone conversation that there was enough material on tape for an album. and David Suff was contemplating releasing it, my heart missed a beat - this was the next best thing to discovering a time machine.
The recording fills an important gap in the Hutchings/Shirley Collins canon.
Considering the source, the sound quality is remarkably good and succeeds in capturing all the warmth and atmosphere of the live performance. It is like being present at a really good pub session.
The repertoire comprises mainly Sussex tunes and songs, with a sprinkling of Morris tunes.
Other material includes a wonderful rendition of 'The Sussex Carol', recorded at Cecil Sharp House and a wonderfully rousing 'Some Tyrant'.
Recordings are taken from venues ranging from Lewes Folk Day, in Sussex, to a Swiss folk festival.
Shirley Collins is in great form accompanying her voice by banging a hobby horse, strung with bells, on the stage.
The sleeve notes, as is usual for Fledgling, are comprehensive and include interviews with band members and even an old photograph of Etchingham Railway Station.
Anyone who loves English dance music and traditional song owes David Suff a great debt for giving back to us this vital piece of our musical heritage. It raises the tantalising question of what material was left off the album? - Indispensable.
(Andy Hemsley)