Thursday, December 10, 2009
"British skiffle (image - The Doghouse Skiffle Group) grew out of the developing post-war British jazz scene, which saw a move away from swing music and towards authentic traditional jazz. It is a type of pop music with jazz, blues, folk, roots and country influences, using homemade or improvised instruments.The origins of skiffle are obscure, but are generally thought to lie in African-American musical culture in the early 20th century. Skiffle is often said to have developed from New Orleans jazz, but this has been disputed. It became popular again in England in the 1950s, where it was mainly associated with Lonnie Donegan and played a major part in beginning the careers of other eminent music people in the late 50s and 60s.
They used things like a washboard, jugs, tea chest bass, cigar-box fiddle, musical saw, and comb-and-paper kazoos, as well as more conventional instruments like acoustic guitar and banjo. The term 'skiffle' was one of many slang phrases for a rent party, a social event with a small charge designed to pay rent on a house."
In Singapore, except for a few singers, most of the 60s artistes that have recorded with the top music labels came after skiffle was established. By then the swanky, solid guitars and drum-set were available, all polished and shiny. Who needs a washboard?
But skiffle sound is different. And it is great. Still got the vinyl anyone?
Information/Reference: Wikipedia (edited).
Image: http://mungomania.com/
