Release Date: 26 October 2009
Label: Topic
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 714822058124
Genres: Folk English Folk
Description
Scan Tester, 1887 – 1972, was the best known anglo concertina player around the folk scene in the 1960s and early 70s, playing in a traditional style that might have been lost if not for him.
Lewis "Scan" Tester was born in Sussex in 1887 to a musical family. He was something of a prodigy playing from the age of 8 at all sorts of social functions where music was required, including pubs. While his greatest prowess was on the anglo-German concertina, he was first rate step-dancer, a fine singer and also played fiddle, melodeon and tambourine. He was famous in his local area and played almost every weekend at The Stone Quarry Pub for over 40 years. In the mid 1950s Reg Hall met him and invited him to play in his loose-knit band of musicians. Their playing schedule covered the usual pub gigs, private parties and also included a trip to London where Scan played before a full house at the Royal Festival Hall. Game to go anywhere, Scan accepted invitations to clubs and festivals around the country and thus became known and loved by a public beyond his own place and time. Mostly recorded by Reg Hall, these 55 tracks – expanded and remastered from the 1990 vinyl LP – open a window to our musical past. A labour of love, this double CD is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest traditional musicians this country has produced.
Topic Records are proud to reissue these important recordings from their archive as part of the label's 70th anniversary celebrations.
Tracklisting
Jim Ghedi & Toby Hay
Angeline Morrison
The Watersons
Jon Boden, Seth Lakeman, Ben Nicholls, Emily Portman, Jack Rutter
Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage
Anne Briggs
Martin Simpson
Fay Hield
Eliza Carthy & Ben Seal
Jon Doran & The Northern Assembly
The Home Service
Nick Harper
Banter
Mat Green & Andy Turner
Leon Rosselson
Various Artists
