I spent a pleasant couple of sessions at Sidmouth with Will Duke teaching us some of the tunes and techniques of the anglo player Scan Tester.

Here's a picture of Will with Scan's concertina in C/G (in the right hand) and a modern Dipper in D/G.

Howard Mitchell

I've seen and handled Will's Dipper anglo - a lovely instrument, even by the standards of the Master. Unfortunately I was unable to go to the workshops because entry was by season ticket only (in common with all workshops), and all workshop season tickets were sold before folk week started. Yet another kind gesture by Mrs Casey Music. At this point I am much tempted to give vent to some unparliamentary language, but I shall resist

Chris

I have known Will for many years and I was discussing Will with a friend only yesterday,by coincedance.We both agree after listening closely to his performance on a recording copy I have.Although Will based his style on Scan Tester ,I think he has gone way past him as far as playing is concerned.He is of course closely linked with Scan even playing his old concertinas and still plays the octave style but I think his Scan Tester link is now over and people should be refering to the Will Duke style.
I have said before, Will in only a short time in my early playing years taught me a lot and I am grateful to him for that.
Al

The superb playing of Will Duke is featured on "The Concertina Concert"video.See the post on this subject.

I highly recommend the CD he made with Dan Quinn - 'Scanned, music for lungs and bellows' which has given me a great deal of pleasure over the past couple of years. They are making their annual appearance at the Islington Folk Club in London on Sept 2nd.

Jamie

Alan,

Will made this point himself during the workshop. He's quite aware that his style has developed from Scan's and is now his own.

Howard

My remarks about Will were not against your wording Howard,but I must admit the second reading of them it would appear so.So please do not take offence.
I think in the early days Will was quite happy to be compaired with Scan and his playing was almost identical as were the tunes,but after many years
Scan`s Son,Grandson,Brother,Nephew and Clone introductions and any time anything is written about him must be getting on his nerves.
"As does Night and Day You are the one"
Al