Robin Madge

I think that we all need to explore all the different ways that the Anglo is played, you never know what you might find that is just the suggestion that you were looking for. I wrote my tutor after John Kirkpatrick told me that I played differently from other players and perhaps it would be a good idea to try and write down what I was doing! I went down the ebook route as it required almost no cost to me and I was unsure if anyone would want to buy a physical copy. Best of luck with the book Bruce. Robin Madge

Yes "Earnestly". I don't have any old Folkroots mags lying around anymore! I think the "and" was included as well, DEAF-ASS. Robin.

I have just had a look through the latest EFDSS magazine, EDS August 2024, which has an article about the Morris Ring turning 90. There are two photos that feature Willam Kimber's Anglo (one with Andy Turner playing it) and in both captions it is refered to as a melodeon! There looks to be 14 articles, one about song, one about muscianship, one about "wokeness" and the rest about dance. Anyone else remember the "Dance Endlessly and Forget About Song Society" gibes? Robin

Interesting. I was talking to Chris Sherburn last night about his setup which is basically the same as Microvox but with the velcro patches sewn onto the concertina ends through the fretwork. He has the same trouble with velcro as I do; the adhesive gives way, particularly when you keep changing concertinas as I do, usually four different instruments in a concert. Looking at the video I am now considering using clips onto some form of plate, perhaps under the hands and against the handrest with cables hanging straight down. Has anyone tried this? Robin

I rather think you just did! Robin

I play for a U3A dance group twice a month. We have had one faller in the last four years that caused a dance to stop but mostly they want to dance slower anyway. We are now trying to speed them up a bit as it is supposed to be exercise! Robin

And the one on the extreme left is looking at her smartphone. Robin

Do the papers contain the words to his songs as well? I occasionaly sing his DIY song and have an old cassette tape with that and The Comuter on somewhere in the loft. They still raise a chuckle. Robin

I find that there are about 33 buttons that I use on my 40 button concertinas, and that there are a few of the standard 30 button layout that I could do without! I am always using the left button on the middle row on the right hand. Robin

I know quite a few guitarist who play a lot in E and fiddle player who play a lot in A. It could be useful to play along with them. Robin

Think if you can add to the meaning of the lyrics. Taking an example from one song we do as Caffrey/McGurk/Madge, "The Halton Mining Disaster"; where birds are described as singing I do a trill and rapid notes, where a warning siren blares I play a loud chord. it may sound a bit like musical jokes but it does add to the experience of the performance. There are other subtler bits as well! Robin Madge

I'm not sure if my ebook tutor has been mentioned. Another approach to the Anglo concertina. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Approach-Anglo-Concertina-Robin-ebook/dp/B01MSKQ4WT Robin Madge

Is it a scent of nutmeg by any chance? I was told that some concertina owners kept a nutmeg in their concertina cases in the belief that it would help the bellows remain supple. When I bought my 40 button wheatstone C/G it had a nutmeg in the case. Robin

In a similar vein, one zoom session that I participate in had a "Secret Santa" event where various people's names were drawn out of a hat to suggest songs for other participants that they had been paired with. It gave an oportunity to try out a song (or tune) from an unfamiliar genre. Robin

There are so many highlights. Until I think of another one, I would put playing improvisations in an instrumental section of a performance of "Knocking on Heaven's Door" with my old group Blind Panic back in the 90's. This was on D/G anglo with pickups and through a chorus pedal, digital delay pedal and graphic equaliser! We used to call it the welsh song...... "knocking on Evans' door". Recently with the current trio (Caffrey/McGurk/Madge) I would put playing my own tune "Coire Laggan" together with "Farewell to Tawathy", I really love the way they complement each other. Next album I think. Robin