gloscon

I think the explanation is quite simple. The illustration is headed "Anglo Chromatic concertina" and does indeed show just that. However, it is clearly not a picture of a 20 key, diatonic, instrument. Counting the keys shows that. So obviously nothing like an English layout. But many people produce enjoyable music on a 20 key diatonic. Stick with it! Could be a good starter instrument. Regards Les

Rich If you care to email me at lesbranchett@hotmail.com with your postal address I can sent you a copy of the Salvation Army tutor for the Crane(Triumph) duet. Regards Les

I knew it was an April Fool's joke as David Cameron promised us there would be no more EU legislation. --- Or was his the biggest April Fool's joke of all time? Easter Greetings. Les

Dave I do not think you could do any better than contact Chris Algar at barleycorn@concertina.co.uk. Chris has the largest stock of concertinas in the UK and I am sure from the dozens he has you could easily arrange to reserve one in advance. Les

First rate all round. brilliant. Les

A NONAGONAL shape always seemed to make sense to me. With 360 degrees 8 sides does not result in a whole number. But nine would. Nine sided shapes have always fascinated me, but they are rarely to be found even in the normal world. Only two that I can recall finding. One in a urinal drain and the other in a chandelier at university I must stop, or you will think that I am as odd as a nine sided concertina. The shape just doesn't seem to look comfortable, somehow. Let me know if you ever find any. Les

Hi Wolf The tune Michael uses is commonly called Randolph. By Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). To words by a Washington Minister, Rev.Tomer. The tune is in "The English Hymnal" published by Oxford University Press. Hope this is useful. Les

Yes, I too liked Cranham In the deep mid winter! But then I would, wouldn't I. I can see it from out of the window. Gentle woodland among the hills surrounding Gloucester. Les

F as a substitute for G sharp is not really that unique. Even Geoffrey Crabb comments that that is what they did. See his chart giving ranges on concertina instruments in the Bought and Sold forum 13th October - his response on 15th October. Incidentally the first treble EC I ever owned had the low left hand A flat changed to F (solder wise). I found this useful, it not only lowered the range but meant a neat F A C triad on the left hand with the octave F on the right. You see like most people I never played in A flat major and hopefully will never have to. But F major was always a possibility. Now on my Baritone the low right hand G sharp is the F. I never seems natural to me, as I somehow always expect to find it somewhere on the left. And an octave F the same side most odd. Isn't concertina playing fun! Les

Hi Mart and Geoff Thanks, I should have thought of that. It certainly fits the concertina better in the Key of G. Also I think it presents well on the baritone. Les

Hit Mart. I'm puzzled. What key are you playing in if you start the Bourree II on top f sharp. Or have I got completely the wrong tune? Les

Hi The picture of the finely drawn concertina submitted by John Wild was drawn by Doug Katagiri, and appeared as a centrefold to Issue No. 13 of Concertina and Squeezebox 1986. At the time the editorial comment was made that "it's just not right that a woman should have to flaunt a bright, sexy little Aeola treble English just to get somebody to notice her." It will be noticed that the new improved uniform was not universally adopted. Cheers. Les Branchett

Hi Don I don't know of any original, but that probably means someone will immediately contradict me,which is good news for you. However several years back Plymouth Congress SA Concertina Band (about a dozen players) produced a centenary celebration audio tape. Someone there may have a copy. Search Plymouth Congress Hall Salvation Army. It gives an address, but I could find no email. Failing that, I may be able to get a copy of my tape if I can find a duplicating facility. Other now defunct band were at the following, and may yield some information for you. Doncaster Citadel Salvation Army. Postal address but no email. Salvation Army Dumfries. email terri.holdroyd@salvationarmy.org.uk Bristol Citadel Salvation Army. email bristolcitadel@salvationarmy.org.uk Hope this information may yield some success for you. Les Branchett

Concertina Magazines. Yes please - an interesting collection.Please send email to squeezy@easy.com to let me know where and to whom to make payment. Many thanks. Les Branchett

I think you're wrong there Les. I'll let others comment but as I understand it the "new model" tag was applied to the upgraded, raised end instrument that they came out with that was considered an improvement on the previous flat-ended instruments Nothing to do with the range. You could get New Model trebles, tenors, baritones and basses.. Not really wrong. The S.A. introduced this "New Model" , but never in the advertisement referred to it as a Tenor. As I said to start -- Just to add to the confusion, particularly as Wheatstone liked to call the raised ended models "New".

Just to add to the general confusion, the Salvation Army referred to a 48 key Concertina, with the lowest note C below middle C, a the "New Model English Concertina". It was intended to gratify English players who then envied the duet players who had the advantage of this lower range. It could be six or eight sided, depending on how affluent you were, and was frequently advertised in their 1935 tutor. Les

Sadly, Louis Killen passed away on 13th August, aged 79. A major influence in English folk song, whether a cappella or with his innovative concertina playing, he emphasized the vernacular of the North East of England, with its background of the sea, shipbuilding, and coal mining. Later the River Tyne was exchanged for the Hudson after a move to the USA. The Clearwater albums, solo performing and many years with the Clancy Brothers came to an end with his absolute dislike of the Bush regime. Back in England his influence on the folk scene continued unabated, and he received the EnglishFolk Dance and Song Society Gold Badge Award. Unfortunately his personal conflicts (three failed marriages, etc.) still remained, and in his seventies he underwent gender reassignment. With great dignity and respect he resumed his folk performing and lecturing as Louisa Jo Killen. Les Branchett

I am sure the article to which you refer can be found in "Concertina and Squeezebox" No. 23, Summer 1990, at pages 5 to 10. Any problemns, plese send me a PM. Les Branchett

The Business Minister has said that as part of the attempt to abolish unnecessary red tape, they will be cancelling the need to obtain a licence for the performance of live music before 11.0 p.m. This will include such venues as pubs, theatrical groups, schools, etc. etc. Sanity at last! Watch this space. Les

Bram Thornett and Archie Burgess. For other interesting information, Bram's son has a web address at davidthornett.co.uk Les

Another Basch bourree Baffled by Bach bouree? The explanation is quite simple. Conventional scores (Bach's original autograph has never been found) show the Suite III bouree No. I in the key of C major. No. II commences with a change of key, not the expected C minor, but G minor, two flats. In the PDF transcript, Bouree I is in G major, thnus No. II becomes D minor (one flat) raised B's and C's, and often w ith the E flat and F often similarly affected, but never in conflict. O the beauty of Bach! Put simply, for No. II the notes are right, bugt the key is wrong. PS. When finally repeating No. I, don't frorget to revert to the orignal key.