From: Pete Fyfe
[petefyfe_at_aol_dot_com]
Sent: 11 June 2012 00:51
Subject: Pete Fyfe: Gannin' To
Blaydon Races review & Sleeve
Attachments: Gannin' To Blaydon
Races.jpg
VARIOUS ARTISTS - Gannin' To
Blaydon Races: The Songs Of George Ridley (Mawson Wareham Music MWMCDSP107)
The unitary district of
Northumberland is to be lauded for its musical contributions to the world
including as it does Billy Mitchell, Lindisfarne and Jack The Lad etc and
perhaps none more so than the unofficial anthem "Blaydon Races" written by
George ?Geordie' Ridley. This 19th Century song captures the very
essence of the community at the time and performed in glorious recitation by
Benny Graham conveys the fun in the chorus with its extended holding on the
word ?roaaaaad' (think Newcastle United supporters on a beery match afternoon!)
joined by members of The Whole Hog Band. This recording of Ridley's classic,
along with the other 16 songs he penned in his short life should form a part of
every ?folk music' lover's CD collection. On the album, the ?music hall' genre
of which the song is a celebrated fixture also features Ridley's other ?hit'
"Cushey Butterfield" and less well-known gems "Joey Jones", "Cabman" and "Harry
Clasper" performed by artists including Jim Mageean, Johnny Handle, Brian
Watson and Terry Conway. Credit must also go to the arranging skills of Vic
Gammon and the wonderful team at Mawson-Wareham who have more or less
single-handedly taken the reins in promoting the spirit of Northumberland. With
an eye to capturing every ?entertainment market' there is an accompanying DVD
on the story of Ridley (featuring actor Craig Conway) produced by Ray Raidlaw
& Geoff Wonfor and, as if that wasn't enough there is also a sumptuously
packaged book by author Dave Harker providing the reader with everything you
needed to know about this most colourful character and the hopefully never to
be forgotten era of the music hall. Talking of which?I nearly forgot?if you're
looking for a good old fashioned sing-a-long then look no further, it's a
wonderful collection! www.mawson-wareham.com
PETE FYFE