efn Reviews
Good Hearted Fellows

“Good Hearted Fellows - Field Recordings of Keith Summers” Various Artists
Wildgoose WGS324CD
This CD gives a taste of the wonderful tradional musicians and singers that the late Keith Summers recorded in his travels throughout the ninceteen-seventies. Produced to the highest quality expected of the 'Veteran' label this compilation of songs and tunes from Suffolk also comes wiht a thick booklet of résumés of the performers compiled by John Howson and notes on the tunes and lyrics by Mike Yates and Katie Howson.

With thirty two tracks, this CD is such good value; just like Archie Andrews on the radio this CD includes dancing dolls and one Ted Cobbin, who was surely the inspiration for Rambling Sid Rumpoe!

Field recordings of this quality have a simplicity and purity that just isn't in modern studio recordings. It is so refreshing to hear folk singing and music playing just for the hell of it - not to make money, become famous or otherwise impress the impressionable - just for the joy of it.

Review By: John New
From efn issue 132 - September 2006
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