Track Listing

1. It Takes A Worried Man
2. Lost John
3. Goin' Home
4. Good Morning Blues
5. Outskirts of Town
6. Don't You Rock Me Daddio
7. Alabamy Bound
8. Midnight Special
9. Dead or Alive
10. Frankie and Johnny
11. Goodnight Irene
12. Railroad Bill
13. Muleskinner Blues
14. The Ballad of Jesse James
15. I Wanna Go Home
16. Muleskinner Blues
17. Ballad Of Jesse James
18. I Wanna Go Home

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #49402 in Music
• Released on: 2000-01-17
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Live

Amazon.co.uk Review
From the opening "It Takes A Worried Man" to the singalong close of "I Wanna Go Home", this is as much Lonnie Donegan's party as it is Van's. Most of these songs are old Donegan favourites anyway, including such warhorses as "Lost John", "Alabamy Bound", "Railroad Bill" and "Frankie & Johnny". The veteran King of Skiffle revitalised his career on the excellent Muleskinner's Blues album thanks largely to the support and encouragement of Van Morrison, and he goes a long way towards returning the favour here as he helps make The Skiffle Sessions a stomping, rollicking celebration of what pensionable-age rockers do best: get back to their roots. The two frontmen strike sparks off each other as they trade acoustic guitar licks while the storming backing band supply all the really neat fills. Dr John pops up briefly to tickle his ivories, while Chris Barber and other old friends put in guest appearances, but it's the Van and Lonnie show all the way. Everyone involved is obviously having such a good time--including the audience--that it's hard to resist raiding the kitchen in search of a washboard and joining in the fun. Great party music and probably the only opportunity you'll ever get to watch your Gran really rock. --Mark Walker

CD Description
Skiffle--a weird amalgam of folk, blues, and British music hall, never really caught on in the U.S., but in England it was the most important vector of post-war British pop beforethe coming of rock & roll. Donegan was the genre's biggest star (his first hit, "Rock Island Line", was made in 1954 asa member of trombonist Chris Barber's trad jazz band), and here he reunites with Barber and younger skiffle fan Morrison for spirited, sloppy-in-the-best-way, renditions of his (and the genre's) biggest hits. At 70, Donegan still sounds exactly like he did in the '50s, and all three musicians seem to be having the time of their lives, as does special guest pianist Dr. John, whose New Orleans influence adds some welcome variety.

Customer Reviews

Excellent live performance from two of the best!
Being from Belfast and a long time Morrison fan I may be biased, but I can honestly say I could not get enough of this recording. Like a lot of people my knowledge of Lonnie Donegan started and ended with 'Rock Island Line' or 'My old Man's a Dustman' but after this I will be searching out at least a 'best of' CD. This album from the first track 'It takes a worried man' just rocks and skiffles along to the end leaving the listener wishing he was in Belfast that night for this rare treat. Van is in great form, his voice blending perfectly with the quieter folkier style of Donegan. Fairly blues influenced over all but my personal favourite is Jesse James sung by Morrison in Hank Williams style, a gem. Pity Morrison couldn't follow this up with a similar tribute to early country music as he has here with Skiffle and with Irish traditional music on Irish Heartbeat. This is a CD I will enjoy and strum along with for a long time to come.

a shining light in a sea of mediocrity!
Every now and again someone produces a master class. I came across this CD by chance just before Christmas, thought I'd treat myself, and play all or some of it almost every day! The blend of Van the man, Lonnie D and Chris Barber might seem inconguous - albeit Mr Barber played with most of the 50/60+ somethings in the 50's still around today! including LD. However, there is music! tuneful music, humour,FUN! Fond memories of the music we played as kids, music youngsters coud make today. Buy it. Wonderful CD, My only regret: Wasn't there to see it happen!

The Man- The skiffle sessions
I had the priviledge to see Lonnie at Stockton when I was 2 years old and again when I was 45. Now The Man has gone-but he has left a legacy of skiffle and folk songs sung to the last with a perfect voice and uninhibited enthusiasm. Buy this CD and hear what old friends can do.You won't regret it.