REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

BOB LEWIS AND BOB COPPER - The Two Bobs’ Worth
Musical Traditions MTCD374

Subtitled, At A Sussex Folk Club, this is definitely much more than two bobs’ worth. Many of us will have fond memories of these two gentlemen of the music world as individuals, and here they are doing an evening together – a unique event, and one which I (for one) am grateful was recorded, and which is now available for us all to hear.

Bob Copper didn’t sing that often as an individual, so this represents a great chance to hear a little of the material that Bob’s extensive collecting forays yielded, and the asides and intros of both Bobs add considerably to the context and atmosphere of the recording. The same comments would apply to Bob Lewis, also an indefatigable seeker after songs.

There are 20 tracks here, equally divided between the two performers, and amply showcasing their different styles and approaches, while illustrating the various elements that they have in common. Being friends, they are plainly at ease in each other’s company, and with an audience that was largely made up of friends and acquaintances – these things help to make an evening flow. They finish up the evening, appropriately enough, with songs from their shared repertoire, and in some ways these are the highlights of what was plainly an unforgettable night for those lucky enough to have been there. Bob Copper’s unerring instinct for harmonies and part singing is a joy to listen to, and their Spencer The Rover will stay with me for a long time (even if there were differences between their two versions – or maybe partly because of that?).

As with all Musical Traditions recordings, there is a comprehensive booklet giving background to singers and songs and a full set of words and references. Yet another important and enjoyable offering from MT.

www.mustrad.org.uk

John Waltham