PROPER ENGLISH - A Little Cup Of Tea
Private Label PRODAN2017
Proper English themselves say they are “a band who have always been more interested in performing live” - this is probably just as well, although the modern scene seems to demand ‘product’ and so this CD is the outcome. Twenty-one tracks, three voices, multiple instruments, well-played tunes (three sets) with some sensible arrangements, and an eclectic selection of songs ranging from classic folksong (The Drowned Sailor, Garners Gay, etc.) to music-hall (Golden Kippers, Don’t ’Ang My ’Arry, etc.). Instruments – an impressive variety - feature on every track with two exceptions (The Rambling Soldier and Last Long Mile / And When I Die. The notes to the tracks are brief but informative and always credit sources. Sadly, the CD suffers from sloppy engineering, doubtful equalisation, poor vocal blending and some pitch issues. There is considerably more enthusiasm here than finesse and I suspect that the band is best seen as a live act.
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Tom Brown
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