About THE UNKEMPT SKIFFLE BAND
“Skiffle is defined musically as a blend of jazz, blues and roots music dating back to the early 20th century that’s often homemade and improvised. But, for musician and bandleader it’s a way of life. There’s something cobbled together,
something unpredictable, there’s a certain disregard for propriety that ensures beauty, fun, truth, authenticity and some good sounds. The idea is to work with what you have. It’s not about polish and procedure, it’s scrappy. It’s a reflection of the human spirit, and the human spirit cannot be bought and sold.”
Farmer Dave Scher
The Unkempt skiffle band was formed four years ago when three of us got together in traditional skiffle style with one guitar, a tea chest bass and a washboard. Others soon joined the band and we became five with the addition of another guitar and a mandolin. Another year on we were then joined by a percussionist and a harmonica player and the band became seven. With an electric violin we became eight, and finally a second tea chest bass brought us to nine.
We started out mostly playing original skiffle songs but soon realised that we wanted to branch out a little and began introducing some rock, blues and gospel into our repertoire. Most of the material we play originates from songs that were written between the 1920s and 1950s and have been played by many artists throughout the decades. We also write
some of our own material, which we include in our set and on this CD.
The Line-Up
Malcolm Kemp: guitar, vocals, harmonica, ukelele
Phil Hampshire: tea chest bass
Andrew Haig: washboard, vocals
Andy Bennett: guitar, vocals
Chris Jackson: guitar, mandolin, vocals
Suki Maskell: percussion
Carol Webb: wash tub bass
Dave Carter: harmonica
Robert Rosenthal: violin
Malcolm Kemp (guitar,ukulele and vocals)
I first learnt to play the guitar at the age of 14 at school and from thereon played with several bands up until the time I went to art college. It was there that I became friends with Leo Sayer, who I spent many hours with doing practice sessions. He later went on to become an international star.
After leaving college I became a graphic designer and only played the guitar for my own benefit right up until we formed the Unkempt Skiffle Band in 2017.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Andy Bennnett (guitar and vocals)
I was born in London and spent many years in Brighton, before retiring to a remote village in West Sussex. Fifty years before joining The Unkempt, I was in a band who once played support to The Pretty Things. My musical influences include Beethoven, Bob Dylan, John Coltrane, blues and Celtic folk music, but not all of these are apparent in my playing.
Andrew Haig (washboard and vocals)
What do you do if you’d like to play along with a band but are no musician. That’s right – you play the washboard! Within weeks I was able to chug-a-lug, which I thought was enough. Then ace-musician Chris joined the band and his first comment to me was “Andrew you need more than just chug-a-lug”. I took him to heart and now, after three years of intense practice, I can chug-a-lug-a-lug. On the other hand, having spent 75 odd years telling people I can’t sing, one of the sweetest discoveries is that, in fact, I can. Oh, and I’ve written a few songs. Thanks Unkempt.
Dave Carter (harmonica)
I started out with the saxophone in the school band aged 15 and played with various groups in my teens. After a hiatus of about 30 years, I picked up a harmonica a few years ago and have more recently rediscovered the joy of playing in a band with my fellow 'skifflers'. Playing in the Unkempt is great fun. It's been a real musical journey which has introduced me to lots of great new music.
Phil Hampshire (tea chest bass)
A conversation overheard at band practice...
Malcolm: "What's left on your bucket list?"
Phil: "A date with Julia Roberts, West Ham to win the Premier League and I'd like to become a half-decent bass player.”
Malcolm: "I think one of those might be possible. If I get her number, I'll let you know."
Suki Maskell (percussion)
Being a part of The Unkempt is a joyous and uplifting experience just as it was when I first heard them play in 2019 as a trio. Their enthusiasm was infectious and I knew I wanted to be a part of the group in spite of my lack of musical background, although my training in London as a dancer has been a helpful resource to draw upon in the rhythm section.
From playing a single tambourine when I started with the band, leading on to a whole mix of percussion instruments, the rhythms, gritty drive and energy continue to keep the essence of skiffle alive even if it is a term mostly unheard of for those born after the 60s.
Chris Jackson (tenor guitar, mandolin and vocals)
I bought my first guitar from a school mate for ten shillings and quickly learnt the theme to the Third Man TV series. Next move was trying to learn the new finger-picking style of Bert Jansch and Davey Graham. Mixed success with that but found playing with other folks was most enjoyable. After a career encouraging the use of technology and computers in education, I took up the mandolin as a retirement project and landed up one day in Brighton with this disparate group of UnKempt individuals.
Rob Rosenthal (violin)
When I was six I wanted to play the harp. Maybe it was a Marx brothers thing. But my mum told me the violin was more practical. Since then, I've come to love playing classical, rock, folk, blues, psychadelia, American and klezmer -and am always curious to develop into new genres. The creative energy of playing music with other people is one of my greatest pleasures. I've played in a few bands over the years, though none famous yet. The Unkempt are a lot of fun to play with. I hope it is as much fun for you to listen to us.
Carol Webb (washtub bass)
I played recorder and tinkled a bit on piano when I was a youngster but nothing since… until three members of my running club calling themselves the UnKempt Skiffle band came and played at a house party of mine. I was hooked. Time passed and the band was increasing in numbers so I could only dream. But then Phil, the Tea chest bass player went on extended holiday and I jumped in to cover for him. Now I play washtub bass and back up on washboard
Where to Find Us
The Unkempt are based in Brighton and gig around the town. As well as gigs they play at public (arts fairs, sports events, street markets) and private (weddings) events. Get in touch to discuss them playing at your event at: unkemptskiffleband@gmail.com
