“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.

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.

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. 

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."

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.   

 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