Ancient Beatbox

Type of music generally:

Traditional, but a mixture of Irish, Scottish, and Middle-Eastern folk, World

See also:

AllMusic's entry on Ancient Beatbox

Paul James was also in Monsoon

Ancient Beatbox is related to Blowzabella

Recommended first album:

Ancient Beatbox only known available recording

Recordings:

Ancient Beatbox (1996)

Ancient Beatbox

Release info:

1996—Cooking Vinyl

Group members:

Nigel Eaton—cello, Hurdy Gurdies
Paul James—keyboards, bagpipes, percussion, etc.

Comments:

Sheila Chandra sings on one track ("Raining"), and does some vocal effects on another instrumental track, so the "featuring Sheila Chandra" bit seems a bit strong. Nevertheless an extraordinary album. The music is less folky and much more dance-music orientated than Blowzabella: very rhythmic with middle-eastern as well as strong Scottish and Irish folk overtones. Nigel Eaton is undoubtedly the best hurdy gurdy player in the U.K. at present. A truly wonderful album. Regardless of whether this is a reissue or new, it's something that all self-respecting ecto-folk should go out and buy. (anthony@mh1.lbl.gov)