The History.
The whole thing nearly started sometime in the last century, when a pre-Luggs Luggs passed through London on his way back from Foreign and inadvertently recorded some impromptu double banjo while killing a fly. This rare cassette was unearthed some 15 years later, and deemed to be a worthy inspiration for a proper collaboration.
Two years after that, and many phone calls later, nothing had happened. This is the way to make banjo music. Talk and drink about it until 2 days before the recording session, then practise enough to be able to start and finish the tunes at roughly the same time. Oh, and don't listen to Scruggs. Instead, book in for the weekend at the Topplers recording studio/living room, arrive with a sizeable carry-out, record all the tunes twice only with just the two live banjos, pick the best versions, then retire to the pub via 'chips and cheese'.
While drinking responsibly, don't forget to remember that Davy is a world-class whistler and occasional bass player who happens to be free and sober on the Sunday.
The Sabbath. Buy another carry-out, put the kettle on, then add as much daftness to the original recordings as gumption will allow.
Monday. Bugger off, leaving Allan to mix the tracks, design a cover, and sort out the website. Job done!
Next up, the "difficult" second album.



The Tunes.
1. 'Mr Jackson'- named after Earl Jackson, owner of Native Recording Studio, Port Antonio, J.A. where a version of the tune was originally recorded over the 'Worthless Bwoy' rhythm.
2. 'Barcelona Waltz' - generally stolen spaghetti-western harmonica man via Kilmarnock
3. 'Train Song' - set in the early 60's, this tune inspired by a folk memory of the circus arriving in town on a steam train, then parading through the streets of Buckhaven.
4. 'Bar Rocque' - a Luggs original, allegedly spurned by the Spunkman's Byre. Simple but sensible.
5 'Grandfather's Cluck' - nearly a version of the banjo classic, but strangely forgot to include the other half of the tune.
6. 'Snow Jamaica' - if you're going to compose music while on holiday, based in Snowhill J.A. , don't make it sound like cod-reggae meets Lawrence of Arabia.
7. 'Georgia Wine' - apparently a piece that Herr Luggs remembers from his Granny's collection of '78's. Originally about cider, but he was drinking Russian lager that day...
8. 'Mr. Jackson 2' - If they sound nice, play them twice.

The Musicians?
Tam McGibbon plays banjo. Mr Luggs plays banjo. He also ovedubbed some percussion and organ. Davy Cinco plays acoustic bass. He also whistled and played electric kettle.

It was recorded one weekend in February by A. Henry @ Topplers 'Studio Lite'
Released as part of the first wave of Topplers Lite. LITE003

Hear "Mr Jackson"