The Squire's Thingumbob And Kitty's What You May Call It reviewed by Graham Schofield for http://www.mardles.co.uk

The title of Stan & Maggie's new CD could lead you to suspect that this might not be a collection of erudite and sensitively artistic folk song offerings. This is indeed a rumbustious romp through a collection of the type of song upon which the later Music Hall entertainments of the Victorian and Edwardian eras are rooted. More suited as the musical accompaniment to a convivial evening of Beer and Sandwiches, not so much the Vicarage Tea Party.

Maggie and Stan are well known for their love of entertaining audiences. The musical arrangements and song delivery are of the highest quality and are perfectly tailored to the style and genre of the material. The songs on this CD are well researched and there are ample sleeve-notes to satisfy even the most demanding.

The songs have been taken from books published by William West (1834 -38), such as "The Delicious Chanter And Exciting Warbler. A Capital Collection of Randy, Roaring, Rousing, Tear-up, Flare-up songs," or "The Little Icky-Wickey Songster."

The lyrics are unashamedly non-pc reflecting a culture and moral climate very far removed from our own, sometimes over-sanitised, times. In them there is a delightful sauciness, unsubtle innuendo and sometimes downright smut. All delivered by the duo with a forthright clarity. In all there are 17 tracks, some with a sing-a-long chorus and known tunes. Such as "The Wedding Secret" to the tune of "White Cockade", "Colin and Susan (or No! No! No!)" to the tune of "Lincolnshire Poacher," and even "The Landladies Count" to the tune of "Derry Down."

This is a delightfully quirky CD, well presented and performed, definitely not high-art rather something that, in an earlier age, might have been delivered under a plain-cover. A naughty pleasure!

Cheer Up A Bit Longer reviewed by Graham Schofield for http://www.mardles.co.uk

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!

Here you will find stalwarts of our region's folk scene Maggie Moore and Stan Bloor who, for quite a few years now, have entertained and given pleasure with their engaging stage presence. Known for performances delivered with gusto, humour and consummate skill.

With a total of 16 tracks this CD is a generous serving of songs and tunes from their wide repetoire. Although drawing on the Victorian and Edwardian music hall this offering is expertly seasoned with a sprinkling of traditional material from Stan's beloved north west. The chosen pieces open our eyes, and our sentiments, to the historical and social mores of those times and places.

Included with the songs and tunes there is a monologue or two delivered with panache and faultless comic timing. There are old favourites to savour such as:- "Did your first wife ever do that?", "Grace Darling" and of course "I live in Trafalgar Square". Alongside these are many pieces, perhaps less familiar, but equally entertaining.

The CD has been produced to the highest standard being clear and very listenable. All in all an absorbing and entertaining listen from the first track to the last. No tricks or gimmicks just well delivered pieces supported by simple but impeccable musical accompaniment. An offering that cannot fail but help to bring a smile to even the most hardened gloomster.