Talking the Songs - Rokkraben o Gillia Romani Songs

  1. Introduction
  2. When the Yogomush Lies Sleeping
  3. Roadman's Lament
  4. Gypsy Dave
  5. Epping Forest
  6. Kalo Chiricklo
  7. Gary's Puro Dadus
  8. Russian Jack
  9. I Kom I Could've Shooned the Juva Gully
10. The Roving Journeyman
11. Easy and Free
12. Farewell

c. 52 minutes - click tracks to play sample realtime player required - Get Realtime player

Romany - The Last Half Hour
Special Collector's Item - limited print run, first edition.
 
Romany of the BBC was the UK's first wildlife presenter.  Broadcasting on radio, he reached an audience of 13 million listeners.  This is the last - and only remaining - recording in existence today!

His weekly series 'Out with Romany' went out on BBC Children's Hour from 1932-43.  Based on countryside rambles from his Gypsy caravan, he was accompanied by young friends Doris and Muriel, Raq the spaniel and Comma the horse.

This rare recording was originally transmitted in October 1943, six weeks before Romany's death.  It has remained in archives for over 60 years and is now being released to the general public for the very first time.

Introduction by ex BBC Radio Manchester John Mundy.
1.  Original crackle and pop version first broadcast 5th October 1943.
2.  Enchanted 21st century recording, with sound effects - how it would sound today!

Circa 62 minutes.

A superb historical voyage through time in one of the most magical and beautiful countries in the world. Discover its stunning countryside of misty mountains and sunlit waterfalls, ruined castles and Welsh princes, gold mines and watermills.

Centuries ago golden eagles flew over the high mountains of North Wales, watching their reflections in the deep lakes below. The Welsh people called this land "Eryri", meaning Land of the Eagles, whilst the Saxons named it "Snow Dun". This corner of Wales is now called Snowdonia, and through a tapestry of wonderful landscapes, dramatization, original music and illustrations, and the granite voice of local Welsh actor John Hughes, we invite you to explore with us the landscape, history and culture of this fascinating land. A cultural adventure.

Narration by John Hughes

Circa 40 minutes. Suitable for 8 years/adults

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Lovell and the Kalo Chiricklo (Gypsy Bird) - one day Bob sat down by the river to play his guitar. As he plucked the strings a kalo chiricklo landed on his instrument and whispered "Sar shan pral". Surprised to hear the young bird speak, he looked up from his guitar and greeted the bird "Latcho divvus Kalo Chiricklo. What brings you to me?" The bird replied "To talk the songs!"

"How is it you speak Romani?" Bob asked. The Gypsy bird chuckled "Why should I not speak Romani? Our ancestors lived together for centuries. We've heard you sing, saw you dance, tell fortunes and tales, and tickle the fish! And we too have sung and danced, told fortunes and tales, and tickled the fish! So am I not a Gypsy also?" With a smile Bob played to the Kalo Chiricklo's song, and they sang and wrote music together till the orangey sun set water shadows. (c valleystream 2006)

The textures of Bob Lovell's songs are both raw and stopping place-flavoured, enriched with the tonal essences of earthy mesmerising melodies like you'd hear by camp fires in the "golden days of the vardo". Written for his Romani brothers and sisters and for Gorgor folk (non-Romani) the lyrics carry simple twangs of truth about life on the drom (road). Don't expect Abbey Road or flashy techno arrangements. This is better - it's on vintage vardo wheels! This music signature is a pure "one mix tale" by one Romani, his six-stringed guitar, cheeky kalo pral, and a mile of hearty words. There's English enough, so anyone can enjoy.

Influenced by his Gypsy past and by the likes of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, in the 1980s Bob Lovell began writing songs and playing the guitar. After several years playing folkmusic clubs, in 1992 the hard work finally paid off, and he won the prestigious singer/songwriter's award at New Zealand's biggest folkmusic festival in Auckland. Bob sings both traditional Romani songs learnt from his Dadus and original ones he and his Romani prals have written. "It's been interesting, as many Gorgor folk have stereotypical ideas on who and what Gypsies are. I hope that through my songs my ancestors may rest in peace, knowing their suffering just for being Romani is now being acknowledged."

Bob (Robert Ridgelee) Lovell was born in New Zealand of Romani parents. His Lovell ancestors arrived in Wales from Spain during the 17th century. His father, Adolphus, travelled the roads in Wales and England until WW2 took him as a Merchant Mariner to New Zealand. It was there he met Bob's mother, Rona Beard, from a Scottish traveller family who had also emigrated. Bob was brought up in his parents Romani/travelling ways and culture, including learning much of his father's Romani tongue.

So dare you "househogs" venture out on a cold moonlit night with friends, not to poach but armed with disc player, a brace of rabbits, plus red wine - light a flicker flame woodfire, and savour Bob Lovell's and the kalo chiricklo's "living for now" Romani music in to the night. Kushti bokt!

Excellent Romani CD, worth every Bob!