Kettle Bridge Concertinas

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Report by Karen.

Four Kettle Bridge Concertinas members made the journey to the home of the well known cheese, Stilton, near Peterborough, for a day’s playing alongside 41 other concertina players.

Hosted by SqueezEast and open to players from around the country, it has been led by Paul Barrett for twenty years. He produces a great and varied selection of music, mostly arranged by himself and specifically for the concertina band.

During the day the band looked at eight arrangements which included Grandfather’s Clock, Rag Pudding Rag, Locus Iste, Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella, What a Wonderful World and even It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (in flaming June!). A favourite of the day was Paul’s arrangement of Nobody Loves a Fairy When She’s Forty, which he had dedicated to the late Jenny Cox, known for dressing up and singing this familiar old song.

Thanks go to SqueezEast who organise this day with such efficiency, warmth and inclusivity. It is challenging to play music with no preparation and this certainly tests your sight reading skills. Thanks also go to Paul for his endless patience, clear direction and friendly manner; it can’t be an easy task leading 41 concertina players!