1950s-era Trinidadian pianist Winifred Atwell (1914-83) is the focus of this fascinating and quirky tribute by the avant duo of Adam Fairhall and Johnny Hunter. Atwell was a huge recording star in the 1950s but is now largely forgotten about. On the record is 'Black and White Rag' by George Botsford that Atwell recorded for a B side in 1952 and remarkably became a million seller later becoming very familiar as the TV snooker programme Pot Black theme tune. Also included is 'Roll Out the Barrel' (also known as 'Beer Barrel Polka') written in the 1920s, Atwell recording the singalong as part of a medley that went into the top 10 of the pop charts in 1956. Fairhall shows amazing dexterity on some flying lines while Hunter upsets the apple cart at times with some quietly subversive rhythmic bursts. Expect a few detours ahead. Jools Holland, fair to say, this hipster knees-up is certainly not.
Released on Friday 7 January. Tour dates coming up include Cafe Oto, London on Sunday
Tags: