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From Sussex singers to French Canadian melodeon players, from obscure 78s to
R. Crumb's Cheap Suit Serenaders, from here to eternity, Duck Soup bring together a multitude of influences to make classic English music.
Our sound is based around the melodeon and vocals of Dan Quinn (Gas Mark 5, Flowers & Frolics), aided and abetted by Adam Bushell (Stocai, Tacet Ensemble) on marimba, percussion and occasional strings and Ian Kearey (Oysterband, Blue Aeroplanes, Sussex Pistols) on piano, Dobro, mandolin and mouth organ. The result is a cross between an English tune session in your favourite pub and a collision in an instrument shop.
We started playing together in 2005. We thought we were rehearsing a couple of tracks for Dan's long-awaited solo album, but we had too much fun and pretty soon we had released our eponymous debut album. As well as our signature instrumentation, it features a unique choice of tunes and songs. Pieces you'll have never heard before rub shoulders with old favourites, but the ones you don't know sound oddly familiar whilst the ones you do are versions you can't quite place. And everything is played with great aplomb and good humour.
We're pleased to say that the album was very well received. Sue Swift said in English Dance and Song that "You'll find none of the highly refined techniques or buzzing excitement of the new young bands on this CD but this is where they will look to learn their trade. Take time to listen to this - Duck Soup deserves a second tasting!". In Musical Traditions, Rod Stradling simply said "Oh Yes!". And for some reason, the Guardian Guide describe us as a "folk supergroup" - who could argue with that?
As we started playing around the place, our repertoire has grown - and our instrumentation along with it. Now you can hear phonofiddles and jews-harps embellishing Napoleonic ballads and 1960s novelty hits.
And in case you're wondering, we're not named after Duck Soup the Marx Brothers film from 1933 - we're named after Duck Soup the Laurel & Hardy film from 1927. So now you know!
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