Phil Minton, The Cutty Wren (remastered)

Re-uploaded to Youtube with higher resolution, titles and sound re-mastered on 27th January 2012. Filmed by Helen Petts.

Phil Minton sings the traditional English folk song from the Peasants' Revolt (1381) which was caused by many grievances, one of which was excessive Poll Tax. The Cutty Wren were the mercenary police whom the peasants fought and occasionally killed. When this happened, the peasants would destroy the evidence as well as stave off hunger and starvation. So the song is about eating policemen. Piano arrangement and accompaniment Veryan Weston.
www.helenpetts.com
(Purists note - Mr Minton sings "John the Red Rose" instead of "John the red nose" because guitarist John Russell - who for many years ran Mopomoso free improvised music night, at the Red Rose club in London - was sitting right in front of him and he, well, got a little confused...)

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