A right old Rumpus: Mr B causing a scene

Max Golfar gives you the inside track on Chap-hop's leading light, and catches up with him for a chat.

Your favourite chap is back again. After a summer of Gentlemanly escapades and multiple festivals every week, the original rhymer, Mr.B, has brought us an early Christmas gift in the form his new album ‘There’s A Rumpus Going On’. 

Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer has once again delivered his own unique signature take on Hip-Hop by adding that ‘chap’ flair, known as it’s own genre ‘Chap-Hop’. 

When Mr.B isn’t having a perfectly made cup of tea or playing a game of cricket, he is writing the finest rhymes to create a right Rumpus for us to enjoy. 14 full songs on the album which is some of his most creative work yet. The production value is immaculate and the rhythmical flow is as smooth as ever. 

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LA beats and general wobbly instrumental, old stool hip-hop, music hall and George Formby

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The whole album is a great listen and each song is unique. For me the standout songs on the album are ‘So Many Reggie Perrins In The Arse End Of Space’, ‘Hitler Gifs’, ‘Ollie and Stan’, ‘We Need To Talk About Kanye’ and ‘Youth, Truth, Gin, Vermouth’.

Unlike Mr. Reginald Perrin ever was, we are treated to a beguiling set of hip-hop beats through the album. ‘Hitler Gifs’ had my sides bursting, it’s not often I feel the need to dance whilst giggling. ‘Ollie and Stan’ has some jungle breaks half way through, which was a cool change up of pace on the album. Perhaps we’ll start to see Mr.B MC’ing over some heavy Jump Up next? Ok probably not, but this certainly got me skanking nonetheless.

Do you ever feel sad? Well Mr.B has treated us to a track that is 100% guaranteed to make you feel better, titled ‘The Happy Song’. I dare you to try listen to it without having smile on your face the whole way through.

‘We Need To Talk about Kanye’ starts off with a tribute to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, which suits really well with Mr.B’s delightful chap-y vocals. Kanye West is yet to respond to the track, but the logical assumption is that he is afraid to rear his head after the roasting Mr.B has delivered.

Mr.B is currently on his album tour, having already done one and a half months, with another month and a half to go. Expect to see our favourite Gentleman Rhymer everywhere from London to Birmingham and even Manchester, travelling to all gigs via his Penny Farthing of course! 

Overall, a really fun and enjoyable album, and one I would highly recommend. I was lucky enough to see him perform at Bestival this summer, and if you get the opportunity to catch The Gentleman Rhymer, do so, as you won’t regret it! A charming chap who puts on a great show. I managed to catch up with Mr.B to talk about his latest album, along with a couple other topics including his influences. Check out our interview together below, but first, here's an acoustic version of one of the album tracks.

Congratulations on the release of the album, how long has this been in the works and would you say that this is your best work yet? 

This one has taken a while. I started it in the middle of last year, but then decided to do Mr.B’s Christmas Album, so started again earlier this year and throughout the summer, whilst doing about three festivals a week. It was somewhat hectic and the closest I have ever felt to actual ‘work’. Sorry to do a four letter word there.

The production quality is fantastic, so I'm sure many people are wondering what production software did you use to put the music together?

This album was largely put together on Reason 9, which is nice and easy for a luddite like me. I have recently started using Logic, but it appears to be terribly glitchy. Things disappearing and all that sort of thing. I shall persevere though.

Which artists inspire you and your work? 

Of late I’ve been listening to a lot of lo-fi hip-hop, LA beats and general wobbly instrumental things. My overriding influences remain the same though - old stool hip-hop, music hall, George Formby, Ronald Frankau...

Would you have any stories of your years with your school chum Acid Ted, that you would like to share? 

Glad, almost all of them have been forgotten amidst a fun of Absinthe. Heart of gold though, even if he’s a tad flighty.

Other than Hip-Hop and Rap, what does Mr.B like to listen to in his spare time?

All sorts. Last week in the motor car I listened to Duke Ellington, Elvis, Parliament and Nirvana, as well as the new Tribe Called Quest album, which was a timely reminder of how great hip-hop can be.

Kanye or Trump?

They both have titanic egos, but one is a racist, misogynist bigot and now in charge of everything, so I don’t fear The Kanye, just give him a bit of a ribbing every now and again.

To be honest I have a soft Spot for old Westy. I think if one is making music one ought to think it’s the best music there is. Otherwise why bother? Just listen to someone else’s. 

What is next for Mr.B?

I’m back in the studio working on the next Mr.B The Gentleman Selector long player, the second in the Chapstep series. It’s called Absinthe House and, like its predecessor ‘Acid Ragtime’ it’s a chap’s take on dance music (another love of mine). I think this one is going to be something of a winner.

Links and whathaveyou

Mr. B’s Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/gentlemanrhymer

Buy a CD copy of the album:
http://www.thechaphopshop.bigcartel.com/product/there-s-a-rumpus-going-on-cd

Digital Download and Mr.B’s other work:
https://mrbthegentlemanrhymer.bandcamp.com

The Gentleman Rhymer’s Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/gentlemanrhymer

A right old Rumpus: Mr B causing a scene

Max Golfar gives you the inside track on Chap-hop's leading light, and catches up with him for a chat.

Your favourite chap is back again. After a summer of Gentlemanly escapades and multiple festivals every week, the original rhymer, Mr.B, has brought us an early Christmas gift in the form his new album ‘There’s A Rumpus Going On’. 

Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer has once again delivered his own unique signature take on Hip-Hop by adding that ‘chap’ flair, known as it’s own genre ‘Chap-Hop’. 

When Mr.B isn’t having a perfectly made cup of tea or playing a game of cricket, he is writing the finest rhymes to create a right Rumpus for us to enjoy. 14 full songs on the album which is some of his most creative work yet. The production value is immaculate and the rhythmical flow is as smooth as ever. 

---

LA beats and general wobbly instrumental, old stool hip-hop, music hall and George Formby

---

The whole album is a great listen and each song is unique. For me the standout songs on the album are ‘So Many Reggie Perrins In The Arse End Of Space’, ‘Hitler Gifs’, ‘Ollie and Stan’, ‘We Need To Talk About Kanye’ and ‘Youth, Truth, Gin, Vermouth’.

Unlike Mr. Reginald Perrin ever was, we are treated to a beguiling set of hip-hop beats through the album. ‘Hitler Gifs’ had my sides bursting, it’s not often I feel the need to dance whilst giggling. ‘Ollie and Stan’ has some jungle breaks half way through, which was a cool change up of pace on the album. Perhaps we’ll start to see Mr.B MC’ing over some heavy Jump Up next? Ok probably not, but this certainly got me skanking nonetheless.

Do you ever feel sad? Well Mr.B has treated us to a track that is 100% guaranteed to make you feel better, titled ‘The Happy Song’. I dare you to try listen to it without having smile on your face the whole way through.

‘We Need To Talk about Kanye’ starts off with a tribute to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, which suits really well with Mr.B’s delightful chap-y vocals. Kanye West is yet to respond to the track, but the logical assumption is that he is afraid to rear his head after the roasting Mr.B has delivered.

Mr.B is currently on his album tour, having already done one and a half months, with another month and a half to go. Expect to see our favourite Gentleman Rhymer everywhere from London to Birmingham and even Manchester, travelling to all gigs via his Penny Farthing of course! 

Overall, a really fun and enjoyable album, and one I would highly recommend. I was lucky enough to see him perform at Bestival this summer, and if you get the opportunity to catch The Gentleman Rhymer, do so, as you won’t regret it! A charming chap who puts on a great show. I managed to catch up with Mr.B to talk about his latest album, along with a couple other topics including his influences. Check out our interview together below, but first, here's an acoustic version of one of the album tracks.

Congratulations on the release of the album, how long has this been in the works and would you say that this is your best work yet? 

This one has taken a while. I started it in the middle of last year, but then decided to do Mr.B’s Christmas Album, so started again earlier this year and throughout the summer, whilst doing about three festivals a week. It was somewhat hectic and the closest I have ever felt to actual ‘work’. Sorry to do a four letter word there.

The production quality is fantastic, so I'm sure many people are wondering what production software did you use to put the music together?

This album was largely put together on Reason 9, which is nice and easy for a luddite like me. I have recently started using Logic, but it appears to be terribly glitchy. Things disappearing and all that sort of thing. I shall persevere though.

Which artists inspire you and your work? 

Of late I’ve been listening to a lot of lo-fi hip-hop, LA beats and general wobbly instrumental things. My overriding influences remain the same though - old stool hip-hop, music hall, George Formby, Ronald Frankau...

Would you have any stories of your years with your school chum Acid Ted, that you would like to share? 

Glad, almost all of them have been forgotten amidst a fun of Absinthe. Heart of gold though, even if he’s a tad flighty.

Other than Hip-Hop and Rap, what does Mr.B like to listen to in his spare time?

All sorts. Last week in the motor car I listened to Duke Ellington, Elvis, Parliament and Nirvana, as well as the new Tribe Called Quest album, which was a timely reminder of how great hip-hop can be.

Kanye or Trump?

They both have titanic egos, but one is a racist, misogynist bigot and now in charge of everything, so I don’t fear The Kanye, just give him a bit of a ribbing every now and again.

To be honest I have a soft Spot for old Westy. I think if one is making music one ought to think it’s the best music there is. Otherwise why bother? Just listen to someone else’s. 

What is next for Mr.B?

I’m back in the studio working on the next Mr.B The Gentleman Selector long player, the second in the Chapstep series. It’s called Absinthe House and, like its predecessor ‘Acid Ragtime’ it’s a chap’s take on dance music (another love of mine). I think this one is going to be something of a winner.

Links and whathaveyou

Mr. B’s Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/gentlemanrhymer

Buy a CD copy of the album:
http://www.thechaphopshop.bigcartel.com/product/there-s-a-rumpus-going-on-cd

Digital Download and Mr.B’s other work:
https://mrbthegentlemanrhymer.bandcamp.com

The Gentleman Rhymer’s Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/gentlemanrhymer

Swingamajig - 2016 by Chris Inglis

Chris Ingliss, the world's only Vintage Remix academic, went to Swingamajig and loved it.

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A note from the editor: I was supposed to post this back in May after Chris ever so kindly offered to write a review. I clearly failed in this, for which I humbly apologise to all of you, and of course, him. Happily, Swingamajig have just released the official video for the 2016 festival, so I can now publish Chris's report and make it look like this was the plan all along.

Swingamajig 2016

At various moments throughout this year’s Swingamajig, the thought crossed my mind of just how difficult it’s going to be for me for me to try and explain the unparalleled brilliance of the festival to someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to attend themselves. This thought was closely followed by the conclusion that this may in fact be an impossible task, and that the event is absolutely one which has to be experienced to be fully understood. That being said, I will here attempt to describe my own personal account of Swingamajig 2016.



Where in past years I’ve attended the festival with a very set idea in mind of which acts I know I want to see, the times that they’re on, and where – this year I decided to take a much more carefree approach and simply explore the festival open-mindedly. One of the reasons I love Swingamajig so much is simply the variety of things that occur simultaneously. For instance, this year I was able to enjoy some relaxed lindy hop social dancing at the Night Owl, and after only a two-minute walk, be able to go wild to the bass-heavy beats of the Black Box. This latter venue was definitely a highlight of the festival for me, particularly because of – after first witnessing the mayhem going on in there – my realisation that it will still only 7pm.



Highlights of this venue included Madame Barducci and Phat Sam, and within the Ragtime Records stage where you’d find the rest of the DJ line-up, I have to give special mention to JFB, Tallulah Goodtimes, and especially Father Funk, whose set I thought was exceptional. Before turning into the Ragtime Records stage, this venue also acted as the Cabaret stage, featuring various performances, including a highly impressive tap dance routine; an amazing straps performance within the circus segment; and some greatly entertaining burlesque acts by the likes of Eliza DeLite and Kitty Bang Bang, all of which added a whole extra dimension to the festival.



Of course – at least for me – the most important element of any festival is the live music, and this year’s Swingamajig certainly didn’t disappoint. The first act I managed to catch the whole set of (following my mandatory face-painting of course) was the Tootsie Rollers. Having not come across these before, I was very keen to see what they were like, and their phenomenal performance set off the entire festival to a brilliant start. I’d in fact go as far to say that they were one of the best acts of the whole show. As the festival went on, the live acts across both the Main stage and the Arch stage continued to impress. Another special mention I’ll give goes out to the After Hours Band – I’ve seen these guys many times now, but upon happening across their set I found I was not physically able to leave, I was enjoying it so much.



SwinGrowers also provided a very entertaining set, as of course did the Electric Swing Circus, the organisers of the entire event, and indeed Balkan Beat Box, the overall headliners of the festival. I’ve been to all four Swingamajigs now and the festival just keeps growing and growing. Swingamajig 2016 was everything I wanted it to be, and I without doubt intend on returning next year; I imagine it will be a very long time before I tire of the electro swing scene. For anyone keen on exploring this style of music, I can’t imagine a better introductory event; as this years festival has shown, Swingamajig encompasses everything that there is to love about the genre.