Harry Cockerill

Harry Cockerill: was a Yorkshire farmer who played for the local dances and his piano-accordions were kept in a barn on special shelves that he had built for them.  His style may sound rough to some listeners, especially those used to saccharine-sweet accordion players from Scotland, but, to me, his music was that of the fairgrounds of my childhood.  It may have been rough and ready, but it was, at least, honest and, above all, exciting.  Listening to his playing now, I am reminded of a Zen aphorism - no snowflake ever falls on an inappropriate place - and the same, I think, can be said of his notes.  I am sorry that it has taken so long to have these recordings issued.

Part of the booklet notes, written by Mike Yates, to the Musical Traditions Records CD Up in the North, Down in the South (MTCD311-2)