The Vipers Skiffle Group Skiffling Along With The Vipers (10inch, LP)

The Vipers Skiffle Group

The Vipers come closest to the general perception of a skiffle group. They were neither as relaxed and grown-up as Ken Colyer, nor as explosive and extrovert as Lonnie Donegan, but trod the middle ground. Their vocal and instrumental standards were good but not outstanding, while their image resembled a troop of slightly bohemian 'students from next door', belonging, as they did, to the insiders at the 2 I's coffee bar in Soho. It was exactly this 'normal' aspect of their music that made them the chosen role models for so many other bands that followed, rather than Colyer and Donegan, whose talents and success appeared unattainable. As far as record sales went, Donegan was way out front, with the Vipers next in line. Their success was not unanticipated because their act was authentic, their producer George Martin was experienced and their record company knew a thing or two about how to deliver a good product to the potential buyer. The musicians surrounding lead singer and guitarist Wally Whyton had exactly the right 'campfire' touch that inspired others to join in and conveyed the feeling, “I could do that!” The Vipers Skiffle Group was formed in 1956 and had already released their first single by August of that year. They released a number of fine records during their career, including Maggie May, but as the skiffle boom began to die away they shortened their name to the Vipers and embraced other styles, such as rock 'n' roll. Hank Marvin and Jet Harris, later to become famous with the Shadows, played on their version of Summertime Blues. When the band finally called it a day, Wally Whyton continued as a solo act and became known as a country and folk specialist, with his own radio show. He also worked extensively in children's television and died in 1997.

VIPERS SKIFFLE GROUP 10.000 Years Ago (3-CD)
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