Decent musical output from a comedian

[Rich]

Mitch Benn. His musical-comedy touring show "Mitch Benn Is The 37th Beatle" was brilliant.

[Rich]

8 hours ago, dudewheresmybass said:

His music may not be to everyone’s taste, but billy Connolly deserves a mention - a phenomenal banjo player. 
 

Indeed. He was one third, and later one half , of the Humblebums alongside Gerry Rafferty, back in the day.

[TrevorR]

11 minutes ago, Rich said:

Mitch Benn. His musical-comedy touring show "Mitch Benn Is The 37th Beatle" was brilliant.

He did a cut down version of this on BBC Radio 4. Bloomin’ brilliant. Love Mitch. Fabulous parody performer. 

[TrevorR]

And, of course not forgetting the converse - brilliant comedy output from a musician... Guy Pratt and his My Bass And Other Animals book and show!

[TheGreek]

Watchers of " The Mask Singer" may have been surprised by Sue Perkins, who outsmarted all the Judges. I really enjoyed her performances (even though they may have been heavily edited using Tuning software.

Back on topic of Comedians singing performances, how about:

Kenny Lynch

..and the classic

 

[AndyTravis]

10 hours ago, Paddy515 said:

Going back in time, Mike Harding.

 

 

Was brought up on Mike Harding...

”it’s hard being a cowboy in Rochdale...because people laugh, when I ride past - on our Alsatian dog...”

[Paddy515]

33 minutes ago, AndyTravis said:

Was brought up on Mike Harding...

”it’s hard being a cowboy in Rochdale...because people laugh, when I ride past - on our Alsatian dog...”

Used to see him live back in the day and he was just as good about 7 years ago live too.

Came down to breakfast in a hotel in Harrogate one morning and in he strolled having played the theatre there the night before, still looking like a cuddly owl in his thick, home knitted multi coloured jumper!! We were amazed to see him but let him be.

[neilp]

10 hours ago, mike257 said:

His bit in his first stand-up DVD, Cosmic Jam, on how cockney music influenced the great classical composers, is absolute brilliance. Love his musical bits. 

Pretty sure Bill Bailey never won Young Musician of the Year. That's a whole level or two of skill above his, much as I like him and enjoy his musical bits

[Geddys nose]

Such a talanted guy and a great band.

[yorks5stringer]

21 hours ago, MacDaddy said:

 

i mentioned Stewart Lee's sanctimonious Oxbridge smuggery in another thread. Nothing there to disabuse me of that notion.

Although I am aware it may be his 'comedy persona' or 'act', and he may actually be a fine fellow to have a pint with.

In the UK we have  enjoyed a long line of comedians that have started off at Oxbridge: Python are probably the most famous. Personally I find SL challenging, thought-provoking not smug, and am a fan, just wish I could go and see him live, the gig has been cancelled at least 3 times now!

Edited February 14, 2021 by yorks5stringer

[bassace]

Mike Harding told a good story about a booking at a club where he had to accompany a stripper. On banjo. He said she kept turning round and growling ‘faster’. Which he did, until the end when he realised that she wasn’t saying ‘faster’ but questioning his parentage.

[BillyBass]

21 hours ago, Mykesbass said:

Dudley Moore.

 

[paul_5]

Then of course there’s this classic from Victoria Wood...

 

[deanovw]

How about Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepards. I saw them in Cornwall a few years ago and it was a great night. Classic punk covers in a folk style.

 

[Stub Mandrel]

 

 

[Steve Browning]

Neil Innes. Rutle and Bonzo Dog bandsman.

[Dad3353]

 

[bassace]

No one mentioned Jim Tavare? Not quite sure how ‘decent’ his DB playing is but form your own conclusions.

 

[Bassassin]

The best, and funniest musical comedy act I ever saw was the Doug Anthony All Stars.

This is very, very NSFW and I very much hope the spoiler tag works...

Spoiler

 

 

[SICbass]

On 13/02/2021 at 20:46, AndyTravis said:

Was brought up on Mike Harding...

”it’s hard being a cowboy in Rochdale...because people laugh, when I ride past - on our Alsatian dog...”

Me too. Not one of his comic songs, but I always loved this one…

 

 

[casapete]

Frank Skinner plays ukulele banjo, and once guested on a Fairport Convention album. Also one of the best stand ups I’ve ever seen.

[SICbass]

Jake Thackray used to do some cracking stuff as well.

[slojo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bpUd086Cls

Edited February 15, 2021 by slojo

[Count Bassy]

On 12/02/2021 at 22:43, Simon. said:

Bill Bailey's musical output is always worth a look. Makes up a fair chunk of his stand-up shows, so he puts plenty of effort on to it.

If you haven't seen it, his Enter Sandman is a work of genius, and his take on the Match of the Day and BBC News theme's are splendid.

The thing with Bill Bailey is that I love his comedy - until he starts playing music and then,  mehh.

 

EDited to add: To be fair it's not just hime. I've never been a fan of music in comedy. Finales of the Two Ronnies,  Spitting image etc .... all those: time to put the kettle on.

Edited February 15, 2021 by Count Bassy

[Doddy]

As far as 'new' music based comedians go, I really like Boothby Graffoe. He's funny, and I think his songs are really strong. My favourite though was Victor Borge- He was brilliant.

If you look back at a lot of the older comedians (most of who aren't here anymore), there was a tradition of incorporating songs in their act. Most of them sung a couple of numbers, and there were a lot who even released singles or albums at some point.