SEA SHANTY AND FOLK MUSICIANS
SHORT DRAG ROGER
Shanty Crew
Information
Short Drag Roger began just after the turn of the millennium in the landlocked village of Chalgrove, Oxfordshire. Like true shanty men we sing traditional sea shanties, some dating back as far as the sixteenth century. We sing in strict work rhythm, to keep the true character of work songs. However the rich and exotic chorus harmonies are all our own! In keeping with tradition, we also write our own shanties, and audience participation is an essential part of any Short Drag Roger gig.
We strive to provide our audiences with a better understanding of what shanty men (and crew) did aboard the sailing ships of a bygone age, through a programme of occasional workshops.
We sing often in pubs and clubs, as well as large music and sea shanty festivals both in the UK and Europe. Regular bookings for corporate and military commemorative events have led to performing at some of Britain's major railway stations. We rehearse every week, which gives us the opportunity to work on our unique harmonies and learn new repertoire. Short Drag Roger has grown from humble beginnings into a truly committed crew keeping shanties alive!
We are a bunch of guys who like to sing. In fact, we like it so much that we got together and ran away to sea, just so that we could spend more time singing.
Hang on ... that isn't actually true ... but our songs are about the sea, and life on board sailing ships - or the much lamented times on shore between voyages. We have a full range of lusty songs for working, sentimental ballads of love, and of course lots of songs about drinking.
FESTIVALS
We have performed at countless festivals on the continent and all over the UK. Including Travmunde Germany, Liverpool, Whitby, Gloucester and Falmouth. More locally Bunkfest at Wallingford.
We have appeared at the Falmouth International Shanty Festival and the Teignmouth Shanty Festival.
We occasionally sing for Seasalt clothing, which gives us a great opportunity to raise funds for our favourite charity, the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
If you'd like us to sing at your event, please contact Tony Bennell Entertainments.
Here are two of our shanties:
RIVER THAMES SHANTY - Youtube
AT FAMOUTH SHANTY FESTIVAL - Youtube