The Shirley Collins-compiled 'I'm a Romany Rai' CD on Topic is not only a gorgeous collection of gypsy songs and singers; the sleeve notes are also very informative and illuminating. On top of that, Shirley has previously delivered a beautiful, tender, fascinating lecture by the same title, on the travelling singers of England's southern counties - but I don't think it's been performed since 2014. I organised a performance of it at Islington Assembly Hall in October 2013 (alongside performances by C Joynes and Stephanie Hladowski), but sadly didn't capture it, and I can't find any other recordings online.
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