The Charwallahs came into being from the grass cutting gang of Whickham Urban District Council in 1967 as Malcom Barras and Duncan Davis sickled their way up the grass verge of Fellside Road.
They sang songs like Pick a Bale of Cotton and Cotton Fields as they mowed.
It seemed somewhat appropriate.
Malcom would also sing with Paul Wallace at folk clubs around Tyneside in the 60s and 70s and a decade later the three of them formed a skiffle combo called Earl Grey and the Charwallahs.
They have now been joined by two very accomplished musicians, Peter Rowan and Roddy Mathews.
Both are virtuoso fiddle players, consequently Peter doubles up on bass, singing and on guitar.
From their skiffle roots they have been influenced by the likes of Lindisfarne, the Waterboys, Jim Croce and the Band. Their saxophone player was pinched by Sam Fender but he still makes rare unannounced appearances with them. 