Elvis wouldn't have been Elvis without rockabilly. And across the pond, the British Invasion may never have materialized without the influence of skiffle, a rootsy mix of country blues, folk and trad jazz practically invented by singer-guitarist Lonnie Donegan.

Donegan and bass player-trombonist Chris Barber, together responsible for trans-Atlantic smash "Rock Island Line," for "The Skiffle Sessions" hook up with one-time skiffle disciple Van Morrison on a pub crawl through 15 traditionals and old-time treasures, starting with Donegan's seen-it-all reading of "It Takes a Worried Man."

They continue with a trading-verses romp through "Lost John" and a swingy stomp on "Goin' Home," spiked with Barber's wooly trombone lines and the New Orleans piano boogie of Dr. John, also a vital presence on "Good Morning Blues."

Road songs - "Alabamy Bound," "Railroad Bill" - are on the agenda, too, along with "Midnight Special," "Dead or Alive" and a world-weary stroll through warhorse "Goodnight Irene." It all amounts to a rambling, rambunctious trip to a nearly forgotten genre, bolstered by the boozy joie de vivre of the travelers.
- PHILIP BOOTH