The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #166038   Message #4059576
Posted By: Bill D
16-Jun-20 - 02:35 PM
Thread Name: Jean Redpath Biography
Subject: RE: Jean Redpath Biography
I did see her live 4-5 times, as she came to the FSGW (Greater Wash. DC) folk group several times.
Then in 1978, she got a 3 day gig at a local pub/restaurant, the Red Fox Inn. I was there the 1st night... front row center. Wonderful, of course. The 2nd night I was back, front row center. Jean was introduced, came out on stage, stood at the mic, her guitar resting lightly on the floor, and looked down.... her eyebrows twitched and she said to me, "Well, you're a real glutton for punishment, aren't you?"

   I asked for, and received, a live performance of "The Twa Corbies", which I had heard on an LP years before.

On another occasion, she gave a full concert for our group. The 1st half was lovely and there was the usual 15 minute break.. and then the lights were flickered and the audience pretended to filter back in and settle down. As they were scuffling and settling, Jean, without being re-introduced, walked out on stage and up to the mic and began "Jock O'Hazledean"- hitting that first high note with...ummm... gusto...

   "Why weep ye by the tide, la-dee? Why weep ye by the tide?"

There was a stunned hush as the audience came to sudden attention.

Jean was not only a consummate singer, she controlled the pace, often slipping from one song to another by beginning to explain and comment as she finished without allowing applause. I saw her get thru 3-4 song before providing a sensible place for audience response.
   I 'think' I have almost everything she recorded...