Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: kendall
Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:35 PM

Bob Dylan stole "WHO'S GONNA BUY YOU RIBBONS" and rewrote it as DONT THINK TWICE.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: mousethief
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 12:57 PM

Thank you, Mbo. I was about to say that myself.

Alex
O..O
=o=

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Mbo
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 12:55 PM

It's called "The Folk Process."

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: GospelPicker (inactive)
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 12:48 PM

Pete got his banjo back... great!!! EVERYONE ELSE JUST CALM DOWN ABOUT THE OTHER JUNK!!!

LED ZEPPELIN WERE A BUNCH OF SONG-STEALING THIEVES (OOH MY HEAD,(RITCHIE VALENS) LEMON SONG (HOWLIN' WOLF WITH THE LAST VERSE BY ROBERT JOHNSON) AND SO ON... WHO CARES IF ROCK MUSIC IS NOISE OR NOT? A THIEF IS A THIEF NO MATTER WHAT HE STEALS...

GospelPicker @:()[+]

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: mousethief
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 12:46 PM

At times the line between "rock" and "blues" gets very thin. Early rock was blues-based, and one of the first recordings hawked under the name "rock" was "Shake, Rattle and Roll" which was a blues song done with a rockabilly -- that is to say, uptempo country swing -- beat.

Led Zep has done a LOT of folk/blues material, e.g. "The Lemon Song" which was a version of "Killing Floor," as well as a very nice rendition "Gallows Pole" with something of a twist ending.

But we all have our blind spots and thoughtless prejudices, don't we? Mine is against Rap, and I'm not a big fan of Heavy Opera either, although the comic stuff (G&S) I rather enjoy. I usually hate The Who, but "Squeezebox" is on my play list, cos it's so country/folky and fun.

Not sure why I said any of this. Anyhow, kudos to Kendall for being man enough to apologize.

Alex
O..O
=o=

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: GUEST,suckers
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 12:27 PM

you guys are nerds!!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Manitas
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 05:28 PM

There was some discussion of "Kumbaya" on alt.usage.english a while back. The dialect in the song is certainly close to Gullah but so are some other dialects. Apparently Gullah is often considered an African language that just happens to use English words!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:06 PM

Owww...Dad Max, ken is poking meeeeeeeeeeeeee **whine**. ;-)

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: kendall
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:02 PM

"He's looking at me!!" LOL gotcha Sinsull!!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:54 PM

Are you two going to start again? This time you are on your own. And arguing about opera of all things! Pull the car over Max and throw them both out.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: kendall
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:48 PM

Caterwalling!!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 11:04 AM

That's the REAL travesty, Sins. I love opera!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 11:02 AM

And some people don't like opera even the comic ones.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 10:47 AM

It gets worse Dani. Some people I've met haven't even heard of popular music, let alone folk.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Dani
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 10:43 AM

My local public radio station has a great enewsletter, and today included this link to an LA Times article about the banjo's adventure:

http://www.calendarlive.com/went/20000822/tCB00V0465.html

Live there people who don't know Pete? That makes me sad...

Apropos - I saw the fabulous Woody Guthrie exhibit in DC last weekend. Next to me at one station was a woman who called her 10ish son to her, "Honey, come here! Did you know he wrote "This Land is Your Land?!" Son: "What? What song is that?"

Dani

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: P05139
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 08:50 PM

Mbo, I've just come on to this thread, and I've not really heard of Led Zeppelin apart from that they did the Top Of The Pops theme tune with Bad Man Bad! Maybe I'm just too young...

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: kendall
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 03:24 PM

Lignum Vitae is also called "Ironwood". In the days of sail, all the dead eyes were made of this stuff.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 02:24 PM

There are actually several woods that do not float including several of the ebonies. However, the most well known wood that does not float is Natalie Wood.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: GUEST,Songster Bob
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 02:18 PM

Several points, one or two even on-topic (shock!):

Roger D. Skiffler wrote:

"Re: Kumbaya. Would that be West Indian rather than African? W.I. lilt is very similar to Welsh and "Come here" in a Cardiff accent, sounds vey like "come by yere" or "Kumbaya" as written phonetically."

The song was, as I recall, collected from the Sea Islands off Georgia, where the dialect is called "Gullah." (Hmmm... that doesn't sound right. Is it "Gullah?"). Whatever, the original language of the inhabitants of the Sea Islands was an African one, though I can't remember if it's east or west. Definitely not West Indian, though.

Re: Long-neck banjos vs. heavy strings. Pete made the banjo to get the pitch to match his voice. In 1945-46, there weren't many places to get specific guages of musical strings, so he didn't go the "heavy strings" route. I suspect he had the choice of Gibson, Vega, Black Diamond or nothing, really, and couldn't get anything but one or two guages of guitar strings if he wasn't getting banjo strings. He may also have known that heavy strings wouldn't sound or feel right on a banjo, particularly one played with strings, not picks.

Re: Folk vs. rock music. Rock music has folk elements in it, and some of it is folk-like. Lots of it, of course, is indistinguishable from noise, as is some folk music (especially if you're from outside the folk culture involved -- Pygmy hocketing, Chinese work chants, Nordic fiddling, or delta blues all have some inharmonious or unsettling features, for example, features which Anglo-American folk-fans probably don't like. Ditto rock; ditto ditto [fill in the blank]).

Get over it.

Re: Return of Pete's banjo.

Hooray! Now, we dance.

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: GUEST,Arkansas Red-Ozark Troubadour
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 02:13 PM

To John in Brisbane: I too use a violin tuner for my fifth string, but if you use the Suzuki fine tuner you will find you do not have to alter your tailpiece. The tuner fits conveniently on the fifth string between the bridge and the tailpiece. Also for fine tuning my acoutstic guitar I have installed the same type tuners at the peghead on the string between the peg and the nut. It works. Good luck-

Arkansas Red-Ozark Troubadour Ozark Mountains, Arkansas

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: GUEST,Arkansas Red
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 02:04 PM

Glad to hear Pete got the "Whyte Laydie" back. That's the name of the Vega banjo body that Pete made the neck for back in the forties. The first man to lengthen Pete's old Orpheum banjo was noted luthier John D'Angelico. Pete felt that the keys he had to sing in caused him to capo up so high that he lost the sound of the bass string, so he decided to lengthen the banjo's neck. The neck he made for the banjo which is the one on it now is made of a wood that is so heavy and dense that it will not float. I think it's called Lingnum Vitae. Pete is happy, Toshi is happy, and all the fans of Pete around the world are happy. Good things still happen.

Arkansas Red Ozark Mountains, Arkansas

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: JedMarum
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 01:59 PM

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: paddymac
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 01:50 PM

Ever at the fore of the issues of the day, my local rag ran a wire service story today regarding the return of the banjo. It appears that the rightful owner had left it on the top of his car when leaving a gig and it simply fell off along the road. It was then found about an hour later, and taken home by the finder, who then left on vacation. When he returnd from his brief holiday he read about the by-then infamous theft and contacted the rightful owner to return it, for which he was given a $500 reward. I claim no familiarity with the local law, but I suspect the finder was under no legal compulsion to return the instrument. On behalf of 'catters everywhere who prematurely arose in righteous indignation at the supposed dastardly theft of an icon's instrument, may I offer a word of apology to the apparently decent fellow who found and returned the instrument.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 01:15 PM

Point well taken, Kendall. At 60, you have been around a long time. I have never thought of you as stupid and apologize for implying that in my post. And sleep well!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: kendall
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 10:49 AM

Sinsull, please dont infantalize me..I've been around a long time and I'm not stupid (or careless) Besides, at my age, getting laid is a good nights sleep!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: JedMarum
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 10:48 AM

If I can be allowed just a bit more thread creep ... Kendall, I've been working on Casey's hat. I will be singing it this week. I've tried it once or twice on audiences, and they loved it, so I figured I'd better learn it better before I lay it on 'em again!

Great song; thanks for the help.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: kendall
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 10:41 AM

dont get cute spaw! I dont often leave an opening like that, so enjoy it while you can. Just remember, you are a gentleman!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 09:35 AM

Down Spaw.....Down............No,no,no.........Don't go there.........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 09:23 AM

How much do you charge for therapy harpgirl? I hope I can afford it!!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 09:21 AM

Sorry folks, I was way out of line this time. A wise person once said "Never spoil an apology with an excuse." So, I'm not going to.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 08:45 AM

Re: Kumbaya.
Would that be West Indian rather than African? W.I. lilt is very similar to Welsh and "Come here" in a Cardiff accent, sounds vey like "come by yere" or "Kumbaya" as written phonetically.
(Personal opinion based on (1)close contacts with Girl Guides [Girl Scouts] in my youth(hehe) (2) 3 years living in Cardiff (4) A fortnight's visit in St Lucia. (5)My well-displayed ignorance on folk song matters)
RtS

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Gary T
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 08:38 AM

It may seem silly, Banjer, but as I understand it they were following the stated rules of the show, which prohibited religious songs. "Kumbaya" is a religious song, the title being a phonetic rendering of "come by here" as spoken in some African (I think) accent. The song essentially says "We're singing, praying, etc., Lord, so come into our midst."

I would presume they prohibited religious songs so as to avoid offending people's sensibilities, which some of the more strident religious songs could do. Now, "Kumbaya" is about as mild as religious songs get, but if you make rules, it behooves you to stick to them. Unfortunately, that doesn't guarantee that no one will get offended--in this case, some were peeved that the song was disallowed.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Banjer
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 06:14 AM

SSinsull, you can sing 'Kumbya' anywhere you want except here in Florida. It seems a an eight year old girl wanted to sing that song at a recent talent show in Sarasota but was not allowed by the show's organizers because it contained the word 'Lord'. Isn't that the most ridiculous thing ever? After much protest from her family and others the organizers finally gave in and said she could do the song on a future show. Oh don't get me started on the narrow mindedness of fools...........

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: DougR
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 01:17 AM

Kendall, you are a lucky man. DougR

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Mbo
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 11:58 PM

Mary! Go to the JC thread! We made up, as usual! 3 cheers for my favorite sparring partner!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 11:53 PM

Children! I am not sure how I got stuck in the back seat with you brats but I am fed up! Knock it off! Mbo, show a little respect. You can learn a lot from Kendall. And Kendall, zip up your GD pants. This is neither the time nor the place.

Pete Seeger got his banjo back. We are here to celebrate. And if you two don't cut it out (and if Pete leaves it on the roof again), I am going to beat you both senseless with it.

In lieu of that, I am going to scream "Kumbaya" at the top of my lungs from here to Florida and back until you agree to respect each others opinions.

Mbo,I just finished expounding on your "A" student status, brilliant talent both in writing and performing, your native intelligence and sensitivity to a certain young lady. And now this! And Kendall!!!Have you not read the news about the spread of HIV among internet users? What are you thinking man? And besides, several of us thought you were saving yourself for us.

FFFEEEELLLLIINNGGSSS! WHOAOHOH FFFEEELLLIIINNNGGGSSSS WHOA OH OH>
OOOPPS, that's not folk or blues is it?

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: JedMarum
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 11:09 PM

good news here, to be sure, but the best news I've heard is that our favorite Mainiac IS getting laid!! Good for you, Pete - Way to go Kendall!

;-)

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: harpgirl
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 11:06 PM

...kendoll, deah...you are a magnet for oedipal challenges! You need expensive treatments....

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 05:03 PM

I remember the Jurassic typewriter, one that had a tab key guaranteed to send a cup of coffee across three desks and into the filing cabinet.... It had a gradient of about 1:4, with about 5 inches difference in height between the top and bottom rows. It also had fractions, something that has failed to make it through the succeeding ages....

LTS who really wants her 1/2 and 1/4 key back....

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 04:59 PM

I am so happy to hear the good news on Pete Seeger's banjo.. I think the long neck was to be able to play in E with blues guys??? Is that true???Great joy sould be left in this thread and thats all I think is apropreate here, or at least staying on the subject of Pete's banjo.. All the best to thoughs of good will...

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Peter T.
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 03:58 PM

I thought the Internet was supposed to be full of people who equate sex with typing -- I confess it makes no sense to me. Frankly, I never liked typing that much, though the carriage returns and the little bell did make one think. For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, I speak of the Paleolithic typewriter.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Melani
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 03:48 PM

Glad to hear he got it back.

My father, in a fit of inventiveness, once tried to make a bass banjo. It had an 18-inch head and a guitar neck, and was untunable. Sounded something like a snare drum. Then he tried to make a polypropilene acoustic guitar, but that's another story.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Melani
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 03:46 PM

Glad to hear he got it back.

My father, in a fit of inventiveness, once tried to make a bass banjo. It had an 18-inch head and a giutar neck, and was untunable. Sounded something like a snare drum. Then he tried to make a polypropilene acoutsic guitar, but that's another story.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: kendall
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 02:00 PM

enough kid, this is not the place for a one on one.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Mbo
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 01:44 PM

I think you need to recount the points, Jeri.

Kendall is all about folk Stuff. Rock to him is noise. I illustrated a point that some kinds of folk music can be construed as noise. And since, as everyone is so bleeding mad to announce that Mudcat is about folk. West African folk music IS folk. And have you or kendall ever played in a West African music ensemble with authentic instruments? I have. And it merits mentioning on a folk site.

ALSO, "Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin was

NOT

written by some rock punk. The song is a collection of classic blues line. SO the correct statement would be "some blues punk". Kendall's negative point, NOT mine.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 01:40 PM

Meebo puts one in below the belt...10 point deduction/major foul

Spaw

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Mbo
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 01:37 PM

Yo Kendall, I played some Metallica for harpgirl and SHE liked it! So now!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: Jeri
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 01:27 PM

OK, run down so far

Zeppelin is noise: Kendall - 1 pt
Zeppelin is rock: Mbo - 1pt
Mbo brings West African folk music into it for no apparent reason: foul
Kendall refers to statement by "rock punk." Mbo misreads as "punk rock" or "punk rocker." - Mbo: -1 pt.
Kendall is getting laid: 10 points.

At the time of this writing, Pete still has his banjo.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 01:17 PM

I have to agree on the East Liverpool target selection. For reasons left best unspoken, I used to be there a lot.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's banjo -- RETURNED
From: GUEST,Luther
Date: 22 Aug 00 - 01:08 PM

Actually, the way I heard it Pete's banjo was stolen by Muslim extremist eco-terrorists. Clinton has vowed to "send a strong message", and cruise missiles and stealth bombers are attacking hospitals, pharmaceutical factories, and refugee camps in the Sudan, Cuba, and East Liverpool, Ohio.

film at 11.