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PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5

Charley Noble 06 May 01 - 06:59 PM
kendall 06 May 01 - 08:34 PM
Great Lakes Tim 06 May 01 - 08:39 PM
jets 06 May 01 - 11:21 PM
Charley Noble 07 May 01 - 08:37 AM
Charley Noble 12 May 01 - 10:01 AM
Uncle Jaque 12 May 01 - 12:17 PM
Naemanson 12 May 01 - 02:03 PM
kendall 12 May 01 - 02:41 PM
Uncle Jaque 13 May 01 - 08:39 AM
Naemanson 13 May 01 - 10:16 AM
kendall 13 May 01 - 12:47 PM
Charley Noble 17 May 01 - 11:57 AM
SINSULL 17 May 01 - 09:05 PM
Uncle Jaque 17 May 01 - 11:29 PM
GUEST,shabond@msn.com 18 May 01 - 12:49 PM
Charley Noble 19 May 01 - 11:15 AM
Charley Noble 23 May 01 - 08:40 AM
kendall 23 May 01 - 12:01 PM
kendall 23 May 01 - 08:40 PM
Naemanson 23 May 01 - 10:11 PM
Jeri 23 May 01 - 10:20 PM
kendall 23 May 01 - 10:43 PM
Charley Noble 24 May 01 - 08:25 AM
kendall 24 May 01 - 08:27 AM
SINSULL 24 May 01 - 08:41 AM
Naemanson 24 May 01 - 09:10 AM
kendall 24 May 01 - 12:19 PM
Naemanson 24 May 01 - 12:47 PM
Charley Noble 24 May 01 - 04:31 PM
SINSULL 24 May 01 - 04:35 PM
GUEST,Brían 24 May 01 - 09:30 PM
Charley Noble 25 May 01 - 05:48 PM
Naemanson 25 May 01 - 10:05 PM
GUEST 26 May 01 - 12:29 AM
Naemanson 26 May 01 - 09:27 AM
Charley Noble 26 May 01 - 09:40 AM
kendall 26 May 01 - 11:07 AM
Willie-O 26 May 01 - 11:57 AM
Charley Noble 26 May 01 - 12:58 PM
GUEST,Brían 26 May 01 - 01:44 PM
Jeri 27 May 01 - 10:06 AM
Naemanson 27 May 01 - 11:30 AM
Charley Noble 27 May 01 - 11:44 AM
Charley Noble 27 May 01 - 04:29 PM
Uncle Jaque 27 May 01 - 05:23 PM
Charley Noble 27 May 01 - 05:32 PM
Willie-O 28 May 01 - 08:21 AM
MAV 28 May 01 - 08:50 AM
Charley Noble 28 May 01 - 10:24 AM
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Subject: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 May 01 - 06:59 PM

This thread is beginning to drag. We're trying to get a count of who's planning to come to the Shanty Sing at China Sea Marine Trading Co. in Portland's Old Port on Sunday, May 26th, 4 PM to ?.

From Roll & Go we have:

Brett Burnham, Norris Dale, Eli Dale, Dick Dufresne, and Charlie Ipcar and maybe two others

Others expressing interest above were:

Kendall Morse, Uncle Jaque, Cranky Yankee, Brian Hoye, Julia & Fred, Jeri, Joy, Great Lakes Tim and I may have missed a few.

Then there's Mary, Sinsull and Edmund.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: kendall
Date: 06 May 01 - 08:34 PM

Strong possibility Gordon Bok will come.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Great Lakes Tim
Date: 06 May 01 - 08:39 PM

Hey, I've been lookin' for this thread for over a month now, but think I got it figured out now.

I'm a definite for Saturday, May 26 3pm (I'll be one of the early birds to help with the rearrangin'. I'd flood the ground beneath me with tears if I couldn't be there! Wish I could come durin' the summer too, but have my doubts about makin' the trip from Cleveland with gas price predictions as they are ($2.50 a gallon!).

As far as privateers go, one of my ancestors relatives, Isreal Thorndike from Maine, was a privateer, but I believe that was the Revolution, not in The War of 1812.

I was readin' in the Cleveland newpaper today that the 2001 Great Lakes Tall Ships Challenge includes a dozen or so sailing vessels that will dock in Cleveland (July 11-16) as well as in 6 other ports. Thus Cleveland will hold the first annual Cleveland Harborfest. Among the family entertainment we've got chantey singers, a steel drum band, jugglers and the like. Know anyone who's comin' to fill the spot of (Crankey Yankee, please don't cringe) "chantey singers"? If the accounts are right, we're expecting Canada's brigs Fair Jeanne & St. Lawrence II, schooners True North & Bluenose II, Playfair and Pathfinder, Ukraine's Bat Kivschyna, and the US's schooners Grand Nellie, Pride of Baltimore II, Red Witch & Highlander, plus the HMS Tecumseh (a modern replica of the 19th century British war schooner) and the US Brig Niagara, a reconstruction of Perry's ship measuring 198'.

If anyone's interested, let me know and I'll help find places to put you up!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: jets
Date: 06 May 01 - 11:21 PM

I intend to be there .


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 May 01 - 08:37 AM

Great Lakes Tim – look forward to meeting you and hearing you sing. A must for your Cleveland festival has to be a revival of that traditional Great Lakes whaling song "Fresh Water Whaling" or otherwise entitled "Superior Sperm;" there are recent threads and it's in the DT.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 May 01 - 10:01 AM

Heave 'er up and away we'll refresh!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 12 May 01 - 12:17 PM

While playing some chanteys on the tinwhistle at Mom's retirement community last week, was approached by a nice couple who expressed their appreciation, and allowed as how they had every album that Gordon Bok had released, and were disapointed that they had neither seen nor heard of him for the past few years. Suggesting that if they showed up with a case of Guinness at the appointed place they would likely be recieved with open arms (and tankards) and perhaps be in for a pleasant surprise. It was also requested that they keep it to themselves, as we're not really looking for an audience per se. I also notified the Middlesex County Volunteer Fife & Drum out of Newton, MA as many of them are "kindred spirits" of the old music and maritime tradition. So far I have not heard back from any. Another aspiring "Folkie" from South Portland might show up, and I will try to wheedle at least a couple of my fellow 3rd Mainer Field Musicians to come with fife and drum. We do a rousing rendition of "Sailor's Hornpipe" and "Whup Jamboree" which you may not have heard before. There was some discussion about "chanteys" not being sung aboard military vessels; correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't they use fife & drum to communicate orders on deck? I'd be interested in some of the Naval beats and calls if anyone knows were they may be obtained.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 May 01 - 02:03 PM

You mean I shouldn't have listed the shanty sing in all the major media on the east coast? (Just kidding.)


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: kendall
Date: 12 May 01 - 02:41 PM

In military vessels, they used drums (beat to quarters) and the bos'ns pipe.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 13 May 01 - 08:39 AM

Friend & fellow 3rd Mainer "Skip" Baker of Topsham used to be a Bo'sn on a destroyer - they used to tune the little whistles with wax, apparantly. Do they still use them or are all of the calls electronic nowadays?
It seems to me that fifes were used in the Navy up through the Civil War - the Ancient Mariners play several calls on thier fife & Drum album, such as "to the fiferail" (whatever that is). I guess the "long roll" was used as a "General Quarters" alert much as it was in the Infantry. I'd be interested in how far back the Bosn's whistle goes in maritime history, and if it was ever used in conjunction with the fife, or replaced it - and when. One of these days I've gotta pick up one of those dandys and learn a few calls on it. Perhaps one of ye Auld Salts can bring one along to the sing and teach us a couple of calls(?). I'd be surprised if Cpt. Steve did not have at least one in the shop somewhere. I'd think a creative ChanteySinger could incorporate a whistle call or two in a song at some point - as bells are frequently used.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 May 01 - 10:16 AM

The Bosun's Whistle is used these days only for ceremonies. They use a recording on ship board to get the crew's attention but no one has the vaguest idea what any whistle call might mean.

The modern (US) Navy chiefs are trained to use the Bosun whistle but, as I say, only for ceremonies. I have been singing at military retirement ceremonies. It's only there, and at change of command ceremonies, that I have seen them used.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 01 - 12:47 PM

When I was in the service, some Bos'ns mate was always blowing on one of those damn things. If I never hear another, it will be too soon.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:57 AM

Time to refresh and see if there any more aspiring shanty singers who want to put their feet where their mouth is. ;-)


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 May 01 - 09:05 PM

I am a definite. Flying in from NYC on Saturday.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:29 PM

Ahoy all; Just spoke with the good Cpt. Bunker and Lady Sharon at our Sons of Union Veterans & Auxillalry Dinner tonight; They still have access to that area out back apparantly, but will need to move a fair amount of stuff around. I hope to be able to get down there in time to join the setup detail as we could use all the hands on board we can get methinks. I've also sent them a link to this thread so hopefully we will be hearing directly from them on details of any resources or support they could use to get set up etc..

Cpt.B. says that Charlie IPCAR was in the other day with a sea-song he had just written, and he was quite impressed with it; hopefully we will get to hear it on the 26th.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: GUEST,shabond@msn.com
Date: 18 May 01 - 12:49 PM

As some of you may know, we lost the back half of our shop, China Sea, to a soon-to-be-opened Italian restaurant. We will, nonetheless, with Uncle Jaque's help, make room. Sharon


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 May 01 - 11:15 AM

Your directions to the China Sea Marine Trading Co. in Portland's Old Port on Sunday, May 26th, 4 PM: the street address is 10 Dana St., which is off Commercial St. (the waterfront) almost opposite Dimillo's famous floating saloon. Other local landmarks include Amigo's Mexican Restaurant across Dana St. and Ship Wreck & Cargo at the corner of Dana and Commercial Streets.

Avoid Shanghai Brown's shipping office, and various flash girls and boys that hang out around Three Dollar Deweys. If you get truly lost you can always whistle up a friendly policeman and ask where the Shanty Sing is, or call China Sea at 773-0081, although we'll probably be making so much noise and having so much fun that no one will answer a phone.

Yes, you can bring some refreshments to share.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 May 01 - 08:40 AM

Just talked with Capt. Bunker and Sharon at the store, and they're still looking forward to the gathering on this Saturday. Their store is a major distraction to those who want to add substantial quality nautical accessories to their household ashore or afloat. Imagine the look on your neighbor's face when you roll the cannon out on the deck!

Say, Kendall, any further plans to attend from our singing friends from the greter Camden area?


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: kendall
Date: 23 May 01 - 12:01 PM

Apparently he is still on the fence. I'll email him and ask.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: kendall
Date: 23 May 01 - 08:40 PM

I just got an email from Bok. He plans to come even though he is up to his ass in alligators.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Naemanson
Date: 23 May 01 - 10:11 PM

As long as he gets that swamp drained...


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Jeri
Date: 23 May 01 - 10:20 PM

'Even though'?!?! I'da thunk being up to one's ass in aligators was a good enough reason to get the heck outta there!

I need to get the oil changed in my car, put in a new mailbox, do laundry, and if it weren't for all the stuff going on this weekend, I'd actually have to do those things!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: kendall
Date: 23 May 01 - 10:43 PM

Let us take you away from all that Jeri! I cleaned my gutters and planted a rose bush so, I'm ready to boogie!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 May 01 - 08:25 AM

As several friends have observed the correct date for what is happening is June 26, which is on SATURDAY, not on Sunday as listed above. This was just another attempt on my part to avoid a crowd...;-)


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: kendall
Date: 24 May 01 - 08:27 AM

If you come on JUNE 26, there will be no crowd!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 May 01 - 08:41 AM

Charley, it better be May 26. I am flying in from NYC with a non-refundable ticket! Could have had an $88 Round Trip ticket if I could have waited until the last minute. Damn! Question: Is Shanty an acceptable spelling. I have books and records with it but the "professionals" here seem to prefer Chantey or Chanty. Cranky Yankee will have a fit if I tear the topsail AND mispell chanty/shanty.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 May 01 - 09:10 AM

Once and for all it is happening on MAY 26!

June 26 is a Tuesday and I happen to know that Charlie Noble, while he will be singing shanties that evening it will be a rehearsal, not fun.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: kendall
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:19 PM

If it is not fun, I dont do it anymore!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:47 PM

Tongue in cheek on that last. Our rehearsals ARE fun.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 May 01 - 04:31 PM

Well, that got the thread refreshed several times...;-)
Sinsull and Naemanson will get special prizes for proofing – let's see SATURDAY, MAY 26th, 4 PM to ?, 2001, Milky Way Galaxy.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 May 01 - 04:35 PM

Charlie,
If you try the bourbon balls and forego the Milky Way bars, you may fare better. See you Saturday.
SINS


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 24 May 01 - 09:30 PM

Thanks, Charlie,
I'm looking forward to being there and seeing my friends in Roll and Go.
By the way, I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed perusing the thread on the origins of chanties however you spell it.

Brían


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 May 01 - 05:48 PM

Looks like we've got all the folks aboard who want to sing, but there's still room for you pierhead jumpers (Great name for a sea shanty group by the way)!

The suvivors will post the results in a few short years, after they've made their way back home from wherever Capt. Bunker sends them; "Prime sailor's very scare just now..."


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 May 01 - 10:05 PM

Tomorrow is the day! I've shanghaied a couple of prime hands to help prepare the premises. I'll be picking up Sinsull at the airport and MEJ at the bus station. The vocal chords are ready and willing to hit the notes.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: GUEST
Date: 26 May 01 - 12:29 AM

I take it this is going late? The earliest I could make it is 8, and I can't be sure of that. Pesky weddings....

Dan


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 May 01 - 09:27 AM

Last time we broke up around 10:30 or so. Hope you can make it, Dan.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 May 01 - 09:40 AM

I've just been re-thinking "chanty/shanty" and I think, after a few glasses, that I've almost figured it out...what we're singing are "chianties"...BURP!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: kendall
Date: 26 May 01 - 11:07 AM

Where I come from, a shanty is a place where poor folks live.


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Willie-O
Date: 26 May 01 - 11:57 AM

Must be something about May 26. I sent out my e-mail newsletter of local music events last week and claimed I was playing somewhere on the 26th, only it was actually the 19th. I also dated the newsletter the 26th which had quite a few people scratching their heads...

Unfortunately I won't be making this one since here I am in Canada, just went to the dump and now I'm going to work. (Work, not playing.)

But y'know, have a tune for me (and a libation.) How bout, Strike the Bell, which I wanted to play at the last one I went to, but never got around to.

And say, I'm STILL WAITING for the lyrics to "Yangtze River". Maybe you can get them on paper from the guy what sings it if he's there?

...Away boys, walk and look away.

Willie-O


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Subject: Lyr.Add-Yangtse River Shanty
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 May 01 - 12:58 PM

Willio-o,

We'll certainly raise a glass to you, and here's "Yangtse River Shanty" which has been posted on various threads and might as well be posted here until the harvesters catch up with it:

YANGTSE RIVER SHANTY

(By Hamish MacLaren, Sailor with Banjo, © 1930 Anchor Shanty adapted by Charlie Ipcar Tune: Tommy's Gone to Hilo/Congo River)

Chorus:

G Am
A-way-ay, boys, a-way-o!
C G
Blow me down this Yang-tse Riv-er,
D7 G
A-way, boys, lift and walk a-way!

G C G
My lo-tus lady, I'll see no more,
C G/Am
A-way, boys, a-way-o!
C G
Since I left her on the Chi-na shore,
D7 G
A-way, boys, lift and walk a-way!


When we first met, she was like a queen,
A-way, boys, a-way-o!
Prettiest little thing I'd ever seen,
A-way, boys, lift and walk a-way...(Chorus)

She'd flashing eyes and long black hair,
A-way, boys, a-way-o!
All I could do was stand and stare,
A-way, boys, lift and walk a-way!

I bought her silks and a golden comb,
A-way, boys, a-way-o!
Trouble's over now, the anchor's home,
A-way, boys, lift and walk a-way...(Chorus)

I blowed my silver for to win her,
A-way, boys, a-way-o!
Now there's nothing left but donkey's dinner,
A-way, boys, lift and walk a-way!

We're outward bound, cookie's in the galley,
A-way, boys, a-way-o!
Farewell, Young Moon, of the Yangtse Valley,
A-way, boys, lift and walk a-way...(Chorus 2X)

DON'T COUNT ON THE CHORDS TO LAND IN THE RIGHT PLACES!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 26 May 01 - 01:44 PM

See you there!

Brían


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Jeri
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:06 AM

I can't believe no one posted a report yet! Had a great time. Not that many schanties, but lots of good music. There were some people there who I never met before, and I never got the chance to ask who they were. Gordon Bok was a no-show - I think he was at a recording session with Hiroshi and Invisible Eddie. SINSULL's bourbon balls were wonderful, as usual, but Naemanson had eaten most of them before I got there.

There were customers wandering in and out of the store who stopped to listen for a while. As I was leaving, a couple asked me if the singing was a regular thing. I said no, but this was the second one. I told them a lot of us were from Mudcat, and gave 'em the address.

Many thanks to Capt Bunker and Sharon for hosting this!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 May 01 - 11:30 AM

JERI! After I offered you the last one you treat me like this! I am hurt. I am cut to the quick. O woe is me...

Actually last night seems to have been pick on Brett night. Every time the food stopped going around the circle they blamed me!

Oh, and it was nice to meet MAV...


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 May 01 - 11:44 AM

Well, Jeri was there, our gracious hosts Sharon and Stevens Bunker; from Roll & Go we had Brett Burnham, Norris Dale, Eli Dale, Dick Dufresne, and Charlie Ipcar; other Mudcats included Kendall Morse, Uncle Jaque, Brian Hoye, Great Lakes Tim, Mary, Sinsull and Edmund; then there was Bobbi Keppel, Mamma Beth, assorted spouses, relatives and significant others, not to mention incredulous customers (What are these people doing? What planet or time warp are they from?); last but not least were the "squigglies.". The bourbon balls certainly kept things rolling, the beer flowed, the lemon squares did their job of cementing vocal chords, the chips went down, the pizza was dessimated, and the coffee cake strangely under appreciated.

Brett consumed only a modest handful of bourbon balls, contrary to what Jeri alleges, and even reserved the last one for her, that unappreciative hussy.

Oh, yes, the singing. Well, about half the songs were shanties. I was able to lead a couple that Roll & Go has been reluctant to work up (well, we do have a working repetoire over over a hundred songs) – Shanghai Brown (Shanghai Passage) and Fresh-Water Whaling (Superior Serm); Kendall was deluged with requests and was finally persuaded to render I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore; he also led the lovely Bob Coltman version of Patrick Spence. Boobi did the lovely broken token parody of the sailor with the piano leg around his neck. Brett did a recitation of C. Fox Smith's "Ship of Dreams (?)" Dick led Yangtse River Shanty. Jeri did Fire Down Below after the Johnson Girls – a Balkan-like shanty that's truly a knock-out. Brian did some Gaelic sea songs, with careful translations. Our Canadian visitors did some traditional sea ballad, shanties including one French Canadian song. Eli risked her voice again with a robust Mexico, and Nor, Brett & Eli pealed the paint from the ceiling with Blood-Red Roses. We got to get Capt. Bunker to led more songs.

The two "squiglies" were introduced; I didn't dare bring more of them – likely to cause a major riot.

Things gradually wound down by 10 PM, and the survivors did a good job of clearing away the wreckage, where once there had been a China Sea Marine Trading store. What have I left out?

The next event of this nature in Portland, ME, will be a series of Shanty Sings at the Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill, a recently renovated octogon wooden watchtown built back in 1807 to keep track of USO's, unidentified sailing objects; time: beginning in June and ending in September, the 4th Sunday at 7 PM (no alcohol but non-alcoholic drinks for sale); more about this on a separate thread.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble et al


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 May 01 - 04:29 PM

Brian, how could I forget "Strike the Bell, Second Mate" with various people hauling on various bells hanging from the shop rafters; it's a wonder that only dust floated down and not the ceiling!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 27 May 01 - 05:23 PM

Ahoy, Mates!
For my full after-action report (which I think Mr. Noble and I were composing at about the same time) see the new "Thanks Roll & Go" thread. It seems that CN has presented a much more comprehensive one than I, but shucks; 4 books of the New Testament are essentially the same story told by seperate witnesses (The "Synoptics" for those of us who follow such things), so we have some precident at least.
And a fine time it was, aye!!! I was not familiar with "Yangtse River", but after Dick's rousing rentition of it, am now determined to learn it!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 May 01 - 05:32 PM

Let's paste in Uncle Jaque's report warts and all:

Aye; A jolly good time was had by all!

We got a fair space on deck cleared out by about 4PM Saturday (05/26) and sea chests, massive rigging blocks (heavy, wer't they?) etc. arraged for folks to sit on in a roughly oval pattern amidst piles of rope (or is that "line"?), oars, flotation rings, binnacles, gun carriages, and about any sort of nautical bric-a-brac you could imagine. Festooned from the ceiling rafters were bos'un's seats, lanterns, ship's bells (which as Brian relates, we put to good use)etc. while saucy figureheads winked at us from the "masts", and buxtom, nubile mermaids of various sizes were to be spotted in abundance. In cases along the walls are a museum-like assortment of muskets, cutlasses, and memoribilia from the World over.

In this setting gathered about 20 or so (at one count) participants, a majority of us, I think, being Mudcatters. Of those I recognized or was introduced to, these included: Kendall, Brian, Naemanson, "Darlin'" (one we don't hear from much, but who lurks around the 'Cat & keeps up on things - and surely sings/leads a bully chantey!)... "Jets", Charlie Noble, the Roll & Go Crew, and yes; our Beloved SINSULL made it all the way up from ye "Big Apple" with her precious cargo of Sacramental Mudcat Bourbon-Balls!!! We considered composing a song especially for her and this peculiar form of abrosia, but then... well... we sort of thought better of it. I guess Naemanson, who went to pick her up at the airport, was going around asking all women there who even remotely looked like they might be a Folk Singer : "Excuse me, but I'm looking for a woman I don't know...". This was made even more amusing by Naem's great, imposing bearish size and stature. Much to our relief, now that they have become aquainted, this scene won't be repeated any time soon!

There was the nice couple who came all the way from Ottowa Canada to share a few tunes with us... gee, I never knew they made such funny-looking guitars up there! But it sounded pretty good. And Brian kept smirking as Edmund sang that French ditty; kind of made me wish that I had a better comprehension of the language!

Shortly after we started, along came a jolly sport with a both Fisherman's cap and red beard (I used to have one of those), and eyes all a-twinkle. It turns out that this was none other than the instigator (or "excuse") for having this event here in May, "Great Lakes Tim". His fine Tenor voice contributed greatly, and Roll-&-Go led us all in a rousing rendition of "Fresh-Water Whaling" in his honor. I did a rather unrehearsed rendition of a song I wrote some time ago (and had pretty much forgotten) "The Old Morning Star" by his request - and he even brought a copy of the lyrics so I couldn't beg off on account of my forgetfullness! By the way, Jeri; I seem to recall posting those lyr. here some time ago; if ye cannae find 'em on a search, advise & I can post here or PM to ye.

I forgot the name/"handle" of the nice Lady sitting between "A'nt Mahtha" (My Wife Susan) and Kendall,(Bobbi) but she was at the last one & I'm pretty sure is a 'Catter. There was, actually, one "Mystery Guest" occasional contributor to this forum (who wishes to remain anonymous) in our circle for a little while, sharing in a song or two. Nope; my lips are sealed... but it was rather difficult containing my mirth when I observed who he was sitting next to for about a half - hour !

No doubt I have overlooked some of the participants; my appologies in advance, and we hope that my neglect will be corrected shortly and that the roster will be duly completed.

A couple of Chanteymen (real ones, even!) who were conspicuous by their absence - and missed - included "Cranky Yankee" (wherefore art thou, CY?), Barry Finn (doing fine we are told, but a bit sung-out following a previous Sing and keeping to port until his rigging gets tightened up and squared a touch).

The much-anticipated appearance of the somewhat reclusive "Great One", Gordon BOK, did not materialize despite our fondest hopes. Making the best of this, Naemanson did a song of his that he would never have attempted in the presence of the fabled Down-East Chanty-Maestro himself. Naem' also rendered a most evocative recitation of a nautical poem at one point, which stimulated a conversation about that mystical bond between a Sailor and his Ship - especially the first one. Cpt. Steve, thoughtfully chewing on his clay pipe, shook his head slowly and remarked how "there wasn't a damn one of 'em he wasn't really glad to get the hell off of...." except perhaps one particular windjammer, for which he seems to retain a fond sentiment or two.

Brian, besides filling the position of 2nd Mate temporarily during "Strike The Bell", shared a couple of traditional Irish songs in Gaelic. That is such a pretty language; despite not understanding a lick of it, we do love hearing it spoken or sung.

Pizza was sent for, delivered, and consumed with great relish about midway along. Beverages appropriate for the occasion were enjoyed in moderation; I had been saving my last Guiness (pricey, eh?!) for the occasion, and it was well invested!

We broke up around 9:30, many there having many a mile to travel toward home port. Appologies to those I didn't get a chance to properly tender our farewell to. Perhaps there would have been more had this not been a Holiday weekend... but who knows.

C. Ipcar of Roll-&-Go advises that the 4th Sunday(??? - better confirm that with Charlie) of Summer Months starting in June, they will be hosting Chanty-Sings at the historical Munjoy Hill Observatory - which I certainly look forward to. Hope to see a full crew of "Catters there!


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Willie-O
Date: 28 May 01 - 08:21 AM

Weyllll...the saga continues.

First of all, thanks Charlie for posting those Yangzte River lyrics--chorus is very similar but it was a different variant I'm seeking--which was sung by some big fellow at the previous China Seas shanty sing. Which version was sung on this occasion--the one Charley posted or the one I'm thinking of (I'm goin down the Yangtze River / way boys look and walk away / Now there's naught but junkies in 'er / Way boys look and walk away.)
Funny how a song can get under your skin. Maybe Naemanson can sort this persistent matter out, if the rum balls haven't--OH SORRY, LET'S NOT GO THERE EH!

WHO WAS THERE FROM OTTAWA? (My home town and place of employment) Must be people I know, I'd suspect...

And I'm glad youse had such a great time with Strike the Bell...had I been thinking a little clearer I was going to request that Kendall not sing "I just don't look good naked anymore" but I guess it was inevitable.

Wish I'd been there, maybe over next X-mas/ New Years season it'll happen again?

Bill
Er, Willie-O


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: MAV
Date: 28 May 01 - 08:50 AM

Naemanson<

it was nice to meet MAV...

It was good to meet you and all the others. I appreciated every bit of the time spent there.

You did a great job on your song, and (this being my first exposure to it)I really liked the sound of the parallel 5th drone of the men's voices on some of the refrains.

I have "Marine band" harmonicas, any material there for me?

Next time,

mav out


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Subject: RE: PORTLAND,ME Chanty Sing 2.5
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 May 01 - 10:24 AM

Willio – your mind is folk-processing "Yangtse River;" the same version (well 99.9%) was sung before at the last China Seas gathering and I am the one who adapted this version from what Hamish wrote in SAILOR WITH BANJO, a sailors' folk opera, back in the 1920's. This song hasn't traveled that far since we've been working on it but I'm sure there will be more varients soon and that some ethnomusicologist will collect it with delight in the Falklands.


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