In Search Of Nic Jones concert

Subject: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,pf
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 10:29 AM

Tried to add this as a topic earlier, so apologies if it ends up appearing twice (it's my first time!).

Anyway, I thought a few folk on here might like to hear about this:
http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/music/gigs-contemporary/tickets/in-search-of-nic-jones-58205

As someone who wasn't even born when he had to give up performing, I really can't wait to attend this show!


Info:

28/05/2011 Queen Elizabeth Hall, London

With special guests Martin Carthy, Ashley Hutchings, Jim Moray, Pete Coe, Jackie Oates, Jim Causley, Chris Coe, Damien Barber, Tony Hall, Belinda O'Hooley, Anais Mitchell and Blair Dunlop.

The current English folk revival owes a lot to Nic Jones. Despite a career-ending car accident nearly 30 years ago, his early recordings have inspired and influenced countless current stars of the folk scene. In this very special concert, produced in association with Sidmouth FolkWeek, some of his biggest fans pay tribute to Nic by sharing their favourites from his repertoire. The highlight of the concert is Nic himself returning to the stage for a reunion of one of his old bands, The Bandoggs.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 10:51 AM

Looking forward to seeing Blair Dunlop perform Canadeeio!!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 11:05 AM

Clickie

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Stower
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 11:17 AM

I was at the Sidmouth concert similar to this - it was both fabulous and moving. I intend to be at this one, too. Thanks for posting, pf.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 11:39 AM

Already got my tickets!
                                        Nigel.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 01:23 PM

So have we!!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Tim Chesterton
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 03:22 PM

At times like this, I wish I lived in England!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Fossil
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 08:49 PM

What Tim Chesterton said...!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,pf
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 05:31 AM

It's very rare I'd venture from the central belt of Scotland to go to a gig, but this is a no-brainer.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 12:11 PM

Nic & I go right back to school days & then our time (well) spent in The Halliard. It's going to be a very emotional evening methinks.
                                                                   Tissues at the ready,
                                                                                                       Nigel.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 01:36 PM

Thanks for the heads up on this one. I missed the Sidmouth one, as a friend was in the throes of having a stroke at the time, and had wanted to book for the QEH, but didn't realise that tickets had gone up on sale. I got straight on to the website and managed to book some tickets for the night about 5 hours ago - it was already looking pretty full in the central front stalls then!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 07:33 PM

75% of the front stalls have now been sold!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 12:47 AM

Nigel...
I had to have severe words with Jackie Oates at Sidmouth, as she did Annachie Gordon after only 15 minutes into the gig....And still an hour and 45 minutes to go..!
Contact me privately. [e-mail].
Regards Ralphie.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: pavane
Date: 14 Mar 11 - 04:16 PM

My flat is only 15 minutes from the venue - but I will be home in Wales that weekend :(, otherwise I would be there for sure.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 24 May 11 - 11:50 AM

A little reminder: there are still some tickets still left for In Search of Nic Jones. It takes place this Saturday.

Nic will be performing several songs himself- in fact he's a lot more involved, performanc-wise, than he was in the Sidmouth show. Artists have been scurrying the length and breadth of the country in recent months to rehearse and to put together some really special songs.

It's worth knowing that Julia Jones, when the idea of future dates was tabled, said that they don't really want to do any more...so the SouthBank show is definitely one not to miss.

SouthBank Centre tickets

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST
Date: 25 May 11 - 08:18 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 25 May 11 - 01:47 PM

I'll be away from London this weekend... it's great to hear that Nic will be performing, and I'm sure it will be a very emotional event.

All best wishes for a fabulous evening

Kitty

PS if it's a Bandoggs reunion, who is depping for the hugely missed Tony Rose?

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 25 May 11 - 05:16 PM

Damien Barber wil be on concertina, Johnny Adams on fiddle.

Shame you can't be there, Kitty!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 27 May 11 - 02:02 AM

Can't wait! I think tissues will be de-rigeur if a repeat of the Sidmouth gig is anything to go by!
Hope to see you peeps there...(I'll be doing the Pete Coe look a like bit, Tall thin, ugly, big nose....that sort of thing!)

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 27 May 11 - 06:59 AM

As Ruth says, the Tony Rose replacement this time will be Mssrs Adams and Barber. Last years Sidmouth deps were Jon Loomes and Paul Sartin. It's an interesting idea that the great Tony Rose has to be replaced by two people. One, wouldn't be adequate obviously!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,surreysinger
Date: 27 May 11 - 02:56 PM

"I'll be doing the Pete Coe look a like bit"
As long as you don't bring the bazouki and start flat footing Ralphie!!!
And thanks for the warnng - I'll pack some tissues.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: johnadams
Date: 27 May 11 - 06:06 PM

Tony Rose has to be replaced by two people. One, wouldn't be adequate obviously!

Tony is, of course, irreplaceable. Damien will be emulating Tony's concertina, I'll be trying to emulate Nic's fiddle (ie. attempting the impossible) and we'll both be filling in Tony's harmonies at times. We expect Nic will be singing his own part!!!!!

During the Bandoggs days when I was their sound engineer, I used to sit with Nic in sessions trying to copy his fiddle style. I left each session thinking I'd cracked it and indeed I had, until the next time I tried to play without Nic being there. Frustrating - but indicative of the genius fiddler he was.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,surreysinger
Date: 27 May 11 - 08:49 PM

"bazouki" ?? Where did that come from? I meant, of course, bouzouki ... not some sort of bastardised rocket anti-tank weapon.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 28 May 11 - 01:35 AM

Looking forward to seeing old friends later on today....Should be a good evening!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 28 May 11 - 04:57 AM

Set your DVD players, or whatever digital devices clutter up your house to record the footie (Man U vs Barcelona if you're visiting from another galaxy!) & get yourself down to the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London's South Bank for Nic's concert tonight, Saturday 28th. This is almost certainly a one-off, never to be repeated gig...what are you waiting for??!!
                                                                                                                                  Nigel.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: SeanS
Date: 28 May 11 - 04:33 PM

I cannot believe I just read this, about 8 hours too late. I'm 25, so of course haven't had the opportunity to see Nic on stage and am desperate to do so. I'd love to hear about the gig!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 28 May 11 - 06:58 PM

It was absolute magic from start to finish. Nic sang 100 miles with his son Joe playing guitar - I shut my eyes and it was just like Nic playing. Blair Dunlop gave a cracking performance of Canadeeio.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Surreysinger
Date: 28 May 11 - 07:16 PM

I never heard Nic singing during his heyday, and I never thought I would hear him sing live at all. The last half an hour with Nic, son Joe, and Belinda O'Hooley on piano was the highspot for me ... followed by Jackie Oates "Annachie Gordon" and Jim Moray's version of " Billy Don't you Weep for Me" (surprised me that did, as it was always my favourite number ... but his arrangement certainly worked!)

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 29 May 11 - 02:48 AM

SS Speaketh the truth....!
I doubt if I will see a more emotional gig this year. Bandoggs (This timewith Damien Barber and Johnny Adams taking on the late Tony Roses duties) Martin Carthy at his imperious best, with a truly brilliant Sir Patrick Spens. (has he moved into the South Bank...that's 2 weeks in a row!), So many greats, but, the big surprise was Nic himself. His voice has come on leaps and bounds, Much quieter than it used to be, but just as achingly expressive as ever. I've been lucky over the years to have been involved with various NJ projects, but, there was an almost surreal feeling when Joe (Nics son) joined in to accompany his dad. Shut your eyes and it could have Nic. and the Duetting they did was almost instinctive. Belinda and Jackie Oates, again pulled out all the stops. (Why does Annachie Gordon do that to me?) And, Belinda accompanying Nic on "Thanksgiving" ......Magic.
Sorry If I haven't named everyone, but, there wasn't a bad performance all night. Absolutely splendid, Well done to Ruth Archer and the South Bank people for putting it on. Nic says that it won't happen again, .......I wouldn't bet on that!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 29 May 11 - 04:17 AM

"100 miles"?? 10,000 miles I should have said!!! And also thanks to Jim Morray for a wonderful performance.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 29 May 11 - 05:14 AM

Could've listened to Nic & his son Joe all night. Nic was in fine voice & when he sang in harmony with Joe...well, that was SO special, a real 'hairs on the back of the neck' moment. Must mention Belinda on piano...the decision to include her in Nic & Joe's final set was only made fifteen minutes before the concert began. She is the consummate accompanist, sensitive, totally aware of the musical needs of the piece & the ability to be 'in the moment' without being intrusive. A good evening of music-making, but Nic & Joe (plus Belinda) is a musical memory that I will carry with me for a long, long time.
                                                                                                               Nigel.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Surreysinger
Date: 29 May 11 - 05:29 AM

Ralphie ain't wrong to say it was an emotional event ...I was just mulling it over,and apart from remembering Nic standing alone in the spotlight with the music stand and mic in front of him singing 10,000 miles with impeccable phrasing, the sight of him beaming at both his son and the sound of his playing, and moving to the rhythm of it during an instrumental break in one of the other numbers comes back to me. At the time I was sitting there with a big cheesy grin on my face and a very warm feeling of shared enjoyment. What nobody has mentioned is the fact that there were TWO standing ovations. The audience was still standing and applauding after the mass group encores when the houselights went up.

(On a side matter,I just hope that the antisocial person in the two rows in front of us who kept disturbing my concentration by using a camera with brightly lit screen and flashing video light, and taking pics and video recordings during the evening,particularly during the Nic solos, has the good grace to put them up on Youtube so that the rest of us can enjoy them.)

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 29 May 11 - 06:18 AM

Ashley and Blair are friends of ours and are very pleased whem we take videos and photos. Blair has asked us to put the video on Youtube. There were loads of us taking videos and photos. I suggest that if you find it hard to concentrate then the problem is entirely yours.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 29 May 11 - 06:44 AM

And I would suggest that it it is common courtesy to consider the other members of the audience, as well as the artists. I assume that you had written permission for wanton bootlegging from all the artists concerned? No? Thought not. As Ivor Cutler once said during a concert, stopping mid song...."Are You recording me?..............Don't"

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Surreysinger
Date: 29 May 11 - 06:49 AM

Sadly,Mudcat was having problems while I was previewing, and my post went up in full, whereas I had intended to omit that last sentence simply because I didn't want to provoke another discussion of this sort. Unfortunately Mudcat doesn't have edit facilities. My apologies to others for an unintentional diversion to another area .... back to discussion about the really good points of the evening please.
.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 29 May 11 - 12:52 PM

http://youtube/kc4T12JzNWI
Nic accompanied by his son Joe performing 10,000 Miles at last nights gig. Magical. (I'm sure some clever person can convert it into a clicky!)

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Will Fly
Date: 29 May 11 - 01:36 PM

Nic Jones...

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 29 May 11 - 01:53 PM

Thanks Will, you clever old sod!
Sadly, funds weren't available to do a proper filming/audio record of the gig. The fees that the South Bank Centre charge were too much, (even though Damien Barber had all the kit ready to go) There might be some decent pics up in due course, but, unless something else comes to light, this might be the only tantalising video evidence available.
Although Nics family have said that "Thats it, No more" Talking to Nic and Joe after the gig, ......who knows?! Joe really enjoyed it, and, no, they won't be going on tour, but, maybe some new recording project in the future? Nics voice is far stronger nowadays than it has been in the past. Joes sensitive playing, and harmonising was so intuitive, that if the impetus was there, who knows....They even did a Radiohead song!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 11 - 03:11 PM

I'd just like to respond to Ralph's last point. The facility fee that the SouthBank has to charge for video recording wasn't "too much", it was a standard (and not particularly large) fee, but because the possibility of recording came up rather late in the day, all of the budget was already allocated. In fact the SouthBank were very generous and their staff could not have been more kind or accommodating. It was a delight to work with them, and Sidmouth FolkWeek was honoured to be asked to produce the concert.

Joan Crump

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 29 May 11 - 03:40 PM

Fair point Joan.
It just seems such a missed opportunity. I could have done the sound recording out of a little flight case. (As I did at Sidmouth last year) Damian Barber was up for some locked off video cams. I'm sure the SBC were very accomodating. But, I'd have done it for free! Stereo out from the FOH desk, 2 audience mics... As I did last year. Done deal. I just hope we get the chance to do it again. Just seeing Tim Chippings 1000 Miles video today, brings a lump to my throat. But, it could have been so much better. (You know this to be true, as you have the Sidmouth version)

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 29 May 11 - 03:41 PM

I see from the wiki entry on Nic that his first son Daniel, whom I knew as a small boy about 1978-9, a couple of years before Nic's accident, died at some stage. Does anyone know when, or how, that occurred? And what has become of daughter Helen, whom I remember as a delightful little girl?

~M~

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 29 May 11 - 04:29 PM

Can't comment on Daniel, but Helen is fine and was there at last nights gig!...Still delightful BTW!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 29 May 11 - 05:18 PM

Theres another clip of part of the finale with Damian Barber and Tony Hall performing Little Pot Stove.... with the assembled company..Go search!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 29 May 11 - 06:10 PM

Photos

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16874284@N05/5773052811/in/set-72157626711115601/

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Surreysinger
Date: 29 May 11 - 07:59 PM

Hi Ralphie - I think you'll find that that video of the finale is only traceable if you're on Facebook and either a friend of the original poster of if, or one of the people in it who have been tagged. It's not one that has been posted up on Youtube (as yet)

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 30 May 11 - 02:49 AM

Understood! It'll no doubt surface in time!

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 30 May 11 - 05:04 AM

And what about Blair Dunlop's magnificent rendering of Canadeeio! To play the guitar part is not all easy, to sing at the same time is mind boggling and to do that aged 19 in front of a capacity crowd at the Queen Elizabeth Hall is one hell of a nerve racking achievement. Is there a picture of Nic's gleeming smile when Blair played the intro - possibly too dark though.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Hellywelly
Date: 30 May 11 - 05:20 AM

Hi there,

Just wondered if anyone does have photos or video footage then please, please, please would there be any chance you could forward it to me? I, for fear of distracting anyone (!!) didn't use my camera. Now with big regrets as I have nothing for the family album!! Thanks to everyone for taking part and loved every minute and thanks to Southbank and Joan for putting it on. Seeing my Dad sing for the first time since I was a little girl was more than emotional and stupidly I forgot the tissues!

Helen

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 30 May 11 - 05:42 AM

Hi Helen. Go to my Facebook profile. Vids of 10000 Miles and Pot Stove plus some pics are there. Alan Cole has promised more pics shortly. Haven't heard of any other vid clips though. Shame that the SBC were charging for the facility.

Subject: RE: In Search Of Nic Jones concert
From: GUEST,Nipper
Date: 30 May 11 - 05:53 AM

A marvellous night

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21412829@N04/