Jim Couza

Subject: Jim Couza
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 21 Nov 07 - 12:48 PM

I've just been talking to Jim Couza, who many will remember as "the giant of the Hammered dulcimer".

Jim has asked me to put the word out that he is about to move from Bristol to Aylesbury (if you want contact details, please PM me), and he is quite keen to do a few gigs.

For those that don't know, he has had a horrendous few years, which includes having both legs amputated and 2 heart bypass operations. However, he is in good spirits and is quite mobile, with a wheelchair, but can also walk on crutches, and he can drive in his mobility car.

He tells me that he would like to do a few festivals and clubs, but he DEFINITELY doesn't want to go back to gigging full time.

He's missing the music and would like to get out there again. And most of all is living life to the full and enjoying every day.

Graham

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 21 Nov 07 - 12:56 PM

Glad to hear he's still around and in good spirits. Tell him he's missed.

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 21 Nov 07 - 02:50 PM

All the best in the move Jim from Llantrisant folk club.


Scooby.

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Nov 07 - 04:02 PM

What an inspiration! Good luck on the move and getting back to the music.

katinColorado

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 21 Nov 07 - 05:33 PM

Send him all the best from the general Ludd folk club and my friends Dave and Anne the organisers.We'll look out for him singing!
Ned.

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: skipy
Date: 21 Nov 07 - 05:43 PM

He played Folkforms many years ago, his skill level was stunning, you are in contact with him, remember us to him please & thank him for that night.
Skipy

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: Cath
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 12:11 PM

And best wishes from Holmfirth. I have very vivid memories of him at the Nook in Holmfirth - always a pleasure to book him.
Cath

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 07:03 PM

Blimey - I was beginning to think he'd died!

Good to hear he's still about and eager to play - he made the dulcimer look so damned easy and performed what must be the only bearable version of 'Jesu, joy of man's desiring', which took some cajones in a folk club!

He won't remember my contribution to two folk clubs in Dorchester and Weymouth, but he guested with us several times. If I were still there and the clubs were still running, I'd book him again!

LTS

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 03:28 AM

When I saw the thread title I thought 'Oh dear, what now?', with all his health problems lately, but relieved to hear he's out and about.

Pass on our best wishes Graham, and keep us posted on any gigs Jim does, especially Kent. We would love to see and hear him again.

Dave & Eileen.

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: Mick Tems
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 04:53 AM

We met Jim years ago when he was a folklore student in Philadelphia University and he was interviewing us for radio. He decided to move to Wales, where he became a member of Llantrisant Folk Club - I can just picture Jim now thrilling us all with his scintillating experiments. Jim moved to the West Country, and I played on his records. We were deeply honoured to be guests at his and Karen's wedding.

Jim caught MRSA at a Bristol hospital, and surgeons felt they had no choice but to amputate. We gave him a gig at Llantrisant Folk Club, and and several musicians turned up to wish him well, Chris Moreton included. Graham, I would love Jim's email and postal address.

Mick Tems

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 04:55 AM

Wow! I'd love to hear him - it's been 21 years since I saw him at Stainsby! I actually got out his "Friends and Neighbours" album the other week - just acquired a new deck. I knew about his heart ops, but not about his legs. I'm so glad he is raring to do something again.
he'd have to venture up north a bit for me to see him. Has he any thoughts of doing an album?

All the best to Jim.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Jim Couza
From: The Sandman
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 05:16 AM

Best of luck, Jim,Sorry to hear about your illnesses,keep playing the music.Dick Miles