Jack Hudson - video clips

Subject: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 01:53 PM

I know some of us have us have probably bored the rest of you by singing loudly the praises of the Derbyshire singer/songwriter/guitarist Jack Hudson.

However thanks to the medium of the internet video clip - you can see what the debate is about. this is a guy that BBC folk radio won't play - they say he's too much like country music. BBC Country music radio won't play - they say he's too much like folk music.

Over the years, denies his fair share of fame and fortune - Jack has got somewhat bitter, and no wonder. Few folk clubs or festivals have booked this magnificent artist, whom we should all be so proud of.

The first clip is of him soinging the Kate Wolf song, the Great Divide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aee4QQ9SDc0

here are two more clips - may I particularly bring to your attention Jack's song Driftwood and Nails, which is widely sung by other folksingers but has yet to come to the attention of an artist with a major recording contract.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jackhudsonvideo&search=Search

Driftwood and Nails: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODRB_ZY5PFQ

Two Hours from Canada: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74UTa2gt0xs

She Likes to Go Walking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jrj1hidUjc

Across the Great Divide (Kate Wolf): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aee4QQ9SDc0

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 02:02 PM

wld,
having listened to Driftwood /Nails,I would not describe it as too country for folk,but then reviewers say some very stupid things sometimes,the song might sound good with a concertina.DickMiles.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 02:35 PM

Thankyou Dick for your support - means a lot!

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 04:42 PM

It sounds brilliant with John Blanks singing it!!!

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: GUEST,John Kelly
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 06:46 PM

Hi WLD. Remember me - the traddy with the harmonium at the Brown Cow a few months back? Hello again!.
Nice to see those clips of Jack Hudson. I haven't seen him for about fifteen years. I agree that he doesn't get the recognition he deserves. I saw Jack in folk clubs in the '70s, and got to know him when he used to do guest spots at McTavish's Kitchens in Fort William. I was doing the resident spot with a duo, and as well as seing Jack on stage, used to hear him afterwards at the infamous parties in the proprietors' flat. (If you know Jack personally, you could ask him about those, and say hello for me while you're about it). I never thought of him as 'Country', but as a singer of contemporary songs. And until I read your comments, I hadn't heard him described as 'Country'. Shame on the Beeb!-and the folk clubs!
My CD is out by the way. John Kelly.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: skipy
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 08:27 PM

Great to see the clips of Jack, I have not booked him since 1979! How the hell did I let that happen? I loved his presence on stage! I will rectify that, It can't be 2008, we are a small fest. but I will look into that for 2009.
Skipy

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 01:09 AM

Great news John about the cd. You're one of the best folksingers I've heard in a long long time.

When I listen to guys like you ( and there ain't many!), I am at a loss as to how you you manage to relate to those songs and find a fresh original way of presenting them.

If you still have my e-mail, send me details of your cd - where it can be got, for how much etc.

I hope you've moved out of the tent for the winter!

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 07:39 AM

GReat stuff Al, wish I could have been at Loughborough.
When will the Closed Minds that control folk music in the UK wake up to this man's great talent? He can play, he can sing (better than most of the 'superstars' who are the current fads), he can write, so why is he ignored this way? It's an insult.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Capo da Monty
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 08:14 AM

I make no apologies for being one of those who may have "bored " others by bringing Jack to their attention from time to time.
I shall continue to do so!
I was at the Loughborough gig and it was a privilege to be there.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 08:24 AM

No one respects Jack's musicianship and writing ability more than me, but there are reasons he falls between the cracks and I don't know what he can do about it. It#s cetainly nothing to do with his obvious talent and ability.
For the folkies he's too American in his pronunciation,phrasing and word choices. Fake American accents are the kiss of death to British festival bookers etc. For country people he's far too literate and requires too much mental concentration.
Jack is unique and like most unique people in an age of "celebrity" he has to chip out his own niche and get satisfaction from knowing he's appreciated by a cogniscenti, small though it may be.
The trick is not to get bitter but to continue to get better and to remember the phrase "you never know" and carry on the journey.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Irene M
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 10:25 AM

Nice.

WLD, are you planning to post "She Likes To Go Walking"?

In my case, it was McTavishes Kitchen, Oban from 1976 to 82, when I was living there. It was the closest I could get to a folk club without travelling to Stirling or Glasgow.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: GUEST,John Kelly
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 12:00 PM

Glad to see this thread might help Jack get at least one festival booking (see Skipy's comments). Last time I saw him, which, as I said, was about 15 years ago, we were discussing the mystery of what he called the 'Festival Circus' - that merry band that seems to do the rounds of festivals every year. All the same predictable names, and not just the headliners, but those further down the bill as well. As far as I know, at that time, Jack had never done a festival, and it wasn't for lack of interest on his part. He wasn't alone; I have had the same conversation with other singers of equally long standing, and with punters, who also get fed up seeing the same names all the time. Maybe this is the way to do it - get yourself talked about on the Mudcat forum!
WLD - I'll email those details. Cheers. John Kelly.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 12:01 PM

These are the only links I have got. if you would like me to post more of course I will as jack makes them available to me.

To be honest fake rustic English accents and phoney regional accents from people who talk in RP are the ones that really piss me off. Only kidding, no folk music pisses me off.

My mother sang in a phoney American accent. A cursory examination would probably show you that most English people have done since the 1880's when American acts started to kick ass in the English music halls. ian Camppbell once told me his Dad's biggest singing influence was Al Jolson.

Who's the phoney? Jack has put his life on the line producing music for the English folk clubs that he believes passionately in.

Contrast this with say Tim Hart's interview in Froots where he said 'People in Spain ask me what was that strange English accent that you made records in - and I have no answer.'

One artist has enough money to retire abroad by toeing the traddy party line -one had had damn nearly a lifetime of rejection for pusuing the path he believes in. who is the true artist?

If singing in a way you belive is correct, is the kiss of death for festival organisers - maybe these brainless gits should lose their jobs.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 12:21 PM

Well, I am listening, as an American, and I don't hear much of any kind of accent...and I have a good ear. But then to me a lot of singers lose their accents when singing, except for small nuances or in the case of Geordies!**BG**

I wouldn't consider him country at all, over here. If I had to suggest to a radio station what genre he might fit in I'd say folk, similar to Gordon Bok and Bill Staines. My Rog says he sounds Canadian to him, esp. Newfoundland.

Regardless I am pleased I share the same last name with him! (Well, my "maiden" name.)

Thanks, wld, I really loved hearing him!

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 12:24 PM

I'm not suggesting Jack sings in that awful fake "English" accent. I am saying that the people on the English folk scene won't book an Englishman singing in a fake American accent. That's how it is. (not necessarily how it should be).
The folkie you quote made his money, as you say, by abiding by the rules. The mavericks who didn't often had a greater talent but got less work.
The point is, if your face doesn't fit there's nothing you can do but compromise, or find a way to retain your enthusiasm and carve out your niche.
If Jack is unhappy with a small room of people who obviously know every word of his songs then that's a shame. If singing and writing brings him feelings of frustration and bitterness, then for his own self-preservation he should stop doing it.
The only attitude that works (and pardon the football analogy) is to realise that you're not wanted by the Man Utds even though you can't understand why, but work hard at becoming a legend for Hull or Walsall. If you love playing, that can be more than enough.
And I know some very fulfilled passionate artists who've done just that, and I hope Jack can rise above his frustration and find peace in his talent.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 04:59 PM

Well okay, but there are half a dozen little festivals near where we live and none of them book him. Its not asking the world, is it?

Kat, you're right. he has less of an American accent than I do when I sing most songs. This is due to the fact that I have sung songs professionally in a c and w band, and also many songs from the American songbook - Porter, Kern, Gershwin etc when i gigged old peoples homes.

the point is that he doesn't do the all purpose traddy accent complete with grace notes - that I also do - from my time doing Irish theme bars.

I'm quite willing to own up to not having an ounce of artistic integrity - if it means singing in the same voice for every song. Just pains me to see someone done down, who is integrity personified.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: GUEST,No Fixed Abode
Date: 26 Nov 07 - 01:38 PM

Just want to say it is great to see Jack on you tube, whatever your views it would be a crime if Jack's performance was not recorded for future generations to discover.

As performers ourselves we are more than aware of the problems getting festivals to even listen to you, supply and demand spring to mind.

We just wish Jack well, we are sure people are going to discover Jack via you tube and the beauty of you tube is no one can block you getting at the truth so maybe Jack will have the last laugh?

Una and Tony

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Nov 07 - 01:53 PM

Thanks for the clarification/explanation.

I hope Jack will not take it personally. From my experience working at a non-profit center for the arts and also promoting my brother's classical music and songs, which are all REALLY great music, it is a real uphill battle to get booked into anywhere unless the stars are all aligned or things reach critical mass or something hits just right. It's the same when I send a manuscript out to a publisher, only that's even more of a crap shoot, imo.It is easier nowadays with email, youtube, etc., though!

On the other end, when we closed the center where I worked, I took home boxes of tapes and LPs from artists who had sent them in over the years, hoping for a booking. We just never had the money or times to afford or schedule them, plus there was always considering what the accountant had to say. We had to justify bringing someone in with how much we thought they'd bring in in revenue.

The main thing to remember, which I have read over and over by people of success, and I don't mean just monetary success, is one has to be persistent, to continue to do as much as possible.(My sales manager used to tell us the advert customer hadn't said "no" for real until they literally kicked us out the door!) I would add the caution that it works better if it is what you love to do. My brother is obsessed and compelled to compose and is a very unhappy person. I do not believe he loves to compose at all, it's just what he has always felt he had to be, from early childhood. Maybe he's got Suffering Artist's Complex? **bg** (No offence meant to any one!)

Anyway, I wish Jack much success and if I can ever trace my Hudsons back form Virginia to England, where we know they were, maybe I can even greet him as "cuz!"

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Irene M
Date: 26 Nov 07 - 02:28 PM

Kat,
They get around, these Hudsons.
One of them had a socking great big bay named after him in Canada.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Nov 07 - 03:43 PM

'the beauty of you tube is no one can block you getting at the truth so maybe Jack will have the last laugh?'

I am putting my faith in Video clips also. I have pretty much given up on the folkscene, but I thought to myself - perhaps I will become a cult - like a video of dancing earwigs, or something.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Capo da Monty
Date: 29 Nov 07 - 09:18 AM

Will the DVD be in the shops for Christmas, Tony?

Regards

CdM

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Capo da Monty
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 02:59 PM

Easter perhaps?

Happy New Year to all Jack's fans!

CdM

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: GUEST,no fixed abode
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:53 PM

Hi CdM
       And a happy new year to you too! Sorry there is a slight delay with the DVD as there are developments afoot that may change everything.... cannot say any more as sworn to secrecy,

All should become apparent in the next few weeks.

Thanks

Tony

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: alanabit
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 04:59 AM

Having read WLD's conmments for the past couple of years, I have finally seen the clip of Mr.Hudson. Yes, he is a very fine singer, player and writer. I didn't hear enough "phoney American" intonation to annoy me - and it would have, had I heard it! If anything, it sounded fairly neutral with a very soft hint of Derbyshire vowels to me. I haven't seen him onstage, but it certainly sounded as though your man was holding that audience.
It strikes me that he is in a position not unknown to many: His natural audience may not be in his homeland. If he can get in front of an audience, which feels he is singing about them, it will all happen for him. At the moment, no one can see the potential to make money out of that happening. I don't know what could bring that about - but I hope it happens.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 06:31 AM

"If anything, it sounded fairly neutral with a very soft hint of Derbyshire vowels to me."

Yep, spot on IMHO.

I don't get this hatred of the 'phoney accent' bit - there are plenty of other singers around who sing in accents other than their own natural one, yet they're held as near-deities in the bright Firmament of Folkiedom. Example - listen to Martin Simpson's accent in the songs he sings which have their roots in the American South - not a hint of Scunny there, but plenty of 'phoney American'! Absolutely NOT a criticism of Martin's delivery, for the very good reason that, because of the origin and language of these songs, to sing them with a Lincolnshire, or for that matter, Derbyshire, or Fackin' Landon accent would be ridiculous.

Jack sings and writes great songs which are of a certain, American-influenced style, and he sings them in an accent which owes much to his own Derbyshire roots, but which is gently and sympathetically adjusted to make it suitable for the style and lyrics of the songs. WTF's wrong with that?

JMHO! :-)

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: GUEST,no fixed abode
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 04:39 PM

sorry but my ears must be bad as I do not hear any accent! maybe I am a fool but when Jack performs I am lost in the song and the words and the emotions created.

my appoligies I am a fool.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 05:09 PM

No Tony, not a fool....!
More of a unreconstructed nutcase.......I'm sure there are parts of Manchester where you fit in perfectly.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 11:55 AM

Tony, your ears have been stunned by the beauteous and dulcet Irish tones of your fine lady! LOL!

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Stewart
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 03:30 PM

"Driftwood and Nails"
Wow, what a beautiful song!
Could someone post the words here?
I couldn't get them all from the recording.
But I just love this song, and Jack does a fine singing of it.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Deckman
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 08:43 PM

I found Jack Hudson's voice, and style, to be very inspiring. He is a joy to hear. Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: ADD: Driftwood and Nails (Jack Hudson)
From: GUEST,no fixed abode
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 06:55 AM

Hi,
   Jack is having problems with his computer so he has asked me to post the Lyrics to Driftwood and nails here for Stewart.
It is nice to see new people discovering Jack's music via youtube....


DRIFTWOOD AND NAILS
(Jack Hudson)

We shore up the past
with driftwood & nails,
that once were a part of some fine ship we sailed.
Into the sunset to write on the sky,
our name & all of the reasons, we came & passed by.
We sailed oceans new.
High seas against the bow.
Without one Bon Voyage, we lost sight of land, somehow.
All the good luck charms & roses thrown into the wake,
may as well have been prayers, for all the difference they make.

CHORUS
Every journey made with you
was across uncharted seas.
'tis of thee, those memories are made.
From a word to a kiss.
From silence to a scream.
To an answer just over the page.

I have packed suitcases,
Large and small.
Thrown some things in a bag, thrown the rest at the wall.
In turn I have blessed & cursed the winds of change
But driftwood & nails are all that are meant to remain.

CHORUS x 2…

Repeat 1st verse.


COPYRIGHT JACK HUDSON.

---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODRB_ZY5PFQ&feature=plcp

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Stewart
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 12:20 PM

Thanks Guest.
It's always fun to discover a new singer with new music.
Give my regards to Jack.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 12:51 PM

I don't know if you can get the album Stewart, but theres a terrific song of Jack's called 'She likes to go walking'. It may even be on the video clips.

It really does show what folksong is capable of. On one level its just about a woman who likes to stroll down by the sea,when her children are asleep, but in actual fact - its a wonderful exposition of how we all live and how we adjust as social animals to the curbs on our freedom.

The woman is existentially free, unlike the sea whose movements are controlled by the tides. but she chooses her home, because she loves her family, whilst still cherishing a dream of freedom.

It makes me so angry when I hear traddies sneer at navel gazing contemporary songs. Just because they are devoid of things to say about their own lives.

And it makes so angry when they exclude people like Jack Hudson from their festivals, and see no place for him in the folk process.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 04:10 AM

Amen to that, wld.

I do both 'Driftwood' and 'She Likes To Go Walking', and they are two of, if not THE, best-received songs in my set. So I tell them who they're written by, and they say "He must be very good", and I say "Yes, he's the Maestro, you really should book him". They hardly ever do - they'd rather book the current faddy-same-old-same-old artists, or fashionable-newbie-kids-still-wet-behind-the-ears. More fool them. IMHO.

Sorry to sound so bitter, but fools piss me off.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: GUEST,No Fixed Abode
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 06:51 PM

Al, Backwoodsman don't be so worried.......cream always rises to top!
Just taking a little longer than normal.

The video clip is serving Jack well, remember the world is a big fish and English folk clubs/festivals are very small but beautifully formed fish!

An old proverb

"Why push against closed doors when you can walk through open ones"

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 09:06 PM

well yes but the self serving hypocrisy dressed up as idealism of a folk revival, that gets further and furter away from the tastes and common tongue of the English people. The fact that you can now to an English university and learn how to make music which has its hand in the public purse (for all these festivals that won't book Jack are subsidised)....

well its annoying! And whilst I feel sure that something like She likes to go walking will be a much loved and performed lyric in a hundred years time - I think its writer deserves some recognition and a decent income from his work in this life.

To work outside the system, in a composed and disciplined way - as Jack as - over decades now - takes more idealism than anybody currently on the mainstages of English folk festivals can possibly envisage or imagine.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: GUEST,No Fixed Abode
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 08:49 PM

Wee little dummer......I feel your pain.....let it all out you will feel better for it! (Oh doctor!)

Good things come to those who wait....admittedly Jack has had to wait a little longer than manny others.

Well it seems that 2008 could be a very good year for Jack........If all goes well he will not be to bothered by the "self serving hypocrisy dressed up as idealism of a folk revival" types and all will be well in the garden.

Take heart now vengence!

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 06:27 AM

Hope you're right NFA, it's been wa-a-a-a-a-a-y too long coming!
John

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: 14fret
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 07:10 AM

Jack has been booked for the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow.
As guest on the Iain Anderson live broadcast concert on Feb' 1st.

Below are a couple of reasons/opinions why.

"He doesn't just cover a song but strips it back to the bare wood, finds new springs and re-upholsters the whole damn thing so that what you get is the song that Jack built.
He can write songs too, songs that are in every way the equal of those he loves."
Neil Dalton. (Review from Maverick magazine.)
---------
"Being English, then, and singing American and American-influenced material is a dangerous route to travel. Most don't pull it off. Jack Hudson does. In spades.
He is an immaculate interpreter of others' songs – highlighted tonight especially by 'L.A. Freeway,' the old Guy Clark classic - and no mean writer himself - his own 'Driftwood and Nails' displayed skill and craftmanship and searing emotional integrity. It stepped up to match the covers."
Rod Warner. (Review of live performance.)

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Capo da Monty
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 08:23 AM

That's great news indeed 14fret!
The official publicity from Celtic Connections says that Iain Anderson invites "the best Songsmiths" along to his live shows.
'Derbyshire's Finest' most certainly is.(imho)

I'm off to book my tickets now.
Anyone else thinking of going?

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 09:01 AM

THERE IS A GOD!

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 10:25 AM

Looks like a very strong line up.
http://www.celticconnections.com/viewartists

Seems like our Jack will be keeping some very distinguished company.
Well done Scotland!
Does rather beg the question though...don't you think?

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: GUEST,no fixed abode
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 06:46 AM

WOW! What a line up.

It is great news that Jack has been chosen to perform amongst such distinguished company. I know that his concert is going to go out live on BBC radio Scotland and the show may be recorded for TV broadcast so Jack could be a TV star!

See WLD good things come to those who wait…despite the indifference of those who seek to control what people hear.

We are so pleased for Jack and just know the people of Scotland are in for a real treat.

Good luck Jack from the both of us.

Tony and Una

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 06:48 AM

"so Jack could be a TV star"

Tony, Una, didn't you watch 'Phoenix Nights'? :-) :-)

Keep us posted re Celtic Connections please?

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 02:36 PM

Video clips eh!

When I were a lad we was lucky if we could afford bike clips. We used to dream of having bike clips, in case we ever got a go on a real bike.

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 12 Jan 08 - 04:45 AM

Bike clips! Luxury! I never even knew what a bike was, used to ride a wooden scooter that me dad knocked up in the coalhouse from bits of firewood.

Try telling that to t'kids o' today, they'd never believe it!

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 12 Jan 08 - 05:55 PM

Firewood? You 'ad bloody firewood?

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 13 Jan 08 - 05:23 AM

Yep - we chopped up a load of them bloody 'armoniums! :-)

When are you coming to Gainsborough agin, you old reprobate??

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Jan 08 - 10:12 AM

Heres a couple of songs from John, as he's not in Gainsborough:-

http://www.bigalwhittle.co.uk/johnkellyharmoniumhero/

Subject: RE: Jack Hudson - video clips
From: Capo da Monty
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 06:41 PM

Just to refresh and follow up 14fret's earlier post.

Friday 1st February 22.30-00.30

Jack is guesting on the BBC Radio Scotland live broadcast from Celtic Connections hosted by Iain Anderson.