Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions

Subject: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 08:05 AM

Well, to say the last few years have been loaded with trials is to take understatement to a new level. But at last I, along with my mates in The Conklin Ceili Band, are back at it and making the music. I must say that it feels like a homecoming after a trip fraught with peril. How's that for some melodrama? But here we are dead in the middle of a new CD, and I am so excited to be at it again. I hope my Mudcat friends will avail themselves of this new one, because it is going to be very special.

The tentative title is, The Cannonsburg Sessions. The name comes from the tiny little 4 corners where the studio is located. The setting is beautiful, on the banks of Bear Creek, and just down the road from the village of Parnell. This is a very important place for us, as it is where our Irish ancestors came and established themselves in West Michigan. They named their village after Charles Stuart Parnell, and the next village over is named after Grattan. The history and the area is very important to us and lends its flavor to our music.

Another thing that will make this CD very special is its producer. Paul Mills came over from Toronto and laid the basic tracks with us, and he brought the great sideman, Curly Boy Stubbs, along. For those who don't know, Paul is one of North America's finest producers. He produced all of Stan Rogers CD's, and has worked with a list that includes some of the greatest folk artists out there. He is a founder of Borealis Records, has 4 gold and a couple of platinums, and brings about 40 years of experience producing some of the finest music on the folk scene. He is the President of the Ontario Federation of Folk Festivals, and recently received the very prestigious Helen Verger Award from the Ottawa Folk Festival for "significant, sustained contributions to folk/roots music in Canada". Throw in the fact that he is a wonderful friend, and a truly gentle man, and is married to one of the great women anywhere (Beverly, is his wife)and you get an atmosphere that is extremely conducive to making great music happen.

So stay tuned, folks. We laid the tracks Cannonsburg, and this week I am in Toronto doing overdubs and mixdown with Paul. This one is going to be dandy. I will fill in more information as we go.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: maeve
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 08:09 AM

Congratulations on the renewal of your music, Mick.

maeve

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 10:03 AM

I've seen Curly Boy Stubbs play. He's terrific. You should get some great work done in these sessions.

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: gnu
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 10:15 AM

The Cannonsburg Sessions.... should be a blast!

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Amos
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 10:39 AM

A great handle for the disc, man. I wan tto hear this!!


A

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: maire-aine
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 10:43 AM

Can't wait. Let me know when the CD release party happens.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 10:46 AM

YES!!! And, welcome back!!

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: GUEST,pattyClink
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 11:38 AM

well, hoo-rah!

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Tinker
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 12:54 PM

Congrats !   

Can't wait to hear where the music is taking you....

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 12:58 PM

Introductory House Concert in Maine, Mick??????
Enjoy!

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 01:21 PM

I forgot to say, Morgan - the Grandson, will be very excited to hear about Big Mick making more music. He's just started kindergarten and is learning to read more. For at least the past two years, he has known, when I say go ahead and put on some tunes, that C-O-N-K-L-I-N C-E-I-L-I B-A-N-D means Big Mick singing "Bill O'Shay," his very favourite. He never misses picking out that CD when he spins the dial on my CD changer; it is always his first choice and some of his first "readable" words.

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 01:22 PM

Does all this activity (Congrats!) mean that you're not going to the Getaway, Mick? Although I can't go this year, I like to 'see' you there. The picture is not complete without you.

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Wesley S
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 02:01 PM

I was begining to wonder when you'd get off your butt and get back to work. Glad to hear it. I'm putting some cash aside now so I can afford the final product.

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 02:14 PM

I'm glad you've found the time to do this CD, and I look forward to hearing the results of the sessions one day soon. Don't forget to have some fun. (Like that ain't gonna happen anyway!)

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Tinker
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 03:07 PM

Oh, and be sure to pass around a few extra hugs to Bev and Paul and Heather for me.....

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: GUEST,John in Hamilton
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 03:14 PM

Mick,
    can you manage the seisun in Hamilton on Friday night at the Irish-Canadian club on Concession St in Hamilton?


John

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: karen k
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 08:29 PM

Can't wait. Save me one. When will it be out?

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 11:27 PM

Slainte agus cum suas e!

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Janie
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 11:42 PM

Very good news to hear, Mick. Glad to know you are feeding your spirit with the music. I'll look forward to getting this CD.

I am supposing you are not going to come to the Getaway this year, so here is a big virtual hug and sloppy kiss!

All the best to you and your family.

Janie

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Genie
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 12:34 AM

Dammit! This is about the eleventeenth time in the last couple months I've posted something here at Mudcat only to find 'twarnt there the next time I came back to the website!
Anyone else have that happen?

aarrrggh!

Whatever.

Ennyhoo, earlier today I posted that I can't wait to hear this new Cannonsburg Sessions CD. And I mean it.

Genie

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Janie
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 12:40 AM

The same thing has happened with my posts 3 or 4 times today, Genie.

It has happened before, but not often.

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 08:52 AM

Thanks for all your kind words, my friends. Paul and I are working very hard all this week, and it looks like we will get the final tracks done today and tomorrow. It is a great and tight production, with a very good song selection. Next week we do the photo shoot, begin graphics and start putting together the promo package, while the music is put through the mastering process and CD production. It looks like mid to late November for the finished product to be ready.

Just a peek ahead, I love what we ended up with on the Tim O'Brien song, "John Riley". We mixed it up with an old trad tune, put it through the Conklin Ceili grinder, and came out with a great and different take. I love O'Brien's version, but I must admit to liking ours better. And it is such a great story. We also did Christy Moore's "Ordinary Man". That song, though 15 or 20 years old, is so relevant to the workers suffering through plant closings and layoffs right now, and our version is a killer. And with myself having been a Union Organizer for the best part of 30 years, I put a lot into it. Then there are the reel sets, and much more. This will be Conklin Ceili at it's best.

Mick

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: DonMeixner
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 09:13 AM

Good news Mick.

Can't wait to hear it. Studio work was always fun for The Flyin' Column and we'd do it again in a heart beat I imagine. My wife likened it to bowling night for folk singers.

Can you give us an idea as to the track list? Will Famine Road be on it or have you already recorded that some place else. I remember quite fondly swapping our famine songs in the practice rooms at Elderly Instruments.

Good luck with the final effort. Mixing down is a never ending job.

Don

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 06:03 PM

Mickster Mhor!

Glad to hear you're back at it again. I look forward to hearing the result.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 08:32 PM

Mick-

Sounds as if you've kicked it all up to a new level. I certainly want a copy of the new CD.

Have lots of fun listening to each track over and over and over again!

Been there. Done that!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 08:39 PM

How can this be worth a shit at all? You might have somehow saved something of it if you'd recorded Take an Old Cold Tater and Wait which is at least more personal to you.

And are you huffin' us about the Cannonsburg thing? I notice the next street down is "BJ Street"...........I'm figuring that's where the studio really is but you ain't got the moxie to call it The BJ Sessions.

Put me down for a copy. CD's are excellent shims to level aquariums. BTW, you're way behind in billable hours..........


Spaw

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 01:31 AM

Don, Along The Famine Road was on CD number one ...... titled, "Over The Waterfall". That was a special visit to Elderly, eh?

Dan .... I think you will enjoy this one. Paul is a stickler for time, note, pitch, errant strings .... which is exactly why he has the reputation as one of the finest producers in North Amerikay. I will be anxious to hear your take on our work.

Yeah, Charley, I have parsed these things with Paul to the nth degree. But I guess a good sign is that I am still enjoying listening.

Spawzer, first things first. BITE ME!!! Now, to the business at hand. We thought about calling it the "BJ Sessions" but the thought of the effect that would have on you, and those around drove us in a different direction. And we figured that by calling it the "Cannonsburg Sessions" would remind you of the report made by the sound of rapidly expanding gases which had been ignited by a random spark. That would get you in the mood to light off some farts, mebbe get the Reg Boys to kick in. Then we could use the assembled crowd as a CD release party and make a few bucks. Who needs spotlights when you have the blue flame light generated by lighting Oh-high-ya farts. Them folks are easily drawn to such a spectacle. And once you have them in a stupor from breathing the noxious gases, slicking 'em out of some cash for a CD should be easy. See how it works?

BTW, I had dinner and conversation with Little Hawk the other night.He told me to tell you to kiss his ass ...... I'm just sayin'

I intend to do a lot of catching up on the laying about once this damn project is done......... so enjoy your time.

Love,

Mick

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: GUEST,Paul Mills
Date: 04 Oct 09 - 01:25 AM

Hi you Catters!

It's been a long while since I posted here, and please forgive my absence, but I jut wanted to chime in on this project. I got to know Mick through Rick Fielding and Jed Marum and all of it come to be because of this wonderful network of folkies...bless you all!

Ever since I heard Mick sing, I've been telling him that we should do a record together, and finally it's happening. We just finished mixing yesterday and I have to say that I think this is one fine recording! Everyone worked really hard and the results show it. I've had a ball working with the Conklin Céili Band and I hope you all will enjoy the result.

Thanks for the opportunity, Mick...let's do it again soon!

Paul Mills

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Big Mick
Date: 04 Oct 09 - 05:26 PM

If one is going to thank someone for the opportunity, it is me thanking you, Paul. Your attention to detail, your clear understanding of music theory, your bionic ears (**chuckle** - the man could tell I was swaying to the music while playing just based on the minute differences in the notes - not human, I'm tellin' ya!!) and your incredible sense of arrangement are why you have the reputation you have. And you can bet anything you want that we will be working together again and soon! Next week, folks, after I get some photo shoots done, I will start filling in the details. I am busy with the rough drafts on the liner notes right now.

Stay tuned, and, all the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Oct 09 - 05:53 PM

Way to go. Hey, Mick, when you get that CD done maybe we can do a trade....yours for mine. I'll be very interested to see how it has turned out.

Wasn't that Ukelele night a hoot? I never thought I'd have so much fun listening to Ukelele players. I'm going down to the Arts in Newmarket this week and see if I can pick up a decent Uke for not too much $ and see if I can get half reasonable at playing it.

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: balladeer
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 12:12 PM

Heard some bits and pieces from the CD Mick and company have been working on. Beautiful!

Subject: RE: Big Mick & the Cannonsburg Sessions/CD release
From: Big Mick
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 08:37 PM

I am going to post song notes, etc. here over the next few weeks. Here is the dedication to the new CD which will be released about December 1, 2009. It is called the Cannonsburg Sessions.

There are these places, scattered around the North American continent, that are special to the grandchildren of Ireland. These are the places where the people of the Irish Diaspora, chased from their beloved homeland by the Great Hunger and centuries of repression and discrimination, settled in and created a new life,yet clung stubbornly to their identities as the children of Ireland. One of these very special places is the area in and around the parish of St. Patrick, located in Parnell, Michigan. The Irish came to these green rolling hills of hardwoods and fertile land, and the place names reflect their pride in their heritage. The village is named after a famous Irish orator, Charles Stewart Parnell. The township is named after the famous Irish Nationalist, Henry Grattan. It is the place that remains the spiritual center of the Irish in West Michigan, and a stroll through its graveyard is like a stroll through a graveyard in Ireland. You will see old Celtic crosses, and names like Byrne, McGee, Malone, Verlin, Doyle, Driscoll, Gahan, Hefferan, Nugent, and so many more. This is the place that spawned The Conklin Céilí Band. It is to this place, and to the descendants of those that risked all to come here, that we dedicate this recording. It is fitting then that we would come together on the banks of Bear Creek at Cannonsburg in the parish of St Patrick's - Parnell, in the heart of Irish America, to hold the sessions that would become this CD.

The music of The Conklin Céilí Band is rooted in the "songs and stories, and heroes of renown"** of the Irish and the Irish around the world. We attempt to take songs and tunes, old and new, written by and about our people, and present them in a unique way. One man who books many Irish acts described our music as follows; "I listen to a lot of Irish music, I know the music you play, but you are different from anything I have heard….. and I love it". We hope you will love it too.

Mick Lane
October, 2009
**From the lyrics to "Dublin in the Rare Old Times, copyright Pete St. John.

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 12:34 AM

Hey, Mick me bucko, me foine broth of a bhoy!

My new CD should be out in a month. Wanna do a swap - 2 of mine for 1 of yours plus a signed Sparky Lyle baseball?

All seriousness aside, congratulations to you and the CCB on your achievement, and I look forward to hearing it.


Seamus

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 09:12 PM

Excellent news rambling buddy. I've got to see if I can talk you into driving me across the country again. We could listen to your new CD while looking for more subjects for our songs. Congratulations, let me know when to send in my money.

Mike

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 10:10 PM

I'm looking forward to hearing it soon. I'll bet Rick is not only smiling, but singing with the angels on all the choruses!

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: GUEST,Jed Marum
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 10:48 PM

OOops! Me again, above.

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 02:05 PM

Looking forward to this Mick.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Tinker
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 02:29 PM

So does this mean we will be getting tantalizng tidbits over the next month cleverly designed to increase temptation and increase CD sales ?

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 05:14 PM

You say that as if it were a bad thing, Tink ;>)

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Tinker
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 05:32 PM

More of an encouragement to make sure we get the next installment.....


Tink



After all you wimped out on Getaway....BG,,,,

Subject: RE: Big Mick and the Cannonsburg Sessions
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 07:21 PM

And wait till they get a glimpse of the nude inset of Mick included as a special bonus (the one that folds out, and folds out, and folds out, and folds out, and folds out)....and that's just the private parts.....

yours,

Peter T.