Congratulations to Len Graham!

Subject: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 04:30 AM

Congratulations to Len Graham on his soon to be released, .... & long awaited, book on Joe Holmes - "Here I Am Amongst You"!

Songs, Music and Traditions of an Ulsterman - " ... an account of the folklore and repertoire of one of the most influential singers and traditional fiddlers in Ireland - Joe Holmes (1906-1978) of County Antrim."

Here I Am Amongst You - Len Graham Book on Songs, Dance Music and Traditions of Joe Holmes (1906 - 1978)

Len was on Radio Ulster last night talking about this and it was a joy to hear a couple of those old tracks of himself & Joe singing together.

Does anyone here actually remember meeting Joe or hearing him sing?

Cheers
Dick

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 04:51 AM

Congratulations without a doubt. Joe was a lovely little man with an extraordinary repertoire and books on the Joe Holmes' of this world are far too few.

I admit I recoiled when I saw the price, $74.50. However, it's not due out in Britain until the end of this month, when Amazon will have it available in p/b for £22-50.

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: GUEST,^&*
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 05:07 AM

Damn! I knew there was something I meant to post about - and you've beaten me to it, Dick.

The book was launched at the Willy Clancy Week in Miltown Malbay last week and is an absolute gem. Beautifully produced, great songs, stories and photographs and lots of reference info for those who like to follow things up. HIghly recommended.

Does anyone here actually remember meeting Joe or hearing him sing?

About 1975 or so, I went to a gig at the Dublin Folk Festival, in Slattery's of Capel Street - actually to hear Frank Harte live for the first time, if I remember aright. Joe and Len were on the same bill and I had a great day. In fact, the book has a photo of Joe and Len standing outside Slattery's on the day - it's quite possible I was standing behind the photographer as it was taken!

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: GUEST,^&*
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 05:09 AM

Cross-posted with Fred. Note that there are hardback and paperback editions, with the former about twice the price of the latter. I'll check the publishers website...

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: GUEST,^&*
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 05:13 AM

Four Courts Press with euro pricing.

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: matt milton
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 08:48 AM

I've got a review copy.

What's best about the book are the songs and the photographs. There are many songs that'll be familiar to many readers, only probably not in these versions.

But some quite unusual songs too. I particularly like 'The Flowering Trade' and the insanely pompous masonic song 'Sons of Levi'. The title song 'Here I Am Amongst You' is a great cheeky, self-deprecating little comic ditty. Some interesting polkas and mazurkas too (there's a fiddle tunes section, as Joe Holmes was a fiddler as well as a singer).

In a sense, the title "Joe Holmes - Here I Am Amongst You' might be misleading, as it's predominantly a songbook: it's very much NOT a biography. (Although part of the book does, of course, give you a Joe Holmes bio.)

ultimately, if you're interested in Irish songs, you'll want it.

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 09:18 AM

Got a copy at the Willie Clancy Summer School - excellent.
Worth remembering there is also a new CD of Joe and Len's songs also available with the same title. Here's hoping they find somebody in the UK who knows what they are talking about to give them both a decent review - not always the case with Irish productions!
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: matt milton
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 09:31 AM

well I'm badgering Songlines to let me review the book (I wasn't aware there was an accompanying CD), and you can rest assured it'll be a positive review.

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: GUEST,John Moulden
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 11:34 AM

I think we should get back to discussing music and, in particular, not to sully the memory of that wonderful singer and delightful, guileless man, Joe Holmes, with abuse, which only serves to detract from Len's effort. I for one would appreciate its removal.

The book is beautifully produced and as complete a representation of Joe's song and tune repertory as we will ever have. There is a short section on other aspects of folklore. The introduction gives a resumé of Joe's life and other aspects of his and Len's mutual singing experience are included in the song notes.

As well as aspects already mentioned, the book includes an appendix of ballad sheet representations and substantial set of references.

---------- First sentence refers to some abusive posts, since deleted. Mudelf-------

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: GUEST,Saoirse
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 02:12 PM

I'm delighted that Len's book, an undoubted labour of love, has been published.

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 04:28 PM

The book description at various sites referenced does not
indicate a cd is included, nor does Amazon UK list a
CD - who published the CD, and where is it available?

There are 9 Holmes tracks in a FREE REED CD - is this what your refer to?
There were some early Len Graham albums with Holmes (maybe on Claddagh) - are those the ones re-issued, or previously unpublished material?
Thanks, Thomas.

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: GUEST,John Moulden
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 05:01 PM

The CD has been published by Len Graham. It has the same title as the book.

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: GUEST,booklynrose
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 05:43 PM

In the United States, Len Graham will be on the staff of Folk Music Week at Pinewoods Camp near Plymouth Massachusetts from July 24-July 31. There is still space for the full week of camp or a partial week. This camp run by Country Dance and Song Society of America offers the opportunity to spend a week taking classes, hanging out and singing/playing with talented campers & staff, swimming, etc. The setting is beautiful, the food is outstanding. Don't miss this opportunity. Information HERE

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: Fergie
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 09:09 PM

Hi All

Haven't got my hands on Len's book yet, but will before the month is out. Have a couple of CDs on which Len and Joe sing together and most excellent they are, but what else would you expect from two singers steeped in the musical lore of their locality and with such a shared love for the rich tradition of song that they have inherited from their respective communities.

Fergus

Subject: RE: Congratulations to Len Graham!
From: GUEST,jim mac farland
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 01:21 PM

missed the launch in Clare but looking forward to getting my copy