Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September

Subject: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 05:42 PM

The Ballad Workshop Club, which meets in Laurie's Bar, is delighted to announce a special guest appearance of Ray Fisher -- expect a great ballad (or several), some smashing stories about learning her craft from Jeannie Robertson, some Northumbrian piping from her husband Colin Ross, and umpteen songs from the company....

We run from 1 - 3.30pm and pre-booking is advisable as space is limited. For further info on venue, prices etc. and to pre-book, just type in
                                                 http://www.lauriesacousticmusicbar.co.uk
and follow through for the clicky link to me.
Alternatively, PM me if you're a regular on Mudcat.

We've already got a lot of friends booked in, and we know we have the makings of a memorable day, but we'd love to welcome those whose interest in traditional music is perhaps more recent.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 07:51 PM

Great to see Ray is back working after her illness ! Shame Glasgow is SO far away !

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Wheatman
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 01:32 AM

All the best, great news. Sorry I cannot make the event it's a long way from Whittlesey

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Little Robyn
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 02:49 AM

It's an even longer way from New Zealand!
Wish I could be there.
Love to Ray and Colin.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 03:18 AM

We know it's a long way for lots of Ray's many friends, but we figured out that that just knowing that she was getting back out there would compensate in a small way for the disappointment of not being able to attend!
And we'll let you know afterwards how it all went.
Meanwhile, any of Mudcat's more local followers should book their places soon, as we anticipate a very busy day.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Diva
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 08:06 AM

Looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Brian Peters
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 08:39 AM

Great news!

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Drumshanty
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 09:26 AM

Am booked and looking forward to it very much.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 10:34 AM

I'm so pleased to see this thread, even though I can't get to Laurie's Bar on 12 September!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 11:53 AM

Don't know how au fait with technology Ray is, but rest assured that all your kind thoughts good wishes will be passed on.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: DebC
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 01:41 PM

Please give Cy my very best. Haven't seen him in a few years.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: maeve
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 05:47 AM

Thank you for this good news. Ray and Colin have been on my mind for months.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Maryrrf
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 08:23 AM

As you know, Anne, I'm a long way away, but nothing would make me happier than to attend one of the ballad workshops, and I am especially glad that Ray is being featured. I know there will be some grand singing!

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Vic Smith
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 08:25 AM

Ray back in action! The news could not be better.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 12 Sep 10 - 03:39 PM

Well, today was the day and very special it was too!
We started with Adam McNaughton "interviewing" Ray about her musical background (some very operatic snatches of 'O Sole Mio') and influences, including the late Norman Buchan and, of course, Jeannie Robertson. We also had diversions into primary teacher- training in Glasgow and the extraordinary effect when siblings sing together -- starting in the same key semi-automatically, and falling into the same phrasing.
Then we had some lovely tunes from Colin on the Northumbrian pipes (and some very nostalgic singing along from those in the audience of a vintage to recognise an old Scots song like 'The Rowan Tree'). But lest anyone think we were in danger of becoming maudlin, three Fisher sisters (Joyce, Cindy and Cilla) took the stage to lead us through a couple of fine, rhythmic traditional songs. And Archie had also showed up to make his usual very tuneful contribution, including a song about old pals and past influences and a lovely version of 'Annie Laurie' (we were in Laurie's Bar!) which had the whole company singing along very quietly and sweetly.
And in the middle of this Fisher extravaganza, Ray took to the stage to give us all the background to her version of 'Willie's Lady' (Child no. 6) -- finding a Breton melody that she and Martin Carthy could fit to the only, tune-less text (just the kind of thing we have explored at past ballad workshops). Because she had previous doubts about her voice holding out for an 8 minute ballad, she had organised a CD player and the most special part of the afternoon for me was when she mimed along with her own singing, complete with appropriate and moving gestures.
The event continued with songs from the floor, with some mighty chorus singing, and when I left at almost 5 o'clock (after a 1 o'clock start) there was every indication of an ongoing sing-around.
Ray and Colin had left slightly before the end of the formal part of the afternoon in order to drive back home but, although she may have been a bit tired she seemed energised by being among family and friends. (Those of you who know Ray's performance style will understand what I mean when I say that her left leg was 'hitching' to the beat!)
A lovely, lovely afternoon from a lovely lady aiming to be - as we would say in Glasgow - back "on her totty"!

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: maeve
Date: 12 Sep 10 - 03:48 PM

Thank you so very much for your delightful description, EKane. Ray's recovery and the thought of a Fisher Family jamboree are wonderful antidotes to current troubles.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Maryrrf
Date: 12 Sep 10 - 04:42 PM

I'd love to have been there!

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 12 Sep 10 - 06:40 PM

The afternoon was every bit as special as Anne makes it out to be, and I felt privileged to get the chance to attend, not being a singer nor part of the Glasgow/Scottish folk scene. It was good to see Ray seemingly quite happy to be back in front of an audience, and the love and admiration she was shown. Many thanks to everybody involved!

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 04:17 AM

So glad it went well for them. I knew Ray wasn't planning on singing (much) and I was concerned lest attendees expected more than she is currently able to give.

Paws

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 04:43 AM

Brother-in-law Ronnie (one of the three co-administrators of the Ballad workshop) was looking out for Ray and the whole format of the day was discussed well in advance and intimated to those attending, so I don't think there was any disappointment.
There was just a feeling of privilege, sharing music in a "family" even larger than the Fisher clan!

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: maeve
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 05:56 AM

"There was just a feeling of privilege, sharing music in a "family" even larger than the Fisher clan!"

Lovely way to describe it!

Thanks again,

Maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Diva
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 02:03 PM

Exactly as Anne said ...a very special afternoon.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: GUEST,moira(flyingcat)
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 10:35 AM

How?????? did I miss this thread?????? Had i seen It I'd have been up there like a shot!! Sounds like it was a wonderful afternoon and i'd love to have been there. When's the next excursion down this way Ray? Best Love to you and Colin. Moira & Malc xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: ollaimh
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 09:13 PM

i'm way off in canada, so i won't make it.

thirty years ago a friend gave me a ray ficher album, with his nose in the air with distaste he said "she's an aquired taste"

i put it on and absolutely loved it. the strongest voice in folk for decades!! i lost that album in a house fire now i'll have to look on line and see if she's on cd now.

is ahe archie's sister? if so wow whata family

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 06:13 AM

This sounds to have been a magic and special day. I've been a fan of all the Fishers for years. If I hadn't have been at Bromyard I would have been there. You lucky people to have witnessed such an event

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 12:30 PM

And the feedback from family is that Ray has been energised by all the love and support on the day -- so, result!

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher - Glasgow, 12th September
From: Diva
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 01:14 PM

Absolutely! A real result. It was glorious