Film of Nic Jones?

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 08:50 PM

Julia said, before Folk music got boring.
For me it was never boring, the only thing that is boring is playing in pubs as wall paper music, that is why folk clubs are so good, people go there because they want to, they go to listen, it is a place where people make their own music.
Folk music is like Classical music, in that it has something to say, and deserves respect, it is not boring.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 05:34 AM

I'm sure that the producers of this film are searching every avenue for archive film. I just suspect that there isn't much in existence. We are talking the 70's after all. People didn't have camcorders then. Maybe there might be a few scraps around. We'll just have to wait and see what turns up.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 04:24 AM

I was wondering if it might worth contacting the British Library to see if they have anything of relevance.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 02:31 AM

Doc. 1881? Looking good for your age I must say!

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 12:50 PM

Rain Dog,

Many thanks for sharing that vid!

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: johnadams
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 12:26 PM

Doc, as someone involved in financing your treasured archive, I'm impressed to see that the film/video footage dates back as far as 1881. Treasure indeed!

x

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST,Doc Rowe
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 11:45 AM

Nic was filmed playing in Topic Studios by BBC Omnibus for "The Other Music" [BBC2 1881] - filmed probably by Andrew Johnston directed by Philip Donnellan. I have the final [shortish] sequence but the whole footage may still be around somewhere. I'll make some enquiries as I was involved in researching and editorial for the programme.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: nickp
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 09:48 AM

I'm looking forward to both the full film and seeing Nic at Towersey.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 08:21 AM

yes,it is a very moving and inspiring film, and its great he is singing again, i thought it was wonderful that he performed with his son last year.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 07:11 AM

I found the film to be very moving and inspiring.

I think that we should all give thanks that Mr Jones, after all he's been through, is still very much with us and still able to perform to appreciative audiences.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 06:46 PM

I always thought Nic was a superb accompanist, an excellent guitarist, and an exciting fiddler.
How can I put this tactfully..I am very pleased he is singing again.
Singing and rating singers is a very subjective critique.
I think there were a number of other singers, Tony Rose,Ewan MacColl, Peter Bellamy, who were finer exponents of song interpretation.
However Nic had great stage presence and charisma and an unmistakeable Guitar style.
hope this does not offend anyone, but that is my opinion.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: SylviaN
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 06:16 PM

Wonderful news - can't wait to see the finished thing.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST,Jim Moray
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 04:13 PM

Tim, I understand your fears, but Nic really is just as good a singer now as he was. Not good in the same way, but having gained something different and just as good in the process. The closest thing I can describe it as is the difference between the Johnny Cash of the 60s and 70s and the Johnny Cash of 'American Recordings' in the 00s. Nic doesn't have a 'strong' voice now, but he has authority by the barrowload. Meanwhile, his phrasing and sense of timing are seemingly completely untouched by the years. I was extremely excited by his singing at the South Bank last year because it was the closest I've heard anyone come to singing in their speaking voice - something that gets talked about a lot but hardly anyone manages to do. It was all so effortless because I don't think it's ever occured to Nic that it should be difficult. And having watched a who's who of the current folk scene sing his songs, I honestly thought he blew all of us away with how simply and effortlessly he sang.

Honestly, he was as inspiring to me in person now as he has been on record from then. And not for any nostalgic reasons but because he delivered those songs in a way that suits how he is now. As he says in the clip - its all about the now.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: pavane
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 03:24 PM

Looks great!

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: mandomad
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 02:51 PM

The clip is superb,can't wait for the full documentary.
                                  mandomad

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST,Auldtimer
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 12:47 PM

Follow the link in Rain Dog's post, you realy must watch this.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 11:16 AM

Bit harsh that, RTim. Given the way in which his career came to a sudden halt, it actually depresses me that anyone would want to begrudge him the chance to perform again.

I saw him sing (with his son and Belinda O'Hooley backing) at the In Search Of... concert last year. It was one of the best concerts I've ever been to - Certainly the most emotional. Gutted I won't be able to get down to one of his festival shows this year.


Pavane - That video that Rain Dog posted is as much as I know! Due to some computer problems, I haven't had the chance to watch it with sound yet, however. :-s

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: RTim
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 11:01 AM

I have commented about this elsewhere - I loved Nic Jones, but am I the only one who thinks him performing again is not such a good idea?
He can never be as good as he was in his heyday, and (sorry) I don't want this spoiled.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: Rain Dog
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 10:55 AM

a 'taster' of the forthcoming documentary

Nic Jones documentary

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: pavane
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 10:26 AM

Any more details, guest? Year, location?

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 09:07 AM

I've seen that some footage was found! Can't wait for the full programme.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST,Folknacious
Date: 18 Jan 12 - 01:44 PM

Was he ever in one of the televised festivals like Cambridge, Sidmouth, South Downs, Bracknell, or perhaps one of those regional magazine programmes that used to go out after the 6 o'clock news?

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 18 Jan 12 - 07:28 AM

Wasn't he filmed in a recording studio once for a programme which included Jim Eldon and Marin Carthy performing? If it was the BBC it may be in their archives, of even in the National Sound Archive.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: nickp
Date: 18 Jan 12 - 04:36 AM

Only audio I'm afraid and Nic & Julia have copies.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 18 Jan 12 - 03:55 AM

In all the years of working with Nic and Julia, I don't think I've ever seen any Film/Video of Nic "In performance" That's not to say that there isn't any stuff out there!
I do think that anything filmed at the BBC Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham will have been dumped when they demolished the place. Maybe Peter Pilbeam might have something? (Ex Producer Folk On Two), but as mainly a Radio producer, I doubt it.
I wish Mr Proudfoot all the best in his quest. Worthwhile indeed.

Subject: RE: Film of Nic Jones?
From: pavane
Date: 17 Jan 12 - 05:20 PM

No video, but I have a tape/mp3 of a gig from 1973 in Pontardawe, possibly one of the earliest live recordings around. His style changed a bit in later recordings.

(Nic & Julia have a copy, I believe)

Subject: Film of Nic Jones?
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 16 Jan 12 - 06:27 PM

Michael Proudfoot (whose company made the Channel 5/ subsequently Sky Arts series of documentaries on Eliza Carthy, Kate Rusby, Kathryn Tickell etc a few years ago) is making a film about Nic Jones and is looking for old video from the 70s/80s. If anybody has such a thing - off TV (e.g. there are rumours of an appearance on BBC Pebble Mill, and possibly some outside UK) or just amateur footage from a club or festival - or can point him at such a thing, please contact Michael at [e-mail] , tel: [phone].

This is being done with the full cooperation of Nic and Julia Jones.

Derek