Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair

Subject: Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 31 Oct 00 - 12:28 PM

The November issue of the slick mag Vanity Fair is the new "Music Issue." (Vanity Fair also publishes an annual "Hollywood Issue") While I knew it would cover area of musical interest other than rock (there are articles on Bobby Darin, Charlie Parker, the Whisky a Go Go, operatic sopranos, and MTV), I had no illusions that there would be any mention of traditional music. But no! There in Elvis Costello's highly personal list of 500 must have albums is . . . Jeannie Robertson! The Pogues and Donal Lunny are also represented, as well as an eclectic list from Sinatra to Groucho Marx, Dirk Bogarde, Chopin, Ornette Coleman, The Four Tops, Merle Haggard, Peggy Lee, Erich Korngold, June Tabor, Sonny Boy Williamson, Phil Specter, etcet, etcet.

Pleasantly odd to see trad represented in a main stream publication.

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair
From: KathWestra
Date: 31 Oct 00 - 03:08 PM

Gadzooks! What a curious thing -- wonder how he came to know of her? Better tell Dick G. to get ready for a run on Jeannie R. CDs. *BG*

Thanks for letting us know, Bat Goddess. Kath

Subject: RE: Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair
From: John Moulden
Date: 31 Oct 00 - 05:18 PM

Don't underestimate Elvis Costello; his "Juliet Letters" with the Brodsky Quartet ain't folk but it's intelligent and expressive without being self-indulgent. I'm not surprised he has the discernment. Which album is his must?

Subject: RE: Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Nov 00 - 01:05 AM

His "must" was a "Best of" (Greatest Hits?!?) and unfortunately I can't remember which track he was particularly taken with and I've already passed the magazine on to a friend.

It's worth checking out the list (even if you stand at the news kiosk without buying it to do it); it's wonderfully eclectic and if it leads only a handful of people into listening to something they might not otherwise have heard, it'll be for the better.

At the end there are sets such as Alan Lomax's collection and such.

(Oh, heck, buy the magazine. Don't you want to read about Bobby Darin and Johnny Rivers?)

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Nov 00 - 09:31 PM

Jeannie Robertson has been on my list for years...it IS nice to know that sort of thing is at least known by some more 'pop' musician.

Subject: RE: Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 02 Nov 00 - 01:25 AM

She's also on my Ballads and Songs of Tradition, recorded when we spent a week with her in 1958. A great singer that all should hear.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Nov 00 - 09:12 AM

And let me tell you.............from the first note out of her mouth on that 1958 recording, you realize what a treasure this woman is, and what a treasure those archive recordings are. Sandy has preserved her at her purest, and the wee banter between her and Hamish are priceless on some of these recordings. I know I have said it elsewhere, but if you love this music, and this womans version of it, you need to get this recording. I don't mean to make Sandy uncomfortable with this, but his Ballads and Songs of Tradition is, in my opinion, a must own if you are serious about this tradition.

Mick

Subject: RE: Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair
From: Bearheart
Date: 02 Nov 00 - 10:56 PM

Started listening to her when I was 12. Never recovered. My addiction to Celtic music started then.

Subject: RE: Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair
From: Art Thieme
Date: 03 Nov 00 - 03:55 PM

There IS a CD of Jeannie Robertson called A Queen Among The Heather---Rounder 11661-1720-2. It's part of the huge Alan Lomax collection of CDs.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Jeannie Robertson in Vanity Fair
From: zander (inactive)
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 03:58 AM

Someone other than folk music lovers must have taken some notice of Jeannie as she was awarded the OBE. Regards, Dave