Barry Finn in California (Nov 2001)

Subject: Barry Finn in California
From: Dave Swan
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 02:56 PM

The Mudcat phenomenon of meeting old friends you just haven't bumped into yet, showed itself yesterday when Barry Finn walked into our house. As those of you who've met him know, he's a hell of guy with warmth, humor and talent a plenty. p.j., Barry and I finished the evening sitting around the dining room table swapping songs and stories. It doesn't get a lot better. I'm stuck working overtime so I'll miss Barry, Chanteyranger, RiGGy, Winter's Wages, Melani, and the rest at the San Francisco Maritime Museum National Historical Park tomorrow (where Barry's leading a workshop), but I hope to get in another song or two before he leaves. He's a great guy, the Mudcat's a great place.

E.S.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 03:25 PM

Right you are, Dave. I met Barry when he invited me (via Mudcat) to the Boston singer's gathering at Paddy Burke's a year or so ago when I was visiting my sister in Lexington. Barry and Peg were the Mudcatters in attendance, and it was a fine evening. Wish I could attend his workshop. And we're all glad that he's in good shape to travel out there and sing. Any 'Catters who find yourself in Hawaii (think about it this winter...), let me know.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 03:52 PM

Barry - Fair winds and following seas from Roll & Go.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Dave Swan
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 03:55 PM

Charley,

Last night Barry sang a song of yours called Yanghtze River. What a knockout. Got to learn it before he goes.

D

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 04:15 PM

Barry has a LOT of 'em...after 3 Getaways listening, I am still amazed at the breadth and depth of what he does...enjoy!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 04:19 PM

Sorry about the overtime El Swanno, but I'm glad for the time you got to spend. I'm sure Barry will be a major hit tomorrow! Best to All!!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 05:11 PM

Lucky you, Dave. I've lost count of the number of times at the Getaway that I was overwhelmed by Barry's music and the thought that we almost lost him. Take good care of him.
Mary

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Tinker
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 08:12 PM

Barry I'm reviewing Getaway video before I send it off to Max next week and I'm loving it all over. Sunday night's bodhran ( and quips with Mick...) More good times to you in California.

Tinker

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 11:04 AM

You will get along famously. Barry is one of those people whom I have gotten very close to. It is because, in addition to the new liver, he has a big heart. And he is loaded with talent. And he is staying with two of my favorite people on Earth. But.........Swanno.........Esmerelda the cat is still pining away for you here. If I had known that Finn was headed your way I would have slipped Es in the luggage at the Getaway........

Swanno, I need you to evaluate Finn's fitness to become an associate partner in Fielding, Patterson, Swan and Lane, Layabouts-at-Large and For Hire. I have observed him laying about and taking days off for others. He is very talented and there may be a future for him here. Let me know.

And isn't it about time for a bored meeting in......Oh, let's say.........Ohio????

Mick, Senior Partner

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 11:26 AM

Dick Swan - Once you let a good song out it's gone, solid gone. Roll & Go will be recording Hamish MacLaren's "Yangtse River Shanty" next week-end for our latest attempt at the ultimate CD. Wish us luck!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 11:31 AM

Dave Swan, or El Swanno, Charley.

Anybody think "Swan Finn Lane" would make a good steet name?

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 11:47 AM

Charlie, that song is off and running. We'd better get it on tape so more people can learn it.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 11:50 AM

For those who don't realize it, Charlie has a great talent for finding songs the existence of which nobody ever suspected. Recently he discovered the chantey that the Everley Brothers used as the basis for there hit song "Wake Up Little Suzy".

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 12:26 PM

When it's hot, it's hot!;-)

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Dave Swan
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 12:45 PM

Don't worry Charlie. Dick Swan is my brother's name. Despite nine years difference in our ages, my parents never quit calling me Dick.

Mick, Barry will undergo the rigorous testing necessary to evaluate his fitness for a career of indolence. Ohio sounds like a good idea, as apparently brother Patterson has an aversion to dragging his carcass out of the state. I'm really sorry Es missed a chance to visit California. I still have plans to take her sailing.....

E.S.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: kendall
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 08:58 PM

Just remember, we get him back!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Dave Swan
Date: 06 Nov 01 - 02:56 PM

Barry's back in New Hamster now, and we miss him like a front tooth. You couldn't ask for a nicer guy in the house. He even walked the dog early one morning! Our last night of music found us in the living room with RiGGy, Chanteyranger, Shay Black, Shira, Kim, Christine, cats, kids, dogs, new friends who showed up for the music, and Barry. Then we took the show to the Starry Plough and did it all over again. We're pretty lucky folks.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Nov 01 - 07:51 PM

I am anxious to here, Grand Exalted Brother Layabout El Swanno, as to the results of his testing for induction as an associate layabout into the firm of Swan, Patterson, Fielding and Lane, Layabouts at Large and for hire. Did he do the appropriate amount of loafing? Did he take a day off for someone so they could get more work done? Did he leave any chores undone? We need these details. The screening committee awaits your report, but don't do it tomorrow, Thursday, or Friday. We are taking a long weekend.

Mick
Black Belt, 10th Dan, Layabout Kwon Do

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 06 Nov 01 - 10:59 PM

Thanks to Swan Central for putting Barry up during his stay. He was magnificent at the Moby Dick festival - bringing in songs that are rarely heard in our parts and singing them with power in his voice. Barry's back from his liver ordeal in a big way.

chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Barry Finn
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 06:44 PM

Thanks all for the kind words. Between the 2 recent music weekend events I've racked up some big time catching up with all the usual things that needed tending to while I was away & I had to play the Layabout role too. What a warm welcome from the Swans & never would I be able to be hosted by such wonderful folks again even if I'd have to have rounded the 5 great capes. The first night we just sat & sang & ate & drank (lots of ginger ale for me) around he table until it wasn't a healthy start to forget sleep so early into the looong weekend (alive an' kicking since 4:30 am East Coast time till some where around 1am West Coast time). The following PJ & I picked up Daphne of the Windlasses & got to eyeball Lark In The Morning, what a music shop, stuff from here, there & everywhere. Got to see my first Jawbone, it's a teeth shattering sight & all he other mysteries that live there. Next one of the most important duties, eating Dim Sum after we downed some fudge, ice cream & & other goodies. Then off to Arhoolie Records (& CD's). They carry every thing & more of what you could want or need. Time to drop off Daphne, these young kids these days need a little to much rest, then off to the Plough & Stars to hit their celebration. Got to see some old friends & hear some first rate music. Nearly had to camp out there for all we were hearing. The next day was spent hearing & doing music from noon till midnight. Chanteyranger did a hell of a job pulling off this sea fest, big time & on what I suspect to have been less than a couple winks & a nod. Got to meet/hear Sourdough, RiGGy, Winter's Wages, Melani, Toadfrog , Randriano, Elsie & Joe Offer & probably some others that my memory can't recall at the moment. The next day, again, an all day music affair. Doing some stuff with Randriano, RiGGy & Chanteyranger early was a ball & the sing at the Swan's place after was priceless, then (whew) off to the Starry Plough to cap off the whole fling. It's been real & it's been great & it was real great. Thanks so much for taking me on in so much friendship. Special thanks to the Swan's & how they put themselves out for me. Please come visit this coast, though I can't say that it would compare to what I just experienced. LOL, Barry

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 07:06 PM

Application denied!!! The sucker wrote the same story five times. Clearly he does not understand the fine art of laying about, despite having and excellent tutor in Grand Master El Swanno in the practice of Layabout Kwan Do. I am sorry pubhopper.

Master Mick
Black Belt 10th Dan
Eternal Temple of the Rising Lane, Patterson, Fielding and Swan
Layabouts at Large and For Hire

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 07:21 PM

Mick, I think I've heard about this little-known martial art. Some martial arts involve a drop-kick. This one just has a drop. Wrestling involves a full Nelson and half a Nelson. In this one you do a Ricky Nelson. You break jello molds with a karaoke chop and you practice in a Don't-Jo. Is that the one?

chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 07:25 PM

True Mick. But I think the salient factor is not that he wrote it 5 times but that you and I read it about 3 or 4 before we realized something was amiss!!!! I know I have felt more stupid then this at some time or another, but I'm at a loss to remember when that was..............

On the other hand, it seems that one and all had a great time of it in every situation and Barry? Ain't it great to just be "here?" It sure is for me anyway....

Spaw

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 07:26 PM

Brother Grand Masters, we may have a new acolyte in the wee lad, chanteyranger san. Clearly he has found a way to access our sacred training texts. Master El Swanno, would you evaluate this worthless person for associate membership, please?

Maharishi Mahesh Big Mickesh
Transcendant son of the eternal Layabout

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 07:39 PM

I would be honored if accepted, and I would promise to practice Transcending Mental Dedication.

chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 07:40 PM

More like the Reverend Won Ton Moon and the Church of the Eternally Semi-Vertical, who believe in The Holy Rites of Procrastination Including Not Returning E-mails Until They Age As Long As A Letter Would Take To Get There Anyway, Well, If Coming From China By Way Of Jupiter.

Barry, I'd fix that post for you, but I don't know which version is the correct one, or if there is such a thing as a 'correct' version, because Lo, Verily They Are All As One In The Sight Of The DT, and....jeez, gotta stop talking in capitalised words...

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 08:06 PM

Ouch!!!!! Gawdamn, Jeri.......shit........that woman knows how to throw a punch...........hahahahahahaha. I love ya, woman.

Mick

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Barry Finn
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 08:51 PM

I just checked in to see if one of you could tell me how many times that got rewritten (I don't have a clue as to that came about). Maybe Joe or one of the other elves can do some editing? Hey Mick, any club that would have me, I wouldn't want to join. (W.C.Fields-I think it's someting like that). Notice layabouts use sayings by others, it's easier. And I always expected to score high in Layabouting, at least that's what I've been told all my life(shucks). Mick, 10th is as high as you can go & is traditionally held by only one, the Grand Master, you are good,trying to aquire that position without even deposing of the present Master or even working towards that goal. You should be called Slick Mick.

Hey Charlie if you read this, it's true what was said about your reworking of the Yankze River, magnificent song. Just hope I did it justice, it sure is a killer.

Kendall, thanks for seeing to it that I got taken back into the fold, even my family forgot I was gone. How does Freddy say it, "I'M BACK".

Barry

---

I think I got all the variants. --JoeClone

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 09:09 AM

Barry - Glad you introduced "Yangtse River" to folks on the West Coast. I think we, Roll & Go, did a spirited rendition of the song last week-end for our CD taping; Dick Dufresne led the song with his deep resonant tones.

Too bad Hamish MacLaren, author of the sailor's folk opera "Sailor with Banjo", isn't around to appreciate our efforts; he claimed to have been part of a shanty capstan crew in the early 1900's. Unfortunately, the book I have included no tunes but I think the tunes I've adapted, "Johney's Gone to Hilo" and "Congo River" work well. I hope to be flattered some day by hearing someone introduce the song as "traditional.";-)

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Dave Swan
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 11:00 PM

To: Lane, Fielding, Patterson & Swan, Layabouts for Hire: Central and Canadian Divisions

From: West Coast Division

Re: Candidates for Partnership

Don't sell brother Finn short. He has mastered the art of appearing to be industrious, while doing damn all. Like cold fusion, he appears to work. Oh sure, it looks like he wrote the story five times.....that's what he wants you to think. It's like that getting up at 5:30 in the morning nonsense. Sure he does. Makes sure you're awake, then while you're stuporous for the next three hours,he's stacking ZZZZ's elsewhere until it's time for him to bound into the room refreshed, acting as though you just haven't been able to keep up with his level of industry. Crazy like a fox. This man has layabout down. He could sleep through walls.

Chanteyranger-san, on the other hand is pure, old fashioned useless. This man is banana slug, scared of the salt shaker, lazy. Hell, he's had the same fiddle bow for forty years, and never had it re-haired. A poster child for slow motion.

We may have to add to the letterhead.

E.S.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 14 Nov 01 - 03:47 AM

The reason I haven't re-haired it in so long is that I don't have enough left.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Nov 01 - 08:58 AM

Pull some out of your shirt.

Mick

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in California
From: GUEST,chanteyranger
Date: 14 Nov 01 - 01:01 PM

I can do that if I repent and wear a hairshirt.