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Seeking salaried sea-song singer
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Subject: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Abby Sale Date: 12 Dec 01 - 02:33 PM I am informed of the following Call. I just spoke to Mr Speights ('spites') and the deal seems excellent, legitimate and excellent working conditions (Good pay plus apartment plus airfare, etc. I didn't ask they would pay transportation if you should prove homesick and return early.) He tells me this is an ongoing need; they'll hire someone for 6 months at a time and then rotate someone else. BUT, they need someone immediately. The present singer wants to come home. The hiring and paying office is the regular Disney casting office here in Florida. I questioned the era mentioned and he is quite reasonable - He's just boning up on sea songs and is much interested in the whole cycle. Legit sea-song & chantey singers preferred. (It's reasonable to think the crowd will sing along.) Had a good talk. He says absolutely the best way to reach him is e-mail. Mention my name. That won't help you get the job. Or hurt you. But he'd like to know how you found out. The opening has been offered through the local musician's union and generally. Even Brits would be acceptable. Or Irish. Good luck. Please excuse the mass mailing. I am looking to cast a single guitar player/singer (or banjoist) for our new park in Tokyo. This is to perform traditional songs of the sea (sea shanties) circa the late 1700's and early 1800's. The material will be provided to the right fit talent. I believe that anyone that performs comfortably in a folk style capacity should be able to adapt to this style. The contract is for six months and includes a decent salary, round trip air-fare, a 5 day work week, a per diem and housing. If, in your travels, you should run across anyone that may fit this description please direct them to me at the number below. Thank you, Mark Mark Speights Talent Booking Director Walt Disney Entertainment Office - 407-397-3856 Fax - 407-397-3740 Pager - 407-893-1118 E-mail - mark.speights@disney.com
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: breezy Date: 12 Dec 01 - 07:01 PM try Johnny Collins. of the Herga Harrow England, kitty get it sorted. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Jon Freeman Date: 12 Dec 01 - 07:04 PM Sounds interesting but why the guitar player/ banjoist requirement? Jon |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: GUEST Date: 12 Dec 01 - 07:32 PM Even Brits would be acceptable That's kind of him... |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: SINSULL Date: 12 Dec 01 - 07:51 PM And Irish too. My grandfather (met by "Irish need not apply" when he first set foot in NYC) would be pleased. I know you didn't mean it that way Abby, but it is pretty funny. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 12 Dec 01 - 08:40 PM THANX for the lead, THIS IS HOT!!!(wouldn't it be great, if the MC became a booking agency?)
"Applied," inquiring if they would take an accordian/concertina singing jig-dancer with an authentic beard and tunes. Too bad it is a solo gig, but I would go in the flash of a mud-cat's tale.
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Abby Sale Date: 12 Dec 01 - 10:10 PM Johnny Collins would be a fine as would many. The 'Brits & Irish' thing was my own bad taste not Mr. Speights'. Absolutely. I make no appology, feeling any Mudcatter is entitled to as much bad taste as s/he can get away with. Actually, the setting in Japan is an American seaport and USian singers seemed suitable. Since Mudcat & r.m.f are international I asked if there would be any problem hiring a Brit or Irish or Dutch person as I am aware that a few of them have some singing talent, too. It was allowed that that would work. Mr Speights is aware that may of the chanteys are international and that sailors migrated. As to guitar/banjo, as I understand it (and I may be wrong) it's a preference, not a requirement. He is aware that they are not the purest way to represent chanteys but wotthehell. The goal is entertaining the guests but there is a strong interest in education & interaction as well. It's not up to me to lay this out, I'm just passing on an opportunity. I did ask about concertina. My impression is that the current group is heavy on them and some change is indicated for now. But it really depends on who & how many apply for the job - and note that this is an ongoing gig - someone new every 6 months. I'd think broadly when defining 'chantey' - mostly them things but sea songs in general, too. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: marty D Date: 13 Dec 01 - 02:25 AM Well I only have to quit my job, tell my wife and kid I'm going on some kind of research project, learn the songs, grow a beard, and add a lot of decibels to my somewhat weak voice. But Japan? In a heartbeat. Oh maybe I'll just get some sushi from a take out place, and dream. marty |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Paddy Plastique Date: 13 Dec 01 - 04:52 AM Wot about auld sea dogs from Som(m)erset ??? Or Welsh soi-disant 'Urban Culture' tea-boys ?? |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: alison Date: 13 Dec 01 - 08:01 AM I don't think you need to grow a beard... isn't one of the Disney rules that you have to be clean shaven? sounds like a great opportunity.... if I wasn't married, with kids, and played the guitar I'd sure be tempted..... even if I am Irish!!! *grin* slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: GUEST,English Jon Date: 13 Dec 01 - 08:21 AM Given it a go... Might be a good way to learn japanese. EJ |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: breezy Date: 13 Dec 01 - 02:27 PM I know the shanties and am great at audience participation , the beard is authentic and I'm sure the Dis Corp will accept it, my voice is strong and the radio-mike engineer can make it even stronger, I've sailed on the Queen of Cornwall and the Jubillee Queen out of Padstow Bay.I specialise in Traditional and contemporary nautical songs. I can put the Folk club in good hands while I'm away. I'm very good on the guitar and can play some banjo. This gig is right up my alley, sign me up now, no ties , only my wife and three young sproggs, they wont mind me going, ready to come aboard cap'n, I,m waiting.Domo arigato. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: MMario Date: 13 Dec 01 - 02:50 PM well - Disney has been known not to accept the beard on a guy they hired to portray HIMSELF - despite the fact he had been bearded through his entire career. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Steve in Idaho Date: 13 Dec 01 - 03:34 PM Is this Cowboy discrimination?? But Japan is not on my list of places to return to anyway - it would be superb if a Catter got this job - following their posts would be incredibly fun!! Steve |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Charcloth Date: 13 Dec 01 - 11:08 PM Unfortunately I am unavailable at present but is there a possibility of a future gig with it? |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: WyoWoman Date: 13 Dec 01 - 11:35 PM Where'd that Chanteyranger go??? (Of course, he already has a chantey-singin' gig he's pretty happy with. ... but, quien sabe?) I'd love to go if I knew chanteys and could play the guitar or banjo and didn't have a job I really like and didn't worry about what would happen to my dog and cat in my absence and hadn't already started planning an absolutely kick-ass garden for next year and didn't get pretty queasy at the mere mention of the sea. Other than that ... ww |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Melani Date: 13 Dec 01 - 11:49 PM Not to mention that chanteyranger already knows at least one Japanese chantey--he's a natural! As long as they pay his airfare BACK...and they don't make him shave. By the way, I remember Walt Disney with a moustache, but not a beard.
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Naemanson Date: 14 Dec 01 - 08:48 AM Well, I sent my name in. I have my house up for sale and my cat is on her way to Mom and Dad for the rest of her life. My kids are headed out anyway. There is only one small problem. I don't like to fly! Oh well,back to the old grindstone... |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: InOBU Date: 14 Dec 01 - 08:58 AM Well... if they want a Uilleann pipe playing Chanty singer, who learned his sea songs before the mast on two square riggers, a bunch of schooners, a yaul or two, a stint as a maritime blacksmith's apprentice, as a mate on a skipjack, a master currach builder and currach fisherman, well, in short with salt water in his viens, and... what am I saying, I can't live in Japan for six months unless they want to hire Genie as a lawyer there for awhile, and WHO WANTS TO WORK FOR DISNEY UNTIL THEY STOP MAKING THEIR CRAP IN SWEAT SHOPS IN HATI ANYWAY!!!, where is my head (it is where my heart is I guess...) Larry |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: breezy Date: 14 Dec 01 - 03:01 PM I'm into bonzai, sushi, koi, and karate.We owe them one for giving us karaoke.Keeping the dream alive.I like flying and can coach soccer. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Mr Red Date: 15 Dec 01 - 09:18 AM Hey - I suggested Chris Roche yesterday, the post must have walked the plank Anyway the gist was he has been round the Horn twice on tall ships. Maybe his erudition on ships and shanties is not part of the requirement though. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Charcloth Date: 15 Dec 01 - 09:54 AM I have decided that I can make some changes in my plans & try to give this a go. What the heck the worst they can say is no |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: GUEST Date: 16 Dec 01 - 01:16 AM (Here is the reply) ((obviously not union scale))-
All -
Thank you for your interest in the musical role now available at Tokyo Disney Resort. Please note that this position is open immediately. Here are some additional details.
Pay is a non-negotiable $760 per five day work week Prior to the expiration of the above contract we will be staffing for the next group of individuals to go over for six months. This will occur indefinitely. You may return to Tokyo on future contracts with a six month break between. All performers are "contracted" and not hired as Disney employees. The Tokyo operation is owned by the Oriental Land Company which is a franchise holder of the Disney brand.
If you are within a reasonable distance to Orlando, Florida please call me at the below number for an audition appointment. If you are based outside Florida or outside the United States please send promotional materials to my attention at the below address. I can always be reached via e-mail with any questions or concerns. The promotional material (for those unable to audition in person) should include an audio recording and picture or a video tape. Quality of the recordings is not as important as the material contained within.
Mark Speights
Once again thank you for your interest.
Mark
Mark Speights
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: ddw Date: 16 Dec 01 - 09:13 PM Abby Sale, When I saw this thread last week I e-mailed Tom Lewis, a former Royal Navy submariner who now makes his living singing sea songs, both trad and original. Got this back from him today: Thanks for thinking of me but the fellow who really fits this job- description "to a T" is DAVID LOVINE! David is the most able, authentic and entertaining role-players I can think of, in this arena. I've no idea where to find him these days but, perhaps, you'd be kind enough to throw his name out in the Mudcat Maelstrom and see what happens. If you're still looking, maybe you could find DL with ICQ or something. I've never heard him, but if Tom recommends him, that's high praise indeed. cheers, david |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: GUEST Date: 16 Dec 01 - 09:32 PM Should have noted - (not U.S.A. dollar E/W Coastal UNION SCALE) |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Uncle Jaque Date: 16 Dec 01 - 10:37 PM As we said after cutting the first CD ("Home From the Hill")earlier this year; "That was fun, but I thinks me keeps me day job, such as it is.". That involves mauling brass and copper in a little shop here in Maine where we make reproduction 18th & 19th Century Lanterns, lamps, & lighting fixtures 3 days a week. It's one of the most gratifying jobs I've ever had, and I've had a lot of them over the years. The people I work with are mostly the "salt of the Earth"; witty, creative, artistic, and somewhat, well.. "eccentric". I guess that sort of goes with "creative", eh? A few of 'em are even pretty good Musicians. Fortunately, a good woman who works hard and earns a decent living (with health insurance)has tolerated me for the past 30 years. Some of the bag-Boys down at the local Grocery earn more than I do. This sort of "gig" is intruiging to be sure; although a landlubber (despite wanting much to go to sea as a youth) I think (on the basis of the kind feedback from family and friends) that I can belt out a presentable Chantey with a little practice, and am always interested in learning new material. I can fake a few chords on the guitar and enjoy playing a tin whistle, which goes well with trad sea-music methinks. As a Reenactor, the ad lib theatrics come naturally, especially where history is involved. Granted, I have much to learn when it comes to nautical affairs, but have come to meet many capable mentors - a good deal of them right here in the ol' Mudcat! Long have I dreamed of being an "Interpreter" at one of these "Living History" places like Sturbidge Village or Williamsburg. Alas, none of these are within commuting distance of Yarmouth. A while ago someone was launching a replica 1812 Schooner and looking for a "period" Crew ( I was put wise to steer clear of that rig by one who knows). Just for the Hallibut, I applied.. never heard from the guy, and last I knew they were sailing around the Carrabiean somewhere. But that gig, like this one, calls for an extended absence from home which, in the mobility of youth, would be a realistic option (provided one could land the contract). At this point, however, I think many of us "wannabes" can relate; such a lark would probably not go over all that well with Spouse, "Intimate Other", or "Boss". In our case, it seems prudent to honor our committments and relationships with RAFG (Responsible Adult Female Guardian) and the Lamp Works, such as they are. Should the Grace of Providence allow this soul to tarry beyond another 6 months, we will likely be needing them again. What's with the beards? Shucks, they prob'ly won't want us smellin' authentic, neither! Will I have to put all me teeth in? Hells bells; them bigcity slickers'll likely 'spect us to take a damn BATH at least every week or so. 'Magine THAT!!!??? I dunno, Mates; this all sounds a little too "Yuppie" for this old Uncle. Rumor has it that Disney has a reputation for "Political Correctness"; be that so you wouldn't see Ol'Uncle Jaque around much more than a week I reckon. If we wuz all that "PC" don't ye suppose we'd still be in the Social Work or Teaching business in stead of hammering out lanterns? (Ssshh; don't tell 'em this, but we frequently make custom lighting for Disneyworks. Worked on 'em m'self.) But yes, indeed; this is the stuff an old man's dreams are made of, is it not? };^{)~
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Abby Sale Date: 17 Dec 01 - 12:10 AM Uncle Jaque: It is a great pleasure to read of someone else's mighty and agonized angst and struggles - and be content that one isn't having such personal angst. Sounds like you get to win anyway. Beards came up above but, for what it's worth, I believe US sailors were known (and visable) for being chin-whiskerless. And short-cut hair. And red-top boots for some reason. I'd be interested to know if it really matters. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Melani Date: 17 Dec 01 - 10:44 PM I heard David LoVine moved to Germany. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Naemanson Date: 09 Aug 04 - 07:26 PM Talk about resurrecting an old thread! Can anyone update me on this Disney gig? Is it still available? Now that I am almost retired I think this would be a great way to begin my retirement. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: CarolC Date: 09 Aug 04 - 07:33 PM I think Troll was doing this gig for a while. His son, too. I saw Troll at the Florida Folk Festival in June, so I'm guessing he's not there now. You might want to send him a PM, although I don't know whether or not he still comes to the Mudcat. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: nutty Date: 09 Aug 04 - 07:48 PM Keith Kendrick from the UK had a great time out there last year. As far as I know the position is ongoing. It certainly won't harm to apply. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Naemanson Date: 09 Aug 04 - 09:05 PM I sent an email inquiry on the job to the address above at Disney. I'm just waiting to see what happens. I did send a message to Troll asking for info. All of this only went out today so it may be a few days before I hear anything. One advantage is that my girlfriend is Japanese so I have an interpreter and guide for my days off. She likes my chanties so maybe we can both do the job. She spent quite a while last night telling me how horrible the park is and how many little devils I would have to deal with. But then she admitted that she was pulling my leg. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: CarolC Date: 09 Aug 04 - 09:16 PM Good luck Brett. When do you retire? |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Naemanson Date: 11 Aug 04 - 06:31 PM No luck on the Disney front. The program has been terminated though it could be restarted "at any time" according to Mr. Speights. C'est la vie. I retire on September 30. 50 days and counting. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Abby Sale Date: 11 Aug 04 - 10:03 PM Well, I'm pleased to learn somebody actually did get some work out of this. Yes, I'd heard it was non-continued (I got that lovely term from the home owners' insurance industry which, they say, certainly does not mean they've cancelled your policy - they're just non-continuing it.) These things tend to cross my desk since I send out the local folk news. It's the third ambitious folk thing in the past few years around Central Florida that's been non-continued. I hadn't caught Naemanson's post the other day. This week is the Nat'l Hobo Convention gathering in Britt, Iowa. Maybe you can make that. Abby |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Naemanson Date: 12 Aug 04 - 12:13 AM I doubt it, Abby, I am in the South Pacific for the foreseeable future. Visitors are welcome if they want to chance a 24 hour plane ride from the east coast of the USA. And for all my Florida friends (if memory serves that includes Abby and Harpgirl as well as a slew of others) good luck with the hurricanes coming at you. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: GUEST Date: 03 Jul 06 - 12:22 AM Hi All, No one was more disappointed than I when the Tokyo Disney operation began making cutbacks in its live entertainment offerings. Some of the positions initially staffed by ex-pats were taken by Japanese musicians. Many of the live musical offerings simply were taken off the menu of things to do at the Tokyo parks after the excitement of the newest park, Tokyo Disney Seas, wore off and the crowds became smaller. Please note that I retired from Walt Disney Entertainment in late 2004 and am now living and performing once again as a full-time musician in Las Vegas. I wish you all good fortune. Best, Mark Speights Talent Booking Director, Emeritus Walt Disney Entertainment Now-Las Vegas, NV USA |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Charley Noble Date: 03 Jul 06 - 09:18 AM Sigh, and so my dreams of riches are wafted away on the fickle winds of fortune. I was just about to order my pirate tights... Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: GUEST,improver Date: 03 Jul 06 - 11:15 AM Good try Sale but the alliteration could be improved thus: Sale sorely Seeking salaried saucey sea-song singer |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Abby Sale Date: 03 Jul 06 - 12:21 PM Thanks Mark for trying & good luck with the rest. I'm thinking, Charley, that'a a sight which, thank God, I'll never get to see. Youse may know I'm happily in Raleigh, NC now & only (so far) inflicting my singing on the sole local song-singing group, Folk-Jam in Durham. (Just a spit & a holler up the road.) Appropriate to this thread, this week I may get to inflict the whole of "Cap't Kidd" upon the attendees since the poor, maligned privateer was treacherously arrested on July 6, 1699. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Les from Hull Date: 03 Jul 06 - 01:30 PM Abby - did you know that Raleigh NC and Hull are 'sister cities'? |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Naemanson Date: 03 Jul 06 - 08:27 PM Now that's a pair! Have fun with the Captain Kidd Routine. If you don't already know it Being A Pirate is fun for the audience also, especially when you indicate the parts that are lost. Mark, good luck with your new (old) career in Vegas. I assume, since you are working in Vegas, you are not doing folk music to put supper on the table. I can't quite imagine a casino based on a folk music show... The thought boggles the mind. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Joe Offer Date: 03 Jul 06 - 11:24 PM I thought Troll had posted somewhere about his experiences as a Sea Song Singer at Disney Tokyo. Sure sounded like a wonderful gig. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Naemanson Date: 04 Jul 06 - 07:34 PM Yeah Joe, Troll did do it and he loved it. I had hoped to get in there once I retired and talked to Troll about it. But it was too late. Disney had already cut the position. Sigh. |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Artful Codger Date: 04 Jul 06 - 07:57 PM It would have been a great position for someone with a lisp. {sigh} Abby: You could follow up with "A Chat with Your Mother": Oh the pirates in their fetid galleons, daggers in their skivvies... Jeff Muldaur once recorded this Kidd's song, as a lead-in to a blues number: I'd like to be a sailor sailing to the sea. No clown or tink or tailor's any fun to be. Aunts and cousins by the baker's dozens Drive a man to sea or highway robbery. I'd like to be a bandit - can't you understand it? - Sailing to sea a pirate free. What joy for me! |
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Subject: RE: Seeking salaried sea-song singer From: Willie-O Date: 04 Jul 06 - 10:38 PM Wow, a corporate cattle-call roundup guy with the class to follow up years later...stun me with a pickle! I am NOT being sarcastic. Good fortune in Vegas Mark, and if you get tired of the night life that is performing, the world needs more musician-friendly booking agents like yourself. Meanwhile, enjoy the gigs. Best Bill Cameron |
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