Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning

Subject: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 02:07 PM

Here is a website dedicated to traditional & contemporary celtic songs and music, with useful links and extensive reviews of CDs etc by various performers, including Mudcat luminaries like Kevin McGrath, Seamus Kennedy etc, etc.

Pay the Reckoning

Derrymacash tried to draw our attention to a free offer on the site, but he did it under a thread name that didn't attract many visitors. Thanks Derrymacash. Maybe this thread name will fare better.

Never likely to look a gift horse in the mouth, I did like the site said, and posted off a blank cassette. It came back by return, filled with Aidan Crossey demo tracks on one side (mostly songs and tunes he's written himself, but also a traditional tune or two). The other side is samples from CDs reviewed by Pay the Reckoning on the other side. (The latter include tracks by Neck, Danu, etc). Follow the link for full listings.

Aidan's stuff doesn't pretend to be other than "work in progress" and for instance some of the track-endings are not very tidy. But these tracks are still very pleasing, and it's a pleasure to hear someone brave enough to slow down the Mason's Apron to a tempo you'd have a chance of dancing to. For those not yet familiar with the brilliance of Neck & co, this is an ideal introduction.

Anyway, Pay the Reckoning is a terrific site, well worth a visit regardless of the special offer. To get the same deal as I got, click on "Humours of Lewisham" for the address to send your cassette. If you're outside the UK I think there's a charge for p & p, but I'd say the quality of what you get back is well worth it.

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 02:38 PM

I am sending off my international money order, today, as I'd seen it in the other thread. Thanks, Fionn, can't wait to hear this!

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 02:42 PM

Thanks for starting this thread Fionn. I had not opened the other thread...

I'm going to take advantage of the offer...

Jon

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Aidan Crossey
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 04:28 PM

Fionn

Go raibh maith agat for the kind words!

You're right about the demos being work in progress! I'm not much of a producer/engineer, nor even - let it be said - do I consider myself much of a player.

I do, however, have a great love of the music. And am willing to share it with like-minded people at minimal cost to them and to me!

Interested in your comments about speed. Lately I'm coming to the conclusion that speed often detracts from the tune. Just as I find from time to time that tune sets are also a distraction. Some of the old-timers that I listen to (John Doherty for example) often eschewed the set in favour of a single tune, and I can't help but feel that they had a point!

Anyway ... regardless of my own stuff, side B is a cracking 45 minutes' worth of QUALITY music. The reel set by The Bucks is one of the most dazzling pieces of virtuoso ensemble playing you are ever likely to encounter, with Paddy Keenan's pipes well to the fore!

Now, go on! You know you want to!

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 05 Apr 02 - 07:22 PM

As a whistle player who sometimes misses the best place to catch a breath, I'm often all in favour of a mad dash to the end of the set! But I've been going to some CCE sessions of late, where the older players in particular seem wholly oblivious of the trend of recent years. It's reminded me how much more pronounced the rhythm becomes when things are slowed down a bit.

That "work in progress" comment, by the way, was purely about the recording quality and overall finish - nothing to do with Aidan's singing/playing, which were well up to everything he took on, in my view. And Aidan's right about that Bucks set - I'd meant to mention it.

(Aidan, I'm Peter Kirker, aka Fionn, in case you hadn't made the connection.)

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Ard Mhacha
Date: 06 Apr 02 - 02:18 PM

Go on take up Derrymacash`s offer, some great tunes on this Tape. Richard Gilpin`s rendering of General Munro on side 2 is a dramatic version of this great old song, and Aidan`sown work is excellent, a great effort. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Apr 02 - 04:09 PM

If you are on the other side of the pond from Aidan, as I am, I'd say go with the cash. Just came back from our post office. In order to get an international money order, I would have had to "buy" one from the postal service, which would then be sent to a processing center in St. Louis, then, eventually, they couldn't tell me how much later, sent on, in a separate envelope, to the *recipient* in the UK! What a load of c*%&!**BG** So...I'll check with my bank first, but I think a nice flat bill will do the trick!

Thanks, again, for making this available, Aidan!

kat

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Aidan Crossey
Date: 07 Apr 02 - 05:39 AM

Ard mhacha ...

Thanks for the bit of marketing, there!

A wee note for all of you who have got their hands on the tape or are about to order it! I wrote the final jig on Side 1 "The Man From Freecrow" in honour of the Mudcat's ard mhacha ... a good friend, a warm and generous heart and a man with a deep gra for folk and traditional music.

(And too modest to mention "his" wee jig!)

Go raibh maith agat, a chara chairde!

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Copyright query
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 03:36 AM

I've had a peep at the sight. Irish music isn't my scene. But I like the DIY approach.

More musicians ought to seize the initiative and share their music this way.

I might just send off for a copy anyway!

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Áine
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 12:36 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Mandomanic
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 09:00 AM

Just got my hands on Pay The Reckoning's "free" tape and I have to say very impressed.

I'd known Aidan Crossey as a composer of tunes - but didn't realise he was a very compelling songwriter as well. "Ah, Go On!" is a very honest account of the perils of strong drink. Love that opening line "I woke up in bits on Ronnie's floor!". The whole "drink" thing is a bit of a theme in Crossey's songs and tunes. (I'm reminded of his tunes which don't appear on this tape such as The Two-Day Hangover, Thirty-Bottle Hughie, The Skinful, Last Orders, etc.) His beautifully stark number "Pour Me Up Another Lash Of Poison" is another cracking song. "Whiskey'll be the death of me/If my broken heart don't get me first/I'll die of love or die of thirst." Ironic? I'm not sure!

And the tunes! Some blinders here. His version of "Chief O'Neill's Favourite" in D which follows a version of "Off To California" which skips from G to A is set to be a calssic. I've never heard these two tunes combined before, but guess what I'm playing at next Sunday's session?!

And the B-side! THANKS THANKS THANKS! Gilpin's opener! The Bucks! Keenan's masterly jig set! Céide! Stop it! You're killing me with kindness! Aaaaaaaargh!!!!!

Go raibh míle maith agat, ye big hallion ye!

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 04:33 PM

Kat, I had that same problem in the UK when trying to buy a collection of tunes from CCE in Dublin. They casually said "send a money order" but in the UK, such things don't seem to exist any more. One bank (my own) offered to send a cheque in Euros, charging me a mere GBP25 for the service.

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 12 Apr 02 - 03:42 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 May 02 - 03:49 PM

Wow!!! Just got my copy, yesterday. Aidan, in the middle of all hell that broke loose with buying our house at the first of April, I cannot remember if I ever sent you the actual fiver. Please let me know? I'll be sending more as I've a few friends, here, whom I know will love and want this tape. WOW!!

I'd second everything Mandomanic said, even though I don't know the technical bits by name, I can recognise them by ear. Anyone who has not taken advantage of this order...you owe it to yourself to hear this..it is truly superb/crackin'/first-rate...I couldn't sit still during the Celidh of 1987 (think that's the name of it)...Pour Me Up Another Lash of Poison is hauntingly and beautifully ironic...Aidan's voice is spot on, as well as his composing and pickin'! I've even had to get out my First Nations drum, with the beater Sorcha's Himself gave me for the beating of a pseudo-bodhran to play along...it is that infectious!

THANK YOU!!!

katlisteningtoitforthethirdtimeinarowsincegettingitafewhoursago

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 10 May 02 - 04:45 PM

Kat ...

Glad you liked it!

Sorry about the technical quality of "my" side.

But all the others' stuff on side 2 is top rate.

Slán go foill.

Aidan Crossey

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 May 02 - 06:19 PM

Aidan, your side sounded fantastic! I love the fact that it sounds as though you are sitting right here with me, playing and breathing between numbers...no need for any apology for such a wonderful *field* recording! (Did I remember to send you the cash?:-)

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 10 May 02 - 07:33 PM

Got the money, Kat!

C'mon folks ... I might put this baby to bed soon, so if you fancy dipping your toes in the murky waters you may have to hurry!

(Does that sound Barnum-ish?)

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 May 02 - 08:13 PM

Maybe Ringling, but not Barnum!**BG** (Just teasin' ya)

's the truth, though...I sure wouldn't want to miss out on this one!

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 12 May 02 - 04:37 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 May 02 - 12:03 AM

Aidan, I will want two more, if you have them. Will send you the cash later this week. Rog and I listened to your tape, twice since last night...first time he'd heard it and we are still in love with the music and your delivery...really well done. I almost know a couple of them by heart...the one about "fuck the Irish" and "pour me another lash of poison." I always say that is a good test of a song...if it sticks in folks minds and they go through the day humming/singing it or saying they cannot get it out of their minds...that is definitely what has happened to us with your music. Thanks, again!

kat

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Aidan Crossey
Date: 13 May 02 - 03:35 AM

Kat ...

I'll whack them in the post and I'll take it as read that the money's on its way.

(I'm a bit stunned that you're quite so keen on the songs! I wasn't sure how well they'd travel. Some are a little bit ... close to the knuckle.)

... Aidan

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 May 02 - 05:27 AM

Thanks, very much! Payday is Thursday, so it will go out then.:-)

close to the knuckle...an eloquent way to put it...that's what I like about them, though! They are real...about real life and you have a way of cutting straight to the heart with your words and tunes. I love your instrumental stuff, too...your mando playing is superb and one of the people I am going to share this with is my dad. He'll really appreciate the pickin' and the composing. Really fine tunes. I'd say they all travelled quite well!

Thanks, again and for anyone reading this who might have missed it in the first posting, here is a link to the track list and info on how to get your own tape: Pay the Reckoning.

Thanks, again.

kat

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,rita marscaponni
Date: 16 May 02 - 12:50 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Eddy McQuaid
Date: 17 May 02 - 04:02 AM

When are you going to make a tape of those good oul' songs that you sung last time you had a party at your house ... Sullivan's John, England's Motorways, Basil Brooke, The Twangman, Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore, Galway Bay, The Patriot Game, Building Up And Tearing England Down, General Munro ....?

And that sister of yours ...

That jig set she played on whistle and you played on mandolin ... The Blackthorn Stick you said was one of the tunes?

It was a great night, anyway!

I'll e-mail you for a copy of the tape.

Slan, y'oul hallion!

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 May 02 - 05:43 AM

Yeah! When are ya goin' ta make a tape of all those?:-) They sound very intriguing! Let us know, okay? (Still loving my tape...)

kat

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Aidan Crossey
Date: 17 May 02 - 08:04 AM

Well!

I have been planning on making a tape of all the sort of stuff Eddy's talking about. I was thinking of it as a tribute in pat to my da, who sung most of the songs Eddy mentions with his band "The Bordermen" in the late 60s/early 70s. But time never seems to allow.

I have recorded a version of "Out On The Ocean/The Blackthorn Stick" and it will feature of Humours II ... which will be coming out late-summer.

I'd love to be able to record a couple of songs/tunes with my sister. A few times when she's been to visit me we've toyed with the idea and nothing materialised. We're classic underachievers!

... Aidan

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Des
Date: 22 May 02 - 08:45 AM

Got it!

Love the contrast between the contemporary songs and the very traditional tunes.

You ought to think about getting some of those songs published.

"Where's He Going?" is a great song. As is "Pour Me Up Another Lash Of Poison".

Roll on Vol II!

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Des
Date: 22 May 02 - 08:49 AM

By the way ...

I meant to ask.

Thanks to those who are responsible for that running Buckwheat Frank and the Rampagers/Davy Kane/Rita Marscaponni gag in your bulletin board.

It's nearly as funny as the Drumcree thread here.

Or funnier.

I can't really tell. My sense of humour is quite strange.

Des

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST
Date: 31 May 02 - 07:05 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Giac
Date: 31 May 02 - 07:23 PM

Got my tape today. Love it! It will be my preferred listening for awhile. Looking forward to Vol. II.

Mary

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Hilary
Date: 31 May 02 - 07:48 PM

It's a great tape - I have really enjoyed listening to it. I love the idea of a phycho-ceilli.

Hilary

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 May 02 - 11:01 PM

Just got my second and third copies, will be sending them off as gifts next week. Thanks, Aidan! Still loving it!

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Big Tim
Date: 01 Jun 02 - 03:22 AM

I'll ditto that. Thanks Aidan.

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 01 Jun 02 - 03:53 PM

Aidan, got mine, and I love it. Yer a divil for th' oul' hornpipes, aren't ye? You do a great job on them. An' ye've a quare pair o' hands on ye, so ye do. They happen to be my favourite form of traditional tunes, and I love playing them myself. Really liked "Lash of Poison." and I'd like to add it to my repertoire. Thanks a lot!

Seamus

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 01 Jun 02 - 03:57 PM

Oh, I forgot to add, that for anybody wanting to learn some fine tunes, both traditional and composed by Aidan, he does not play them at blinding, breakneck speed like a lot of other virtuosi. Instead, they are played at a speed which can allow you to pick out each note, and learn the melody fairly easily. But he does throw in some nice triplets and ornamentation for the slightly more advanced player. Great stuff!.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 02 Jun 02 - 04:15 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Aidan Crossey
Date: 04 Jun 02 - 04:37 PM

!

(speechless for once ...)

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: GUEST,Aidan Crossey
Date: 05 Jun 02 - 08:07 AM

Recovering powers of speech!

Thanks v much to one and all who've posted kind words over the past few days ... it's nice to know that people appreciate what I'm up to, even if it is working away within a fairly narrow niche!

Seamus, however, is a wee bit kind ... I'm not anywhere near as good a player as he makes out. I suspect I'm like many of us ... more eager than able, but willing to put as many hours as are available (and with a job and kids and what not there aren't so many of those!) to move myself along gradually. Nevertheless, I love playin' music, whether it be traditional or some of my own compositions and there are moments when it clicks. Hopefully I've managed to capture some of those on Side One of "The Humours Of Lewisham".

(The speed thing is a bit of a red herring ... I play at the speed I play because it's about as fast as I can play without getting my knickers in a twist. However, I do like tunes played at a "danceable" pace ... Irish music isn't death metal at the end of the day!)

It gave me a "quare lift" to read all of your comments when I went into the Mudcat after a few days away.

Keep your eyes and ears open for Volume Two ... some oul' hands have had a few sneak previews ... are you keepin' an eye on this thread ard mhacha?

... Aidan

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 09:49 AM

Dear all who've expressed an interest in this thread.

I've recently decided to post some of my stuff to mp3.com.

Here's the link www.mp3.com/Aidan_Crossey.

Two tracks only available at the time of writing - a jig set and a reel set. But lots more to follow as time passes, including "The Humours Of Lewisham" (played as a set with The Tipperary Hornpipe).

... Aidan Crossey

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jun 02 - 11:28 PM

That sounds great, Aidan! Thanks! I've had some great comments from those I sent the other two to. I'll PM them to you.

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 07:57 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: ard mhacha
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 01:03 PM

Aye Aidan I am keeping an eye on you, I downloaded your music, thanks and keep them coming, I have the flur battered, and the dusts rising. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 07:14 PM

Ard mhacha ...

You know how it is, a chara ... when you live out in the Montiaghs and you're from the right stock, you get quare'n used to people keeping an eye on you!

Slán go fóill ...

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 26 Jun 02 - 03:57 AM

Fior anyone who's interested, a lot of stuff has just been approved and is now available for listening, downloading, etc.

Some of it's a bit ropey.

However, I'm really quite proud of "Madame Bonaparte" ... if that's not considered too self-congratulatory!

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 03:50 AM

LAST CHANCE!!!!

To get your hands on "The Humours of Lewisham".

I'm going to revamp Pay The Reckoning within the next few days and the "special offer" will end ...

However ... there MAY be a volume two in the offing ... (on CD this time).

Watch this space.

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 03:41 AM

That's it ... Pay The Reckoning is revamped and the offer is over!

Thanks to all who took the time to get their hands on the tape. Hope you enjoyed it for what it was ... a sneak glimpse at, to quote Fionn, work in progress.

Slán go fóill.

Check out the revamped website ... still a few tweaks to go, but we're virtually there!

...Aidan Crossey

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 09:46 AM

HeyaAidan, that looks really great, much easier to read and to navigate. I am really impressed with the chart of your tunes, esp. the way you've set it up so that one is led to the background of the song, then links right there for the abc, midi, etc. Nicely done!

Nice to see Buckwheat and Kane are still at it, too!**BG**

So when's the CD come out?:-)

kat

Subject: RE: Aidan Crossey offer at Pay the Reckoning
From: Aidan Crossey
Date: 11 Jul 02 - 07:59 AM

Kat ...

If a CD comes out, it'll probably be back end of the summer.

I've a few other projects on the go which will keep me occupied till then.

In the meantime, keep watching out for my site on mp3.com. I've got a fair few tunes lined up to post.

(And I've only just last night posted my version of Pay The Reckoning on Pay The Reckoning itself ... accesible via the home page.)

... Aidan