Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release - 2002

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Aug 02 - 11:56 PM

I have been waiting to hear what you thought of it, hg! Thanks very much for the good review. And I know, without a doubt, that if it wasn't up to snuff that you would say so. I am very, very, happy that you enjoyed it. As anyone here will tell you, this is a difficult thing, waiting to hear what folks think of it. It is being received very well, and I am grateful for that.

Thanks again, Abby!!

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: DonMeixner
Date: 19 Aug 02 - 11:59 PM

Well Mick, I liked it just fine. The absolute least I could say is this. This recording was done by a group who obviously loved and respected the music that was performed. I really liked the hammered dulcimer on The Ballad of St Anne's Reel. ( The same song is done far better on my bands CD "Finally" found at WWW.theflyingcolumn.com but that is only opinion). For me the high light of this recording happened last September when we sat in the practice room at Elderly instruments and you sang "Famine Road" to me on my soon to be new guitar. And I played "Photographs" for you, a song that was to be on our CD.

I have given the CD to my friend Bob Welch to play on his Irish Radio Show this coming Sunday. Bob gives it high marks as well.

Don

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 12:13 AM

hahahahahahahaha.............yurarse, Meixner. Took you boys 150 friggin' years to do that damn CD, and you still didn't get it right. Course, that could have been because when you started it, they were still recording on 78's............LOL.

Seriously, folks, you really should look into Don's CD with The Flying Column. Great music from a venerable bunch of musicians. And don't tell Meixner, but I am going to lift "Photographs" from him.

Thanks a million, Don! Is Bob's show on the internet? If it is, could you let me know the details? If not, could you record it for me?

Mick

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: GUEST,karen k
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 01:30 AM

Drat, keep forgetting to put my check in the mail. It'll be coming soon, Mick. Can't wait to hear it.

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Amergin
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 08:00 PM

well, mick....the check's in the mail....

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: DonMeixner
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 11:15 PM

MIck,

No it's not on the net but I'll see if he can tape the show for me.

Don

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 11:47 PM

Mick, did you get a check from me? I am pretty sure we mailed one out a week or so ago, I've got one check in my register which doesn't list to whom I wrote it. If it wasn't you, I will do!**bg**

kat

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: alison
Date: 21 Aug 02 - 09:20 PM

thanks for the CD Mick............ it is great to hear yourself and the band. The CD sounds good, and the pictures and sleeve is wonderful........... good luck with the sales......

and you know you've got sometwhere to stay when you come down here to do the Ozzie promotional tour..... *grin*

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Dani
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 03:03 PM

This is great stuff!!

I'm dancing around to "The Rising of the Moon" right now (well, in between typing and cleaning: Mrrzy's coming to visit today!!)

You're absolutely right about the Sligo Musketeers, Mick. You have added your fabulous spirit to ALL of these songs, and I love that MY kids are hearing and enjoying these songs and stories. Well do I remember dancing to the Clancy Brothers with my sisters when we were little, and it tickles me to see my little one do a jig around the kitchen.

Looking forward to singing with you in October, Mick.

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Amergin
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 01:42 AM

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 02:18 AM

Hey Nathan, I got your order, but got sent out on the road. I will get it out tomorrow. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 09:36 AM

An amazing thing happened here. Big Mick and the band were playing out in the garden (from the boom-box in the shed) and all of a sudden several hundred sparrows swooped down from the sky, swarmed all over Heather (who was weeding her rocks) sunk their little claws into her and spirited her up into the clouds. As I ran to the spot where she was last seen, I noticed her little Duckboots were still there, but now, as empty as George Steinbrenner's heart.

Suddenly two squirrels sprang to the ground from a tree and started doing a Sligo Jig! And then....the earth opened up and a Leprechaun appeared. I knelt down, ready to receive my three wishes, when the little fucker spit tobacco juice in my eye and said "Big Mick for next Pope....pass it on!"

Ahh what a strange and glorious day. Eventually the sparrows returned Heather to terra firma (she survived the three hundred foot drop, but landed on the cats, instantly killing them both) the leprechaun disappeared, the squirrels ceased Jigging and went back to doing the Pony and I replaced Big Mick's album with Seamus Kennedy's newest release "Danny Boy Goes Disco".

Thanks for the good music big fella!

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Tinker
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 11:27 AM

Disappear for the summer and you miss alll the fun.... I spent the last two months field marshalling four kids through summer camp and gestapo homework and no mudcat.... In the mail ASAP!! I needed this good news.

Tinker

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: harpgirl
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 11:38 AM

I'm listening myself while I respond to subpoenas this morning at the office. This one's got forty two lawyers on the letterhead....I'll just have to play Dixieland over and over to get through this one!....hmmmmm

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Amergin
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 12:38 PM

Thanks, Mick...I wasn't worried...I just figured you were busy....and terrorising some capitalists....

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 01:00 PM

Sorry - 100% thread creep below.

Rick, sounds like you have the Sergio Leone type of leprechaun up there. Was his pot of gold more like a fistful? Was he a Leprechaun With No Name? Did he carry around a little wind-up music box that played Si Beag Si Mhor, and when the music ran down would whip out his shilelagh (or however you spell it) and beat the living crap out of the nearest person?

I don't believe for one minute that Heather squashed the cats when she landed.

Harpgirl, "Forty Two Lawyers on the Letterhead" is either a song title or a great band name.

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 01:50 PM

Either that or "Forty-two Lawyers on a Pinhead!" LOL, well-crept, Jeri!

Mickdarlin'...my lawyers told me it was time to invoke the Claws of Esmerelda, but I told them to give you a chance to respond to my first query up there on 20-Aug-02 - 11:47 PM...so...did I or the USPS fawk-up?

Can't wait to hear this!

kat

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Wesley S
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 02:06 PM

My check is in the mail. I can't wait to hear it. Little Brendan will get a good dose of it on his way home from daycare too.

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 06:01 PM

T'anks, folks. It is being very well received and, wouldn't you know it, I end up in hotels in other cities. I will be catchin' up this weekend with getting them out.

Kat, m'love, I haven't received a check yet. Sorry for not responding, but I just have been swamped.

For those that want to know how to order, go HERE.

Tinker, I just love it when you post. See you at the Getaway. And Wesley, if you PM me, or email me at [e-mail], with your addy I will have it packaged and ready to go out when the check arrives.

Thanks again, folks, for your interest. I hope you all enjoy the music.

Mick

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 06:17 PM

Ah, I'll call of the dawgs er...cat, then!*BG** Sorry, Mickdarlin'...I'll resend it this weekend then.

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 08:13 PM

This is a momentus time for you and the other Conklins, Mick. I know a lot of sweat and tears went into it. I look forward to hearing the full and final CD.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Dave Swan
Date: 31 Aug 02 - 12:12 AM

Has my check dropped into Gunn Lake along with Kat's, or are you too busy lying about to get off the couch and mail a CD? If the latter is the case, I completely understand. Keep up the good work, LFPS needs the partners to set a good example.

ES

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Amergin
Date: 03 Sep 02 - 07:40 PM

am listening to it right now....just astounded at the power of the music...

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 01:33 AM

For any of my east coast friends that will be at The Getaway, I will have a supply with me. Might as well save yourself the shipping costs.

Kat and Wesley, yours are on the way. Let me know your impressions.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Dave Swan
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 02:37 PM

To: M. Lane, Midwest Office, LFPS, Layabouts for Hire

From: D. Swan, West Coast Office, Layabouts for Hire

Re: Conklin Ceili Band release, Over the WaterFall

As you are well aware, the mission of Lane Fielding Patterson and Swan, Layabouts for Hire is to do nothing for others too busy to sit around in their underwear drinking beer and swatting flies. Your effort at Over the Waterfall, sir, flies in the face of all that is lazy. The obvious dedication, effort and musicianship displayed on this CD are an outrage to any shiftless man. The layout, art, and liner notes speak of thoughtfulness, research, and attention to detail which cannot be achieved when drooling in a semi-recumbent position. Worst is the music itself, which does not allow one to continue to wear a furrow into a couch, but compels the listener to sing, dance, or grab an instrument.

I urge you to return to your slothful duties without delay, lest you threaten a going concern which, at its heart, does nothing. Remember, at LFPS, it's the least we can do.

Nice work, pal.

D & P

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Tinker
Date: 06 Sep 02 - 07:48 PM

Mick, Mick, Mick,

Laughter, Tears and Sighhhhs.....It was enough to part the Mister from a bottle of Cock of the North.. so here I sit and type and raise a glass to Laughter, Tears and Sighs.. and I'll bring the bottle to Getaway. Doesn't every 'Church Lady' drink Cock of the North?? See ya soon??

Tinker

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 05:54 PM

Finally! I told Mick everything in the Rocky Mountain West has to go through Denver, first, then Mule Train to go over the Great Divide!

I had heard snippets of our Big Mick in the old HearMe sessions and on Mudcat Radio and, once, on the telephone when he called to tell me about Catspaw being ill (the first time, really scary, but Mick's voice was just perfect for imparting such news and soothing) so I had some idea that I would love hearing whole bits by him, but this goes above and beyond what I'd expected!

Haven't quit listening to it since I got it a couple of days, ago. It feels like I've been having a Ceili in my house for days! The arrangements are first rate, great subtle syncopations between the instruments and that grand, salt of the earth voice of Mick's! Great variety, too! The tributes to Jim and Darla, plus the inclusion of earlier recordings of Jim are true artistry...just what I'd expect from the wonderful loving person I've come to know as Mickdarlin'.

The music has melted my heart, had me up dancing, whooping, beating my drum, singing along, and crying and when I heard that matriarchal "THERE" I laughed out loud for the joy of it!

Anyone who doesn't buy this is a damn fool and should be gobsmacked!**BG**

WELL DONE, MICK AND CONKLIN CEILI BAND!!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 06:04 PM

Forgot to say another thing which really comes through is the Storyteller that Mick is; well-delivered!!

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 06:11 PM

I don't wish to make any other Mudcatters jealous, but I get to follow Big Mick and the Conklin Ceili Band (and maybe even play a song or two with 'em) this weekend at the Michigan Irish Festival in Muskegon. www.michiganirish.com. And, I get to pick up a new CD, too! Nyahh, nyahh!

Seamus

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 11:04 PM

And I am flat out juiced to meet my old friend, never met, Seamus. That is one of the wonderful things about the internet in general, and The Mudcat specifically. You come to know people in a very special way, often even though you have never met them "3D".

I am so please that folks are enjoying our efforts. As is always the case, we feel that we can do better, and wait till you hear the next one................LOL.

One piece of advice I would give to anyone is to get a good producer, especially in the beginning stages. Having had the great good fortune to be a part of both Rick Fielding and Jed Marums next efforts, I have now been in the studio with one of the finest pro's in the business, Paul Mills. Having watched and worked with him a bit, I now see why this is critical. If you are considering a CD, I will offer this bit of advice to anyone interested in listening.

First, spend a great deal of time in planning. Pick many songs and give them an arrangement that approximates the sound you are after. Choose more music than you will record.

Second, get the arrangements down the way you hear them. It is your interpretation. Be bold and do what sounds good to you.

Third, hook up with someone to produce it. I believe it is best to use a pro. This could be someone that is a pro producer, or another musician whose ear and judgement you trust. Generally, I think, this should be someone without any interest other than the ability to understand what you are trying to achieve, and the committment to keep you focused until you get it right. This person should have the type of personality that makes you comfortable.

Get your producer a reference copy of what you have come up with in advance so they can ask you the hard questions. My favorite question that Paul asked when confronted with a song that had been done many times before was "Great song, what can you bring to it that is fresh and not been done before?"

Once you settle on the set, practice, practice, practice! The studio is a place for inspiration, improv, but not practice.

Yep............it was a great experience doing this one. I hope all of you that have it enjoy it, and I hope that others of you will pick one up and enjoy it as well. And I can't wait to start the next one.

Seamus..........see you tomorrow in Muskegon.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Art Thieme
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 11:30 PM

Ah, Mick, it is a bit like being a proud mom or dad to put one of these out into the world. (You can skip the cigars.) If it's as good as Jed Marum's new one, you are most certainly going to go gold just selling 'em to Mudcatters. Platinum is lurking in the wings. Way to go----and heartiest congratulations !!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 04:32 AM

WOW! To say I am thrilled is an understatement. The following is a review of our CD by the new music music reviewer for The Grand Rapids Press. I didn't even know they were doing this. Guess I owe this guy a jar of Guinness.


Grand Rapids Press, Wednesday, September 18, 2002

CONKLIN CEILI PLAYS IT TO THE HILT WITH HEART

The first strack on this CD perfectly sums up this outfit's rich Celtic catalogue: an a cappella Irish drinking song that leads into a wondrous instrumental, showing off this beloved local group's guitar, hammered dulcimer, mandolin, bass and banjo work.

Fortunately, for those fond of this acoustic folk music, there are 16 more tracks on "Over The Waterfall", telling tale after tale in the classic Celtic tradition of telling tales, from "Ballad of St. Anne's Reel" to "The Sligo Musketeers" to "The Ferryman".

Band members _ Mick Lane, Jon Koeze, Tom Verlin and Michael Scott, with performances on hammered dulcimer and guitar by founding member Jim Goldsmith and his daughter, Shelley Emelander - clearly play and sing like they adore playing and singing this stuff. That's really the only way to pull it off, especially when performing "Parting Glass", "Along The Famine Road", and other sentimental selections. The band will perform songs from the album at a CD-release party at Pete Brown's Office, 1535 Plainfield Ave. NE. The album, dedicated to the memory of the late Goldsmith and his wife, Darla, captures the spirit of the Conklin Ceili Band's live performances, making it all feel like you're sitting in an intimate pub with a cold one, shedding a tear and sharing a chuckle. And that's a fine place to be.

Three stars -- John Sinkevics

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 01:46 PM

Six years later and this is still one of my very favourite CDs. I listen to it at least once or twice a week, esp. when Morgan is around as he loves it as much as I do! Well done, folks! Howzabout another?

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: Amergin
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 04:10 PM

Dammit, kat! I opened this thread hoping for news....and I see its just you asking for another....sigh....it is a wonderful cd, I about wore my copy out.

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:19 AM

I didn't know that Mick had a CD out.
How does one get a copy, Mick?

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: skarpi
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:51 AM

je I thought he had another one ??



brb

ATB Skarpi

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 01:44 PM

Sorry, Skarpi and Amergin. Yes, I want another!!:-)(I'll see if I can add to the title, so that folks are not misled.)

Oh, Sins, you are in for a treat! Send Mick a PM and he'll fill you in, but wait a few days for a reply. I had a PM from him. He asked me to let you all know he is swamped over the next few days, but will try to get in here, tomorrow or the day after.

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release - 200
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 10:00 AM

I too was hoping for another CD from "little" Mick. I've had his first one since the time we shared an interesting drive together from Maryland to Michigan back in 2004. He promised me that there would be lots of original songs on the next one. Hey Mick, what was the name of that little town in Pennsylvania where we met the nice lady at the post office who "slipped down the hill and fell in love?"

Mike

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release - 2002
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Oct 08 - 09:39 AM

I just got a PM from a 'Catter who wanted a copy of this CD, and we just reordered another run. Plus, we are just beginning work on our next one, so it will be a busy few months. It is looking like we will be working with Paul Mills on this one, which we consider an honor and an obligation. When a man of this stature agrees to work with you, to put his name on your work, it means you will have to be at the top of your game. Looks like we will start after the first of the year, so we have much to do.

If anyone is in Grand Rapids, Michigan or precincts, we will be performing in an intimate concert setting this coming Saturday, October 18, at Wealthy Theater. It is going to be a smashing good time.

I still love this first CD, and my grandkids still start dancing around every time they hear it. We were playing a gig a month ago, and when we did "The Old Dungarven Oak" one of our members granddaughter came onstage and sang it with us. The wheel keeps turning...........

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release - 2002
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Jun 11 - 03:13 PM

Mick, my grandson, Morgan, is consistent. When he comes over, we usually put on some "tunes." He'll listen to others, but he almost always requests "Billy O'Shea." After all these years, he still absolutely loves your CD; 'course he's heard it since he was a baby in 2004.:-)

You other folks, if you haven't heard Big Mick and the Conklin Ceili Band, you owe it to yourselves to give a listen.

Thanks for the tunes, Mick and CCB!

kat

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release - 2002
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Jun 11 - 11:22 PM

Thanks for the kind words, Kat. I can hardly imagine what the young man looks like these days. He was just a little guy then. PM me with his mailing address and I will send him a copy of the Paul Mills produced cd titled "The Cannonsburg Sessions". It is a wonderful collection. The thanks for Billy O'Shea goes to Dan Milner via The Mudcat. He gave us that one as well as The Sligo Musketeers. He gave the latter to Frank Harte at the same time but we beat him to the press. ***chuckle***

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release - 2002
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Jul 11 - 06:50 PM

Mick, that is so sweet of you. Thank you. That will be a huge and welcome surprise for him. When I think of it, that kid has grown up hearing about "Mama's" Mudcat friends all of his life. Maybe someday there will be a case study done of the Mudcat's influence on young minds.**bg**

He wanted to know where Billy O'Shea came from, so we looked up the origins thread for it and I wasn't surprised to see Dan Milner's name. That's so neat...the Sligo Musketeers, too.

Thanks, again,

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Big Mick's Conklin Ceili Band CD release - 2002
From: AmyLove
Date: 16 Feb 17 - 06:30 PM

On the off chance someone here hasn't already linked to this nearly hour-long performance from the band:

Mi Irish Fest 2014 Conklin Ceili Band