Review: Helena Triplett

Subject: Review: Helena Triplett
From: toadfrog
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:26 PM

REVIEW: Green are the Woods (CD)

Helena Triplett

I don't know how well known Helen Triplett is (I find 3 references, all short, in the Forum). In any case, she should be better known. This is an exceptionally beautiful set of songs. Triplett is a New Zealander living in West Virginia, who has gone to the trouble of really mastering and understanding Appalachian music and singing it the traditional way. As far as I'm concerned, she is Queen of all the revivalists. She sings for love of the song, not to please an audience. So far as I'm concerned, that's the only way. This is the first disk in many, many years I felt like just sitting and listening to, over and over.

I understand she is part of a singing school dedicated toWest Virginia music. Anyone know anything about that?

(Another West Virginia recommendation: Shiela Kay Adams.)

Subject: RE: Review: Helena Triplett
From: jeffp
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 03:27 PM

I have had the pleasure of sharing some songs and beers with Helena on a couple of occasions. She is a wonderful singer and a really nice person. It's a real treat to hear her belt out "My Husband's Got No Courage in Him." I'll have to keep an eye out for this CD. Thanks for mentioning it.

Jeff

Subject: RE: Review: Helena Triplett
From: Judy Cook
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 03:31 PM

I very much enjoy both Helena's & Sheila's singing as well. By the way - Sheila Kay Adams is in NC not WV.
--Judy Cook

Subject: RE: Review: Helena Triplett
From: toadfrog
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 08:29 PM

Judy Cook: Thanks for the correction. I note that Adams says she has Black Jack Davy from Inez Chandler. Does that in any way connect to Dillard Chandler? I think his version is "Black Jack Daisy," but memory may be playing tricks on me.

jeffp: I am consumed with envy! The CD can be had from Camsco--that's where I got mine. Be sure you order quick, before I snap them all up for Christmas gifts!

Subject: RE: Review: Helena Triplett
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 10:45 AM

toadfrog,
Sheila and Dillard and Inez are all related. I don't remember exactly how.
The school you refer to is probably Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, WV, and its Augusta Heritage summer workshops (http://www.augustaheritage.com/). I think Helena is now attending school at WVU in Morgantown.
All,
I highly recommend "A Deeper Feeling, Songs and Ballads from the Southern Appalachians" by Bobby McMillon (Ivy Creek Recordings, 104 Woodland Drive, Mars Hill, NC 28754. I have a tape I bought from Bobby. Don't think it's on CD. Bobby and Sheila go way back and Sheila thinks very highly of his singing and vast ballad repertoire.

Subject: RE: Review: Helena Triplett
From: BanjoRay
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 11:32 AM

Is she any relation (by marriage or otherwise) to Jimmy Triplett from West Virginia who plays fine fiddle on Dwight Diller's CD Harvest?
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Review: Helena Triplett
From: toadfrog
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 08:02 PM

Banjo: I think that Jimmy Triplett is her husband, as she has a husband of that name who plays fiddle on her CD. And is damn good!

Subject: RE: Review: Helena Triplett
From: BanjoRay
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 08:55 PM

Thanks, toadfrog
Ray