December Shanty Session at Press Room

Subject: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 07 Dec 03 - 01:32 PM

Next Saturday will be the 12th monthly shanty/forebitter session at the Press Room in Portsmouth NH from 3:30 to 7:30 PM. As it will be the final gathering of the year, it would be especially nice to see lots of old friends and new. Looking forward to Judy and Charley's tales from Oz and maybe Sinsull's accounts from Chicago.

NB, starting in January, 2004, the session will be moving to the Third Saturday of the Month. Reminders will be posted -- Tom

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Dec 03 - 02:09 PM

Tom-

Unless there's another whopper of a snow storm, we'll be there. Maybe we can revive some of the sea shanty Xmas parodies.

We do have a few things from our trip to OZ for show and tell, some of which are also consumable. However, we will not force the chocolates on anyone.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Dec 03 - 02:31 PM

I will be there. I need a music fix and the company of domeone who doesn't drink BudLight!

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Dec 03 - 02:38 PM

Sinsull-

Oh, great! We have a special gift for you from Brett.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Dec 03 - 03:06 PM

A wallaby? A wombat? Something soft and furry? A baby crocodile?

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 08 Dec 03 - 08:51 AM

Sins - baby crocodiles are not soft and furry.

y'know - I used to turn green with envy looking at these threads every month - since I MADE it to a session in September - that is doubly so. (Now I turn two shades of green) Enjoy the holidays all of you!

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Brían
Date: 09 Dec 03 - 06:03 AM

Gosh darn it all! I am working! See you in January!

Brían

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Dec 03 - 10:14 PM

Nor is coming with me, He knows a verse about Kris Kringle to add to "When Jones Ale Was New" which he's not adverse to singing.

I'll see if I can print out 6 or so digital images from our OZ Foray for show and tell. And then there are Timtams, but strictly for show and tell.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Naemanson
Date: 10 Dec 03 - 01:12 AM

Charley, did you catch the post on our Oz thread that I found TimTams are sold here? For those of you about to experience the delight a ticket to Australia is your only hope of relief, unless you wish to bribe me to forward packages of earthly delight to you at an exhorbitant mark up.

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 11:47 AM

Brian, you'll be missed. Don't forget that January's session will be on the Third Saturday, the 17th.

Charley, twill be good to have you and Nor again, along with pics and tasties. Is Judy coming too?

Brett, we'll sing for your absence.

See you on Saturday -- Tom

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 11:52 AM

I thought TimTams were matzoh Crackers cut in shapes???

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 02:39 PM

Sinsull-

No, nay, never!

Tom-

Judy's busy unfortunately. No, she not still unpacking.

Will we see or hear Barry?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: GUEST,Guest Barry
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 07:10 PM

I'm at the library, I can't access the internet at the moment.

Hi Charlie, I don't think I'll be making it I may be working & if not the kids are looking for a Christmas Tree farm. Maybe there'll be a change but I don't think so. It's been a while I think, I'm due, if not this one then the next.

Barry

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 07:58 PM

Well, Barry, this Christmas thing does come up in its demanding fashion each year, and frankly I'm running scared myself given that I have to play catch-up after our wonderful trip to Downunder. See you on the third Saturday of January, or else!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 12:35 PM

Tis indeed sad that we'll be missing both Barry and Brian. But it will be grand to have Sinsull back. And how about Kendall? It will be a fine session -- Tom

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Dec 03 - 11:04 AM

Refresh!

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Dec 03 - 12:21 PM

I can't wait to regale you all with my latest Adventure in Plumbing. (That last bit should echo a few times.)

I wonder if I can come up with a shanty between now and later. Residential water isn't the sea, or even a large body of water, but since all water everywhere has been IN the sea at some point, I might get away with it. Then again, I'm not a sailor either. Been on a cruise ship, fishing boats, some ferries, rowboats, canoes, but not anything powered by wind. Ah yes, I remember the time I was crossin' over to Capri after a gale. The seas were high and many passengers were low. In fact, the bottom deck rail was heavily populated by those who'd dedicated themselves to catching a brief glimpse of what they had for breakfast. And dinner the day before. And perhaps lunch. And there was me, trying to jump up the 10 or so steps from the main deck to the top when a good wave hit, and being gestured at in Italian (polite Italian) to stop it and bugger off or I'd find myself lashed to something, which sounded sort of fun considering the appearance of the polite Italian crewmember. Ah yes, them was the days...

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 11:48 AM

It was a small but dedicated group that gathered yesterday at the Press Room Shanty Swap; Tom and Linn, Charley, Jeri, Dave, Kendall, Mary, and a few pop-ins who had other holiday activities as higher priority.

As things were starting leisurely, I brought out a folder of selected digital images from the OZ Foray of myself, Brett and Judy, showing the various gatherings we were singing at including the Loaded Dog, John and Jenny's BBQ, Margaret's house, and the glorious tall ship James Craig. Mary got a real opal ring, thanks to Judy more than Brett, a quality triplet whose value we modestly withold.

Later I introduced the gathering to Tim-Tams, and it was fortunate that more people had not gathered. There might have been a small unseemly riot. I carefully explained between nibbles that folks Downunder have a tradition of nibbling off the countercorners of these delectable chocolate-covered wafers, dipping one end into a mug of coffee and sucking up the coffee through the other end. Six pairs of beady eyes immediately focused on the glasses of Guiness, ale, and beer, and experimentation ensued. What delight!

I had fun leading "The Mariner's Compass is Grog" whose chorus folks are finally beginning to nail, and with Tom's able concertina accompaniment. I also led C. Fox Smith's "Flying Fish Sailor" but I really need a sound system to do it properly. After Tom led "Maid of Amsterdam" I followed the theme with "Widgery Wharf" which seemed to resonate nicely in whatever magical key I choose. Jeri led the haunting ballad of the seal hunters abandoned on the ice floe. Linn choose just the right key for "Fathom the Bowl." Dave did a great job of leading Peter Bellamy's "Roll Down." Kendall regaled us with salty verses of I forget what and the mournful ballad "The Fisherman's Song" by A.M. Stewart. There were many more songs but others will have to fill them in as my memories are still somewhat fuzzy.

Note, the next gathering in January begins the shift to the 3rd Saturday of the month, same hours, same place.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 12:15 PM

It is not an opal ring - Big Mick is not getting off that easy. It is an opal set in a ring on a necklace and quite lovely. Thank you Brett. My farsightedness forced me to look closely and over the top of my glasses which led to the production of a magnifying glass and so it went... Pierre Cardin????

it was good to be back at the Press Room after so many months. I am hoarse this morning. Three Guinnesses and a noisy table behind us led me to volumes I have never attempted before. Kendall looked as if he were considering leaving me behind.

I did a version of Shenandoah and The Fisherman's Wife's Lament. Kendall did his own song - a sad and haunting tale of a sailor on a whaling ship. Can't wait to hear Jeri do it. Jeri did Fire Down Below at my request. Tom did Maggie Mae also at my request. I refrained from sucking down ale through milk chocolate. Probably a wise decision.

Happy Holidays, all.
Mary

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 12:41 PM

'Newfoundland Sealers' by Bill Gallaher. Kendall did the song about whaling he wrote, entitled (to the best of my knowledge) 'Kendall's Song About Whaling', and the one I love about the Fisherman's Wife/Widow/Whale. What's the correct name again please? I want to look for it. I attempted Jed Marum's song 'Desolation Island'. Got through it, but finished acapella. I have enough trouble on my wee 6-string, but playing Kendall's amazing Apollonia 12 string was...well, the action's like butter, but the multitude and spacing of strings had my fingers confused. I'm sure that if he'd let me borrow it for a few years, I'd get the feel of it. (In my dreams, but JEEZ, I think that guitar must be the Holy Grail of 12-strings.)

Kendall, I'll certainly learn 'Kendall's Song About Whaling' but the tune's probably still going to suffer from brain-fart-caused changes. Feel free to correct me.

SINSULL, I made smart-assed comments about your hair (which looked really good), and that opal (lots of fire: it's a good 'un). Hopefully, you realize I am a smart-ass by nature (Kendall can confirm that) and didn't think I meant any of that. It was GOOD to have you back, and I hope your next visit will be soon. I also hope you guys managed to get something to eat.

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 03:18 PM

The official name for the song in question that Kendall sang, and as it appears in the DT which I just revived with an additional note, is "The Fishermen's Song" by Andy M. Stewart. "FishermEn" is why I couldn't find it at first. Then I consulted my Victory Songs at Sea CD.

Jeri-

I'd love to hear "Desolation Island" again.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 08:26 PM

You made a smart-assed remark about my hair ?(5" shorter????) Well, Screw you and all who sail her! Sorry. I never heard it. I was in "business dress" because that is all i had that was clean. And I don't take my hair seriously so ...no problem.
You, by the way, look great.
So there!
Mary

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 09:54 PM

"Yeah, but MINE doesn't come off!" Nah, I didn't say that. Nice style, shiny. And you sang good songs. I'm very happy with this haircut I have. Especially so, since the near-death of my shower caused by the actual death of my well pump. (Although the shower's almost back to almost adequate, if you consider it has some pressure. Brown water and chlorine aren't that much fun though.)

Charley, thanks. I bet I could do a better job on banjo. Only got 5 strings. NEXT time though, I might bring the accordion. What key do you do 'Outside Track' in? ;-)

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: kendall
Date: 15 Dec 03 - 04:58 AM

My song is titled "The Last Whale Hunt." The lyrics are mine, the tune is Gordon Bok's.

I thought the one about the fisherman was titled "The Fisherman's Wife."

It was a nice time until the noise level from the next table and the smoke got to me.
Jeri, you may wrap yourself around my guitar anytime!

I should stay away from the Guinness; it makes me want to sing "Real" sea songs.

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Dec 03 - 09:47 AM

Jeri-

Beg, steal, or earn some big bucks and I'd sell you a fine spare Stewart 5-string banjo that I'm planning to place on eBay in January; it's a Stewart Special Thoroughbred Model 2, with a unique copper pot.

The key to "Outside Track" for accordian? How about "H"? Bring your damn fiddle next time!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: December Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 15 Dec 03 - 02:56 PM

Ahoy, Crew!

Was up at Captain BUNKER's the other day & he was inquiring about you all.

Weekends are pretty much agenda-driven, and holidays are a pretty big thing with Management, so havn't been doing much with the music lately - although have dug the concertina out from where it was hidden from Thanksgiving and occasionally try to get something approximating a tune out of it.

Was just plunking away on the ol' gut-strung 5-string "Minstrel" banjo this Morning, and it's kind of fun!

Jeri- I'd think you might make a pretty good banjo-picker. Once you get the hang of it, it's just a really FUN instrument and claimed by some to be a better natural anti-depressant than St. John's Wort.
It seems that Charlie BROWN once opined as how every baby should be issued a banjo at birth.

I don't lurk around the 'Cat as much as I once did, but like to check in from time to time for olde langsine, y'know.

Miss you rascals - cyber-hugs all 'round!

Aarrrrgh!!;

"Uncle Jaque"