Mudcatters Sponsor SongLinks II track !!

Subject: A Challenge to US Folkies (US-UK Song Links)
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 11 Oct 04 - 09:37 PM

I recently happened to be shooting the breeze with Martyn Wyndham-Read and the subject of "Song Links II" came up. (Some of you may already be aware of the "Song Links I" – a double CD, one of English Traditional Songs; the other their Australian variants. For more info check out Martyn's website ).

Song Links II deals with English-US "song links", and Martyn is hoping to fund it pretty much the same way he did the last one: "...funding... was not forthcoming from organisations we had hoped would want to support Song Links. My wife Danni came up with the idea of approaching the Folk Community, that is the festivals, folk clubs, interested individuals, or indeed anyone who loved the music and who would want to be part of this project, and we called this the Dan Plan. I have to say that the response, enthusiasm, goodwill, and generosity was absolutely fantastic..."

Since I'm from the US, he mentioned to me that when he contacted various US folk organizations, the response was "disappointing". As a transplanted Yank, I can tell you that this is a sterling example of British understatement; not only did he not receive a single positive response, but only 2-3 people/organizations gave him the courtesy of any response at all. I have to confess it made me feel a bit embarrassed on behalf of US folkies.

I know it's tough times in the US, but surely we, too, have the capacity for "enthusiasm, goodwill, and generosity" in support of such a worthwhile (not to mention fascinating!) project.

More info from the website:
"For the sum of £300 (~$500 US) you sponsor a track on the CD once again produced by Fellside Recordings, have a 5-line dedication within the CD booklet, giving details and contacts of your club or festival also stating why you liked that particular song or singer, or just a dedication to someone you wish to remember, the choice is yours. We are again using the Dan Plan, which was such a popular success. You also have the opportunity to buy the CD at trade price.

"The singers for the English side will be: The Copper Family, John Copper, Shirley Collins, John Kirkpatrick, Bill Whaley & Dave Fletcher, The Wilsons, Mary Humphreys & Anahata, myself Martyn Wyndham-Read, and Emily Portman with Lauren McCormick and Jim Causley who are studying for a degree in Traditional Music.

"Iris Bishop will once again be Musical Co–ordinator. Jeff Davis is co-ordinating the American singers, who are: Jean Ritchie, Tim Eriksen, Jody Stecher, Bruce Molsky, Skip Gorman & Mary Burdette, Cassie Franklin, Sara Grey, Kieron Means, Sheila Kay Adams, and Jeff Davis."

I'm pleased to say that after I posted about this on a different folk mailing list, Sing Out! and The Ark have each decided to sponsor a song, but I am hoping that yet more support will be coming from the US. I to urge you to check out the Song Links Project at Martyn's website (then click on the "Song Links" link) and give it serious consideration. Even if your own group/organization cannot see its way clear to sponsor a track, perhaps you know of another group (or even a person) who could? Or maybe join forces with another group or two?

A friend of mine suggested, "I'm sure there are plenty of us who'd be able to make a donation without needing to have our name on the cut. Especially if we could do it after the election!" Perhaps we could set something up where Mudcatters could contribute individually and the resulting amount could be "from Mudcat"?

BTW, I confess that there has already been a Song Links II thread, but I thought it might be useful to start a thread which will (I hope) be more likely to attract the attention of my fellow "Yank" folkies.

Feel free to ask me any questions you might still have; if you want to contact Martyn, his @ddress is [e-mail]

Cheers,

YY
(Just so you know, I'm not on commission; I have nothing to gain from this, except perhaps a certain sense of pride in the US folk scene supporting an exciting, musically high-quality project that will enrich the world's body of folk material.)

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: beardedbruce
Date: 11 Oct 04 - 09:48 PM

Not that much to spare, but how about 10-20 of us here sponser a mudcat track?

I think I could go $25-50 US.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 11 Oct 04 - 09:53 PM

Well done bb! I could contribute $25 myself. (I wish it could be more, but things are pretty tight at the moment.) Anyone else?

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: Burke
Date: 11 Oct 04 - 10:01 PM

What are Tim Eriksen & Cassie Franklin going to be contributing? If it's Sacred Harp related some Sacred Harp singers might get interested.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 11 Oct 04 - 10:53 PM

Great idea, Burke! Here's the list of songs & performers:

Songs for SONG LINKS 2 (English / American)
--------------------------------------------
STILL GROWING       - John Copper / Tim Eriksen
BABES IN THE WOOD    - The Copper Family / Cassie Franklin
ROSE OF ALLENDALE    - The Copper Family/ Jeff Davis
OXFORD GIRL          - John Kirkpatrick/ Sheila Kay Adams (Knoxville Girl)
QUESTIONS WISELY EXPOUNDED - John Kirkpatrick / Bruce Molsky
POLLY VAUGHAN       - Dave Fletcher & Bill Whaley / Kieron Means
PRETTY PLOUGHBOY    - Dave Fletcher & Bill Whaley / Bruce Molsky
GYPSY DAVEY          - The Wilsons / Skip Gorman & Mary Burdette (Clayton Boone)
LOCKS AND BOLTS      - Martyn W-R / Sara Grey
AS I WALKED OUT      - Martyn W-R / Sheila Kay Adams (False Young Man)
BARBARA ALLEN       - Mary Humphries & Anahata / Cassie Franklin
MAY DAY CAROL       - Mary Humphries & Anahata / Jean Ritchie
PRICKILIE BUSH       - Jim Causley / Tim Eriksen (GALLOWS TREE)
YOUNG MAN CUT DOWN   - Jim Causley / Sara Grey (UNFORTUNATE RAKE)
BANKS OF GREEN WILLOW- Shirley Collins /Jeff Davis
CUCKOO               - Shirley Collins / Jean Ritchie (THE CUCKOO)
TARRY TROUSERS       - Emily Portman & Lauren McCormick / Jody Stecher
POLLY OLIVER         - Emily Portman & Lauren McCormick / Jody Stecher


These are the tracks still available for sponsorship (this may have changed slightly by now):

Babes in the Wood…… Copper Family.
Babes in the Wood…… Cassie Franklin.
Rose of Allendale ……..Jeff Davis.
Oxford Girl……………… John Kirkpatrick.
Sheila Kay Adams……. Knoxville Girl.
Questions wisely Expounded…. Bruce Molsky
Polly Vaughan……. Kieron Means
Pretty Ploughboy….Bruce Molsky
Gypsy Davey………Ship Gorman and Mary Burdette
False Young Man….Sheila Kay Adams.
Barbara Allen………Mary Humphries and Anahata.
Barbara Allen………Cassie Franklin
Mayday Carol...........Jean Ritchie
Prickilie Bush……..Jim Causley
Young Man Cut Down…Jim Causley
Unfortunate Rake...........Sara Grey
Banks of Green Willow….Jeff Davis
Cuckoo………………… Jean Ritchie
Tarry Trousers……….. Jody Stecher
Polly Oliver……. Emily Portman and Lauren McCormick
Polly Oliver…….Jody Stecher

====================================

I'm not an authority on Sacred Harp, but my guess is that Babes in the Wood and Barbara Allen don't qualify... ;-) And it looks like Tim Eriksen's tracks are already sponsored (I have no idea who by). Ah, well – a good thought even so...

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: beardedbruce
Date: 11 Oct 04 - 11:16 PM

ok, if I do not make it to the Getaway, you can give checks/??? to Carly. I'll collect them ( deposit checks, etc) and find out who to forward the money to. If anyone does not trust me, make out the check to whoever the link says, and I will forward it.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: beardedbruce
Date: 11 Oct 04 - 11:30 PM

Or maybe funds should go through, say, FSGW? Any conmments? What would you all prefer?

Bruce Gewirz aka beardedbruce

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: RWilhelm
Date: 11 Oct 04 - 11:47 PM

I'd be willing to make a contribution in the same neighborhood as beardedbruce's. Is it still feasable with small independent donations?

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Oct 04 - 11:53 PM

Me too. I will see Carly at the Getaway.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 12:22 AM

Your friend's timing is way off. All of my legit friends lined up contracts, gigs, costumed historicals, 20, 15, even 8 years ago.

The U.S.A. market has been full... to bursting.... for the past five years. The only ones getting rich are the promoters as they sell dreams .... not realities .... to the wanna-be.

Worth-while "Acres of Diamonds" projects abound in each of our own neighborhoods.....no need to go scrounging a "foreign adoption."

Your cause is worthy....but most of us can find crews within a square mile....who are equally worthwhile.

Plead your/their/his/her case in your own Jerusaleum.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 12:44 AM

I try to ignore the Gargoyle, but it's worth reiterating that

Jean Ritchie, Tim Eriksen, Jody Stecher, Bruce Molsky, Skip Gorman & Mary Burdette, Cassie Franklin, Sara Grey, Kieron Means, Sheila Kay Adams, and Jeff Davis

constitute a pool of talent from the west side of "the pond" who are nothing to sneeze at.

I'm in for $25.

~ Becky in Tucson (and not likely to get to the Getaway)

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 09:25 AM

I'm hoping that Martyn may be able to set up something on his website so people can donate through PayPal – which would also help with the currency conversion issues. I will keep you all posted.

What is FSGW? would it help with currency conversion?

I live in England (Yorkshire, as a matter of fact) these days, and won't be attending the Getaway myself, but I can write a check for Martyn in pounds sterling, so that's not a problem for me. I know El Greko is planning to be at the Getaway, so he might be able to help "facilitate" things. (I'll pm him about it.)

Many thanks to those who've been so supportive thus far – I'm definitely starting to feel better now that we're not looking so apathetic as we did at first!

— YY (Vikki Appleton Fielden)

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 09:30 AM

I'm in as well -

If we do this as sponsored by the MudCat - maybe we can choose one of Jean's tracks?

Just a suggestion.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 09:52 AM

Sounds extremely appropriate to me...

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 02:57 PM

Perhaps I can help with the collection and currency conversion, as I have PayPal on my website. I can set up a "product" called "American Mudcatters Songlinks II Contributions" and people can pay into it in multiples of, say, 5 US dollars (so, for $25 you simply "buy" 5 units). Once we have reached $540 (which is what 300 UK pounds are roughly worth today), I will close it and sponsor the track you have chosen.

Three questions:
a) Are you happy doing it this way?
b) We can't have all the names of the contributors mentioned on the booklet - but we could have a reference to "the American branch of the Mudcat Forum", or something like that.
c) Neither can we expect a free CD for each of the contributors - but they could order the CD at trade price ($8-$10) if they wish, from Martyn; I will provide him with the names of the contributors from my PayPal account, for verification.

I think this would be the easiest way to do this. Shall I go on and create the "product"?

George

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 03:03 PM

It would be really appropriate and neat, imo, if Art Thieme's Cowboy Babr'ry Allen were included..it seems a prime example of just how the songs crossed the pond and were adapted.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: artbrooks
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 03:14 PM

I'm good for $25 toward the "Mudcat track." You also asked for possible sources...have you tried the Northwest Folklife
people?

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 03:25 PM

I believe Folklife have sponsored one of the tracks (don't know which).

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 06:44 PM

Hi Katlaughing – Including Art's rendition of Barbry Allen is a very cool idea, but this project is not in its early stages. Logistically, they're not at a point where they can just add in another song...

Artbrooks, good idea – I'll ask Martyn & Danni.

El Greko, thanks SO much for being willing to coordinate all this and set it up on your website. That makes it SO much easier for everyone!

As far as I'm concerned, yes, please go ahead & do it (no surprise there, then). Izzat OK with everyone else?

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 08:00 PM

I was wrong - it was "Sing Out", not Folklife, that is already a sponsor...

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 09:25 PM

Thanks EG – have just sent off an e-mail to Northwest Folklife.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 01:19 AM

Thanks, YY, wasn't sure. Good luck...if I sell more books, I'll be able to contribute, too, and would like to.:-)

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 06:04 AM

Right, the donation facility is up and running. I have included on my website an option for "American Mudcatters Sponsorship for Songlinks II", which allows you to donate any amount you like from $1 upwards, either in US or Canadian dollars. I will keep you informed of progress as the amount (hopefully) grows.

To donate, go to El Greko's website and follow the link from the NEWS section on the front page (just under the "choirboy" drawing of yours truly).

George

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: artbrooks
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 08:25 AM

Not to be too negative, but there will be a capacity for refunds if we come up short, won't there?

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: artbrooks
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 08:29 AM

BTW,why is there a $4 "shipping and handling" fee on my (cancelled pending reply) $25 contribution?

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 08:32 AM

Oh sugar! Sorry artbrooks, I will correct the "shipping" thing (it's a default from my CD sales facility).

As for refunds if we don't reach the total, I can (and will) certainly do that. PayPal allows that.

Back in a jiffy, when I have corrected the shipping cockup...

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 08:49 AM

I have just zeroed all US and Canada postage and shipping charges, so it should be OK. Please try again art, and apologies for the mistake.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 09:06 AM

for those of us plastic impaired - checks to Carly or BeardedBruce at the Getaway? Made out to whom?

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 09:11 AM

I would suggest you make cheques out to BearedBruce, because it's hard to cash US cheques in the UK. Bruce can then make the payment into PayPal.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: freda underhill
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 09:22 AM

Song Links I is a beautiful double CD, with Uk artists doing traditional songs on one CD, and Aussie artists doing the australian variants on the other. Any CD that Martyn Winging Road (as we call him here) is involved in will be an outstanding collection of songs, beautifully performed. I bought 4 Song Links Cds and gave three away to friends and family - I have no doubt the next one will be just as good, and look forward to buying it when its complete.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: artbrooks
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 09:31 AM

Payment winging your way via PayPal

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 10:43 AM

It winged and landed, Art - thanks!

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 04:57 PM

George, the page you set up is really nice! Good info & explanation, & looks good too. Looks like you went to a fair bit of trouble – thanks again.

Have tried to donate a few times but am getting some kind of error message/trouble getting through (a problem with PayPal – not with your site)... but will keep trying. (Has anyone else manage dto get through today?)

Artbrooks, I'm feeling optimistic – if everyone who's already posted saying they will donate actually does so, we should be more than halfway there already...

Kat, I know how it goes – hope the book sales do well!

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: beardedbruce
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 07:41 PM

I don't use paypal ( friends have had too many problems) but I can coordinate and send one check to the sppropriate person. I'll set up an account to deposit them in, and make sure they clear over here, then send certified funds to ???.

Bruce (beardedbruce) Gewirz

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: artbrooks
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 08:41 PM

YY, my PayPal payment went through w/o a hitch.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 14 Oct 04 - 02:45 AM

BB, YorkshireYankee would be your best bet, as she has a US account. Thanks for offering to act as "clearing house" for papaer payments.

See you in 48 hours or less - getting all excited...

George

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: artbrooks
Date: 14 Oct 04 - 04:55 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 14 Oct 04 - 09:22 PM

Bruce – Thanks for all your help!

You can write me a check in US $$. Just so you know, though, what I will probably do is use PayPal myself to then get that money to Martyn & Danni. The thing about converting funds from $ to £ (or vice versa) is that the bank/financial institution involved tends to charge a pretty hefty fee for that privilege, so it's cheaper to do it directly via a credit card.

As for having problems with PayPal, it may be cookie issues, I'll check it out. At this point, though, I'll prolly wait 'til I get the check from Bruce (and add on my $25) before trying to use PayPal again – I'd rather do it all in one swell foop...

George, have a safe trip & a great time (am sure you will)!

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 14 Oct 04 - 10:43 PM

LaughKat!!!

Cough-up a fur-ball of $540 US dollars...and your own personal momento to Art Thieme's Cowboy Babr'ry Allen will be permanently recorded

Come HEAR.... kitty, kitty, kitty.

Ain't you, ain't me, ain't nobody (without an ISBN number) goin' to go donatin' to such a fool un-substantiated "dare" to cross-the-line from across the pond.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Oct 04 - 10:49 PM

Holy CRAP! Yes,

REFRESH!!!!!

This thread has the stinch of an unwashed busker seeking a free shower.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: RWilhelm
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 12:01 AM

Is there a website I can go to for a summary of all this?

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: beardedbruce
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 12:18 AM

If anyone has a problem with making a contribution, feel free to not do so...

But I am comfortable sending my money. And enough others on here know me that I can be held accountable for the money that others forward through me.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: emjay
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 01:00 AM

I sent my $25, it seems a small amount to make a contribution to something as interesting as this project. Later I hope to have an opportunity to buy the cds.
And I have a seriously limited income but I am not poor, just generally cheap.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 03:24 AM

Earl, go to my website http://www.folk4all.net and on the front page, in the NEWS section under the picture, the first item is about this. Click on the link and all will be revealed.

emjay, got it - thanks!

George

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: artbrooks
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 07:09 AM

BTW, Dick Greenhaus at Camsco Records has Song Links I, 2 CDs for $25 plus S&H. When I e-mailed him the other day he said he was on the way to the Getaway with his record supply.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 10:54 AM

Earl, you can also check out Martyn's website (then click on the "Song Links" link).

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 12:12 PM

Donations to Martyn - to sponsor more songs about sheep?

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: treewind
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 12:56 PM

There are plenty of scams (and plenty of gullible people) but this is not one of them. GUEST, go back to sleep.

Anahata

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: RWilhelm
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 03:42 PM

Thanks El Greko and Yorkshire Yankee. I just made my donation.

Subject: RE: A (sort of) challenge to US folkies
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 09:13 PM

Way cool, Earl... thank you!