Robb Johnson

Subject: Robb Johnson
From: GUEST,Davinci
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 07:50 AM

I went to Bedford Folk Club last night to see Robb Johnson and would recommend him to all ,
Having no previous knowledge of him or his work I was completely entertained by some great tunes and thought provocing lyrics.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 08:07 AM

I was there too, and I agree with you. I'd looked at his website and wondered if he might be a bit dreary or wearing if all his material was "political" -- and wasn't I wrong! I'm glad I reserved my judgment. Robb's lyrics are thoughtful, thought-provoking (as you say), witty, well-crafted ... and show an original and intelligent way of seeing things. His tunes and his guitar-playing are ... well, it gets harder to describe them. I think he could keep his mouth shut and make a living as a jazzman if he wanted. Subtle, understated, graceful ... I could go on for ever. His performance is confident but not brash, entertaining without detracting from the humour and the seriousness and sincerity of the lyrics.

And (as said to him of someone else) I'd hate him if he wasn't such a nice chap!

Go and see him!

Steve

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 08:13 AM

Robb is considered to be one of England's greatest current songwriters and also the greatest English exponent of English chanson - another facet of his writing that even fans of his don't know. Many of his songs are sung by singers in clubs without realising that they are Robb's (a good example is "It's cold in the trenches", which I have heard announced as a traditional WWI song...). Many "stars", not least Roy Bailey, sing several of his numbers.

Robb has three distinct personas: Straight folk, folk-(punk)rock with his band The Irregulars, and English chanson.

He is also a great supporter of new songwriters. Davinci, I suggest you go to Stripes again tonight, where the first tour concert of the UNLaBELLED bunch takes place, with three great new acts. UNLaBELLED was set up by Robb under his own Irregular Label precisely to support such up-and-coming talent. I'll certainly be there with Robb to cheer them on.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 08:47 AM

Were your ears burning, George?

I didn't know he was fond of Chanson till I saw it on his website (just before I read El Greko's post). It's an interest of mine too. I shall have to request one of his Jacques Brel translations next time I see him.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 10:17 AM

Well, I couldn't keep away from such a thread, Steve, could I?

Robb's "Gentlemen" double CD with himself plus Roy Bailey singing (and a Belgian lady whose name I just forgot) is his best, in my book - and in my top three albums of all times. Listen to it, and I dare you not to think, cry and laugh all in the same song. And above all, he has taken such care in the writing of the music and lyrics...as the story unfolds from the 1910s to the 1970s and today, the language and music reflect the period at every step of the way.

A masterpiece.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 11:20 AM

and he'll be at the St Albans folk club on Friday 12th Nov

at the Duke of Marlborough, Holywell Hill

doors open 7.36

reservations are going well

plus El G

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: The Shambles
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 12:29 PM

A fine performer, writer and a thoughly nice chap.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Cllr
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 01:17 PM

Robb is one the finest lrycist lyrist lryistts songwriters I have ever heard. I have known him and his work from when he was still putting stuff out on vinyl (small town world) we regularly argue over politics and I think his social observational songs are superb.
He was also the resident at one of the folk clubs I ran In the early ninties BOOK this man or go and see him when ever possible. Thanks for the heads up breezy I hope to come to your club on the 12 with Carol. Cllr

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 07:53 PM

more reservations taken tonight

either catch me in the Street or at the Spotlight at The legion in St Albans on Sunday

or at

the Staines Folk Club at the Three Tuns, High Road Staines on Monday where I am the main attraction with George Papavgeris, moses, the ref, and Guru as my band members

Friday 12th Nov an evening with Robb Johnson in St Albans at the Duke of Marlborough

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 06:45 PM

its all happening in St Albans folks

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 03:54 AM

Don't forget "The Acoustic Dudes" when they are together sing "Be Reasonable and Demarned the Impossible Now" What better credit can a singer song writer have than that?

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Piers
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 06:23 AM

Absolutely Dude!

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: GUEST,cllr
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 07:25 AM

Breezy can you reserve four tickets for me please we are definatlly coming with a couple of friends cllr

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: GUEST,Lizzie in Sidmouth
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 08:01 AM

Robb Johnson! Now this is Seiously Spooky! Just the other day I mentioned him over on the Radio 2 F&A site, 'Protest Songs' title. I only found him recently. He's great! Love his lyrics! Got 'Tony Blair, My Part In His Downfall' (YEEYYYYYY!) and was singing away to my heart's content!

Never used to be a rebel, but boy! have I changed and this CD really helps! Haven't heard his 'Mrs. Thatcher My Part in Her Downfall' one yet, but I'll bet I'd be singing along to that too!

And now....here he is again! Can I vote for him?! Please!
Robb Johnson for Prime Minister!!!!!

Lizzie :-)

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 08:18 AM

I have not mentioned the most important thing about Robb (to which Cllr already alluded, but it's worth stating explicitly):

The guy does not just write great songs full of compassion and true concern for the world and ist people - he walks his talk and lives his life precisely as his songs suggest. No armchair revolutionary, he!

In the folk world where already most of the performers/artists are people full of integrity, Robb stands out; which is why even his political adversaries admire him. Except for the BNP of course, but hey, would you want THEIR admiration?

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 09:26 AM

Thank you cllr, your request has been noted, please send cheques to my home addrress so as not to get crushed in the rush, then your seats will be reserved.

How can we get Kerry Pollard there

and our mayor Gordon Myland, hey cllr he's in your team

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Cllr
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 12:12 PM

I dont have a cheque book breezy Im waiting for it to arrive if you cant save me tickets I shall have to wait untill I book him for my club or perhaps turn up and risk you being sold out. I shall ask the others if they want to send you a cheque - you can pm me your adress.

Have a good night at Staines, it was the first club to give me a solo booking. The guy doing the MC'ing was Tony Warren a former bass player in one of Robbs earlier band lineups. cllr

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 02:50 PM

I've had the good fortune to know Robb for mopre than twenty years . That goes back to Ministry of Humour days , And am familiar with some of the Grobb Street stuff from before that . Someone I have been known to travel to see perform !!

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: GUEST,cllr
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 04:43 PM

It was grubb street leadfingers :-)

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 06:49 PM

OOps Should check before hitting enter !!That was a Typo !!

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 07:45 PM

tickets put aside for the honourable gentleman from Ampthill who has been so good as to book me.
Looks like there is going to be a goodly set of supporters.

Leadfingers , sorry you wont be there tomorrow at Staines.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 03:26 AM

Honourable? Gentleman? I guess you mean Cllr...sorry Mike ;-)
I shall be there with Vanessa and also Mary and treewind - we haven't heard them for some time, perhaps a spot should be booked for them?

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 06:35 AM

I think Friday could be an O K night

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: GUEST,Davinci
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 09:36 AM

To those who stayed on topic I thank you , I enjoyed your thoughts on this excellent artist.
To those who seem to use every thread to advertise their own agenda I suggest you sod off

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 10:40 AM

Davinci, cool down. Nobody strayed. The fact is, Robb is guesting this Friday in St Albans, and the organisers quite legitimately advertised the fact, and a few friends (Cllr, breezy, me, Martin etc) communicated about getting seats reserved for Robb's gig.

You got our comments about the guy anyway - in an open forum, why grumble about us also discussing arrangements for his next gig? A little thread creep in there, I agree, but hardly meriting a "soding off".

Anyway - go out and buy his "Gentlemen" album, you won't regret it. You may have to hunt for it though, I don't believe he distributes it himself (it was done as a benefit for the Passchendale Museum).

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 11:14 AM

Martin? What do you mean Martin? I have not miss used this thread. Now I am in such a cuffle there is only four hours left for the Bram Taylor, Fire Works, and Baked Potatoes with New Roots Night at The Bull in Barton le Clay Beds. I don't know what I am going to do. Dude.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Cllr
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 03:52 PM

there aren't any post to this thread which don't relate to Robb, The post about "be reasonable demand the impossible now" is form one of robb's songs and if you really like Robb's stuff why not come along to Snorbans with the rest of us? Cllr

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 07:08 PM

I was in Poperinge at the (Flanders experience) weekend, and was treated to good food at "De Ranke", formerly the Officers' Quarters La Poupee. So I sang "Trenches" in the Cafe de la Paix, before going on to the Menin Gate ceremony.

There is now a museum attached to Talbot House which includes a photo of Ginger, from La Poupee.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 07:29 PM

another 4 booked tonight for Friday

Its looking good.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Zorg
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 01:27 PM

Greetings Breezy. Save me a place, I'll be there

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 03:00 PM

Thank you 'Z' consider it done.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 03:02 PM

Should be an effing good night
Or as Robb might have said, a fkucing good night
Looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 12:39 PM

remember its a family show too.

Any of that and it will be a night to remember.

Les Sullivan will perform.

31 seats reserved

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 12:45 PM

Flippin' good night then!
If it's a family show, will you promise not to wear shorts?
Some things should not be seen...

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 03:29 PM

jealousy will get you nowhere, still got a tan too,

up to 39 seats now

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Cllr
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 12:47 PM

just to make sure breezy that is four tickets you have reserved for me isnt it?

Thanks very much look forward to seeing you all tomorrow Cllr

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 12:53 PM

I must admit I've never heard of him. At first I thought you meant Robert Johnson... if you saw him play you're better than the rest of us my friend.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 03:19 PM

the lyrical content of Robb Johnson's songs is in a far higher league than the one you thought of, and until you've heard him you cant compare so stick your head back where it was.

That sounds a bit tough,ever so sorry, no offence, bet your a nice chap really, its just your knowledge of writers exposes you, please do a search for Robb's web site.

Behave breezy

O K


39 reservations now taken

Thanks cllr, 4 4 u

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Cllr
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 03:41 PM

I think robb would be complewmented on being compared to such a great blues man Cllr

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 07:22 PM

Isnt Robb a more powerful communicator and relevant writer of our life and times in today's world and his ability with the written word somewhat more in substance than R J bluesman ?

I would certainly like to think so.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 08:30 PM

Different country, different times. Should not compare singwriters - I know!

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Ross
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 04:15 AM

Hi JB - Sorry I won't be able to make tonight with Robb - have a good one - Don't forget to be political

I've also double booked myself on the 26th so won't be able to come along and see you then either (how's that for a double negative)

See you soon - keep well all - even grumpy davinci

Robb always wears nice tee shirts

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 04:26 AM

On the 26th there will be sets by Woodworx - nearly wrote woodrot - and Pamela Ward, have agood evening, I trust we will.

How many turned up to Benny's to hear life and times?

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 04:45 AM

Ooh how did you hear about that. We were keeping that quiet.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: Singing Referee
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 06:05 AM

Wot, from Breezy? You must be joking!

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: breezy
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 09:34 AM

40 now

Hoping for an early start and to put Robb on before 8.30 for a 50 minute set

He'll be precede by that incredible jazz/blues man Chris Flegg who'll be appearing on Sunday.

To start the evening I hope Anahata and Mary will play us in.

still room , come along , it'll be well worth the experience.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: GUEST,Davinci
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 10:52 AM

Hope you all have a great time tonight listening to a top act.
Wont be there myself as I have another Chapel Ceiling to paint.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 11:23 AM

Don't you mean cooking your Last Supper?

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 01:51 PM

Spoke with Robb earlier - he's planning to do a slimmed-down version of Gentle Men in the first half, what with Red Poppy Day yesterday etc, and Blair/Bush will get theirs in the second half.

Leaving in 5 mins.

Subject: RE: Robb Johnson
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 13 Nov 04 - 04:56 AM

Well! How did it go? Dudes.