Origin: Fisherman's Lassie (Wickford Express)

Subject: WICKFORD EXPRESSS-AWAY YOU SANTY
From: seagoddess
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 12:29 AM

Help! Anyone have the original Wickford Express "Away You Santy" published in 1980 on cassette? Specifically, I'm looking for a copy of the Notes regarding the song Fisherman's Lassie. When Wickford Express went under contract with Delta Records and they released "Santy" on CD (1995 LaserLight Label) the credits for this song were left out of the notes. I've lost the original tape and my production notes and, embarrassingly enough, can't recall the source of the original song! Wickford Express has plans to release "Away You Santy" and "Fair Winds" in a special 25th Anniversary Edition and want to acknowledge not only the original Scottish source but Dave Kleiman who graciously gave us his 3rd verse. If you have the original cassette notes, you'd be a great help! Fisherman's Lassie has had quite a life in the 25 years since Wickford Express first released it - I've heard versions from Scotland, England, Australia, Poland, and France! Anyone? Please?

Cindy Peloquin

Subject: RE: WICKFORD EXPRESSS-AWAY YOU SANTY
From: GUEST,Lighter at work
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 07:58 AM

The Johnson Girls website attributes the first two verses & chorus to Isla St. Clair's grandmother, Madge Macdonald, from Lewis. Sounds right, since Isla sings it on her "Tattie & Herrin" album.

They credit David Kleiman with the third verse.

Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: WICKFORD EXPRESSS-AWAY YOU SANTY
From: seagoddess
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 11:24 AM

Lighter at work,

Thanks for checking in with that info. We made the first US recording of Fisherman's Lassie 25 years ago; I made some changes from our original source, and the changes are reflected in the J Girls as well as Isla's (and possibly her grandmother's?) versions. Several years ago, I ran into Stavaig who had learned the song from our recording and were spreading it (my version) around Scotland as "traditional". So continues the folk tradition. So thanks for the input, but the person (source) I am looking for was in her 80's in 1980, from Scotland, and from a family of traditional singers. The song had been passed down through her family. The information I'm seeking is on the notes to our original 1980 cassette recording (green) - I've lost these records and notes to a flood at the storage facility. I'm hoping some Wickford Express friend will have the cassette and the notes and I can restore the credits in the upcoming re-release.

Subject: Origins: Fisherman's Lassie
From: seagoddess
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 11:27 AM

Seeking Wickford Express's version of this song - the first US recording of it (1980). The source is different from and pre-dates that listed by J Girls and Isla. I am looking for someone with the original liner notes to the 1980 recording on Wickford Express/Away You Santy. The information is included in those notes. Anyone got those notes?

Cindy

Subject: RE: WICKFORD EXPRESSS-AWAY YOU SANTY
From: Just another Dave
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 07:25 PM

To Quote:

"FISHERMAN's LASSIE - hails originally from Scotland. This version was learned from Caitlin O'Sullivan and David Kleiman."

You can buy me a beer next Mystic ;-)

Dave

Subject: RE: Wickford Express-Away You Santy-Fisherman's Lassie
From: seagoddess
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 09:51 PM

Caitlin had told me who she had learned it from - the mystery woman/source from Scotland that I've already mentioned - and I was sure I'd put that in the original notes. Darn! Well, Dave, you gave me just exactly what I've asked for, so I guess I buy you a beer at Mystic next June!

Cheers! Cindy

Subject: RE: Wickford Express-Away You Santy-Fisherman's La
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 09:26 AM

Sorry I didn't check into this thread until just now -- I have the Wickford Express J-card in front of me. (And the cassette, too, of course.)

"FISHERMAN'S LASSIE - We learned this song from Caitlin O'Sullivan and her husband, David Kleiman who together composed the third verse. Originally, the song hails from Scotland."

Which is pretty much what Just Another Dave (hi, JAD -- come up to the Press Room session again sometime!) said.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fisherman's Lassie-Wickford Express/Away You Santy
From: seagoddess
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 12:14 PM

Thanks Linn for checking in on my search. Maybe I, too, will drop by the Press Room session on one of my swings through NH - sounds like a happening place! Still can't get a shanty sing going here in RI, but we keep trying. And, again, anyone interested please contact me!

Cindy
http://seasongs.net/

Subject: RE: Fisherman's Lassie-Wickford Express/Away You Santy
From: seagoddess
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 12:19 PM

Whoops, I think I meant to do this:
Cindy - Wickford Express

Subject: RE: Fisherman's Lassie-Wickford Express/Away You Santy
From: GUEST,Barry Finn
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 06:00 PM

Hi Cindy

Long time no hear. If you do get a chance to swing by the Press Room get us a head's up. It'd be good to see & hear from you (& your bones too) again & bring your daughter along, haven't heard from her in awhile either. Hope to see & hear you sometime soon.

Barry

Subject: RE: Fisherman's Lassie-Wickford Express/Away You S
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 10:02 AM

Just a note on the Press Room sessions in Portsmouth, NH --

Weekly Friday session - mixed vocal and instrumental, English, Scots, Irish, sea music, English Music Hall, etc. 4:30-9:00 pm every Friday (except Christmas Eve -- there will be one on New Year's Eve as far as we know)

Monthly Sea Music Session -- Third Saturday of the Month, 3:30-7:30 pm, some instrumental accompaniment but mostly SINGING (or recitations) in singaround format.

Hope you can get a session going, Cindy, so we can come visit!

Linn

Subject: RE: Fisherman's Lassie-Wickford Express/Away You Santy
From: seagoddess
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 09:47 AM

The Press Room just got even more interesting - great schedule! I'll make it a point to drop in during one of my jaunts up to Maine, Portsmouth is at about the 2 1/2 hour mark so it'd be a good break point. I had no idea all this good stuff was gong on there - thanks, Linn, for posting it.

We'll keep trying for a sing in RI - and I'll keep you informed. I'm sure some "ringers" infiltrating a singaround would be most appreciated!

Hi Barry! Have missed you - no one offers to fish my bones out of the River like you do!

Cheers!
Cindy

Subject: RE: Fisherman's Lassie-Wickford Express/Away You S
From: GUEST,julia
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 05:28 PM

So when do you guys "jaunt up to maine" and how come you didn't tell us?
Let us know when you are coming and we'll get a session together!
Best- Julia & fred / castlebay

Subject: RE: Fisherman's Lassie-Wickford Express/Away You Santy
From: seagoddess
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 09:29 PM

When next there is a "Maine jaunt" (usually every other month) I shall give you a heads-up. A session sounds great! Cheers! Cindy