Art, Jerry and Rick

Subject: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: jimmyt
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 09:51 PM

I got a gift certificate from my secret Santa to use at Folk Legacy. I picked three CDs, one by Jerry Rasmussen, one by Rick Fielding, and the last by Art Thieme. I have been inspired by these three musicians since coming to Mudcat, and I still enjoy the postings of Art and Jerry. (Jerry, by the way, is who I want to be just like when I grow up)

It is hard to describe the respect and admiration I have for these three men, and I want to share with Art and Jerry how much enjoyment they have brought to me. Rick Fielding was one of my first contacts in my early days on Mudcat and he was a true gentleman, taking time to put me on some folk music venues in Toronto. I only wish I had a chance to meet him before he died. Jerry may swing by this summer and I hope to pick and sing a bit with him. If I get a chance I will get up Chicago way to meet Art as well.

Anyway, I just want to thank these men for making the music they have made and tell them how much I appreciate them for the artists they are and were. jimmyt

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Teresa
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 10:19 PM

Absolutely, Jimmy, I couldn't say it better. I think of these guys when I think of Mudcat. :)

Teresa

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 10:34 PM

Thanks, Jimmy. You can't be like me when you grow up, jimmy. I still haven't grown up myself. You are definitely right on about Art, who has been a close friend for over 30 years, and is a rare, rare individual. I also had the pleasure of knowing Rick Fielding, who I shared some songwriting workshops with, and just some sitting and picking times. One of the things that I am most grateful for is in his final months, he came down to Branford, Connecticut to do a concert and Ruth and I went over to hear him. It was a wonderful concert, and Rick being Rick wanted to share the attention. He called me up to do Handful of Songs, which he also recorded. I was aware that his health was deteriorating and the words to that song, "All I can leave you is a handful of songs" really hit home. And then he called Barbara and Frank Shaw and Shoregrass up to do some songs with him. Rick was one of the most modest, generous men I ever met. Much like Art, in that respect.   

And as Rick would want, the music is passed on. Now I've gotten to know Barbara and Frank and Shoregrass better sharing a gospel workshop with them and the Messengers, and singing Christmas carols at a VA center. When the Gospel Messengers do their 8th Anniversary concert this year, I'm going to try to schedule it so that Shoregrass can be our guests.

Rick and Art both were lovers... they loved every note they played and every word they sang and they gave of themselves so naturally that at times it could have gone unnoticed. I am so glad that it didn't.

And jimmy.. U Da Man!

Jerry

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Peace
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 12:10 AM

Dear jimmyt,

Jerry is one of the finest people I have ever met. I have thought that he and I met in New York. He thinks not. I'm guessing I saw him anyway. Forty years later he entered my life through the Mudcat and has a place in my heart that will never be vacated, because I won't ever let it go.

Art is someone for whom I have the highest respect because he is at once kind and wise. He is a man of few words, but those words he does utter are thought out and inevitably compassionate.

The regard in which Rick is held is awesome. I regret not posting to his threads, but I haven't earned the right. I hope to someday.

There are many other folks here I love very much but these men are way at the top of the list, and although that may mean little in the grand scheme of things, it means lots to me, because it is rare that common people get to walk with giants of human character, and that's how I feel. For a time I walked with these guys in spirit. And that is very cool.

BM

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 01:21 AM

Jimmy,

Thanks so much for your too kind words. If there is anything I can do to aid you in your folk quests, be sure to let me know.

BUT Jerry Rasmussen deserves all you've said about him and much more. This man, besides being probably my most cherished friend ever, served as my through-the-mail therapist for a few decades---whether he knew it or not. (I hope he shreads those letters ;-) Rick was a person I wish I'd known better. Actually, from years of reading his posts here I feel as though I did get to know him.

Jimmy, I'm assuming you are a young person since you want to be Jerry "when you grow up"--as you said. Whatever---thanks again.

Art

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 02:57 AM

Well-said, jimmy! Just the other day, I had on Art's CD and had to call him to tell him how much pleasure we get out of listening to him. That particular day, our 14.5 month grandson was really *groovin'* to Art's songs, singing and dancing along. It gave us such joy I had to share it with Art. We never tire of listening to him and I am honoured to call him my friend.

My daughter made a compilation cd of favs. for our grandson to listen to when he goes to bed at night. He not only hears Art, but also our dear beloved Rick, and Jerry's song, Handful of Songs. I don't think I could have kept from crying my heart out if I'd heard the two of them singing that song at that last concert of Rick's in CT.

Jerry is one of the kindest, most generous souls I've ever known. We are truly blessed to have him among us.

The thing which strikes me the most about all three gentlemen is their compassion and their ability to keep on despite what Life may throw their way. It's called Grace, in my book, and these guys have an abundance of it.

To paraphrase...
has anybody seen our old friend, Rick
Can you tell us where he's gone...

thank goodness we still have Art and Jerry and all of Rick's incredible postings.

Thanks for a great thread.

kat

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: jimmyt
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 08:53 AM

Art, I am hardly a young person at 57, but I did not "discover " folk or traditional muisc until I was 54, still keeps me in a wide eyed wonder discovernig more and more about the music and the wonderful folks that make it. Jerry and I got to know one another in my first thread postings and we share a lot of common background, and I am honored to call him my friend. He likes to keep one conservative in his stable of friends to just be exotic and I am his pet Republican!

I apprecitate the posts to this thread and you have all said what I was trying to much better than I could have! Well done.

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: dwditty
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 09:49 AM

Jimmyt,

Re: The Three Amigos....I second that emotion.

dw

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 11:18 AM

All true. I'm blessed to have known Rick & Jerry in person & Art through Mudcat. I was at that Branford concert & it was wonderful. I wish you all could have been there; we need to learn to beam around like they do on Star Trek! Our world is richer for these men & the many wonderful contacts we have on Mudcat.

best to all,

barbara

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 11:31 AM

Thanks, Barbara:

Now that I think of it, I am in the blessed position of having apprently heard Rick's last concert (if the Branford concert was his last,) and Art's last concert at the Cafe Carpe in Fort Atkinson. If all goes well, I hope to be around at my last concert, too.

Both Art's concert at the Cafe Carpe and Rick's were very moving. Every year when I went out to visit my family, Art and I would split an evening at the Cafe Carpe. Because Art was so beloved there, he also did concerts during the year in addition to the one we shared.
I just happened to be in Wisconsin when Art was booked to do a concert
at the Carpe, and planned on going up to be with him, not as a performer but just as another appreciative member of the audience. By then, Art's physical problems were getting so burdensome that he decided that he couldn't handle the drive, and I offered to fill in for him if Bill Camplin, who runs the Carpe let me use his guitar. That was the plan, until I got a call from Art saying that he had changed his mind and was going to try to come. And I was so glad that he did. I had heard Art many times, and sung with him even more, but that night was very special, and I will always treasure the experience. I have a wonderful photograph of Art standing in front of the Carpe, and will see if I can dig it out, e-mail it to Jeff and ask him to put it with my membership photographs. I don't know if that's allowed, but I'd like to share a couple of photos of Art. Art and I are opposite sides of the same coin. Many times, we've been the same side.

Rick's concert in Branford was very special in much the same way. I think that many people were aware that it was a hardship for Rick to travel down to Connecticut, and there was a family concern and love for him that flowed through the room. It was as much a celebration of Rick as a loving person, as it was a concert.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 12:08 PM

"... all of Rick's incredible postings."

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Dani
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 02:47 PM

Boy, somebody sure loves YOU, Jimmy! What a great gift. And thanks for passing it on.

Dani

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 03:34 PM

Yeah, that last gig o' mine--at the Cafe Carpe--was 6/6/'97. Even when I decided to try to make the drive to Wisconsin, Jerry said he'd hang around just in case I couldn't last the evening. At least we thought we could turn it into a song swap if need be; we had done that numerous times over the years--in other venues.   But once I started, I just plowed ahead. Even then (8 years ago--amazing) I was having a hard time finding the brake and gas pedals, but I made it home. I remember that night I was happy it was a small crowd who seemed to overlook how sloppy my picking was getting to be.

Jerry, thanks, again, for all of those times we did song swaps 'cause my hands were numb and I needed a breather every so often. BUT there is a pretty decent video of a song swap Jerry and I did floating around. It was a quite long show we did at Hogeye Music store in Evanston, Illinois. That place was owned by my old friends Anne Hills and Jan Burda. (Jim Craig has it now!!) I had shaved my beard for some strange reason and it's always shocking to see that when I've looked at it. But I've not been able to find it for a while now.

Anyhow, thanks for reviving these good memories for me---Jerry and all of you.

Art

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 04:07 PM

I can't think of anyone I'd rather hear sing a song than Art. The one time Margaret and I shared the stage with Jerry at the Cafe Carpe, we had a great time. Wish I had met Rick.

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 04:35 PM

I met Rick on the Mudcat and decided to risk letting this perfect stranger stay at our house in Branford based on his posts. He and Heather came down twice and stayed with us both times. The second time, I knew he had been sick but I didn't know how bad because he never let on. He just waltzed in merrily, refused the pizza I had ready for them (with ONIONS on it! --hey, I didn't know-- ) and graced our house with his charm.

A measure of his generosity was that he knew Frank and I had a debut CD recently produced, and he hawked our cd at his show! Imagine this giant of a musician telling people about our amateur effort... Another measure was that when he called us up to join him in a couple of songs, knowing how limited I was on the bass, he chose to do simple songs in G, which he knew I could manage.

I knew I would like the Rasmussens because Rick told me so. He spoke so highly of them both, that I barged up to them after Rick's show determined to introduced myself. Within 2 seconds of meeting Ruth, she gave me a warm hug and told me how much she enjoyed our playing. Jerry and Ruth are truly fine people, and I'm very fortunate to have met them through Rick. Our gospel workshop with ShoreGrass and the Gospel Messengers was a delight which I hope we get to do again. Jerry's threads are always interesting, always thoughtful, always worth reading.

So sorry I never got to meet Art. Based on the company he's kept and the people who love him, he must be quite a man.

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 04:49 PM

Hey, Art:

You know, I've been looking for that video of the concert that we did at Hogeye, in Chicago. Your comment got me off my duff and flat on my stomach, digging through a lot of old videos, and as Bobert would say, Danged if I didn't find it. The concert was on October 20, 1989.. which was my son Gideon's 30th birthday.

In the next couple of days, I'll take it down to the much demonized (with good reason) Walmart and have it converted to DVD and have a copy made for you. It will be a delight to watch it again, and my video player is on the Fritz right now.

So, who is this guy Fritz, and when things go wrong, why does he always take the blame?

Good times are coming, Barbara..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Jeri
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 05:36 PM

I don't think the travel was hard for Rick, other than the fact he was, as far as I know, still waiting for the test results. Those test results. But he felt fine. If I'd known it would be his last concert, I would'nt have missed it. I got to see him open for Tom Paxton though, and it jes' don't get better'n that. Longer, maybe, but not better. Barbara, he PM'd me before the concert and said he was a bit stressed, because "we're staying at Frank and Barbara Shaw's and I can't remember what TOWN they live in!!"

Rick once told me he regretted not being able to travel anymore...he wanted a Maine lobster roll. I said I'd bring him one, and he said no. Gotta buy it from a guy by a pier. Gotta eat it on the pier, with the seagulls crying and the waves lapping, and the smell of rotting seaweed wafting through the air.

Every now and then, I go re-read some of his posts. He would have been happy to think he'd be 'meeting' new folks because of what he'd written. I haven't corresponded with Art or Jerry, but I enjoy reading their posts here.

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: freda underhill
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 05:43 PM

I wasn't around for Rick, don't know Art but respect him through his Mudcat comments. Jerry is a good friend, and for that, I am very lucky. And you, JimmyT, are a good bloke too. I hope i get to sit around and sing with you guys one day!

best wishes

freda

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Col K
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 06:03 PM

Thanks for this thread Jimmyt,I only know Art and Rick through the mudcat forum but I have had the great pleasure of meeting Jerry and Ruth and I have to say that everything said here about them is true.
Jerry is a wonderful kind man who lives his life caring about others as much as he cares about himself if not more so.
I do hope that I will be able to meet them again when I next visit the USA.

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 10:06 PM

Gosh, jimmyt... what if you had bought CDs by Toby Keith, Jimmy Swaggart and Michael Jackson?

Now, there's a power trio for you..

I can personally vouch for how wonderful Art and Rick are Or were, in Ricks' case.) One other thought that occurs to me. All three of us recorded Handful of Songs. Even my friend Art, who rarely if ever sings, let alone records a song by a singer-slash-songwriter. The only other recently written song I can remember Art recording is Here's To You Rounders (a mighty fine song,too..)

Art considers any song written in the 20th century as "recently written." :-)

Jerry

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 11:57 PM

Ah, Jerry,

Woody's "East Texas Red", Craig Johnson's "Fire In The Jackpines", "The Keweenaw Light", "North Country Tragedy", and "Way Down The Road" --- Michael Burton's "Night Rider's Lament", Si Kahn's "Spinning Mills Of Home", Bob Gibson and Shel Silverstein's "Me And Jimmie Rogers", Jerry Rau's "Eighty Acres" (that I learned from you, Jerry), Libba Cotton's "Shake Sugaree", and, as you said, your own "Handful Of Songs"-------ALL were more recently composed songs. The one thing they all did have in common was that they all could've passed for traditional. Those were the kinds of story songs I've always been drawn to. BUT you are right, I did strongly resist the modern pop-ish songs.

Now, all that said, the new live CD I've been working on with Dennis Cook in Maryland has my banjo and sung arrangement of Hoagy Carmichael's "Lazy Bones", a banjo thing in a song swap with Cathy Fink at the No Exit in Chicago of Bob Wills' "San Antonio Rose" and the country classic "Molly Darling". Also my own composition "Chicagotown Blues".

So there!!!!! ;-)

Art

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 05 Feb 05 - 12:25 PM

I stand corrected, Art: Actually, I sit corrected. I guess I think of you as such a traditionalist because the "newer" songs you list fit so comfortably with traditional songs.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Feb 05 - 03:57 PM

This thread is about the real blessing of Mudcat. Can you imagine a Union Organizer from Michigan, bouncing around the edges of folk and Irish folk, becoming friends with folks such as these? Art has shared things with me for which I have no way to repay him, other than to say Thank You. I enjoy hearing his voice so much when I make the occasional call.

Jerry is a guy I am anxious to meet and sing with. Aside from writing some amazing songs, his heart shines right through this place. When I do finally meet him 3D, it won't be a stranger that I am meeting.

And Rick. He and I became close friends almost immdeiately. One of the treasured memories I have is when Rick was describing Mudcat and how folks are getting together. He talked about The Getaway, about different personalities, and then he turned and pointed to me and said, "And this guy and I will be friends forever". That memory makes me smile as I feel his presence even today. Sometimes when I am doing my daily practice, I hear him telling me to pick up that guitar everytime I am sitting around. I miss him so.

Yeah, jimmyt, ya done good. Wonderful thread about 3 extremely talented, and beloved musicians. More importantly, about 3 wonderful human beings.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: karen k
Date: 05 Feb 05 - 05:19 PM

jimmyt,
You made great choices. When I got your name for the Secret Santa thing I thought, "Oh, gee, I don't know anything about him." So, I just went with the best gift I could think of. I'm glad you like it. You'll have a lot of good songs to listen to. And of course, there are a lot more where those came from.

Enjoy. It's nice to know you like your gift.

karen k

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 05 Feb 05 - 05:31 PM

And if you ever meet Karen, jimmy, you'll immediately discover what a jewel she is..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Feb 05 - 06:00 PM

Yep, Jerry. Karen is another blessing of this place. She is yet another blessing for me to thank Max for. Karen and I have become very close friends, and we sang a duet at The Getaway. She has such a lovely voice. Goes perfectly with that face and that heart.

Mick

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 05 Feb 05 - 08:56 PM

Jimmy,

Had work done today but didn't get any novocaine. I wanted to transcend-dental-medication. ;-)

Art

Subject: RE: Art, Jerry and Rick
From: jimmyt
Date: 05 Feb 05 - 11:23 PM

what a great bunch you all are! It is nice to have a thread that pretty much is folks being positive, happy and upbeat. I look forward to reading the posts here, sorta seems like the old days. i am going to have to get to a getaway to meet some of my American and Canadian catters. I have had a chance to hang out with a handfull of England's best, Col K Carole, Micca Khatt, Liz, Leadfingers, et al   but I want to see if our North American mudcatters match up and I have a feeling they will! Thanks again everyone for such a fun and kind thread. Art, I will think of your Transcend-dental-medication tomorrow morning bright and early when I am down in the mouth!