April Song Circle at SINSULL's

Subject: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Apr 05 - 10:09 AM

I have finally started to work again and have to train on Saturdays The date this month will be:
                Saturday April 30 at 6PM
WIne, beer, and soft drinks.
Buffet - feel free to contribute.

Let me know if you will be there and if you need a bed. The second bedroom is almost habitable as is the basement room.

Mary

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Apr 05 - 11:19 AM

Looks good to me. It's posted in my calendar.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 07 Apr 05 - 11:36 AM

I'll squeeze in some room for this, somehow.

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: karen k
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 08:56 AM

Well, looks like maybe it will have to be May. Jean Ritchie is in Boston that day and I can't miss it. Have a good time. I'll make it one of these months.

karen

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 09:56 AM

Hey, Brian! I'll bring my tape recorder, too, so I can tape good stuff I want to steal. Have you had a chance to make a copy for me of the tape with Bobbie's gin song and your songs on it?

Mary, we'll be there -- tell the cats to reserve a bed for us. (Oops, does that mean they'll give it "special" attention?!?)

Gotta figure out what to bring.

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 10:46 AM

Just realized I named this "Song Cicle". Must have been the four feet of ice (now gone). One bed reserved for Linn and Tom. Tami called and will be here.

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 12:29 PM

Well, I must say that since you've started this thread, a lot has changed meteorologically. Crocuses are blooming and lilies are starting to peek through the sod.

Brian

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 01:23 PM

And we'll be there as well, with Seamus. Looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 03:17 PM

Oh goodie! Anonymous Guests with Seamus Kennedy. heh heh

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: jacqui.c
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 03:57 PM

Moi - sans cookie - apologies

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 04:50 PM

Either Seamus would be a welcome addition.

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Cicle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 07:36 PM

I think we're bringing a ham from Calef's.

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 12:03 PM

I thought I would bring this to the top to see what else we could reel in besides a ham and a yellow lab. I hope to have a new song to sing for y'all, youse, tous le monde, what evah...

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 02:08 PM

Pooch.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Deckman
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 02:17 PM

Sins, I just sent you a note! Bob

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 05:39 PM

Probably I'll do something with sausage, tomato sauce and pasta.

Got a new song or two to share.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Fortunato
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 06:02 PM

Just in case I'm overcome someday with an urge to go to the land of snow and ice, exactly where are you, my dear, besides very far north? (PM, of course).

cheers
chance

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Peace
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 06:45 PM

Sounds like fun.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 11:05 AM

Not all THAT far north! South Portland, Maine.

The forsythia are blooming and the ground is covered with crocuses and daffodils. Haven't actually seen any snowflakes (in Stratham, New Hampshuh) since last week when some were mixed with rain for about an hour or so. They didn't make it to the ground.

We're (I'm speaking collectively the southern part of northern New England) even past mud season. Curmudgeon and I have been actually driving on the driveway to the house for at least three days now.

AND I sang Dave Webber's May Song at the Press Room session last night (followed by Tom singing Hal an Tow).

If it weren't so damned cold and raining I could get some more yard work done today. (Then again, it's cold and raining and I have an excuse to NOT do yard work and get some more stuff done in the house.)

See everybody next Saturday. (And we get to listen to Elizabeth LaPrelle on Prairie Home Companion on the way north, too.)

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 10:06 PM

Maybe some escallopped potatoes to go with the ham??? salad, shrimp...beer, wine, soft drinks and Brian's water. Sounds like a plan.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 11:20 PM

I am burning the midnight oil to make it. Final projects are well, final, when you put them off until the last minute.

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 04:00 PM

I loooooove scalloped potatoes!

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST,Julia
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 04:33 PM

We are doing our Beltaine program at the Irish Heritage Center that night, but maybe we'll lead the "obby "os dance across the bridge to Sinsull's!
Unite and unite Oh let us all unite....
Julia & Fred

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 08:33 PM

Tell them there is Guiness unlimited and Pepsi.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 12:02 AM

I'd like to be there but I will be camping out with our canoe down at Gef Pago. Oh, and I'll be 8,000 miles away.

But have a great time! Sing songs and raise glasses, eat masses, and don't be asses.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 12:47 AM

If you miss the boat I'm on
You will know which way I've gone
You can hear a canoe paddle 8,000 miles

Sing a song
raise your glasses,
Do eat masses, and don't be asses
We will think of Naemanson 8,000 miles

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: kendall
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 06:21 AM

I'm kinda fond of creamed onions... (running for cover)

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 06:26 PM

You BASTARD!!!!!

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: curmudgeon
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 07:00 PM

I like creamed onions too. What's the problem?

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 08:00 PM

I will tell the tale of the creamed onions on Saturday, Tom. Kendall is in big trouble!

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: kendall
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 06:56 AM

hehehe

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 07:52 AM

But there are many of us who will NOT be there. We need to hear the story.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: kendall
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 10:13 AM

.. and the one about the stuffing too! LOL

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 10:43 AM

SIGH!
I had a friend visitng from NYC for Thanksgiving and made the mistake of inviting Captain Morse for Thanksgiving dinner. He of course brought Seamus who used to be my friend.

I cooked a Sullivan traditional turkey dinner which meant a turkey stuffed with sage dressing and all the trimmings including creamed onions.

Unfortunately, I had never cooked on an electric stove in my life and my new home had electric. All went well until the creamed onion sauce congealed into a glutenous mass (heat was too high) and I took the turkey (perfect) out of the oven and both men asked "Where is the stuffing?" Seems their Moms made it separate and dry and crispy in a bowl. Just about then the onions landed on the floor and my former friend Seamus made a dive for them. He sniffed and jumped back as fast as he could. I didn't cry. They didn't like giblet gravy or jellied cranberry sauce. I had lots of leftovers - mainly about 20 lbs of Nana Sullivan's famous stuffing.

Kendall just can't let it go. So for him, there will be creamed onions on Saturday and I will force feed them to him probably with Jacqui's consent and help.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: kendall
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 01:45 PM

I'm having a flashback to that damn cellar...

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 02:02 PM

I think this stint in the cellar is of your own making, Kendall.

Sinsull? Can you PM me Nana sullivan's recipe? at my house the stuffing is always done *IN* the turkey. (plus we do jellied cranberry sauce*)

* sorry guys - currying brownie points where-ever I can - October ain't that far away!)

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: kendall
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 03:16 PM

Cooking the stuffing inside the turkey makes it sticky like a huge gob of snot and I always wonder if it is really cooked and not laden with salmonella.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 06:10 PM

Kendall, that's why they invented thermometers. I trust it more outside the beastie though. And my mom made really great stuffing! SINS, I would have taken 10 lbs of it off your hands. I haven't had leftover Thanksgiving since ...jeez, I'm not sure. Mom shuffled off this mortal coil in'92, but she'd taken to cooking Cornish game hens, and you can pretty much eat those in 2 or 3 bites

I've been thinking about coming, but I have the crud from hell. I had a cold in March, just got over it and got another something-or-other a little over two weeks ago, and I'm not sure what the hell kind of biological warfare agent it was, but I still have it. Sinuses swollen and full of internal turkey stuffing, throat sore, and just barely enough energy to remain conscious. If I live until Saturday, I'm going to be doing all the stuff that needed to get done the last couple of weekends. If I don't last until Saturday, I don't think I'd be much fun, but I'd eat less food than normal.

In any case, have fun.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 06:10 PM

That does it Kendall! Jacqui! Back down the basement and no TV! And you're too late MMario. Your "fate" is sealed. I think you will enjoy the experience unlike a certain rebellious sea captain who never seems to know his place.

In fact, the creamed onions on Saturday will be served with Bernaise Sauce. So there!

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 06:27 PM

How can it be stuffing if it's cooked outside the bird?

My dad actually got a commendation when he was in the army for his chicken and stuffing recipie. He cooked it inside the bird, the way God intended it.

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 09:10 PM

I go away for a few days and he gets all out of control!!!

He's going back down in the cellar tomorrow, after breakfast, and won't be allowed out again until Saturday evening when the force feeding will take place.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 09:57 PM

You're right Brian, if it ain't stuffed into the bird it can't be stuffing. It has to have some other name like "cooked, flavored, bread crumbs" or something like that. I'm sure their mothers were great cooks and it was delicious but if they are going to be fussy you should feed them something from a can. Maybe they can share the bowl with Seamus - on the floor.

My mother used to bake a bluefish and pack it with stuffing just like a turkey. Man, that was good but the fish was always too dry.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 10:40 PM

Trick to keeping stuffed bluefish moist - coat it with a thin layer of mayo.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Deckman
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 11:22 PM

Mary, but doesn't the plastic mayo jar melt all over the fish and make it taste funny? Bob

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: ranger1
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 10:02 AM

I, for one, have never trusted anything remotely related to poultry. And certainly nothing that has been stuffed into any of its cavities. My great-grampa used to manage a chicken farm in Skowhegan and took me to see that chickens after I begged and begged (I was 4, and thought all chickens were small, yellow and fuzzy). I've been traumatized ever since. And turkeys are even worse. Do you know what chickens eat?! Eeeeew!!!!!!

Ham and scalloped potatoes sound lovely. Can I bring a veggie platter? Am also bringing a friend, who will probably hide in the kitchen and listen, but I bet we can get her to tell us a story in lieu of singing. Clancy will, unfortunately have to stay home this time. If I bring Clancy, then I have to bring Spike. If I bring Spike, neither the cats nor Sinsull will ever speak to me again.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 10:47 AM

and I still would like Nana's recipe - even if it doesn't earn me brownie points.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: kendall
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 12:55 PM

Brian, it used to be called stuffing because it was inside the bird. That was before enlightenment.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 02:07 PM

Working on a poultry farm never deterred me from eating chicken, but I will spare you all the details on this forum.   

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 02:14 PM

Brían - if your experiences on a poultry farm were anything like mine it left you with a deep desire to enjoy every minute of their birdy little deaths.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: kendall
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 04:12 PM

As a teen ager I worked briefly in a slaughter house picking chickens for 5c each. I remember betting 15c on a heavyweight fight between Joe Louis and, oh, the light heavyweight champ in 1946. Had to pick 3 chickens for nothing.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Deckman
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 04:14 PM

I was a real life ... boni fide ... "turkey plucker" in 1957. True. Bob

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 05:13 PM

And in 1957 it was really a sin if your tongue slipped when telling people what you did for a living. My, how times have changed.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: jacqui.c
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 06:43 PM

Better than being a pheasant plucker Bob.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Deckman
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 07:28 PM

CAREFUL NOW!!! I was VERY careful to spell it right!!! SHEEEEUH! Bob

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: matai
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 08:26 AM

The onion creamless, inside the Turkey might be a safe option. (From former friends)

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: kendall
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 12:18 PM

When I look at that sticky mass that comes out of the turkey, all I can think of is a three pound booger.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 02:21 PM

Keep digging, Captain...deeper and deeper and deeper.

Thanks, Matai. I did my last turkey with onion and lemon inside. You should have seen Kendall's reaction when he went to carve the bird and saw "something" inside. "What is THAT????" heh heh I think he thought I forgot to take out the neck and giblets.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 02:33 PM

try orange and fennel sometime.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 06:01 PM

Ah, just feed the scoffers lobscouse and green slimy water.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: jacqui.c
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 06:07 PM

Kendall will be lucky to get that.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 07:10 PM

Oh, so were we talking about folk music?

I am hoping to have some good songs to sing this time. I found a nice book of New England folk fusic from the Flanders collection that even has a CD. I may even have a new original to perform if I can get my backload of school work out of the way.

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 08:58 PM

Brian, are you STILL in school or BACK in school? And I thought my brother and sisters were professional students! Whew!

Of course, now I am retired and they are starting their careers in their middle age. Heh, heh, heh. They laughed at me whenever I complained about my job. The shoe is on the other foot now!

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 09:25 PM

I recently started graduate school. It's difficult right now, but it is a good move for me.

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: karen k
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 12:08 AM

Brian, what the name of the Flander's book with the cd?

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 03:18 AM

Good luck with that, Brian. I know it's tough. So tough I deliberately chose NOT to go that route. Wakana may go there but I only have to back her up when she does. Anyone who does that at our age has my respect. Even you young people.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 07:06 AM

Thank you, Naemanson. I will post the information on the book later. It is on of the best folk song collections I have seen. The author attempts to give biographies and context as well.

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 08:22 AM

One of the things I have against folk song collectors is their habit of giving a 20 minute lecture on a song, then singing a 40 verse thing (from a book)never seeing that people's eyes are glassing over.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 09:08 AM

Once upon a time I went to a small workshop at Old Songs and sat mesmerized by a young woman who sang the long version of Barbry Allen. I had never liked that song until then. We got the long intro and then the song but she did such a lovely job of singing it that I fell in love with the song all at once, or rather, slowly over the 20 minutes of the song.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 09:17 AM

Karen,

The book is:

Post, J. (2004) Music in Rural New England Family and Community Life, 1870-1940

ISBN 1-58465-415-5

The book attempt to resolve problems with many other similar anthologies while looking at the same collections and informants. It does not overlook songs found in songsters, newspapers, learned from the radio and ballad sheets. The CD that comes with it are actual field recordings that give us a snapshot of what rural life and entertainment was like in New England at the turn of the last century.   

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 30 Apr 05 - 12:50 PM

Just casting out the net one more time. Where's Uncle Jaque?

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Apr 05 - 12:56 PM

Do we have to tune?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Apr 05 - 01:50 PM

I tried Dave's Wife's recipe for sherry-black pepper shortbread (see thread on the subject) and I think the cookies are wonderful. (Especially with red wine -- I'm taking a bottle and some of the shortbread up the hill to my neighbor's, so I hope I'm in decent condition by the time I get to South Portland!)

AND I'm bringing some of them along for the multitude to try.

You'll have to like black pepper. And the flavor lingers. And I think I'll roll them out thinner next time, but these are really good, too.

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 30 Apr 05 - 02:10 PM

Charly Noble,

Didn't they tune that thing at the factory?

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 May 05 - 01:29 AM

Charley is just kidding. He plays a banjo and we ALL know what they say about banjos and tuning.

By my calculations it is just about over now, Sinsull's house is a mess and everyone is happy and hoarse. Sigh, and I had to spend that time out in the sun, under the palm trees, by the ocean, at a fiesta. I had my little guitar with me and I did sing a song or two. It just wasn't the same.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 May 05 - 01:47 AM

I am happy and hoarse and extremely tired. The children are nestled all snug in their beds, the remnants of the feast are packed away and the coffee machine is programmed to produce something hot and black at 7:15. See you then. Goodnight.
SINS

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: kendall
Date: 01 May 05 - 08:02 AM

Your coffee maker produces Whitney Huston? Did you get that at Goodwill? I want one.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 May 05 - 08:45 AM

Down boy, or it's the cellar and the creamed onions for you again.

Thanks for a really good time to everybody.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Tinker
Date: 01 May 05 - 09:12 AM

Kendall, you're confused. The applicable quote goes...

"She liked her men like her chocolate.... dark and rich."

I suppose you could substitute coffee, but the connotations just aren't the same.

I really do need to get a T shirt of this someday...

Tinker

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 01 May 05 - 09:46 AM

Ranger1 is finding a voice of her own, starting a theme of fox songs. Clancy was eyeing the ham on the table like a fox eyeing a goose. Kendall's parody of LUCILLE. Charley Noble sang his WEST INDIES BLUES, that Rudy Vallee song about the tattooedlady and that wonderful song about the fiddle. Charley Noble's better half sang a wonderful rendition of KITTY KANE. It was a pleasant surprise to see Fred and Julia arrive in May Day raiments. A new life was added with a round of May Day songs including HAL AND TOW and an English version of TUGAMAR FÉIN AN SAMHRADH LINN (WE HAVE BROUGHT THE SUMMER WITH US.

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: karen k
Date: 01 May 05 - 11:32 AM

Brian,
Thanks for the title of the book. At the risk of being a pain would it be too much to ask you to post the songs that are in the book and the publisher. I'm working on an indexing project and would like to include it. Thanks,

karen

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 May 05 - 12:12 PM

There are, indeed, survivors of Sinsull's gala sing. Judy and I had a wonderful time, lots of food to sample and fermented fluids to imbibe, and songs to swap.

That was a truly magnificant parody of "Lucille" that Kendall sang. The images are still haunting me hours later. There was also a slendid round of "tearjerkers" and a residual request for "Don't Go In The Lion's Cage" which I honored. Jacqui led "The Grey Flannel Line" which had the assembled listeners in stitches. Then there was the soulful rendering of "All Around My Phat" by a bevy of beauties.

Fred, Julia, and was it Clair, stumped in around midnight and raised the ceiling to a new level. Prior to that the level was barely above shoulder height and there was a ceiling fan that fortunately no one had turned on or the entire our attention spane might have been critically shortened, with the exception of the five-foot members of our jovial crew, one dog, and several cats.

Hope the coffeemaker did its magic.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 May 05 - 06:21 PM

Again, a great bunch o' songs. Nice, too, that Fred, Julia and Claire Curtis were able to drop in after their gig. (Well, that finished off the ham -- and I only fed a couple small tidbits to Clancy.)

Brian amazed us once again -- with his country & western parody. Who knew?

It was a good time to be singing, too -- great opportunity for May songs as well as my own warped take on Mother's Day.

Judy did a great job of accompanying herself on guitar while singing, among other songs, "Kitty Kane" which I need to learn one of these days (with Judy's "permission").

The sherry-black pepper savory shortbread went over well, although a few wimps wanted less black pepper. (sigh.) And I got my ham fix, which was the whole point of bringing it. (Selfish me.) Lovely having Sinsull's friend Jennifer in attendance, too. I don't think we scared her off.

As usual, the party continued this morning. I made scrambled eggs with chive cream cheese for 5 -- but Ranger1 overslept and her eggs, left in the pan, were fit only for Clancy (if he chose to eat them) so Mary cooked up a serving of fried eggs to go along with that great toast for Tami.

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 May 05 - 06:45 PM

And here I wait for accolades re: my incredibly good scalloped potatoes which hesitated to bake but then...blossomed. Actually I have the remnants of the ham and have plans for pea soup.

Kendall was in rare form - stories, songs and his old sense of humor. Wonderful to have him back. Jennifer will be back. She tried to go to bed several times and always wandered back in - Maggie May seemed to be her favorite.

Kitty Kane is a great song. Judy with Kendall accompanying is getting the guitar/song multitasking down.

Brian continues to surprise. Hiw C&W spoof is hilarious. But if he wants to remain a member in good standing, he better arrive EARLY with the Guinness. We will forgive him this time - final exams.

When Fred, Julia and Claire tapped a the door, I thought the police had arrived to suggest we quiet down. It followed a rousing Amazing Grace requested by Jennifer.

Thank you everyone. A wonderful evening.
Mary

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: JudyB
Date: 01 May 05 - 06:46 PM

Linn -

You absolutely have my "permission" to learn/sing "Kitty Kane" - I'd love to hear your take on it! And I think we have John Warner's permission, which might be more relevant! The song was written by John for the "Pithead in the Fern" CD, which tells the story of the development of the South Gippsland region of the Australian province of Victoria. It's a great CD (as are all of John's - what a shame that they're so hard to find in the US), and also includes "Anderson's Coast" which Charlie sings occasionally and "Blossom the Mining Horse" in which the miners are saved from likely death by a stubborn little horse - not a song that I could sing, but I really like it!

Anyway, in the notes John says "Finally, these songs are for singing; we hope you will roar out the choruses, busk with them on city street corners, sing them in clubs, sing them in the shower and celebrate the memory:
   'the making of a people in their fight to live and learn,
   The legend of the pithead in the fern.'"
So enjoy!

A really nice mix of songs - and great food! What a wonderful way to end April and get ready to move into May!

   JudyB

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: JudyB
Date: 01 May 05 - 06:50 PM

I was going to mention how good the scalloped potatoes were and how well they went with the ham - both things I enjoy and almost never fix at home! But I was too lazy to find a dictionary to figure out if scalloped was spelled like the shelled creatures or some other way.... Shortbread was good, too, almost (but not quite) too spicy for me!

   JudyB

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: kendall
Date: 01 May 05 - 08:14 PM

The food was outstanding, even if there were no creamed onions, and the music was very enjoyable. I had a good time.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 01 May 05 - 08:17 PM

I think I had double helpings of everything on the table. Of course, I eat anything potato in large quantities. The shortbread was rather surprising, but good.

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST,Julia
Date: 01 May 05 - 11:07 PM

Great time as usual! good song & good fun. Glad we didn't terrify too much arriving late - it would have been really exciting if Fred had left his "Greenman" costume on- the mask is incredible! Just as well I guess.
Thanks for the food as well- Judy, I believe it is officially "escalloped" potatoes, as in "to bake in a sauce or milk etc, often with breadcrumbs on top"
Whatever they were , they were good, even cold!
Chyahz- Julia

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 02 May 05 - 04:52 AM

Wow! I feel as if I were there in Spirit! You see Batgoddess, my husband, who is not davetnova, was right.. less pepper for the wimps!


I gather than Sinsull's song cirle is a monthly affair. That being the case, perhaps I can ship ahead some food goodies from my own kitchen? Batgoddess inspired me and I've been cooking all kinds of odd shortbreads lately. First the Sherry-Black Pepper ones, then came the Basil & Pine Nuts Biscuits, and after them, the Stilton & Chives. If packed properly , they will travel well. of course, I can always email the new recipes to Batgoddess and have her whip them up for you all. Once you get the hang of it, all kinds of possibilities pop into your head. Earlier today I was trying to figure out how to manage some Wasabi Shortbreads! Have I gone too far? I find the Savory Shortbreads go well with Wine and beer.

Maybe I could send some Porter cake since that is always better after a few days in a tin.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Naemanson
Date: 02 May 05 - 07:32 AM

It sounds like you had a great time. From my experiences with some members of the group I can imagine what it was like. I wish I could have been there.

Ah, my friends, my current life is good as was my previous life. If one could have it all...

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 May 05 - 07:55 AM

Wasabi shortbread! That could be REALLY interesting -- and porter cake. I have a recipe for Guinness icecream somewhere. When I posted it either here on some thread or other or on Ballad-L someone who actually MADE it said it worked better as a sauce for pancakes.

There really wasn't much of the ham left besides the bone (which is actually a very useful remnant). I think I gnawed all the edible bits off to attempt to satisfy my ham craving, which is why I brought it in the first place.

Dave's Wife -- check out some of the photos of Sinsull's gatherings in the Mudcat Photo (Events) section. She just started doing this and the gatherings are absolutely lovel. I've got to send some of my photos to Pene Azul -- soon I hope. Also some from the Press Room sea music singarounds, etc.

Sinsull had a wonderful New Years Eve gathering, too, which drew Mudcatters from as far away as Ottawa (hi, Edmund & Charmion!) -- and we keep forgetting to sign Sinsull's closet.

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 May 05 - 08:15 AM

I can't believe that in the over 20 years that I have known Brían, he has never shared his country/western parody. One wonders what other songs he's been hoarding?

Maybe I'll bring some Ethiopian style shortbread next time, spiced with berbera.

Twas nice to hear "Aunt Clara" again. There really should be a holiday for such great aunts, and one for the occasional great uncle as well.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Brían
Date: 02 May 05 - 11:26 AM

I have to admit one reason I never performed my C & W parody was I felt I needed to clean it up up somewhat so I could perform it in mixed company. I have more songs I will play in the future. I have the Portland Folk Club song circles with BobBi, Chez, Charley Noble, Nor, Eli, Kendall and Naemanson among others to thank for introducing me to a whole lot of music I never would have known about. I claim full responsibility for my ability to speak in (Irish)toungues. I am looking forward to the next song circle. I am hoping to host one at my place some time in the future.

Brían

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: ranger1
Date: 02 May 05 - 01:02 PM

Thanks for the revelries, everyone. I really look forward to this every month. There's so much variety and life to these gatherings. Clancy would like me to pass on thanks to all those who slipped him a tidbit or two. He also says that Brian greatly exaggerates, he was not eyeing the ham, merely introducing himself to it.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST,Bat Goddess
Date: 03 May 05 - 07:49 AM

So, Tami -- did you take a couple of the sherry-black pepper shortbread cookies home to Jason as he requested? What did he think?

Inquiring minds need to know.

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 03 May 05 - 08:08 AM

Batgoddess.. I'm typing up the Pesto Shortbread recipe right now. Will get it to you later today. Maybe you can bring some to the next Song Circle! You and I are gonna wind up with a whole cookbook's worth of these soon.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 May 05 - 01:22 PM

Dave's Wife - why not deliver the shortbread in person? It might inspire me to get another guest room cleared out and habitable.

Most of you missed Brian's foray into Hank Williams a few months ago. The man is full of surprises. When Jennifer returns, Jacqui has a parody (Big Surprise!) of Amazing Grace.

How about Curry Shortbread, guys? My favorite maybe with a hint of lemon or lime...

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: ranger1
Date: 03 May 05 - 08:05 PM

Bat Goddess,
Both Jason and neighbor Kathy liked them, but think perhaps less pepper and more sherry is the way to go. Jason is not sure that shortbread should be savory, his ideal shortbread would involve chocolate and butterscotch. However, I noticed that he ate all but the one I gave to Kathy, so he couldn't have disliked them too much.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 03 May 05 - 11:30 PM

Glad that a good time was had by all! (And thanks 4 thinking of me, Brian).

I seem to have contracted a rather tenacious case of brochitis of some sort; got checked out at the VA in Togus last month, and after a going over and chest X-ray they gave me a small grocery bag full of drugs, inhalers, pills, cough drops and such (Gotta love the VA!) which fixed me up for a while - but it seems to have come back again.

   Hopefully by the time the next one rolls around I'll be clear of this MIner's lung disease or whatever it is and be back in tune.

   We'll be in touch!

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: karen k
Date: 04 May 05 - 03:57 AM

Sounds like you all had a good time. Just wanted to be #100!

k

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 04 May 05 - 07:26 AM

well Sinsull... I am coming EAST in August.. just not THAT far East. I'll be in Montreal, Plattsburgh, Tupper Lake and a few other spots in the Adirondacks. Maybe my husband, who is not davetnova, can be persuaded to make the side-trip!

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 May 05 - 08:12 AM

Well, I just downloaded the photos from the March gathering (with Bobbi, Uncle Jacque, et al) -- should have the prints in a couple days.

But we're going out of town this weekend from early Friday until late afternoon Monday, so I don't think I'll get the pics to Pene Azul until early next week.

Who knows.

I still have to find my gravestone rubbing tackle and I can't remember where I stowed it for the winter. It's not where it's s'pozed to be. Sigh.

I think the next time I make the shortbread, I'll use a bit less pepper (not a lot) and a stronger perhaps sweeter sherry. Maybe something I wouldn't actually drink, but will provide a stronger flavor. You can only add enough to make the dough the right consistency -- and the butter provides a lot of the moisture.

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 May 05 - 02:42 PM

I just sent Jeff 8 photographs from the March 26th singaround. Staring the cats, of course. (Alice hogged a lot of film.)

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 May 05 - 06:34 PM

"Starring" the cats -- I don't think any of them were staring...

I can't believe how fast those photos got put up (as Page 2 of the Sinsull Song Circle, March 26, 2005)!!! (Thanks, Jeff!)

I didn't feel well and came home from work early, so got them sent off mid-afternoon.

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: jacqui.c
Date: 04 May 05 - 07:00 PM

Nice photos Linn - I was wearing the beautiful shawl that MMario made for me - a real treasure!

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 May 05 - 09:27 PM

Note to all potential attendees: if you have an aversion to animals, human or otherwise, re-think attending. Four legged furry things prevail.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 04 May 05 - 11:53 PM

Linn.....
When I made the shortbreads, remember, I used more Sherry than you did. It's okay if the dough is sticky when you put it in the fridge because some of the alcohol evaporates. Plus, as it sits in the fridge, it forms up quite a bit. I settled on the amount 1/8 of a cup of pepper. I did use a bottle of aged sherry that was very strong. If you really want to intensify the Sherry flavor, you could heat some up in pan and make a Sherry reduction which is probably what the original recipe I was trying to approximate did. I would reduce 2 cups of sherry down to one cup and then use that. We'll get this recipe right sooner or later. I'll try making another batch this time with a Sherry reduction.

I also found that one way to overcome people's unfamiliarity with savory shortbreads is to pipe the dough out as pastry straws using a star shaped nozzle. They bake up just like Cheese Straws - crispy, light and melt in your mouth. If you try that with the Sherry-Black Pepper dough or the Basil-Walnut dough.. you need to pipe a long line onto a baking sheet lined with greased parchment paper.

The straws come out well and people are more likely to accept a spicy pastry straw than if it was a round biscuit.. at least here in the States. I never had any problem serving savory round biscuits to people in my own family. It's just not something most americans are accustomed to eating. Try them as Straws next time.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 May 05 - 07:36 AM

Sherry reduction makes sense -- don't know why Curmudgeon or I didn't immediately think of that.

I rather like the half dollar sized THIN cookies -- makes people think cracker rather than cookie; savory rather than sweet.

Yeah, slightly less black pepper and more sherry flavor.

Next time!

By the way, the photos from the April song circle are on the beginning of the roll still in the camera. With luck, I'll kill the roll this weekend, while saying "hello" to Professor Child and doing another rubbing (yes, I found the gear) and at the folk gathering we'll be at. Maybe a pic of Mortimer refusing to get into the cat carrier to be boarded at the vet's. I keep telling him he's going to camp for the weekend, but he doesn't believe me. (Until Monday when I pick him up and the vet assistants and kennel girls have spoiled him rotten.)

By the way, I'll place a late post on the March song circle thread about the photos.

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 06 May 05 - 04:31 AM

Are there any photos of people eating the shortbreads? And then sneezing profusely afterwards? LOL.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 06 May 05 - 05:22 AM

Cool photos - thanks.

That one of me playing the guitar on the first page (I think it was ".30 U.S. On the Wall") lists "Anne" as the lady sitting next to me; that's actually Sue, AKA "Domestic Management", my Responsible Adult Guardian for the past 33 years or so.

In the one of Brian holding out his recorder and cracking up while I stand and sing a-cappella, I was doing the arguably bawdy "Cruisin' 'Round Yarmouth" - a Chanty for adult audiences, for the most part.

I learned it from a Chantyman down in Baltimore MD when we were down there for a Civil War Fife & Drum gig some years ago.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 May 05 - 06:32 AM

Sorry Uncle Jaque - my mistake - my memory for names is attrocious.

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 May 05 - 07:44 AM

Did it again -- just sent Jeff the photos from the April Song Circle and he's got them up at Member's Photos -- Events.

I'm sure you'll find it.

Linn

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: GUEST,Lorna
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 04:19 PM

Hi
I am learning Anderson's coast which I have on a Cockersdale cd but I would love to get a copy of Pithead in the Fern by the songwriter John Warner. I cannot find a source here in the UK.
Can you or anyone help?
Thanks
Lorna

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 08:22 PM

Lorna-

You may contact John Warner himself at this e-mail address or his housemate Jenny: [e-mail]

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: April Song Circle at SINSULL's
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 09:43 AM

Thanks Charley.
John and Jenny are very generous with lyrics, links and research. Really nice people. Let us know how you do, Lorna.
And consider becoming a member - it is free and you can PM other members for things like emails.
Mary