Suggestions? Good acapella tune?

Subject: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,Sarah
Date: 16 May 05 - 07:45 PM

Hey all-
i have to sing an acapella piece for a world folk concert....I'm an alto with a bit of punch....I've been assigned the "World Turned Upside Down" but I'm looking for other suggestions....

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 16 May 05 - 10:55 PM

"Buddy, better get on down the line" (I learned it from a Kingston Trio album .)In it, a woman tells her wandering beau to look out, here comes the train, and she's leaving. It's a good song for an alto with punch.

Or for something more gentle, how about "In the Pines?" I especially love the last bit:

Oh, don't you hear them mourning doves,
that fly from pine to pine?
Mourning for their own true love,
just like I mourn for mine.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,Miriam
Date: 16 May 05 - 10:57 PM

How about "Wagoner's Lad"? Joan Baez sang it a capella on one of her albums.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST, Ebbie
Date: 16 May 05 - 11:00 PM

Just today my singing partner and I were working on a song that we decided is more powerful sung without accompaniment. Do you know it?

It goes:

Write a Letter to My Mother          E. Bowers 1864

Raise me in your arms, my brother
Let me see the glorious sun
I am very faint and dying
Was the battle lost, or won?

I remember you, my brother,
Who sent to me that fatal dart
Brother fighting, yea, against brother
Perhaps 'tis best that thus we part        

Chorus:
Write a letter to my mother,
Tell her that her boy is dead.
That he perished by his brother,
Not a word of that be said        

Father's fighting for the Union
You may meet him on the field
Would you raise your arm and smite him
Would you bid your father yield?

He who loved us in our childhood
Taught the infant prayers we said
Brother, take from me this warning
I'll soon be numbered with the dead

Do you ever think of Mother,
In our home within the glen,
Watching, praying for her children,
Would you see that home again?

Brother, I am surely dying.
Keep the secret, for 'tis one
That would kill our angel mother,
If she but knew what you have done,

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Kaleea
Date: 16 May 05 - 11:08 PM

"Today Is Mine" can be stunning unacompannied. By Jerry Hubbard, a few have recorded it--Glen Campbell, Tommy Emmanuel (off the top of my head that's who I recall).

When the sun came up this morning
I took the time to watch it rise
And as its beauty struck the darkness from the sky
I thought how small and unimportant
all my troubles seem to be
And how lucky another day belongs to me
And as the sleepy world around me woke up to greet the day
All its silent beauty seemed to say
So what, my friend, if all your dreams you haven't realized
Just look around you, you've got a new day to try
Today is mine, today is mine To do with what I will
Today is mine
My own special cup to fill
To die a little that I might learn to live
To take from life that I might learn to give
Today is mine

Like most men I curse the present void of peace of mind
And race my thoughts beyond tomorrow
Envision there a sweeter time
But as I view this day around me I can see the fool I've been
For today's the only garden that we can tend

And today is mine.

   Good Luck!

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 16 May 05 - 11:09 PM

I second the suggestion of "Wagoner's Lad." You can sing it in your own key and range. Very powerful.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 May 05 - 11:10 PM

High Germany, Lord Marlborough, The Cuckoo, Lord Franklin's Lament. A lot of traditional songs suit acapella.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,MTed
Date: 16 May 05 - 11:50 PM

I don't know if this is help or not, but I thought, since it is world music, why not do a Gospel tune with a bit of a beat, that will get people clapping, and maybe singing along as well-"Children Go Where I Send Thee" is the tune that came to mind right away--others should come to mind---

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: open mike
Date: 17 May 05 - 12:05 AM

Leon Rosselson's World Turnde Upside down is a wonderfully powerful song. (not sure who would "assign" a song to an arist, though?)
The ones i sing acapulco are "Health to the Company", Maple's Lament
(by Laurie Lewis), and Lilac Bush and Apple Tree (by Kate Wolf)

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Allan Dennehy
Date: 17 May 05 - 12:55 AM

If youre in love sing Sinead O connors my love as recorded by her and the voice squad. Slow but immensly powerfull.
Then you can finish off with the Parting Glass.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 17 May 05 - 11:58 AM

I've been tremendously impressed with The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood, a poem by Richard Farina, set to the tune of My Lagan Love. This is gorgeous!

THE QUIET JOYS OF BROTHERHOOD
(Richard Farina)

The gentle tides go rolling by
Along the salt sea strand
The colors blend and roll as one
Together in the sand
And often do the winds entwine
To send their distant call
The quiet joys of brotherhood
Where love is lord of all

The oak and weed together rise
Along the common ground
The mare and stallion light and dark
Have thunder in their sound
The rainbow sign, the blended flood
Still have my heart enthralled
The quiet joys of brotherhood
And love is lord of all

But men have come to plow the tide
The oak lies on the ground
I hear their tires in the fields
They drive the stallion down
The roses bleed, both light and dark
The winds do seldom call
The running sands recall the time
When love was lord of all

I looked first in the DT, and the song is there, but with a number of errors, which are corrected in the above.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,me
Date: 17 May 05 - 11:59 AM

The Cadgwith Anthem is a cracker!

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,Allen
Date: 17 May 05 - 12:09 PM

Most of the traditional songs are ment to be acapella, so take your pick.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,Allen
Date: 20 May 05 - 05:27 AM

Actually, how about a song like Seventeen Come Sunday.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 20 May 05 - 10:35 AM

Sir Patrick Spense. Oh I like it!

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Flash Company
Date: 20 May 05 - 10:37 AM

I used to introduce myself as 'an unaccomplished singer', everything was a capella.
How about 'The Butcher Boy'? I used to do that, but it would probably be more powerful sung by a girl.
You can also do a really killing version of 'Johnny, I hardly knew you'. Goes like this:-

Start by singing 'When Johnny comes marching home' slowly....

When Johnny comes marching home again, hurrah, hurrah!
We'll give him a hearty welcome then, hurrah, hurrah,
Oh the men will cheer, and the boys will shout,
And the ladies they will all run out,
And we'll all be glad when...........

Going the road to sweet Athay etc

Use the verses in order, ending with:-

You haven't an arm and you haven't a leg huroo, huroo,
You haven't an arm and you haven't a leg huroo, huroo,
You haven'n anrm and you haven't a leg
YOU'RE AN EYELESS BONELESS CHICKENLESS EGG!
Ah you'll have to be put with a bowl to beg,
Johnny I hardly knew you!

Normal chorus next, leading into...sung slowly...

When Johnny comes marching home again, hurrah, hurrah
Who'll give him a hearty welcome then, hurrah, hurrah,
WITH ONE GOOD LEG AND ONE EYE GONE
AND BLOODSTAINS ON HIS UNIFORM
Will we all be glad when Johnny comes marching home?

Work up a good head of anger in the last verse and the reprise. and you should finish up with someone in tears!

FC

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,Allen
Date: 20 May 05 - 11:24 AM

Or the heart-breaking Johnny has Gone for a Soldier. Also, Bonny Light Horseman, Recruited Collier, the Blacksmith.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,Sarah
Date: 20 May 05 - 03:56 PM

Wow, thanks for all the suggestions......we settled on the World Turned Upside down (as aforementioned) and My Johnny's gone to Hilo (Leading the sing along)

I have to admit, been singing with a band for years, and this accapella women's group has been loads of fun....however I can't get away with anything vocally-shows me all my flaws...it's like standing naked on a stage (not doing that any time soon, thank you!)

Some other stuff we're doing; (In case you're interested)
Polegnala E Tudoro
Hotaru Koi
Letyat Utki

Gorgeous stuff...eight part female harmony....

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 20 May 05 - 06:01 PM

Favorites :
Brigg Fair ,
The dreadnaught
Banks of green Willow
Contry Life
Pritty Nancy Of Yarmouth


All the best , guy

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Ron Davies
Date: 20 May 05 - 11:29 PM

Are any of the pieces you listed on your program Balkan? There's so much fantastic, good gutsy, or haunting Balkan stuff for female a acapella groups--done for instance by the Pennywhistlers and more recently, in a series called Le Mystere de Voix Bulgares (I believe)

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 20 May 05 - 11:55 PM

A nice song for women to sing Acapella is 'Step by Step' I think Sweet Honey in The rock has a version of that.

Sarah, do you only sing in English or can you aslo sing in Irish? I ask because there are so many lovely songs in irish that would fit your range. Of course, your audience mightn't want to hear songs in Irish.

Are you striving to represent a particular period or outlook? Would religious songs be okay? I have always thought a woman with your range singing 'Soonah will be done' slowly and with sincerity makes for a great performance.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: M.Ted
Date: 21 May 05 - 01:26 AM

Can't ya'll read? Course they do Balkan! What is the name of your chorus, and where are you? I 'll come and hear Polegnala E Tudoro any time I can--and if you do that--you should also consider Ladarke--also Trugnala Rumyana--

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Flash Company
Date: 21 May 05 - 07:07 AM

GUEST- Allen, One of the Watersons (I think, Norma) used to do Bonny Light Horseman, I can still hear that soaring voice!
My ole Dad spelt his name the same way you do, I don't come across it all that often.
FC

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Ron Davies
Date: 21 May 05 - 07:46 AM

Gee, M. Ted, sorry. I guess if it's not in Cyrillic I don't recognize it--as I recall some of the Balkan pieces fit right into Cyrillic--just translated into the Latin alphabet, as it were.

For my money, Balkan music is the absolute best for a group of women. It's just hypnotic.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: M.Ted
Date: 21 May 05 - 02:48 PM

Just teasing a little bit, Ron--I do love Balkan music though---and you are absolutely right--there is nothing better than a Balkan women's chorus--

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,Allen
Date: 21 May 05 - 02:59 PM

Ooh the Watersons singing it sounds fantastic, though I must say I think Andy Irvine a tough act to top.
It's a bit of a long story, but named after a friend of my grandfather's.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,Sarah
Date: 24 May 05 - 05:34 PM

Hey M. Ted-
We're singing at the San Francisco Free Folk Fest, June 19th....might be the wrong side of the country but you're welcome to come ;)

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: ossonflags
Date: 25 May 05 - 10:55 AM

"Some were over the rainbow" is a good crowd pleaser.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Nick
Date: 25 May 05 - 11:32 AM

Rolling Home - John Tams (as done by Roy Bailey) lovely song to go home to
Pleasant and Delightful

ossonflags - I'd second 'Over the Rainbow'. I have fond memories of us all singing that when you came to visit us last year. We must do it again!

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 May 05 - 12:46 PM

If you have some welly, St James' Infirmary is pretty good..... Morticia does a stonking version of it.

If there's more than one of you (group that is, not multiple personalities), you might try 'she weighs 16 stone' - it's a crowd pleaser if they have a good sense of humour.

LTS

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST,Allen
Date: 25 May 05 - 12:52 PM

Or maybe the Unfortunate Lad (Lass).

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: muppitz
Date: 25 May 05 - 02:55 PM

A few years ago I was in a job that didn't allow me a life, so no adequate rehersal time and it was through this time I turned to the full version of Mercedez Benz, it was pretty easy to remember and if you get it right, it sounds really good.

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedez Benz
My friends all drive Porche's, I must make amends
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends
So Lord won't you buy me a Mercedez Benz

Oh Lord won't you buy me a colour TV
Dialling for dollars is trying to find me
I'll wait for delivery each day until three
So Lord won't you you but me a colour TV

Oh Lord won't you buy me a night on the towm
I'm counting on you Lord, please don't let me down
Prove that you love me and buy the next round
So Lord won't you buy me a night on the town

(Repeat verse 1)

I don't do this all that often now, but then I have a job which allows me practicing time and I have added other songs to my repertoire!

muppitz x

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Grab
Date: 26 May 05 - 08:09 AM

Get any of Artisan's albums. They're a three-piece a-capella group, one of whom is Brian Bedford who's a leading candidate for best British songwriter of the last decade (or more). "What's the use of wings" is a definite winner.

For all Artisan, see http://www.artifact.demon.co.uk/index.htm.

I think I heard them tell me that they loved me,
That they'd care for me, without them I would die.
But what's the use of roots if you can't spread them?
And what's the use of wings if you can't fly?

Graham.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Nov 05 - 07:31 PM

Yay! Someone who is familiar with Polegnala e Todora! I am teaching this piece in my choir, but I only have the first verse. Do you know the rest of the verses, or know how I can find them? I've had absolutely no luck so far!

Actually, while I'm here, does anyone know the translation for Prochu se Moma?

Cheers!
Jeanne

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 05:51 AM

I've got words and music for Polegnala e Todora, Guest- Send me your email address and I'll send you the details!

Don't know Prochu se Moma. What is its country of origin?
Allison

Subject: Lyr/Add: Write a Letter to My Mother
From: Artful Codger
Date: 11 May 07 - 08:38 PM

"Write a Letter to My Mother" (lyrics posted earlier in this thread) can be found at the Lester S. Levy site. Written in 1864, words by E. Bowers, music by P.B. Isaacs. It's described as a companion to "Brother's Fainting at the Door".

The CD Mountain Journey: Stars of Old-Time Music (a 2004 collection on the Rounder label) has a recording by Ginny Hawker, taken from Heart of a Singer (1998). The song is listed as "Not a Word of That Be Said". She sings accompanied and with vocal backup on the chorus. I find the melody too generic and uninspired for satisfying a cappella singing; if you like the words, consider revamping the tune.

Subject: Lyr/Add: Poor Soldier
From: Artful Codger
Date: 11 May 07 - 08:43 PM

Mountain Journey (see previous message) also includes Ginny Hawker's rendition of "Poor Soldier", with fiddle accompaniment. This makes a lovely a cappella piece.

Poor Soldier

All out in the snow they are tonight,
Far away from kin and home.
God help the ones who fight for the right,
And them who are done gone on.
Poor soldier, hungry and cold.
Poor soldier, hungry and cold.

It's well I recollect when he bid me farewell,
He went with head held high,
Away to fight for the Stars and Stripes,
Perhaps away to die.
Poor soldier, hungry and cold.
Poor soldier, hungry and cold.

I know not where he is tonight,
God alone only knows.
Keep him safe and sound from all harm,
Protect him from all his foes.
Poor soldier, hungry and cold.
Poor soldier, hungry and cold.

From Anne Warner, Traditional American Folk Songs from the Anne &
Frank Warner Collection, #132, p. 308. From the singing of
Frank Proffitt of North Carolina. Collected 1959.

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From:
Date: 11 May 07 - 09:00 PM

You're right Flash Company. I saw Martha Shlamm(?sp)many years ago reduce nearly all the women in an audience and a few fellas as well, to tears with "Johnny I Hardly Knew You"

Subject: RE: Suggestions? Good acapella tune?
From: Artful Codger
Date: 11 May 07 - 09:02 PM

A correction: The tune used by Ginny Hawker for "Not a Word"/"Write a Letter" is not the original one, which appears rather more interesting and may indeed be suitable for a cappella. The Mountain Journey liner notes credit Wade Mainer, while the lyrics are clearly Bowers'. Whether Mainer wrote the new (duller) tune or just the arrangement is not specified.

Subject: Lyr/Add: Write a Letter to My Mother
From: Artful Codger
Date: 11 May 07 - 09:11 PM

Also in the DT as Come Raise Me in Your Arms, Dear Brother, with yet another tune.

Subject: Lyr/Add: Write a Letter to My Mother
From: Artful Codger
Date: 11 May 07 - 09:23 PM

Tubb's Public Domain Music site has a transcription of the lyrics to "Write a Letter", with a MIDI of the score. Click here, then scroll down to the 1864 section.

And that's my last word on this song. Really.