Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shanty singer now!

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 May 05 - 09:54 AM

Profane among like minded folks... hmmm, not gonna touch that one.

Poppagator, it sounds like you have the same problem I have with the goddess of time. The bitch hates me. If there is anything I want to do you can rest assured that there will be three things I want to do on that date. And I will have something I don't want to do scheduled for me on that same date.

As for your forgetting that you had a wedding scheduled for that date you should feel better when you consider you did not forget your own wedding as I recently did. I scheduled knee surgery for two days prior to our big event! I managed to reschedule it then we had to reschedule the wedding, then... See paragraph above. I tell you she hates me! I had a few very interesting phone calls with the doctor's office. They now call me Mr. Forgot-His-Wedding.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shanty singer now!
From: PoppaGator
Date: 27 May 05 - 03:02 PM

Hah!

Don't be a wiseguy, now, Ernest; I'm sure the shanty singers would prefer to stay at the pub, and to be as profane as they wish among like-minded folks.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Ernest
Date: 27 May 05 - 01:43 PM

PoppaGator, why don`t you get the shanty crew to sing at the wedding?
Somebody here should recommend songs that would fit.... ;0)
Maybe they should avoid "Leave her, Johnny, leave her" though...
Best wishes
Ernest

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shanty singer now!
From: PoppaGator
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:50 AM

Bad news ~ well, not terrible, but a minor setback.

Tomorrow is the "NQSK" meeting that I have been so looking forward to, butd my wife reminded me last night that we have a wedding to attend, all afternoon and evening. So, I have to postpone my debut with the group. I don't know how long I'll have to wait for the next opportunity ~ maybe a month :^(

The wedding should be a good time, and quite interesting. Our friends' son is marrying his long-time Vietnamese-American girlfriend; he even converted to Catholicism so they could have a big wedding in the church that serves as centerpiece and heart of the Vietnamese community out in New Orleans East.

The conflict had not occurred to me until being reminded last night. My first thought when learning of the Shanty Krewe meeting date and time was: "I'm never booked for anything on a Saturday afternoon ~ no problem!" Of course, I had long since been scheduled for this wedding, but I hadn't kept the exact date in mind.

It's probably been two years or more since the last time I had a commitment on a Saturday afternoon (except to mow the lawn, which can always be postponed), and now I have a conflict. Oh, well...

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 May 05 - 08:38 PM

KRex, Roll & Go started as a bunch of singers just bellowing for the fun of it. Now they are going on 20 or so years, or is it 30, of singing together and still enjoying it. I was priveleged to sing with them for ten years before I tired of winter and moved to Guam.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 May 05 - 09:22 AM

Some people may still not realize that "Chantey" as EBarnacle has posted above is a totally inappropriate term for describing sea-going work songs. The derivation of "chantey" clearly can be traced back to a set of poultry-related entertainment songs primarily propogated by that famous mid 19th century minstral singer/songwriter Shanghai Chanticleer, and recently revived by nautical singer/researcher Bob Webb.

The prefered spelling, according to the late Stan Hugil, is "Shanty."

Stick that in your bilge pump!

Cheeriuly,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: EBarnacle
Date: 25 May 05 - 01:05 PM

Naemason--The reason that noone goes overboard is that most Chantey people [note PC wording] wouldn't know the pointy end of a vessel from the other, having never been afloat.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 25 May 05 - 06:51 AM

Welcome aboard. I started singing with the Shellback Chorus, who do shanties and sea songs, about two years ago and love it!
http://members.lycos.co.uk/shellbackchorus/

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: PoppaGator
Date: 24 May 05 - 06:55 PM

Bill D, when you PM your email address to me, tell me what the "D" stands for and I'll tell KC you said hi. In fact, I could send each of you the other's email and let you conduct your own correspondence...

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Bill D
Date: 24 May 05 - 06:39 PM

Thanks, poppagator....it would be good to hear from KC now & then. And I'll see about that email...

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: PoohBear
Date: 24 May 05 - 04:11 PM

New Mexico

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: sapper82
Date: 24 May 05 - 04:10 PM

NM?? North Manchester????

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: PoohBear
Date: 24 May 05 - 04:00 PM

What about any groups in NM?
PB

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Dani
Date: 24 May 05 - 07:26 AM

Oooohh, I am so jealous, you have no idea. Wish you were closer to NC! Anyone know a good group out this way?

Dani

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: GRex
Date: 24 May 05 - 03:46 AM

I'm hooked too. After over 30 years on the folk scene, never made musician but love singing, I was coerced 2 years ago into joining a shanty crew. It's a fantastic addiction isn't it. My 'crew' meet weekly for a good loud bellowing of salty songs,we call this Shanty Practise.We sing in public whenever someone will allow us, raising money for charities, mainly the Jubilee Sailing Trust. What a pastime, thoroughly enjoying ourselves while helping charities.
Have no intention of going cold turkey or even into rehab, staying with the addiction.

KRex

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: PoppaGator
Date: 23 May 05 - 12:22 PM

Naaah ~ I'm too old to start a new career as an able-bodied anything!

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 23 May 05 - 11:33 AM

Why not get some seaman's qualifications. There used to be this guy in Liverpool called Paddy West . . . .

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shanty singer now!
From: PoppaGator
Date: 23 May 05 - 11:09 AM

Hi, Lynn, I saw your PM earlier this morning but haven't answered yet. I spent the weekend doing yard work, going to a movie, etc. ~ anything except booting up the computer ~ so I didn't see your message earlier.

It's a shame how few excuses, er, I mean opportunities, our generally uptight and rigidly scheduled culture allows us to open our throats and sing. The two-week lapse between last Saurday's session and next Saturday's official meeting/singaround is too long!

I tend to create my own opportunities whenever possible, singing from the audience at the slightest provocation. It's usually acceptable, but there have been times when I've taken a few under-the-table kicks in the shins for my efforts. So I'm always interested in any event where participation is actively encouraged; no one can try to tell me that my singing might be unwelcome!

Bill D: I'll say hi to KC for you when I see him Saturday. You (or any of you) can PM me with your email address if you'd like copies of the PDFs I've just received from him: the songbook he put together for the shanty group, plus some promotional material for this week's event.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 May 05 - 02:08 PM

PoppaGator, I was finally able to PM you (Mudcat timed out on me Friday morning when I first tried) AND make this post.

Welcome to the glorious world of sea music! We're liberal -- sometimes we even sing about people who DRINK water. (Or rum -- and we sing river and Great Lakes songs, too.)

Singing sea music certainly doesn't keep us from singing all the other stuff we sing -- English, Scots and Irish trad, music hall, etc. And it's great for getting people who know nothing about folk music to sing along. We seduced a couple more yesterday at our 3rd Saturday of the month sea music singaround at The Press Room in Portsmouth, NH. People come in expecting to have a quiet lunch or beer and discover us singing loudly in the back of the pub. Mostly they're intrigued and stay to listen or even join in.

During an exceptionally crowded and exuberant singaround at the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival a couple years ago, a reported for one of the local rags asked, dumfounded, how all these people knew the words and where did they come from. I explained that most of them DIDN'T know the words -- but the choruses are so easy to pick up.

As to where they all came from, well, I've got a theory on that, too. I think in our culture it's frowned upon to sing in public in most cases. Your co-workers will complain and throw things, people cross to the other side of the street or avoid making eye contact. And people LIKE to sing. About the only acceptable places to sing in public, even if you don't have a great voice, (and I DON'T count karaoke!!!) is church or shanty sessions.

Singing is fun and singing shanties and sea songs is a great way to spend the day!

Linn

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Ron Davies
Date: 21 May 05 - 08:52 AM

PoppaGator--

Congratulations!

Now you'll need all those threads about being able to belt out songs for hours without losing your voice.   That's certainly the problem I've had.

Interestingly enough, the closest parallel I've found to chanteys is Sacred Harp--both are full steam ahead, no holds barred belting.


Have a great time with KC. Be sure to have him sing "It Was My Last Cigar"---and please, send him back to us from time to time.
We still miss him.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 May 05 - 10:12 PM

PoppaGator, NOBODY plans to go overboard. Most of us started out, innocent and wide-eyed, tapping our feet and shyly joining in on choruses. One thing happens and then another and next thing you know you are wearing a Greek fisherman's hat, swilling beer, and belting out Maid Of Amsterdam with all the raunchy verses.

They have a deprogramming organization out there for those who want to quit. Unfortunately nobody has ever used it.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: PoppaGator
Date: 20 May 05 - 07:01 PM

Thanks for the welcomes, for the kind words, and most of all for the WARNINGS!

I really don't plan to "go overboard" and forget my various interests in other kinds of music. In fact, I don't even plan to get on a boat!

As far as I'm concrened, this new development is nothing more or less than an excellent opportunity to get together with other people who like to drink and sing, without having to play rugby or run cross-country first!

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From:
Date: 20 May 05 - 05:36 PM

Congrats Poppagator. However, like Blowzabella, WATCH out.

You'll soon be wanting to sing nothing BUT Shanties!

Ah but they're really fun.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: PoppaGator
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:20 PM

I don't think there's any diving involved, except maybe into real water.

The only similarity I can see to heavy metal or to punk is that a sweet, trained, operatic-type voice is not only unneccesary, but downright wrong for the sound.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: GUEST
Date: 20 May 05 - 09:50 AM

is shanty like the macho 'heavy metal' or 'OI punk' of folk ?

do you stage dive to it ?

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 20 May 05 - 08:28 AM

Aharrrr! mateys another poor innocent dragged down with us to Davy Jones :D

Welcome in Poppagator, Always room for another in the ranks

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 20 May 05 - 08:15 AM

Brett - you just need a mango-picking shanty!

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 20 May 05 - 01:03 AM

Congratulations, PoppaGator! It's some of the most fun and satisfying music to sing, no? I wish for you a grand time in your newfound musical path. As you delve ever more deeply into these traditions, I think you'll find sea music a fascinating cultural porthole into our past. My only advice is to not worry about dressing the part; it's not important to the music or to the public presentation of it, in my opinion (and I stress "in my opinion").

Feel ftree to PM me anytime if you'd like to bat ideas back and forth on sea music and how you're doing with it.

All the best,

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 May 05 - 08:25 PM

Aw Charley, don't scare him off.

I am "the guy in Guam", Peter (or should I say Woody?), and I am still here (Click Here). Haven't been singing too many shanties though. Not quite the same environment. Tough to sing when you are picking mangoes for your morning fruit salad.

I remember your place in the woods, Peter. It's lovely. Still happy with that lovely woman you married?

Welcome, PoppaGator, to the glorious free side of Folk. Shanty singers are easily the most liberated of all the various shades of folk music. You get your beer in hand, hold your head up and let 'er rip.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 May 05 - 07:55 PM

PoppaGator-

Welcome to the dark side! Ah, the power of leading "Fire Marengo," peeling the paint off the ceiling and walls, frightening small children and pets.

You can always check and see how our old member Brett/Naemanson is doing in Guam; he's got a current thread entitled "Springtime in Guam" in the BS underworld.

If you're ever up to New England on a 3rd Saturday, stop in at the Press Room in Portsmouth, 3:30-7:30 pm, and join our sea music circle. You'll get a warm welcome.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Col K
Date: 19 May 05 - 06:29 PM

Yes Big Mal, the Marske Fishermans Choir is still alive and performing regularly around the area, and very good they are too.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 19 May 05 - 04:26 PM

I have not read all the threads on this one but, if anyone in London or near London Bridge wants to try this kind of thing www.shantycrew.co.uk are looking for new recrutes me hearties. Or PM me for contact numbers.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: PoppaGator
Date: 19 May 05 - 04:08 PM

A tankard hanging from one's belt sounds like a good idea in any context, El G., and I do have a beard already (see "Member Photos"), although it's a bit thinner than before after seven weeks of radiation last year.

The cancer is all gone, by the way, and thanks for axing. Recovery from the treatment is said to take three years; it's been just over one year since I had my last radiation session, and I'm doing pretty well, but I also glad to know that I can expect continued improvement for another two years. My voice is still not all the way back to its former self, and eating some foods is still difficult due to damaged salivary glands as well as a constricted throat. That's not entirely a bad thing; I'll probably be able to keep off most of the 65 pounds I lost during last year's ordeal and, believe me, I didn't really need any of that extra weight!

KC and the group make periodic appearances on Sean O'Meara's Saturday morning radio show, which is available on the Internet at www.wwoz.org; I'll be sure to post an announcement the next that happens. I'm assuming that I'll "make the cut" and be invited/allowed to participate on the air, but even if not, I'll let you all know when you hear whoever represents the "NOQSK."

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Melani
Date: 19 May 05 - 03:40 PM

Congratulations, PoppaGator! Chantey singing is right up there with the most fun things I ever do. I've just made a new internet aquaintance with a Civil War background, who found a recording she has of "Boney Was A Warrior" hilarious. I look forward to teaching her some even more entertaining ones.

And Sandra, the James Craig looks lovely, but I must say that the wooden hold of the C.A. Thayer has great acoustics.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Rumncoke
Date: 19 May 05 - 02:30 PM

Having actually used shanties at sea when setting sail and retrieving anchors - OK it was a little yacht and just me, I can say that they do help to keep going - when you have to hoist both mail and fore'sl or haul some heavy weight up steps or just keep going at the end of a long day.

They are also useful when trying to get some team spirit into an unwilling group of 'helpers' and also keep a rhythem for passing buckets or boxes and so save time and accidents.

For parades, though I would have thought the closest equivalent would be the calypso - similar format, with made up verses join in chorus but to a shake it beat.

Anne

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 May 05 - 12:43 PM

Ouch, Poppagator, that was a tough way to get a shanty voice - hope your bout with the Beast is over and done with.

You will get hooked, though. And before you know it, you will be coming up in ordinary conversation with expressions like "I thought I heard the old man say".

To look the part, you might consider a tankard hanging from your belt with a clip, fisherman's cap and a beard (if you don't already have one). Avoid the Tom Lewis style tight leather boots and trousers, most people just look like pirates in that. So does Tom, but he's got the tight butt to go with it, and the fan club likes that.

And have fun!

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Ernest
Date: 19 May 05 - 12:13 PM

Hi PoppaGator,
so it is easy to get shanghaied in N.O. !
Have fun - and don`t get seasick, mate (wives wouldn`t believe that part anyway)!!!
All the best
Ernest

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: EBarnacle
Date: 19 May 05 - 10:11 AM

Now, the next question is whether we can actually get you afloat and break you out of wannabe status. If you don't mind travelling to Sarasota, Florida, I can get you hooked up with an educational program on a schooner.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 May 05 - 08:59 AM

nothing better than a good shanty sing on a 3-master
the best place I know to sing shanties

- it's marvellous on the deck, but even better acoustically in the hold (just ask Canberra Chris, Charley Noble, Naemanson, JudyB, JennieG, freda underhill, JennyO, Jack Halyard). You could also ask Shanty Master Jack about singing on a badly rolling ship in high seas.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Malc R
Date: 19 May 05 - 08:41 AM

Ahoy PoppaGator, take heed of the warnings.

While working as an ex-pat in Qatar many moons ago, a bunch of us less musically talented lads decided to create the Doha Fishermans Chior (Very loosly based on the Marske Fishermans Chior - are they still going?) and sing at a ex-pats folk club venue. It went down great and I've been hooked ever since.

Enjoy :o)

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Amos
Date: 18 May 05 - 10:01 PM

Peter:

The guy in Guam, Brett-who-is-Naemanson, was a member of a shanty-singing crew up in Maine before he got island fever and went tot he Pacific. Charley Noble (you can PM him) has all the details, all the lyrics, all the inside dope.


A

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 May 05 - 07:45 PM

Sorry Blackcatter , the Shanties were genuine ,it was the shanty crew that was spoof ! 'The Shanty Crew From Hell' was actually four Mudcat members , but I wont name the others to prtect the guilty !! Especially the one who IS a Shanty Singer !!

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: PoppaGator
Date: 18 May 05 - 07:34 PM

El Greko:

I've never smoked tobacco, but I have been known to take a drink or two over the past 40+ years. I think I'll pass on your advice to gargle rubbing alcohol, with or without sharp metal filings...

My voice's current "leathery" quality is mostly thanks to last year's bout with throat cancer. I couldn't sing at all for a while, and my ability to produce a sweet ballad-singing style is still not back yet, but I've regained most of my blues-shouting capacity and can certainly bellow like a drunken sailor, fortunately.

Thanks, though, for your concern and advice!

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 May 05 - 07:08 PM

Daily gargling with surgical spirit will give your tonsils and vocal chords that "leathery" sound (and feel) needed for shanties.

Of course, traditionally the effect would have been achieved more slowly and permanently by 3 packs of cigarettes a day and at least 6 units of alcohol daily for a period of 40 years. But you don't have the time, so surgical alcohol it has to be.

The effect can be improved by adding sharp metal filings to the gargle.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shanty singer now!
From: GUEST,Peter Woodruff
Date: 18 May 05 - 06:55 PM

Hey! Where's that guy in Guam? He was a shanty singer. I met him once or twice...He even came to my house! I heard him sing in Portland Maine. He was good!

Peter

PS You better believe that you are better off in Guam than BNAS these days.

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Blackcatter
Date: 18 May 05 - 06:48 PM

Give us some of your spoof shanteys!

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 May 05 - 06:45 PM

Shanties ?? DANGEROUS !! Nearly as bad as Banjos !!! We once formed a spoof Shanty Crew for a charity night and got THREE bookings straight away !! SCARY !!!

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: GUEST,Peter Woodruff
Date: 18 May 05 - 06:45 PM

Where's that guy in Guam?

Hi!

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Blackcatter
Date: 18 May 05 - 06:37 PM

ish there was something like that around Central Florida...

Subject: RE: Ahoy Mateys! I'm a shantey singer now!
From: Bill D
Date: 18 May 05 - 06:07 PM

hey...having had KC King here for a number of years, we know you are in good company! Great songs and much knowlege buried in that guy....enjoy!