Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06

Subject: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Apr 06 - 01:54 PM

Friday April 7th 2006 at
Market Rasen Folk Club, Faldingworth Village Hall

Spotlight Guest
Big Al Whittle

Support Artists
Helian Keys
No Fixed Abode
Liam Robinson
Kate Abbott & Chris Eyre

Doors open 7:30pm for 8:15pm start - 11:30pm finish.

Bring your own food and drink as there isn't a bar.
No Smoking
Disability Friendly

Map Faldingworth

Wider area Map

For more information go to Market Rasen Folk Club
Please note my website address has changed to http://www.marketrasenfolkclub.f2s.com so can you please add this to your favourites and delete the older website http://www.marketrasenfolkclub.co.uk

By pointing and clicking on the underlined words above, you will be re-directed to the relevant web pages.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 02 Apr 06 - 02:16 PM

Hey I wonder what disasters will occur to stop us going this time.
Looking forward to it immensley even keyboard stuff!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Apr 06 - 02:37 PM

Good to hear from you Twangy.

I am sure you will make it this time :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 02 Apr 06 - 06:39 PM

It is Mrs Twangy's (hey come on...woman power and all that, let your missus have her own name on here, Twangy...) birthday on Wed shhhhhh she hates a fuss...so, maybe they will still be celebrating on Friday...if they make a lot of noise during the various acts by dancing on the tables and suchlike...they are townies, after all...I trust you will bring them to order, Villan?!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 03 Apr 06 - 12:57 AM

She is not averse to swapping names from time to time.
HEr favourite appelation at present is " Yes dear of course you are right ,you ara always right I am only a man"
HE he nah there isnt a sweeter natured lass on the planet than Jen.
Not even the planet I am on.hehe
SO do you want me to fetch me biggest and best piano tuning hammer on friday? And will Mr Rockhen be going?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 03 Apr 06 - 01:28 AM

Shall we get Helian Keys to do the happy birthday thingy then ?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Apr 06 - 02:34 PM

Looking forward to the gig Les. Are you providing the PA, or do I arrange one?


Here is Neil Dalton's review of last week's gig at The Maze, Nottingham.

Big Al Whittle at The Maze in Nottingham: Review

Big Al Whittle walked on stage wearing a black suit, black t-shirt and black hat; something like a cross between a trilby and a homburg. He looked like an enforcer for the Corleone family or the man who crushed Paul Newman's fingers in 'The Hustler'. His voice was Lucca Brazzi low, hushed, vaguely threatening; he had a presence, an air of menace. He was someone you didn't mess with in case he made a mess of you. Then he started talking about his sister and Enid Blyton, stories of when he was a kid, reading her comics, collecting the badges, wanting to be a 'Sunbeam'; some Mafia enforcer, more like Beryl the Peril's minder or a hit-man for 'The Beano'.

Al treads a fine, but wonderfully slippery line, between the serious and the insane. His off hand, quiet, dead pan delivery seems to be conversational, even confidential, someone having a talk with a friend, at home in this world, while at any moment he can slide into a parallel universe, an absurd country, taking the unsuspecting with him, to a place where this world is revealed as the foolish, cruel, macabre, stupid and profoundly comic place it really is. His humour is dark, surreal, gloriously funny – not so much off the wall as round the bend and off next door's wall.

He has all the wicked delight of a mischievous schoolboy but he's the schoolboy your parents always warned you about, told you to avoid, and kept you from, the one who would always get you into trouble. Of course, you don't care; you'd willingly hand over all your marbles just to stay in his shady company. He nudges you, pushes you, elbows you into places you know you shouldn't go, areas where you have to laugh. If you didn't laugh you'd feel uncomfortable, you might realise exactly where you were and at what you were laughing. You laugh just to feel easy, to protect your own sanity, taking comfort from the fact that the whole room is laughing so it must be all right. He does a song about George Joseph Smith, the 'brides in the bath' murderer, and you are laughing so much you are aching. You are laughing as you join in the chorus, 'glug, glug, glug' and you know it's the last, deathly sounds of another innocent victim going under and you are going under just as fast, laughing 'till you fall from your seat at the childish gurgle in every one of Al's darkly satanic, gleefully enthusiastic 'glugs'. By the time he gets to his song about 'pubic grooming' you are a willing accomplice, guilty by association, lost completely.

Incredibly, he has a lyrical side, a lover's eye, a gentle touch. Somewhere beneath the comic assassin is a wounded romantic; love songs sung in a voice that didn't just finish the drink but swallowed the glass as well.

His playing is something else. If Frank sang and Fred danced then Al plays. Boy can he play! His finger-picking is nothing short of wonderful; from waltz-time, through blues-time to rag-time, always in time and always good-time. His fingers dance like Astaire, croon like Sinatra, every note is clear, every run impeccable, every snap of a string, every bend, every run, everything tasteful, oozing quality. Every ringing, joyful note sang out, reached up and then settled in the corners of the room glowing smugly in mellow satisfaction.

This was a neat sound system with a good sound man in control and a great player taking full advantage of them both. Like 'The Musician' in Leicester, 'The Maze' in Nottingham is a terrific venue; part bar, part club, a little smoky, a little glitzy, a little undernourished, part swagger, part shadow, part Lee Marvin, part Hank; a venue that offers a good player all he or she needs to shine – all that is other than a guaranteed audience and there are no guarantees of that anywhere. The mid-week crowd was a mix of young, not so young and down right past it; the ones who knew why Al was special and those who were just finding out. Guys who looked a little pale, a little thin, girls smiling, with breasts young enough not to need support just a chaperone. Some of the older guys stood, nursing their drinks, smoking sparingly, knowing they had to go home sometime but not just yet, not while Al was still on stage, still singing, still playing.

If Ralph McTell is a national treasure then Big Al Whittle must be our buried treasure: it's time he was better known; it's time we dug him up and his music. Mind you, while there's something of the night about Al, it's no good asking him if he wants to be dug up; he'd probably write a song about it so we could all have a laugh.

Neil Dalton
Copyright 1.5.06

Big Al Whittle was appearing at The Maze in Nottingham. He is appearing at The Real-Music Club in Sharpe's Pottery Museum, Swadlincote on Saturday April 22nd along with Kirsty McGee and Matt Martin. Tel.: [phone] for tickets.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 03 Apr 06 - 02:47 PM

Well done Al - better warn the border guards so they let you in LOL

Haven't I told you Al - its acoustic. Its not lengthwise anymore :-)
I have turned it sideways, so that PA is not normally necessary anymore. However if you want to set yourself up before, thats fine by me. Everybody else will be acoustic.

Look forward to seeing you Friday.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 11:27 AM

It's folk, Al - Joseph Taylor didn't use a PA! :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 11:45 AM

LOL

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 05:54 PM

You could do but is it folk music?
I think she would go a lovely colour if they did though.
Hey I broke me twangling stick and its gonna cost a ton for a refret Doh!
Mind you I have been given the contact details for a local Luthier who has guitars Starting from £1300 thats a lot of refrets.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 07:17 PM

You shouldn't abuse it so much...guess you wore it out?!
Could you glue matchmakers along the neck, instead of frets...would that work...?
WIll ask his vocalship if he knows the aforementioned song...!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 08:03 PM

Joseph Taylor - I got scores to settle with that asshole.

Cos of him I took a gig in Brigg to see what it was like - having heard the song about the fair.

Anyway there I was setting up the gear under the giant telly screen, singing the wild rover while the telly screen showed Princess Di's funeral.
Not many joined in

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 05 Apr 06 - 01:57 AM

quote from Tim
You could do but is it folk music?
Unquote


Happy Birthday is Folk Music and surely its traditional!!!!

What do the team think?

I am sure Helian Keys can slip it in!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 05 Apr 06 - 05:41 AM

LOL Wld!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 05 Apr 06 - 11:25 AM

I refuse to rise to the obvious nudge nudge joke in answer to Les
Maybe it is a traditional folk tune and maybe it isnt .
Who cares?
I am sure she who must be obeyed would return to her normal colour within hours of being embarassed in such a manner.
Maybe it should be a feature of every FC meet to announce happy events in musical form?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 05 Apr 06 - 02:05 PM

LOL Tim - viagra do I hear :-)
>>Maybe it should be a feature of every FC meet to announce happy events in musical form? <<

Well thats what I try to do, if I know about them and secondly if I remember LOL :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 05 Apr 06 - 02:35 PM

Hey I hear that the scenery there is very interesting.
Though I dont fancy the idea of going over Viagra falls in a barrel.
I suppose it must really be unique as the only one on the planet where the barrel is lifted up?
If you have any other holiday suggestions please post them soon.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 05 Apr 06 - 03:19 PM

LOL

And so to Friday

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 10:58 AM

Neil Dalton Review of No Fixed Abode at The Maze
don't miss them tomorrow at Market Rasen Folk Club, Faldingworth

No Fixed Abode at the Maze, Nottingham: review

I thought The Maze was where they put the seriously bad boys of Belfast but actually, it's a club on the Mansfield Road in Nottingham. Una, of 'No Fixed Abode', walked on stage and introduced her first song in an accent that hailed from somewhere north of Dublin. I might have been worried but once Una Walsh started to sing, all anxieties and worries melted away. If there is a better voice singing here or in all the counties of Ireland then I haven't heard it. Her voice sweeps you up, sweeps you away, and sweeps you right out to sea. What's more you don't mind, you are happy to be there, with no lifebelt or hope of rescue, drowning in pleasure.



Tony Dean, the other member of the group, plays the guitar; it is tasteful, restrained, finger style, laying a platform for that voice. He looks the part; long hair, beard, cavalier not roundhead, with an easy self-deprecating manner. Their banter was a surprise, different, a couple you feel that could work up a real on-stage 'domestic'; Tony with his diffident asides, Una with her fire and sharpness, the man who would always be too late back from the pub, the woman who would always tell him the time. It's really about her and her voice though. She had on expensive calf high boots, the tops turned down, looking a little like a child in wellies, and a waistcoat with a touch of glitter. She wore a fashionable, dark red, floral printed dress – a cross between a punk cowgirl and a 1950's Australian outback, sheep shearer's wife. She looked terrific.



I'd like to have heard some harmonies in the set, some other voice, some roughness in the mix, some coffee with the cream. For have no doubt, there is plenty of cream with this duo; Una's voice just oozes richness. She can catch her voice, leave you just a little breathless, a little stirred, a little lost, as if you are staring over the edge of a cliff at the reaches beyond. It's scary and a little wonderful, sometimes even sublime, but you can only handle that in small doses; the heart can't be so full all the time.



The last song they played was called 'Going Home', one of their own songs, an ironic but strangely comforting thought for a duo called 'No Fixed Abode'. Where ever it is they want to go I wish them well and hope they get there safely.



Neil Dalton

Copyright 2nd April





'No Fixed Abode' was playing at The Maze in Nottingham. The duo are appearing at The Real-Music Club in Sharpe's Pottery Museum, Swadlincote on Saturday 17th June alongside Gordon Giltrap. Tel.: [phone] for tickets.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 11:39 AM

I hope not to miss them Al :-) Sounds very good.

Should be another excellent evening with plenty of variety.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 03:23 PM

That Al bloke is supposed to be pretty good as well isn't he, Villan?!! :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 03:32 PM

wodja mean, supposed to be. I'm bloody fantastic. I've got all the cds.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:07 PM

What more can I say Rockhen LOL Al said it for me.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:32 PM

Hope you bring the cds with you, Al!
Looking forward to hearing everyone tomorrow. Watch out though cos I will be bringing the dreaded piano thingummy... :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:35 PM

Just realised... Strollin'...are you a bit better? Saw you posted on here yesterday. Hope so.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:43 PM

Ah the wonderful. Twangy will be happy. sounds of the piano returning to MRFC

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:46 PM

Oh dear I mustn't watch TV whilst I type and hit the Ok button. Although the post looks good the way it is :-)

It should have said

Ah the wonderful sounds of the piano returning to MRFC, Twangy will be happy.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:47 PM

If he has recovered from last night's celebration of Mrs Twangy's (own name, yet?...woman power...)birthday...?!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 04:49 PM

Mrs Twangy didn't get him drunk then did she, or are you on about afters :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 05:33 PM

Now that would be telling!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 07:01 PM

I want one of Strollin J's new cds next time I see him. or If anyone is seeing him and could bring me one, I'll settle up with you when I see you tomorrow night.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 06 Apr 06 - 07:31 PM

Hey I liked it the way it was.
We had a great time at the Leaking boot OM and so did all our mates I think.
Talking of woman power thanks for making the cake Rocky!
Is a change from taking the biscuit.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sooz
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 02:41 AM

The Leaking Boot used to be our local when it was Darley's and we lived round the back of it.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 04:05 AM

I bet you are in a good mood Mrs Sooz, what with the kiddlywinks having a two week break :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 08:38 AM

Yeaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! me too!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sooz
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 12:27 PM

What she said.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 01:43 PM

Well is still a good night in there Sooz,(The Leaking Boot!)
but in the dim ans distant past I seem to recall it beiing in a bit better state of repair.
I think that when the GYFC used to meet there the Lounge was still quite a posh place.
The current managers are very into live music and really freindly to those of us who go to the open mike and the Blues of The month Club.
One of them,name of Lee actualy writes his own stuff and is not averse to taking part in the OM and the sing around/Jam that inevitably follows. Mind I didnt say it was v folky ,although Mr Dylan often seems to get a mention somwhere in the evening.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 03:14 AM

That was another excellent evening of entertainment. I am hoping Twangy will do his normal unbiased review of the evening. :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 07:19 AM

Indeed I will try Les,
First let me congratulate you on providing yet another line up of artistes varied in all musical ways except for the quality of performance.
They all did what they do and did it very well.
That sounds bad don't it?
What I mean is to compare one to another would be well nigh impossible!
However at the starting line Miss Abbott and Mr. Eyre.
I love this ladies voice and the passion that erupts through her voice and minimalist playing just grabs me and drags me along whatever road she happens to be wondering along.
Mr. Eyre provides the clever, sweet sounding "twiddley" bits.
The bits that all aspiring players of twangling objects would love to be able to do, then he sings and solos they are a great start to any evening.
Just one thing was wrong last night I didn't have the nerve to go say what a brilliant song "Teach you to dance?" is, superb song superb performances.
Mr. Robinson and Company.
Does any one else get a sinking feeling when they see a squeezebox approaching in a confined space?
But no worries here, why can't they all play em like this?
Great, lively, interesting,
jiggy reeely dancy music.
Not ear bashing volume and dirges.
This trio's set was over in about three minutes it seemed to me.
Now I don't know what the tunes origins where or who collected collated or added the lyric.
But I know that I wanted to dance around drink loads and kiss girls (well mostly girls Les X).
In case you didn't catch on I thought they were great.
Now comes Heliankeys, laidback, and gentle, thought provoking.
Each song opening like a flower in the night.
I watched Hellion playing the piano her fingers seemed to dance, I closed my eyes and let Mr. Keys smooth voice insinuate itself between the cap holders either side of me head.
I listen to their music and am forced to think about uncomfortable things like war, and orphans and waiting for the police to arrive.
I have known this pair a year or more now and I count them as mates so not gonna say anymore except
Chuck more of your own songs in guys!
SO to the main event
Another raffle went wrong!
I never got a look in what a rip orf!
hehehe.

After the break came No Fixed Abode.
This wasn't my sort of thing at all.
I mean what normal bloke wants to hear the voice of an angel coming from a beautiful lass and be allowed to enjoy it 'cos its art?
And who in their right mind wants to sit and listen to song after song of beautifully understated guitar accompaniment.
As a vision in a haze of red hair and summer green jumper floats around engaging each and every person in the audience, in a glance full of promise and a little smile of a shared moment in time.
Hmmm loved the song and the music and always was a sucker for that accent.

Last but not least was Big Al Whittle…
Blues man suit, jazz in his fingers and two guitars, flash git!
But hey he only played 'em one at a time.
I thought I would ask how long he has been playing.
To get some idea if I will live long enough to learn you know?
"Since I was about 15 when a lad taught me some stuff"
Hhmmm so there you go.
He started of by saying he doesn't like folk music.
He plays a jazzy bluesy folk style
He uses a (gasp!) PA system and sets it fairly loud.
He sings songs of murderers and pubic deforestation
And he makes you laugh
He made me laugh and I will have to have a word with Les about this watch of his Big Al only got about five minutes on stage as well.
Cheers ..

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:14 AM

Actually Tim I didn't say I didn't like folk music.
Thankyou for your review. I do appreciate anybody taking an interest or discussing my approach to folk music.
What I seemed to have failed to convey is that(despite having a fairly folky family background - Irish, Irish Gypsy, Lancashire miners, clogdancers) to my certain knowledge no one in the last 150 years in my family sang in the preferred accent, or in the modal style favoured by English folk revival.

In one of the great strategic mistakes of my career, I forbore from joining the great Walter Gabriel soundalike competition and tuning my guitar in DADGAD. That last (avoiding DADGAD tuning) was just narrow mindedness - Ken Nicol turned me on to its DADGAD's amazing possibilities last year.

However the shunning of adopting the all purpose rustic voice was an attempt at integrity.

It was a nice night, although I was very tired and made a few mistakes in my guitar playing. Earlier in the day I had been forced to attend a Speed Awareness course in Leicester after being done by a camera going slighly over the limit. I had driven straight there from Leicester.

Everybody was very nice to me, and you do great club over there in Market Rasen - you can be justly proud of it. I wish you all well, and thankyou for your hospitality.

al

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:16 AM

Excellent Twangy. knew I could rely on you. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:22 AM

Big thanks there Al for coming such a distance and the same for No Fixed Abode. You weren't joking when you told me what a lovely voice Una (No Fixed Abode) had. She is truly blessed, and Tony so sensitive with the guitar work.
Al you did an excellent Spotlight Guest performance. I only got very good comments.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:27 AM

Thanks for that, Twangy. Hey, so someone actually does listen to the words, then?!!!
Was a good night and the variety makes it even more enjoyable. Was good to see the youthful Mr Robinson again,...even though he has got the relaxed performance style of an old hand and puts quivering nervous old wrecks like me to shame with his easy chat and excellent playing. Loved hearing the last bit of his set, especially with his 2 companions. They did some great singing as a trio.
Think Twangy said it all about the other acts, I agree with most of it ...some great 'acts' (you were very kind about us, thanks, I'll pay you later!) although, unlike Twangy, I didn't fancy the lady with the 'voice' from No fixed Abode...she just wasn't my type!
Is great to meet so many other music lovers and is good to watch and steal ideas for performing, too!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:30 AM

Hey, Al and Villan, all posting at once...! Great songs, Al...refreshingly different and the Brazilian one was particularly funny!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 08:56 AM

Sorry I'm useless at this, who was Rockhen?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 09:03 AM

Hey Al, I played the piano last night...well, I tried at least, I think I made more mistakes each time I play but hey I enjoyed it anyway! Was a good night all round I thought. Everyone is always very friendly and supportive at Villan's club. Is a great night out.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 09:05 AM

just don't allow dancing on the tables....shame, Villan!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 09:29 AM

He he. You can dance on the tables if you want Rockhen. In all honesty, we all have our likes and dislikes in music and style and it would be a boring old world if we all liked the same. That's what I hope is so good about MRFC, is the variety of performers.
I liked all the acts last night, so I am a bit lucky really :-)
That song that Al did about the animals was very slick and clever and had the audience immersed from what I could see, but the old beaver song was very funny as you say Rockhen :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 09:51 AM

terrific, why didn't you introduce yourself, I was looking round all night wondering who it was.
I wish you and a few more acts, Una for example had used the PA - acoustically the room seemed a bit flat. I don't think it would have been right for Liam. the shoe tapping would have started things off probably. The first lady with the gutsy voice though and yourselves - it would have enabled you to relax abit more vocally.

Reel in the Flickering Light was by Colm Gallagher and you're right, it is a beautiful song. I first heard Christy Moore sing it on that arts programme review thing on the telly.
that economy of technique - so few chords and so many pictures and the animated turns of phrase, and the way each animal and the hapless narrator is given a personality with a few brush strokes.

still that's the Irish for you..... words and epic tales!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 10:40 AM

why weelittledrummer, Al? you played guitar...or am I being dense?!
We do use pa when we do gigs elsewhere but the Folk club set up is usually acoustic so if some artists early in the night use pa then others don't afterwards, it doesn't always work. However, if the last act uses pa, like you did, that is fine or if the last x amount of acts use pa, it is also fine because no one has to do an acoustic set after them, which is difficult. I have had experience of that happening and it is difficult to follow someone with pa if you are doing an acoustic spot. Thanks, Al for the offer re pa, it was generous of you to offer the use of yours and in different circumstances, we would have probably used it. woffle woffle zzzzzz! :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:02 PM

I think you did put that over pretty well and humerously Big
Can I call you big?
I just missed it out in trying to do reveiw.
I avoid trying to list songs and stuff 'cos although I do listen and enjoy I have terrible memory ,hence inability to remember titles etc.
and meant to put bluesy jazzy folky country but hey typing bad as memory.
All in all I thought was a great night of music for £3.
I also think that due to my lack of musical education I get extra pleasure from the club because of the variety of music on offer and the fact that most of the stuff we get to hear is new to me.
So that is my excuse for not singing many of the chorus's etc
Rockhen tells me she made four mistake in her playing and seems quite put out by that .
I think that if you guys can sit there and entertain us for twenty five or fourty minutes and play how many thousand notes? pefectly you would have to be a machine of some sort and none of you are mechanical.
Just people with love of and gift for music. The more you perform with your heart and the less with your intellects the more enjoyable I find the music.
Discuss!
(he he all answers to Mr. Les Worral please!)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:06 PM

i made more than 4 mistakes...i can never count them...it was his lordship said 4 mistakes not me!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:20 PM

thats the great thing about doing your own songs - nobody knows if thats the way its meant to be. On the second song - my mind just seized up and I couldn't remeber the intro at all - luckily, only my dear wife knew I was playing COMPLETE crap - although a few people may have twigged something was awry.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:26 PM

Hey Les just a thought but could we have a visitors book for the club so everyone that came along could leave details and mudcat names etc
Might be fun to look back on over time

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:29 PM

It all added to the charm Rockhen.
Its so nice to see you all conversing with each other.
I can never remember titles Twangy. Its hard enough trying to remember names.
It just amazes me how singers remember all the words.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:29 PM

Doh! we could make it like a scrap boook and have photose in it etc

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:33 PM

Thats a very good idea Tim. Do I have a volunteer for looking after the Visitors Book ?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:41 PM

Is a great idea but...er...not volunteering...could u just have it like a visitor's book that is left out and people sign if they want to when visiting the club? Would it need any maintaining?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sooz
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:57 PM

Sorry to have missed Big Al - it sounds as if you had a great time. It's time the Fence appeared at MRFC (like the new colour scheme on the website BTW) Click here to find out about his new CD and to hear some soundbites.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 02:03 PM

Hello everyone,well thanks again for a great night.Did you make any mistakes Helen?Oh well i guess i was too busy trying to look anything but nervous while you sat behind me.I think i understood what Big Al means about not liking folk.I am glad clubs like this are around to give everyone a crack at any song they want to play.Being judged on the songs and not if they fit with the folk scene is how i see it.
I sit and wonder why i bother performing when i see and hear all the other wonderful performers.It is so humbling to even be a part of it all.I hope i did not wreck the Tracy Chapman number for anyone who may have liked it before.Thanks for remark on my attempt at Clive Gregson song Big Al.
Look forward to seeing you all at Big Les venue again very soon.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 03:10 PM

I never made any mistakes, no, not me, never did nuffink wrong whatsoever, was note-perfect performance...
I like the fact that the club is open-minded about lots of music and not just interested in a narrow band of certain types of traditional folk music.(Not that I dislike, 'traditional folk music', however you define it, far from it...) Clubs have to work hard to keep people interested and if they become too specific in the requirements of types of music, or songs, for acts, can be a bit off-putting for newcomers.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 03:52 PM

As I said before, you are not going to be able to please everyone, and one wouldn't expect that.

I endorse what Tim said

Quote

I think that if you guys can sit there and entertain us for twenty five or fourty minutes and play how many thousand notes? pefectly you would have to be a machine of some sort and none of you are mechanical.
Just people with love of and gift for music. The more you perform with your heart and the less with your intellects the more enjoyable I find the music.

Unquote

I am not really sure how long MRFC has been running (two years or more), but in all honesty, I cannot remember one evening where I can say that I didn't enjoy the evening. Just to see performers go up there and give of their best for 25 minutes or more is just amazing. OK there are performers who are learning to perform in such an environment, some who are past that stage and are honing their skills to attain a higher level and some who have obtained that higher level. However at the end of the day, they have all contributed to a smashing evening and should be proud as a team of what they have achieved. Most audiences will never know just how much effort and sense of pride in wanting to please the audience goes with all performers. Its not just a question of rolling up and just doing it. Every person who has appeared at MRFC has put a lot of hard work into honing their performance, and the majority have day jobs to do as well and play for the love of it.

Discuss :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 06:45 PM

Sorry...I think this sounds a bit pretentious but,in my opinion...the day you think you have sung every song perfectly, and played every note exactly right...is maybe the day you should take a deep breath and think why you are bothering. I love music, I love writing, playing and listening to it. In my view, it is more than just a mechanical performance or series of correctly executed notes at the correct time and volume etc. It is a wonderful medium of expression and can make those performing or listening, feel lifted or deeply moved by it...it can make you cry with laughter or feel any one of 1000 other emotions.
It is a fantastic way of sharing time with others and I for one cannot imagine life without it...ok, so I am a bit of an addict and ever-so slightly obsessed with music and all that it goes with it...! Life can be great, terrible, tedious, beautiful and music, for me, is a way of responding to all that life throws at you good, bad or indifferent and sharing that response with others. A way of switching off from the hassles of everyday life in our times.
You are right, Villan, when you say, we work hard if we are performing, to produce hopefully our best efforts. If you are fortunate enough to be able to play well enough, or sing tunefully enough, share it with others and be grateful for the opportunities you have had and any skills you have been able to develop, as well as justly proud of the work you have put in practising to achieve whatever level you reach.
I know some musicians who turn their noses up at playing unless it is somewhere with sufficient 'status' or cash reward to make it appear worthwhile to them. OK, in theory, maybe it would be nice to be paid wads of dosh every time you played or met with adoring fans before and after every performance...most of us, like a bit of encouragement and recognition...but it is good to be able to get pleasure out of playing purely for the fun and friendship of the experience. I also know some musicians who rate others by the exams they have passed or musical qualifications plonked (haha) after their names. I think that is narrow-minded and, in itself, ignorant.
In this technological age, it would be easy for music making to become a thing which only happened in gadget-swamped studios...thank goodness for the 'Villans' of the world, LOL and all those who try to keep live music available to all.

Blooming heck what a load of old rubbish I've just written..and not touched a drop of red wine, honest! Thanks to all who put up with me talking rubbish as usual, especially those poor souls who actually manage to tolerate playing along and singing with me...LOL
Think I'm going to go off here and play that masterpiece, The Birdie Dance' to uplift me spiritually...

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sooz
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 04:13 AM

What she said (again)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 04:33 AM

LOL Rockhen, the thought of you doing the Birdie Dance, can't you think of something better.
I think your comments etc show that you have your feet firmly on the ground and I don't think you are talking rubbish.
I love music and to me, it makes the world go around, and is a very social thing. Met so many nice poeple through the folk world.
I don't know why I never took up playing an instrument. Drumming was always my favourite. LOL, when I was young and the old man and woman had gone out, I used to get all the saucepans, glasses, cans etc, out and the knitting needles and at that time it was Rock n Roll and belt the hell out of the saucepans etc.My mother always wondered why her knitting pins were out of shape LOL.
Sandy Nelson was a role model for drumming at that time, then I got hooked with Ginger Baker and his drumming. Who is Rockcocks drumming icon?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 06:23 AM

Pleeeeeez! He needs a new name....he can't be called that! Makes me cringe everytime I read that! Desperately, trying to think of a suitably 'cool' name to replace it..!
He says you can come round and have a go on his drums and laughed at the saucepan bit, cos he actually broke the handle off one of mine once when he was doing a comedy sketch using saucepans as replacement drum kit, (Don't worry, I would lock my saucepans away while you were here and haven't got any knitting needles, phew!)
His main drumming icon is/was Keith Moon because of his performance style, as much as for his actual drumming.
Re my woffle above, I guess musical tolerance towards others is important, in the same way as it is in life, itself. I don't like all music but not everyone likes the music I do, either. So, I figure, if I respect other's efforts, they are more likely to be patient about mine and give me a fair hearing, or least not throw tomatoes...
By the way, when I use the word 'musician', I also include vocalists, sorry if I didn't make that clear. To me, their voices are one of the most valuable instruments, there are. Maybe, I should have just used words 'music lover' to mean all those who appreciate or make music in a positive way...doh!
I guess, I could have just said 'Keep Music Live' and Live and Let Live' it would have been quicker!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 06:32 AM

I was playing you up with that name LOL

From now on, its Mr Rockhen - is that OK.

Now there is an offer playing Mr Rockhen's drums. I think I will have to take you up on that one, at a convenient time to suit you two :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 07:33 AM

You ought to have a go mate he gave me a quick lesson and I am hooked on the idea.
He is a good teacher and although he laughed at my efforts quite a lot he actualy got me doing it in half an hour os so.
Maybe not Keith Moon standard,but then I,ll never play guitar like Dick Appleton or Julie Ellison but my god it is satisfying when you get even a little bit right.
I was fascinated on friday to see the different guitar styles of the artistes close up.They are all different and all achieve the desired end.
Now one of the players would say (Cos I heard em say it) their guitar playing is awful!But I would say that it was perfect to accompany the way they sing which is passionate and thrilling.
The other three were more accomplished technically IMHO,and their performances, or that of the singer were equally well served by their style and skilled playing.
Big Al said something which rings bells with me,the music snobs and instrument fetishists that you get.
Unfortuantly,to have a collection of fine instruments you usualy have a collection of fine bank accounts to go with it.
And money talks.
One of the best things about MRFC and Gainsbro FC is that they are not Tarquin and Jemmima,s pet project for when the hunt is taking a break or Venezualian Donkey trekking is out of season.
I visited a few clubs when we were camping last year and the welcome and the fun to be had is proportionaly higher the less of a history lesson you are given in the intro to each song.
Yes it is great that someone bothered to collect a lot of the old songs before neglect sent them to oblivion, but it is also true that the people that had them originaly must have benn fed up with hearing them and gotten some good new ones or they would have not needed saving would they?
Does a song that is so far from relevent to the modern way of life that it needs a university lecturer to introduce it properly and explain all the strange out of use words and translate the dead dialect, have a place in a living breathing folk club or should they find a better audience at Historic music clubs and events?
Discuss hehehe sorry Les!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 09:38 AM

Sorry, was me before, (Rockhen,) not sure why appearing as guest there...
I think a song that "that is so far from relevent to the modern way of life that it needs a university lecturer to introduce it properly and explain all the strange out of use words and translate the dead dialect" as you put it, Twangy, does have a place, along with any other songs that the artist may choose. It probably wouldn't be my cup of tea but, so what? I'll try really hard not to snooze if it has 43 verses...LOL
The only songs I would not like to hear being played, are ones that are not considerate of the audience, eg if there are children present, contain excessively offensive language or material...(now 'what' is offensive? Another hugely personal debate, depending also on the time and place, too!)
So, Villan...have a word and I'm sure we can sort out a day when my saucepans are safely locked away..! 'Mr Rockhen' is a nicely subservient name (hee hee) but I have a feeling he won't go for that either...guess he'll have to start thinking fast! :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 09:56 AM

So its think of a suitable name for Rockhen's hubby :-)

Mooney
Let there be drums
BeatHen :-)
The Little Drummer Boy
HumDrum


off to the drawing board :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 12:50 PM

I think a name should reflect the person when thinking of some one like Rockhen's old fella.How about Ben Benjamin Bennett.Ok part of it is right but you will never be get it all wrong.Sorry mate i could not resist the chance to come up with that one.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 01:09 PM

So Ben Ben Ben then Ian :-)

what about Drumstick - that goes well with Rockhen LOL

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 03:00 PM

Ha Ha!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 07:11 PM

All right let 'em play the music!
Its the bloomin'10 minute explanation that does me in.
I like to hear unacommpanied haromony singing but if it is a 20 verse song and then there is a small booklet to read and a power point presentation to get through before the singing starts that is a lot of wasted time in an evening.
Then there may be others who dont get a go because of it.
Another annoying waste of time is the really good guitar players who play each song or tune in a different tuning,have one guitar,wont use a tuning aid,and then put the bloody capo on and start tuning again!!!!! grrrrr
Oh and I am reliably infored that the difficulty in tuning that some experience at MRFC could be due to the candles in the room .
Dont ask me how,I dont know.
I got all excited about tuning hammers for pianoes once but it was a joke!
He he he Could call him Henpecked

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 12:17 AM

>>Oh and I am reliably infored that the difficulty in tuning that some experience at MRFC could be due to the candles in the room .
Dont ask me how,I dont know.<<

Must be the hot air they create. Its probably more to do with the alcoholic fumes coming from the audiences bottles and cans.

I like your suggestion Tim LOL

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 04:11 AM

I know her favourite composer is Shophenhour.
Could call him Henman I suppose but he aint no loser.
I been askin my much better half about her Mudcat name
She just smiles sweetly and says "there,there Dear"
SO how about Whstling jenny,or Saint Jenny,or Mona Jenny?
Widow twangy?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 06:13 AM

LOL
RockJen

Yours is Tim the Twangler - what about for other alf

Jen the Strangler

Jentle

Injen

Mrs Bo Jengles

and my last one drmmm drmmmm


Jen It Tools

I'll go and get me coffee

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 07:54 AM

Tim, using a 'tuning aid' probably makes no difference - (a) they are frequently inaccurate, and (b) even if they're accurate, they will only check the frequency each individual string's vibrating at, they won't make any allowance for Temperament (which is too complicated to explain here but I'll tell you about it next time I'm at MRFC). It's usually these small adjustments for Temperament that are made in the 'second tuning'.

Also, many of us (and I'm definitely one) enjoy the explanations about the songs, the anecdotes, informal chat etc., and regard them as an important part of the performance. It's one of the two important differences between folk clubs and open-mike-nights (the second being the Folkies' preference for in-tune guitars!). :-)

Cheers & Beers M'Dears,
S:0)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 10:00 AM

And how many less songs will I be able to hear in the time left to me if a third of each performance is woffle?
I have heard you perform three times at the MRFC and you do not indulge in time wasting or undue verbosity.
What amount of pre music discussion would have you grinding your teeth and muttering get on with it under your breath?
I would have thought that the temperature of the string at the time of tuning was all ready settled by the allowance of the ambient temperature of the room into the instrument for a proper amount of time before its intended use.
The use of a tuning aid tends to focus the person using it on the task in hand with its cute little lights and buzzers.
Will welcome all advice offered seeing as need all help can get especially from a maestro such as yourself.
Open mikes are the place to go to hear the Folk music of today IMHO

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Oooh i do like a good row
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 11:26 AM

There there you lot,most of the patter is humour based i think.I would like someone to woffle on about how i wrote a song everyone sings once in my lifetime.It seems such a closed club of writers who sing one anothers songs.Guess if you are from a larger folk scene this is better for patting each others backs.I don't mean that in a nasty way at all.I know when Wild Wolds Women sang one of mine i was made up and felt 10 feet tall.I hope Tim feels the same when H.K sing one of his gems.So back to the point,some woffle is good and some is name dropping.Who cares as long as it is to the point.Woffle away as if it makes it a good night but not at the price of the music and the listener.
As for Out of Tune guitars,ask Steve Jackson.Sorry Steve,meow.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 11:45 AM

Hi it was more the history lesson I object too.
Also a lot of the time the object of the lecture is to justify the apropriation of a working persons music for the use of the educated classes.
After all the weaver,fisherman,ploughboy who probably made up or elaborated the song over the years was obviously not aware of its importance and value.
Merely using it as a means of entertainment in the dark dives and public houses that he frequented would indicate that high culture was beyond his comprehension.
Luckily a nice well educated person capable of understanding the true worth of such music and songs was able to save this peice for the delectation of all who like to listen to history lectures.
It puts me in mind of the British arriving in India and discovering awhole new sub continent,the fact that it was already populated by a whole load of highly cultured and educated races seemed to escape them completly.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 11:48 AM

BTW welcome back John when are we gonna hear you warbling and twangling again?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 12:15 PM

Tim, that's Temperament, not temperature! It's nothing to do with the temperature of the strings, it's to do with the physical properties of pieces of wire of differing circumference but approximately similar length, and the effect on pitch that occurs when shortening them by capoing and/or fretting them! They all go sharp, but by differing amounts, so the guitar slowly goes out of tune as you work further up the neck. A guitar can never be 'in tune' at all positions on the neck because it has strings of differing thickness with frets in fixed positions - it's a physics thang!

'Averaging out' the variances involves a system of tuning called 'Tempered Tuning'. As you shorten the length of the strings by capoing, you need to temper the tuning to take account of these small differences, and that's what we're doing when we tune, slap the capo on, then tune again (maybe it's not a conscious thing with all performers, but they're doing it nontheless!). Told you it was complicated! I'll talk to you next time at MRFC. (Apologies if I'm teaching me granny to suck eggs! LOL!)

Regarding teeth-grinding time, I guess that I'm used to listening to people waffling on about the song they're going to sing, so I regard that as part of the performance, and quite acceptable.

Cheers & Beers M'Dears
S:0)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 12:57 PM

Ah gotcha misread that ooops!
Now I understand,why not stick capo on and tune it right first time?
Life too short to wait for lesson.
And as for woffling time you must have the patience of a saint I would rather hear another couple of songs in the evening but hey maybe that is atemperament thing too hehe.
Hope you back up and singing soon it has been far too long.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 01:31 PM

Phew...I am almost glad I have to play an ELECTRIC piano...if it's out of tune there's nowt I can do about it!
As for my accordion being in tune..hee hee, is there such a thing as an 'in tune' accordion?
I like to hear some info about a song if it is relevant and not too long a saga. It depends on the song and its subject as to whether a wordy explanation is necessary. I also like to hear some performers who say little but just play great song after great song. Variety, is good, if you have a short concentration span...

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 02:04 PM

Sorry mate got the start of that but sort of drifted after first couple of lines.
What we gonna call jen on here?
Jen seems reasonable

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 02:17 PM

What an interesting thread this has turned out to be.
If I can make some comments.

Generally, 25 minutes doesn't really allow a performer time to explain things about the songs they are performing, and by doing that, they tend to get about 5 songs in. Of course that depends on how long each song or tune is. I normally say, do what you like - if you spend 20 minutes chatting and tuning up you only get 5 minutes of singing. I know Strollin' prefers to know how many songs he can do, rather than the time limit. I can understand that, and I know he doesn't abuse the time limit. The real reason for putting the time limit on is to try and stop the person, who selfishly takes 10 to 15 minutes when you tell them that it is their last song. However, now that the club has settled down, nobody seems to abuse the situation, which I think is very good.
The 45 minute floorspot does allow a bit more freedom to bring in the humour and storytelling.
Anybody who does 90 minutes does not normally just sing song after song, and as a club organiser, I would expect them to provide a performance that includes humour and information concerning each song.
In these circumstances, I do like to know something about the song, as it sometimes helps to see where it is coming from.
An exaample of this was Graham Moore explaining a bit about Tom Paine and the Toll Puddle Martyrs and the one where he explains about the father and son relationship and uses the Lords prayer to put this over. To me, it helped me understand each song and why it was written.
How many have reasearched Tom Paine and Tthe Toll Pudddle Martyrs. Quite amazing information.

With a timed floorspot, it becomes almost impossible to take time out of anybody else's performance, which I think is very fair.

The big problem occurs when you have people in singarounds spending 10 minutes tuning up or talking and then doing a song that lasts for 25 verses or so. To me they have unfairly taken time out for the other people who want to play or sing.
I think that Gainsborough Folk Club have that situation under control and can be complemented for that.
I also was very impressed with the system that Mrs Sooz introduced for the singaround when Graham Moore & Gill Redmond was on at MRFC. Everybody was ready for their tune and consequently got two rounds in. However Stitherum were very unselfish and didn't do their second one, so that others could. That is what I call a good organiser for singarounds. Somebody who is not selfish and will stand down to allow others to perform. That is something that GFC performers are particulary good at, when there are too many singers on an evening.

Time for me dinner - and hope I don't come back and find I have been crucified :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 02:34 PM

Forgot to mention also that when a string is tuned, it will always try to return to the pitch it was at previously. When you tune, it's necessary to let the strings 'settle' for a short while, then do the final 'tweak' to get the tuning blob-on. That's another reason for the 'first' and 'second' tuning with waffle in between. :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 11:21 PM

Ok ok I am beaten down with the science of stringology;
I capitulate and bow to you greater knowledge of strings.
You are the string meister hehehehe,but you knoew that all ready.
If some one of your experience wants to tell me about strings and the technical detail,s of the methods they are using to tune them while they are doing so fine will be enthralled.
If I am to be regailed with humerous or memorable anecdotes like the one about the awful fiddle player great is all part of the act great entertainment.
Tell me its an old song from Ireland, tune the bloody guitar and then play it!!!!!
We are non of us getting any younger.
Except Les.
Who I think I may agree with to some degree
However I dont really like being agreable as it gives a bad impression.
So I would put it this way if every body said Hi I am pleased to be here,this is a song by... while tuning the instrument.Then played it and the next 5 or 6.
Would we save enough time in the evening to be able to have an extra little 10 minute break after the first hour?
SO our number extremities could be relieved by walking around and socialising a bit?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 12:20 AM

Morning Tim

>>Would we save enough time in the evening to be able to have an extra little 10 minute break after the first hour?
SO our number extremities could be relieved by walking around and socialising a bit? <<

Answer - In principle no, as the floorspots have a timing - not the amount of numbers performed. To do what you require would mean reducing the time for each performer. Now surprise surprise, most of the performers would probably want more time not less :-). I do allow 5 minutes between each floorspot, and there is nothing to stop anybody having a quick slouch around whilst I am talking and waiting for the next performer. Could it be the fag syndrome LOL :-)
I also allow 30 minutes break after the third floorspot and need that time because of selling the raffle tickets etc.
Another thing that you can do of course, is when a performer has completed a song, is quickly go to the back of the room and watch the next number standing up, and then return to your seat for the next song. Just a thought.
One of the things I do when I am at any other club, and am getting uncomfortable (which happens quite a lot with me poor ole legs) is to go outside the room and have a little pace up and down to get the old circulation going again, and come back in when the song is finished.

Hope that helps a bit. :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 01:10 AM

long thread this week

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 01:16 AM

Hi Al - another one up early.
tis a bit int it.
There are about 3 or 4 threads in one really. :-), but very interesting to say the least.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 01:39 AM

Hi Les
couldn't resist a grim smile at the thread about contemporary murder ballads. sounds like these people know some real bummers.

Banks of the Ohio, Knoxville Girl, Pretty Polly....come back, all is forgiven!

al

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 04:33 AM

It isnt Hi Al its Big Al!
I miss the perma thread thingy you used to have on here Les.
What about the performers and other audience members?
It wouldnt bother some of us mere open mikers if people are wondering about creaking as their bodily parts free them selves from pre termination rigor, but what if the 10 minute preamble to the shetland sheep shearing ballad was interupted and had to be restarted?
Notice said shearing ,not shareing or anything rude

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 05:52 AM

Great thread or...threads, perhaps?!!
Twangy, do I sense a tongue-in-cheek set of songs...
"er, this is a song, I wrote about my best mate, the Lincolnshire Lynchman...he is a great bloke and great fun on a night out,eee the laughs we have had together.... and this tells of his first 15 murders..."
Here's another song I wrote about the beginnings of 'cat's eyes'.When they were first invented, can any remember the great riots of The Liners guys...you know, when they all ganged up on the little man digging the hole for the cat's eye thingyummy...after all it was doing them out of the job of lining the middle of the road, there end-to-end with their little white suits on so people could see where the other side of the road was....

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 08:52 AM

Hey Tim, I'd sooner hear a ten-minute exposition on the source and history of the Sheep-Shagging Ballad than have to listen to more of the stuff I come across at Open-Mikes (yes, I do go to several!). Mostly badly-tuned-guitar-thrashing, Coldplay/Oasis/James Blunt-girly-voiced-boy-band-wannabes, wailing their interminable and totally unintelligible dirges of teenage angst, which they usually claim to have written on the bus coming to the session, or while taking a leak just before taking the stage! Either that or sad old hippies with bald heads and long grey hair droning on about 'Nights in White Satin' and looking 'Wonderful Tonight'! Yuck! :-)

Hopefully, at MRFC next week, I shall regale you with the full 53-verse version of 'The Cord-Wangler's Delight' in the original Franglais, complete with slide-show, discussion on the accepted translation into English together with the disputed 'alternative' translation, followed by a question-and-answer session during which tea and cakes will be served and a collection taken in aid of Johnny's Retirement Fund For Bewildered Folkies.

Peqace be with you, my son. :-)
S:0)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 08:54 AM

And I promise to learn to spel 'peace'. LOL!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 11:30 AM

Oh my god, thats 5 minutes for Flossie then LOL :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 11:31 AM

Ha ha he ehhehehehehehehe John me boy you are a one.
Do you do any Rambling Sid Rumphole covers they always crease me up?
Oh you spoiled it I thought Peqace was a local fertilizer god in your neck of the woods .
Bit thin on the old virgins for a proper old solstice song and dance though innit?
'tis great to be havin you back in fine old form mate
More power to your drinking and twangling arms.
Angst ridden drivel hehehe.
Acne ridden more like.
Keep taking hte waters of life.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 11:31 AM

100 wow

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 11:33 AM

You bugger Tim. You clocked the 100 up and didn't even know it. LOL

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 12:52 PM

Hey,hang on there a minute.I spent a year in the Shetlands and never got close to a sheep.Mind you,the legs needed minor op at the time.The one thing that The Sheland music scene taught me,was the informal nights are such fun.They used to gpo on as long as there was someone to sing and play.I don't mean just a drunken sing around either.
It felt good the other night at Les's venue when Rockhen had a little time setting up.I normally woffle on about something or another to the audience to fill the time.It just felt right to miss a song and let everyone carry on chatting.The noise of it was something else and made it sound like we had 100 watching.I think the social side is lost in a way,but then again i am not fussed.If we miss a song out as long so others can have a chat it is fine by me.Just keep doing what you do so well Les and as in Field of Dreams,"they will come".

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 01:07 PM

Quote from Ian
Hey,hang on there a minute.I spent a year in the Shetlands and never got close to a sheep.
Unquote

OK we beleive you Ian - NOT LOL :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 02:59 PM

Hey Les dont mock the lad just 'cos he stil had some romance in his soul! I know what he means,the groping and fumbling is nice 'specialy on a cold dark northern night.
But it is nice to know the name of your companion of the moment at least.
There are many ways to get to know ones partner and people may caste stones at Ian for his openess and honesty.But what is wrong in this world if we pick on a guy because he wants to be decent and loveing to his ovine other?
They may run around bleating on but so do some of the more normal choices others may make in the love lives.
I say you carry on showing a bit more interest and respect in your choice of mate , mate. In the long run you wil find the one you are searching for.
At least you can be fairly certain yours wont be trying to look at her wrist watch while you are busy making love and trying to satisfy her every need.
And dont worry at the sniggers from people when you take her a lovely bunch of flowers,
or other suitable snack.
People get bitchy when they are jealous.
Baaaaaa Humbug.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 03:11 PM

Just in case any of you were wondering the lad took me advice and persiveered in his search for wooly companionship
he actualy met her while he was out for a walk and saw a gang of men forcing her and a few others into a fould smelling hole in the ground full of some digusting and dangerous looking liquid.
Quick as a flash he scared the men away and rescued all their prisoners.
Then among the grateful throng he noticed her,the prettiest and quietest of all. I chose her and will never regret that he told me.
I always told her i won her in a lucky dip.
Sad too say his chosen one led him on and he was taken for quite a lot of money ,not to mention the heartbreak.
As he told me in the pub through tear veiled eyes .
Tim mate she got what she wanted in the end.
I reckon all she had on her mind was the house the car and the holidays in Benidorm.
Sounds like from the start she was out to fleece the poor lad
But who are we too judge? eh? who are we?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 03:47 PM

Unbeleivable Tim ROTFLMAO

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 07:15 PM

You make love to one sheep,now look what has happened.Just like the pig who said it would not squeal.Just like the rest who say nothing and take but not give..All this,and i thought i was saving it for a friday night with my fellow understanding folkies.You are not all as innocent as you make out.Scarecrow hunt is coming soon and we will see who is scared to come out.No more lonely nights Tim.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 07:27 PM

Well their you have it, sheep bloody sheep, not one mention of goats.

Ull is renowned for its goats and utilisation of instruments to achieve the relevant outcomes.

Pease visit www.goatsgobitall.com for further information.

Les - get a grip man........

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 08:03 PM

Hey hands off her Les,she is mine.Bloody goats everywhere here.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 09:08 PM

So, I misheard all those people that i thought were saying...I'll get me coat...
I am shocked and dismayed by the total destruction of this thread...and I thought you were all only interested in the music....so that's why you chose the country location for the club venue, Les?
I always wondered why you moved out of town...
Guess you will want a new set list, Ian...

Whiskey and the Baaaa
I'll Tell Me Baaaa
Da Do Ram Ram
Sheep May Cautiously Graze
Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamy Goat
Baabaabaa Ann

Sorry, this is baaaad, I know
I'm sure the list of songs above is not com-bleat...

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 05:38 AM

I baaaaah ter get me Goat on!

I had also baaaah ter start a new thread for Flossie, so that this thread can dye

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 06:00 AM

Rockhen
Just tried to reply to your e-mail but it is bouncing back. It says that your address has permanent errors.
Dunno whats goating on!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 10:58 AM

Thanks. Got someone to test send mail to me and worked so is either ok or problem with your computer, i think.
So is this thread...finished.
It is looking a little sheepish...

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 11:39 AM

Getting to close for comfort with this subject Les,so you want to end it?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 12:07 PM

Yep good idea

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 13 Apr 06 - 07:22 PM

Guess a woman should have the last word then....
Baaaaaaa!