|
10 Dec 06 - 05:27 PM (#1905669) Subject: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: freda underhill I have just had a peek at John Warner's new website: John Warner Singer, Songwriter, Poet What a great site, and what a long time coming. There are lots of links to sound clips of John's songs, he is a massive talent and has produced a river of wonderful music. The site is still being developed but already is a great source of information about John's music. Here are some comments from reviewers of John's work: "One of the events at the 2000 Australian National Folk Festival was a tribute to an unnamed songwriter. People are still talking about this event at which about 40 people contributed as soloists, duos, trios and choirs - and they were all singing songs composed by John Warner. Many in the audience were astounded at the breadth of John's material and the sensitivity and sheer skill of the songwriter. And John's songs are spreading - like his midriff - widely. A Sydney choir of over 500 people have sung his "Bring Out the Banners" in the Sydney Town Hall; Sandra Kerr's women's choir in Northumberland won a place in a competition with "Miner's Washin'"; James Fagan and Nancy Kerr's arrangement of "Anderson's Coast" has helped score them gigs at festivals in South Wales and the Orkneys; at least 8 performers (4 in the UK, 3 in Oz) have recorded this particular song; a dancer called Diane Wilder has choreographed a series of dances under the name "Dear Diary" to songs from :Pithead in the Fern"; a dance in the 'bush style" has been set to "Kitty Kane"; and so on." John's lyrics have been compared to Gerard Manly Hopkins - his music flows and uplifts like the mighty Murrumbidgee river - all I can say is the power of John's talent is staggering. freda |
|
10 Dec 06 - 06:41 PM (#1905747) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Herga Kitty Thanks Freda for posting this! Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman have recorded Bring out the Banners on their new CD (Unity)- I think Danny Spooner's trip to UK this year helped to spread its popularity. Can see Join your Union going the same way! Kitty |
|
10 Dec 06 - 07:48 PM (#1905825) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: JennyO The Dave and Anni version of Bring out the Banners is the last track on their CD - it's a rousing rendition of the song - John loves it. I believe something is being cooked up with Danny Spooner involving a brass band, but I'll say no more. Meanwhile Join Your Union is being heard quite a lot around here. It's already on Mark Gregory's site Union Songs. One of the most exciting things lately has been the production and release of the long-awaited CD of John's hauntingly beautiful song and verse cycle, Yarri of Wiradjuri. There's more about Yarri on his website, and the CD can be ordered online - if you like John's music, this one is a must-have! It's been magnificently produced, and in my opinion is his best one yet. We held an extremely successful CD launch at my folk club 3 weeks ago, and we were at another one in the Blue Mountains yesterday. Although you'd hardly know it, John is a Mudcatter - jack halyard - but he forgets to post here for long periods of time. One thing I am pleased about, is that John finally seems to be accepting that the praise he has been getting is well deserved, and he's even been seen to be enjoying it! Not before time! |
|
10 Dec 06 - 08:35 PM (#1905866) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Leadfingers I first met John when he was in UK with Margaret Walters Still do Anderson Coast fairly regularly - Definately one of the better writers |
|
10 Dec 06 - 09:24 PM (#1905915) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: JudyB Great news indeed! Charlie sings "Anderson's Coast" on occasion - which reminds me - I need to put a link to John's web site on Charlie's web site! Links do help establish the ratings for a site, so it's usually a good idea to mention someone's site (with link) on your own site when appropriate. (Oops - the thread drift police will be after me!) I've been known to sing some of John's songs myself - though I'd better not admit that in a place where John might discover the fact - I'm not as good a singer as Charlie. I won't go into details - but there may be a statistically significant number of folk music session attendees in midcoast Maine who suspect Australia still has dinosaurs protecting their sheep, and who don't quite dare to not believe in Bunyips.... I also love "Kitty Kane" though (or maybe partly because) trying to sing it forces me to stretch my vocal skills a lot! I do wish Australia was a bit closer to the eastern United States - I'd love to pop over for performance of "Yarri of Wiradjuri"! The samples on the web site make me want to hear more! We're hoping to make it back to Australia, maybe in a year or so - so I'll be able to get the CD (eventually) - but to be there while they're doing it...WOW! Thanks, Freda, for letting us know the web site was up. It's been added to my favorites, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops. All the best, JudyB |
|
11 Dec 06 - 07:33 AM (#1906173) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Bob Bolton Gday, I'll apoligise in advance for the long posting ... but at least the "cut & paste" is all mine! Sandra in Sydney asked me to post my review of the presentation of Yarri to which JudyB refers above. This is it (from the Singabout section of P. S1 Yarri of Wiradjuri I wonder when we will see a larger part of our nation appreciate just how perceptively someone new to Australia can see what the rest of us have long glazed over with superficial familiarity. John Warner's setting of an epic song cycle around the tragedy of the Great Flood in Gundagai in 1852 resonates with all the subsequent lessons from which we still fail to learn. The new CD, with the full forces of the Roaring Forties (more often heard belting out shanties … with a sprinkling of old-time 'gospel' songs …), reinforced on the melody front by Tony Pyrzakowski's fiery fiddle, Christine Wheeler's flutes, flageolets and guitar and Matthew Doyle's didgeridoo, draws something extra from every participant. There's also an excellent song book to accompany – and inform – anyone who wants to bring their own perceptions to bear on John's epic work. Follow the web links to John's site (given in the head panel on page S2) to lots of on-line resources – but buy … nobody's subsidising anything as worthwhile as this! p. S2 YARRI OF WIRADJURI A SONG & VERSE CYCLE BY JOHN WARNER ABOUT THE GREAT FLOOD IN GUNDAGAI IN 1852. Feathers and Wedge FWCD047 – PO Box 615, Glebe, 2037, including postage and packaging: $20.00 Web site: www.folkjohnwarner.com Before I could really do justice to the material on this CD, I really had to get along to the full cast presentation of John Warner's epic song cycle: Yarri of Wiradjuri! The 19th century sandstone bulk of Gladesville Hospital's "Cornucopia Café" worked well in focusing my mind on the full tragedy of this particular true story of Colonial rejection of the offered assistance of the first people of this land … and how, even when the predicted disaster struck, the displaced ones risked all to save some of the white settlers. The bare story is of the arrival of white settlers in the Gundagai region in the Murrumbidgee. As they greedily take up the lush flood plains and build businesses to exploit the travellers crossing the river at this point, they scoff at Aboriginal knowledge, memory and lore of mighty floods. John Warner has crafted fine songs of the archetype settlers and the representative Aboriginal couple Yarri and his wife Black Sally. As the story proceeds, the settlers dig in, despite minor floods, and make their profits. The local Wiradjuri people warn … and live – as well as they now can – in harmony with the nature of their land. John's songs play the women of both groups against each other as one thread – the hard-headed men scoffing at Yarri as another … and, in a masterly style, he personifies the Murrumbidgee River and the local anabranch (encircling old Gundagai in a watery vice) as elemental Mother and Daughter – sung with great effective by Margaret Walters and Jennifer Lees. The rest of the established shanty crew The Roaring Forties each take parts of the various characters and a narrative like that of a Greek tragedy is superbly spoken by veteran Australian actor / reciter John Derum – while the didgeridoo of Matthew Doyle threads its own elemental undertones through the work. The live performance focused questions that arose in hearing just the CD. I found myself on the edge of tears as the disaster unfolded, with its heroic rescue of many settlers by Yarri (as well as another Wiradjuri only remembered as "Jackey"). I still can't say whether those tears would be for the tragedy that destroyed Old Gundagai so long ago … or if they were called up by the knowledge that we have still learned so little from this country and the people who have lived with – and shaped it since time immemorial. Buy the CD … listen and hope to learn – and hope other will learn. Bob Bolton WHITE MAN FOOL (BIG WATER COME DOWN) Words & Lyrics: John Warner White man fool to camp on the low ground, Big water come down. White fulla* learn the ways of the land or drown. One white man crossed the Murrumbidgee, Soon there followed ten, Soon there followed carts and cattle, Horses, women, children, men. White man fool to camp on the low ground, Big water come down. White fulla learn the ways of the land or drown. Water's high down at the crossing, Travellers wait for days, Smart man here has set up a sly-grog, Can't you see how the business pays. White man fool to camp on the low ground, Big water come down. White fulla learn the ways of the land or drown. Smart man here has set up a sly-grog, A saddler's put roots down, Blacksmith, tailor, butcher, baker, Before you know it, there's a town. White man fool to camp on the low ground, Big water come down. White fulla learn the ways of the land or drown. And the floods they come and the floods they go, Wiradjuri people warn and plead, But what's two inches of mud in the shop To the hopes of profit, the drive of need? Build an attic up in the rafters, Done in a day or so, We'll be safe upstairs when the river rises, What do the primitive natives know? White man fool to camp on the low ground, Big water come down. White fulla learn the ways of the land or drown. * Indigenous pronunciation of "fellow" |
|
11 Dec 06 - 08:51 AM (#1906255) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: RoyH (Burl) Hey Bob, Good to see your name on here once again. It's been ages, or else I've missed something. All best for Christmas and New Year. Burl. |
|
11 Dec 06 - 09:40 AM (#1906299) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: JennyO Um, small detail Bob - the CD of Yarri is $25 (AUD), not $20, and postage is extra. They can be ordered on Margaret Walters' website - here Judy - no need to wait a year for the CD - we'll send you guys one! Jenny |
|
11 Dec 06 - 02:39 PM (#1906593) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Linda Kelly Hazel and I just love Anderson's Coast - it is fantastic for harmony and beautiful beautiful words. |
|
11 Dec 06 - 03:14 PM (#1906631) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Herga Kitty Freda, JennyO and Jack H - I tried following the Yarri link from JW's website, but the site was unavailable. Kitty (who sings Dear Diary, Anderson's Coast and Kitty Kane - well no surprise why I like that one, but Judy B is right about the stretch and I think I have to sing it in G#...) |
|
11 Dec 06 - 03:48 PM (#1906677) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: lamarca I'm so glad that this album is finally out! Margaret Walters told us about it when we got to Oz last year, and we've been looking forward to its release. We visited Gundagai on our trek from Sydney to Danny Spooner's home in Daylesford, and looked out over the vast Murrumbidgee floodplain. There was just a little sign by Morley's Creek to commemorate the flood and Yarri's heroism. My husband and I have been singing some of John's songs that we learned from the albums we brought home - I've been singing "Windsong" (on Margaret's Power of a Song), George just learned "Devlin's General Store" (on The Pithead and the Fern), and we've been trying to put together a guitar and harmony version of "Murrumbidgee Water" - it really grabbed me after I actually got to see the Murrumbidgee itself. I think John is a fantastic songwriter - he is able to paint such vivid pictures in words. Gordon Bok has been singing some of John's songs, and praising him as a songwriter. It would be wonderful if John could come to the US for a tour, and present his own work in his own voice! Listening to his music helps remind us of the sights and sounds of our wonderful trip through southern NSW and Victoria. |
|
11 Dec 06 - 06:09 PM (#1906853) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Charley Noble Jenny and John- And we heard Gordon Bok and friends singing "Anderson's Coast" last year, and did our best to enable him to listen to more of John's fine songs. We are eagerly awaiting our copy of the new CD, and I'm sure we can find something around here to reciprocate with, or at least amuse you! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
11 Dec 06 - 06:27 PM (#1906876) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Bob Bolton G'day JennyO, Many apologies! I shouldn't try to do complicated cut & paste manoeuvres around midnight ... after leading my Mad Monday Mob (Monday Night Music Sessioneers) in an organised dang gig for the ultra-keen Pennant Hills Dance Workshop ... then enjoying their Christmas Party ... getting home after sensible bed time, but deciding to look in on the Mudcat Café ... seeing freda's post and remembering that I promised to post that review! The price and postage is correct in the Mulga Wire ... but two different price lines came up in the bulk copy of text I pasted in the thread. I think the wrong line was a hangover from another review ... and was lurking, out of sight, in a text box for CD name and details ... and I must have deleted the wrong line ... before staggering off to bed. Anyway, I guess that for most US readers the price will be something like US$20 ... plus airmail post & pack ... sorry for the (my... ) confusion! Regards, Bob |
|
11 Dec 06 - 10:33 PM (#1907051) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: JennyO Hi Kitty - I noticed that last night with one of the links - the one that says "John's song and verse cycle, Yarri of Wiradjuri, is recorded at last", but there are other links to Yarri nearby which do work, including the one on the side, so try one of the others. The website does need a bit of tweaking and completing here and there. I'll mention that one to Chrissie, who set the website up. I'd like to get some links to other relevant sites on there too, including of course yours Charlie, and Mudcat. I can think of quite a few actually. |
|
04 Jan 07 - 11:07 AM (#1926472) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: alanabit Thanks to a surprise Christmas present from a Mudcatter, I have just heard John Warner's "Yarri of Wiradjuri" for the first time. I am gobsmacked. The story telling is unfussy and direct, with clear characterisation. The songs are stark and simple. The story is both inspiring and tragic at the same time. The different voices carry over the different characters exquisitely and the musicianship only brings attention to the story, never itself. I have not been this moved by a "concept" album in years. It is a telling example of what you can achieve with unemotive, but very moving storytelling. Boy am I glad I did not miss this one. Thank-you fellow Mudcatter! |
|
05 Jan 07 - 10:04 AM (#1927336) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: SINSULL I too received "Yarri" for Christmas. And a selection of union songs by John. Now I am hoping we can convince John to cross the ocean and visit us. SINS |
|
05 Jan 07 - 11:15 AM (#1927390) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: JennyO Well Mary, I have long range hopes that we might be able to get enough money together to make it to the 2008 Getaway. It will take some serious saving, but I think it would be well worth it. I'd probably get to meet my 2006 Santee too! If it wasn't for lack of money, we'd be there in a minute. Alanabit, it's really nice to get such positive feedback about Yarri. I think it's brilliant, and I'm not just saying that because I'm biased ;-) Jenny |
|
30 Dec 08 - 06:28 AM (#2527258) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: freda underhill John Warner's website has been developed, and if you click on "CDs", you'll find soundbites for many of the songs. freda |
|
30 Dec 08 - 09:02 AM (#2527346) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Charley Noble There is also a new CD Life of Brine, by the Roaring Forties (John's a member) which features one of his new historical songs "Batavia" and his adaptations for singing of the C. Fox Smith nautical poems, "Mainsail Haul," "The Day's Work," and "A Channel Rhyme." If you like full-throated singing with impeccable harmonies, you'll love this CD! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
30 Dec 08 - 09:52 AM (#2527381) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Barry Finn Are there any plans to visit the US any time soon, we'd sure love to have you over in the flesh. Barry |
|
30 Dec 08 - 10:04 AM (#2527387) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: freda underhill Here's the site for the Roaring Forties (the originals, not those English upstarts) The Life of Brine for those who want to check out The Life of Brine. |
|
10 Jan 11 - 01:25 AM (#3071057) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: freda underhill John has left Sydney and is living in the country now (very sensible), but is still writing. Here are James Fagan and Nancy Kerr singing his beautiful song, Anderson's Coast As well, here they are singing John's song, Newell Highway |
|
10 Jan 11 - 07:35 AM (#3071202) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: JennyO Funny, only yesterday, Rob and I were listening to a show called 'Desert Island Discs' on Radio 4, and they played that hymn 'Dear lord and father of mankind', which led to my telling Rob about 'Newell Highway', which John wrote to that tune. I was also telling Rob about the amazing show at the Opera House a few years ago where Danny Spooner sang 'Newell Highway'. This led to my digging out one of John and Margaret's old CDs, 'Who Was Here', which had Margaret singing 'Newell Highway', and playing the whole thing. John and I have both moved on - I'm in Cossington, near Bridgwater in Somerset with Rob, and John is down in Murrumbateman near Canberra with his new lady. It all seems to have worked out for the best. My admiration for him as a songwriter remains as strong as ever. |
|
10 Jan 11 - 09:04 AM (#3071261) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: SINSULL Rumor is that John and Margaret will be visiting the US within the next year or two. That will be a treat. Lobster on the barbie if they make it to Maine. SINS |
|
10 Jan 11 - 11:14 AM (#3071351) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: dick greenhaus I'm happy to note that CAMSCO Music now carries all of John's (and Roaring 40's) CDs. |
|
10 Jan 11 - 12:04 PM (#3071388) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Brian Peters Nice to hear news of John and that he's doing well. I hope I get to meet him again sometime, over here or over there. |
|
10 Jan 11 - 05:19 PM (#3071635) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Charley Noble Yes, John Warner is now resident in Murrumbateman, NSW, now working in Yass, about 12 km up the road. According to my map of Oz that's almost as far west of Sydney as Wagga Wagga. It would be great to see John and Margaret in Maine. They'll certainly have their fill of seafood before they leave this State, between our hospitality and Sinsull's. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
10 Jan 11 - 07:24 PM (#3071724) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: GUEST,Margaret Walters Sandra has just drawn my attention to this thread. I'm very moved by the interest shown there in John's songs. I'm sorry but there are no plans at this time for Walters & Warner to visit North America - although I've recently retired and have been toying with the idea of going to England later in 2011. Dropping in to the USA on the way home to Sydney may be an option. Overseas travel is not on the cards for John who is still beavering away at his day-job in child care in the town of Yass. Cheers Margaret |
|
10 Jan 11 - 08:28 PM (#3071760) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Charley Noble Margaret- Thanks for dropping in to post a clarification. Certainly if you're traveling to the UK you should consider taking the shortcut back home via the States! Give my best to the Sydney crowd when you see them. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
11 Jan 11 - 09:47 AM (#3072102) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: JennyO Margaret, if you find yourself in the West Country in the UK any time, there is always a spare bed here in Cossington :) |
|
11 Jan 11 - 11:28 AM (#3072179) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: George Papavgeris Hi Margaret, I didn't know John was working in Yass now - he's just down the road from my son's (Gunning)! |
|
11 Jan 11 - 02:28 PM (#3072304) Subject: RE: John Warner Singer Songwriter and Poet From: Herga Kitty Margaret - if your retirement means that your e-mail address has changed I hope you'll let me have current contact info.... and if you do make it to the UK later this year I hope to catch up with you! Kitty |