Hello all " Last Leviathan "correspondents.

I've accessed this thread and would like to make the following contributions.

But first, in case you are wondering "Why". I am following the progress of this song, in the context of my research into the modern oral tradition here at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College and would welcome as much information about performances, locations of these, recordings etc. This information would help my in my research and I can be reached on
michael.batory@bcuc.ac.uk

Anyway here goes.

1. Re: Allan C and Joe Offer: You should be aware that the worldwide publisher of The Last Leviathan (also and originally known as The Last of the Great Whales) is Friendly Overtures Ltd. The copyright credit is (c) 1986 Friendly Overtures and should be attached to any transcription of the lyric together with the composer's name, which Joe has done.

It's interesting that you quote from the Rory Block version and from Golden Bough. Rory Block's is one of the most different and superb. However she makes the one mistake that really annoys Andy. That is she substitutes the word "Gun" for "Burn". This happened I believe because UK Artist Melanie Harrold who also has a briliiant recording with Ollie Blanchflower first did so and it was heard not only by Rory but also by Scottish band Disney Moon. Whether Rory heard Melanie's or Disney Moon's recording, I do not know. If any one does I would be keen to have that information.

What is also interesting is that Joe offers the incomplete lyrics. This is probably because there are very few complete recordings. The missing verse is verse 4 and goes as follows:-

And so since time began, we have been hunted
Through oceans that were our home, we have been haunted.
From Eskimoes in canoes, to mighty whalers,
Still you ignored our plea,
None came to save us.
(c) 1986 Friendly Overtures

There are altogether some 35 recorded versions of the song, more if I include those I've learned of by reading the various messages herein. If anyone wants a complete list please e-mail me on michael.batory@bcuc.ac.uk

2. Re: rich r: The song is also available in a small songbook entitled The World Turns ( Earth Movements in Contemporary Folk Song ) Published by Friendly Overtures. This also includes another of Andy's songs " Nut Brown Ale" and several other good songs.

3. Re:Kevin Ryan: I agree about Sheena Wellington's version. This appeared shortly after the first recording and the only totally complete one by Bryony on Dragon records. Both in 1986.

Do you have any further information about Jean Redpath's version? I've not heard about this one

4. Re: GUEST janetmansky@yahoo.com: You mention two recordings that you have. "Water Sign" and "Ancient Mariners" I've not heard about these either. Can you give me any further info. i.e label, release dates, album title, etc.

Andy has not made a commercial release of his song.

5. Re:Dave (the ancient Mariner): I'd love to have a copy of your recording. Could you please e-mail me michael.batory@bcuc.ac.uk and let me know how I can acquire one.

6. Re: Jeremiah McCaw: Wolfestone eh? Do you have any other detail? ie. release date, label. album title etc.

7. Re: Liz the Squeak: Andy has not made a commercial recording but you are right about Towersey ( Near Thame in Oxfordshire, UK) This brilliant international festival runs every August Bank Holiday and Andy is usually there. So are many people with hand-held recorders, so I guess there are quite a few "private" recordings around.

8. Re Animaterra: The release by Angels in Daring in 1986 was the first US one that I came across and I agree it is great and set the scene in terms of there arrangement for others that followed.

Forgive me, but can you please explain Hearme?

9.Re: Lena: How intersting to hear of Roy Bailey's performance in Australia. Do you know of any other performers' versions. Are there other recordings available?

Well dear readers, I hope I have not bored you senseless. I'd love to hear from anyone who can help with my research.

All the best,

Michael Batory.^^