The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #162666   Message #3939800
Posted By: Jim Carroll
27-Jul-18 - 06:47 AM
Thread Name: New Book: Folk Song in England
Subject: RE: New Book: Folk Song in England
"Ah, that's interesting, Jim. Steve was a resident at Harry Boardman's club at the same time I was
More and more interesting - I was a resident at two of Harry's clubs for a time - I remember "The Anchor(?)" - can't remember the other
I remember one incident particularly
I had the last song (just after closing time - I chose to finish with 'Ballad of Sharpeville" which I always became emotionally involved with and sang with my eyes closed
As I was reaching the end, I heard a murmur from the audience and opened my eyes to find two buly people trying to clear the room - a traumatically formative experience

Harry, if you remember, was a great singer but had a tendency to rise in pitch sometimes
I went with him one night (in the swingin' sixties) to watch him perform at the Manchester Uni Club - An The Toast-rack)
Harry launched into 'The Flying Cloud' which he sang with his eyes closed, and gradually rose in pitch until he was bulging at the gills
During the performance, two students sitting on the edge of the stage attempted to light up a joint and in the process, set the stage curtains on fire
Harry finished the song to a backdrop of floor-to ceiling blazing curtains, very apt for the song
Certainly good days
Jim