best thing seen at a folk club

Subject: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 May 07 - 01:22 PM

please tell the forum ,about the best thing you have seen at a folk club.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 02 May 07 - 01:28 PM

That's better...a positive thread rather than negative....Best thing seen at a Folk Club.....She wore a mini skirt, had a gorgeous figure but was with her boyfriend.....oh perhaps you meant best act.....
Richard Digance...many years ago in Lancashire when he was a musician rather than a comedian...was still funny though even then. Same goes for Billy Connolly and the Humblebums.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Leadfingers
Date: 02 May 07 - 01:30 PM

I recall a guy doing a gig in The Watermans in Brentford , actually swearing on Mic , because No One was listening to him - Except the ten or twelve actual folkies . The rest of the punters in the bar were missing some damn good stuff !

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 May 07 - 01:35 PM

She wore a mini skirt, had a gorgeous figure but was with her boyfriend

Good grief, what exactly is 'positive' about such wholly outdated, disasteful, sexist crap?

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 02 May 07 - 01:44 PM

So saying a woman is attractive is sexist....distasteful...outdated.....I thought it still went on!!

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 May 07 - 01:51 PM

leadfingers,I enjoyed that too,its the only time,I have told an audience to f off,ANDtherewas no reaction.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Rasener
Date: 02 May 07 - 02:35 PM

The best thing seen at my club is the audience going home happy and the performers enjoying playing for the audience. When you get that which seems to be every time Faldingworth Live is on, then its magic.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: greg stephens
Date: 02 May 07 - 02:43 PM

The Watersons I suppose. And, however much Countess Richard may object , there were some beautiful ladies around in miniskirts in the glory years of folkclubs in the 60's. And I liked it.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 May 07 - 02:47 PM

A newbie actually getting up and performing solo for the first time. It means that one more addict is added to the throng.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 02 May 07 - 02:59 PM

I have to say I have seen that Georgiansilver fella and he is bloody gorgeous – he did not have a mini skirt on at the time but was viewing a pair of Cream Jugs of Peter and Anne Bateman

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: PoppaGator
Date: 02 May 07 - 03:40 PM

Jeez, countess richard, lighten up!

Georgiansilver's response was obviously half-joking ~ anyone can see that the original question was really seeking feedback about musical performances ~ but it was entirely good-natured and, to my mind, not offensive in the least.

If you have a problem when any male human expresses interest in, and/or admiration for, an attractive young woman, you're in for a lifetime of disappointment.

Do you truly believe that such interest is "outdated"? Well, maybe you're right. Maybe overpopulation has put us into a situation where heterosexuality is becoming a thing of the past, as evolution demands that we put an end to procreation.

I prefer to believe that "survival of the fittest" means that the future belongs to those who get born, and that therefore people ~ some of us, anyway ~ will continue to beget more people. For that to happen, you have to allow for at least a little bit of lust, distasteful as that may be to you.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 02 May 07 - 03:40 PM

Mini-skirt and gorgeous figure! Sounds great to me - and I'm sure most of the male population would agree.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 May 07 - 03:56 PM

Why doesn't it surprise me that it has clearly not entered your pusillanimous brainspaces that women musicians might be considering any man in a place dedicated to music as a possible musical collaborator and thus (not very hopefully) 'the best thing ever seen at a f*lk club'?

Or is your musicianship as poor as your grasp of sexual politics?

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:02 PM

I have to agree with Poppagator.

Just because they may be viewed as musical collaborators doesn't mean that the opposite sex can't be looked as being very easy on the eye. I still enjoy looking at a good looking man - doesn't mean I'm going after them or that I am not appreciating eveything else going on. What's wrong with eye candy, of either sex?

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:04 PM

I would be very happy if a woman in a folk club thought some some guy was gorgeous in his tight jeans and a t-shirt. And if he played and sang like a dream - all the better! By the way, sex appeal is very much part of life - and the folk scene. If Nic Jones hadn't been such a hunk, he wouldn't have been as popular. And, a lot of Kate Rusby's success is due to her attractiveness. That's life!

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: PoppaGator
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:16 PM

Well, it's certainly true, and problematic, that confusion and unnecessary tension can crop up when two members of the opposite genders explore the possibility of a musical collaboration, while the two of them have different ideas about the possibilities for further, more personal, developments in said relationship.

However, please don't think that the female party to such an encounter is always innocent while the male is automatically wrong. You may well have had such an experience, been entirely in the right, and been hurt. However, sometimes it happens the other way 'round. Without going into embaarrassing detail, and without naming any names, let me just say that I've been there.

I get the impression that your "grasp of sexual politics" is that men are always wrong, and that whatever a women does is excusable. I hope for your sake that I'm wrong, and that in your better moments you DO actually have a sense of humor.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:26 PM

If Nic Jones hadn't been such a hunk, he wouldn't have been as popular

I think that's probably actionable and I hope he sues you.
What interested me (and innumerable others) in Nic Jones was his playing style and his skill in reconstructing songs.

As for the krusby, she's 'very nice'. She was 'very nice' in the early '90s and hasn't changed. Sadly. No idea who finds this attractive but I am speaking musically and I don't.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:29 PM

Thread title does actually say "seen" not "heard"! So I think I'd vote for Magic Lantern.

Reminds me of when Don Partridge was booked at Herga but had split his trousers at the back earlier in the day. As far as I can remember, he didn't turn round while on stage.

Kitty

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Dave Higham
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:30 PM

She wore 'hot pants' a tube top and 'kinky' boots. She played fiddle and the way the spiral lead from the pickup snaked up and down, well..... The band was Mr Fox.

I suppose 'countess richard' you'll tell me she was dressed like that because of the warm weather. I imagine you'd have preferred her to wear dungarees, sandals and plaits.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:33 PM

I get the impression that your "grasp of sexual politics" is that men are always wrong

Your 'impression', based on nothing whatsoever as you haven't a clue who I am, is incorrect. I was making horrified observations about the juvenile attitude of certain 'men' hovering about on here. If that's all they go to f*lk clubs for they may as well stay in and watch whatever it is such immature specimens gawp at on television.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:36 PM

Countess: You're fighting against nature! What if I'd have said that Elvis's looks were a lot to do with his success, could that have landed me court?

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:37 PM

Well, Dave Higham, I saw Carole Pegg (now a leading academic in Tibetan music) playing quite recently. I seem to recall (not that it has the slightest relevance) that she was wearing a woollen skirt and jacket. It was quite a cold day.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: breezy
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:45 PM

'at the bottom of the belly lies the cuckoo!s nest'

as sung last night at the ringers after may day in Padstow

So whats the beef?

Its life Jim, but not as some know it

Up to the rigs

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Dave Higham
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:12 PM

"she was wearing a woollen skirt and jacket"

Well, she is about 30 years older now!

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: PoppaGator
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:16 PM

Your 'impression', based on nothing whatsoever as you haven't a clue who I am, is incorrect.

My impresion is based on what you have written, and it remains about the same now as it was back at 3:40 pm today, Mudcat time.

Should we ever meet in real life, I'll try to have an open mind. For now, the written word is all I have on which to base my opinions.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:27 PM

Countess Richard......in the 60's when I was but a young lad, I saw a beautiful woman in a Folk Club...a stunning woman who was with her boyfriend...I was captivated by her beauty as were 99.9% of the other guys in the club.....it was allowed then and I believe it still is.
I lightheartedly made a comment about it at the beginning of this thread and you seem to have made a crusade of what is right and what is wrong with regards you what you believe are sexist attitudes.
I will be 60 next year and still find young women beautiful...and I am not just some pervert or dirty old man or indeed sexist.
I had a look at your photo by the way....I think you are very attractive but am I insulting you by telling you this?????
Please lighten up...life is too short!!!

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:30 PM

I think you are James Blunt.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:35 PM

do you mean John Blunt,There was an old fellow lived under a hill.
John Blunt,also means..........

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:35 PM

You mean you WISH I was James Blunt

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:39 PM

'Scuse me while I throw up.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:43 PM

ROFLOL

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:45 PM

Nice to see your usual grasp of the law, madam.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:50 PM

If Nic Jones decided to sue for defamation because somebody called Tunesmith thinks his popularity was due only to how he looked, I'm quite sure he wouldn't choose Richard Bridge as his solicitor.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:54 PM

Ah countess, we were young and in our prime. Life was joyful and exciting. Lust was in our loins, both male and female. We were lovely to look at, lovely to know and the whole world was ours. We had untold years ahead of us. A kiss was bliss. We held each other tight and sang for sheer pleasure. We......
But surely you remember?
No?
That's sad.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:55 PM

NicJones was popular because he could sing and play very well,but also because he was charismatic,part of his charm was his good looks,so both Tunesmith and Countess are right.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:57 PM

I remember Countess as a librarian she was helpful, charming and attractive.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:59 PM

Wordy: No
Dick: Good grief!

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:04 PM

Of course, I didn't say that Nic Jones success was just down to his good looks! I said that his good looks added to his popularity! Good looks alone aren't going to get you very far on the folk scene.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: GUEST
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:07 PM

Countess. You don't remember? Where were you?
We only get one shot at life you know.
Je regrette rien. ( failed french O level)

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:18 PM

This is like the Lloyd thread - we want to talk about something and end up talking about the obsessions of the aristocracy.

Too many brilliant acts over the years. I think its the moments that sort of stick with you - rather whole songs.

Gerry Lockran capturing a room with just the first two three notes.

The first time I heard Fred Jordan's voice.

Pete Quin's ragtime guitar, never heard anybody play guitar ragtime better.

Derek Brimstone looking round a Birmingham nightclub before striking up - flash little place innit...?

Ian Campbell stopping the band and singing an unaccompanied song from Peter Grimes opera - totally brilliantly.

Paul Downes had this scratchy little rhythm guitar that started off the first song - Won't you let me play for you tonight? - and Phil Beers fiddle just hitting the groove.

Tommy Dempsey (of Bourneville and County Roscommon) singing As I roved Out to the tapping of his foot......

Roy Harris throwing his head back and singing Nobody wants to know you when you're down and out

the late Roger Brooks singing anything

the late John Dunkerly(of the campbell folk group) - his banjo on The unquiet grave - plaintive and perfect.

I'd wear a miniskirt to the folkclub meself if I could live through one of those moments again.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Surreysinger
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:23 PM

Tony Rose playing in the cafe bar at the Electric Theatre in Guildford during his (sadly) short lived comeback in the early 1990's.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:27 PM

I am amazed that you guys bother trying to reason with countess richard. You should by now have realised that the good countess sees herself as the perfect uberfrau, and her posts are positively dripping with contempt and disdain for most, if not all, of Mudcat's membership.

She obviously thinks of herself as some kind of superwoman, and I must agree.

She is supercilious, supercritical, superficial, and, in any discussion (which presupposes that protagonists will at least take note of the opinions of others), superfluous.

Just my opinion, of course, and I don't think I'll join in

Out of here
Don T.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:28 PM

Do you think if we re-named this as the best thing seen about sexual politics it would turn into a discussion on the joys of folk clubs?

CC

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: GUEST,John S
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:30 PM

June Tabor at the Empress of Russia, Islington, at about the time Aqaba came out.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Surreysinger
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:31 PM

Probably not???

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Jeanie
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:34 PM

Wordy: That's a great description you gave. And apart from the bits about "young" and "untold years ahead", nothing else changes over the years, really, does it ? Or, at least, with a positive approach to life, nothing needs to have changed and it doesn't have to be just a memory !

Attractiveness, charm, charisma are hard to define, and are "in the eye of the beholder" to a large extent - but I would say that of course they play a part in any performance, or in any human encounter.

To go back to "best thing seen at a folk club": I saw Pete Morton perform at a folk club this week. He does just happen to be (to my eyes/mind/etc. anyway) an attractive, charming man: but the best thing of all was seeing him get a whole hall full of people singing "Knock, knock, knockin' on Heaven's Door" in Chaucerian Middle English. Priceless. That man has won my heart.

- jeanie :)

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:35 PM

Youre probably right!!

Ah well never mind

CC

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:40 PM

Spotted Mr Morton many moons ago.Another of our unsung talents because he won't fit in a box.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:49 PM

Poppagator, you said: "However, please don't think that the female party to such an encounter is always innocent while the male is automatically wrong."

I read that as 'anatomically wrong'. lol

The best thing I have seen - or rather, taken away from - a folk club was the rush of being in the midst of the combination of happy performers and happy audiences.

A couple of years ago several of us started a small folk club and I think it is just about the best thing I've involved myself in.

By the way, being aware of men drooling over hot pants on a great body wouldn't call forth my contempt but it would make me grin at the predictability of men- I doubt that they would say that her looks helped her musical ability but it couldn't hurt.

The only time I felt miffed at some men's reactions to a hot looking flashy female fiddler was once at a folk festival when the young woman was arrogant and overbearing and oblivious to the women players in the group. Most of the men crowding into her space were not concerned with her playing. Most of the women left the group and started another knot of players. Flashy plus nice is fine- flashy plus unpleasant is not.

Subject: RE: best thing seen at a folk club
From: Soldier boy
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:57 PM

Folks.Folks.Folks. A warning to you. Don't respond in any way to 'countess richard'.

From what I have seen of her rantings and ravings on other threads on Mudcat I really do politely suggest that you just ignore her.

This is usually the only way that you can stop an unwelcome 'contributor' who is compulsive in the extreme, likes to spread venom and hostility,completely change the original purpose of the discussion and obsessively take over the thread.

I'll say no more about countess richard at this stage, but if you want a taste of this character and how she behaves just have a peek at the thread "Show of hands - Roots - what a track!"

Just check out some of her latest contributions on that thread.
I have rarely seen so many F words from a lady of supposed culture and literary intelligence.
So extreme are her foul-mouthed rantings that I am very surprised that the Mudcat police haven't pulled her plug yet!!