Working with George Ward

Subject: Working with George Ward
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 22 Jul 07 - 11:58 PM

I have spent the last few days doing a song and storytelling event with George. The stories of and around the Erie and NY State Barge canals. Usually stuff never heard anywhere else and in some cases attributed to one person.

At my request George sang his song The River Boatman's Curse. The song of the Batteaux drivers I mentioned on John Robert's review.
Just fine/

George is an elegant song writer. He did a number of his original songs that I have never heard so I can't tell you all the names. Accept my word that they are finely crafted songs.

George's story telling is equally good. His history and general knowledge of the canal comes only from exceptional effort. I hope you can find the chance to catch George in live performance before a small and attentive crowd.

I hope I get the time to work George again and often.


Don

Subject: RE: Working with George Ward
From: kendall
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 06:57 AM

He wrote one called "You gotta talk my language" it is an excellent song from a child's point of view.

Subject: RE: Working with George Ward
From: DonMeixner
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 08:33 AM

Hi Kendall,

Up early?

I didn't know that was one of George's. I have heard Ed Trickett do it but it I was unaware of the pedigree. OR I knew and I forgot which is a little off-putting.

So Kendall, any advice for the fledgling storyteller? You know I always tell the truth so my stories are pure fact. Is this problem something I can overcome?

Don

Subject: RE: Working with George Ward
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 02:21 PM

Don,

I've never had the chance to officially work with George, although he did come and sit in and swap some songs with Jim Kimball and me at a canal event in Waterford a few years ago. It's frustrating (for me) that he and I live at completely opposite ends of the state, as our historical/musical interests seem to intersect quite a bit, and there is so much I could learn from him.

It was great to see you, Don, at the Village of Jordan canal event a week or so ago. I would have put you to work on stage a bit had you not had to dash off, and we could have used you in the audience as well - your presence would have lifted the attendance of my show by almost 20%!

Subject: RE: Working with George Ward
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 11:36 PM

I would have loved to have stayed and played Dave but then I wouldn't have been going to a job that day and then neither would have you. I would have done the Library gig myself.

George and I laughed about the kind of stuff quite a bit. He taking a job in the West because the local worthy in the West took a job in the East. Happens all the time.

Sorry the crowd was smallish. For all it's elegant history, Jordan, NY seems unaware of itself.

Don