Jim Eldon Appreciation Society

Subject: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 09 Dec 07 - 02:21 PM

Listening a lot to Jim recently & I can't help but feel the man truly is a national treasure; one of the great voices of the Engish Traditional Song and yet as quirky & as idiosyncratic as one could wish...

Who's with me on this? Share your thoughts!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Dec 07 - 02:57 PM

Jim Eldon Band

I have to say that I have seen Jim live and whilst I thought he was funny, I just couldn't get my head around the fiddle playing. Sounded totally off key to my ears, and I haven't found anybody yet who can explain this. Is it me or is it meant to be that way or what.

Can anybody educate the uneducated?

He is a rare commodity, and that is meant in the nicest way.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 09 Dec 07 - 04:41 PM

Jim appeared at the Yorkshire Garland Luanch on Sep 15th in York at the NCEM for us

He is most certainly a total one off, National Treasure ~ could be!

He has fans certainly high up the folk hiarachy, even though he can mostly be seen on the boats at Bridlington! entertaining in his own way

A collector story teller singer and scratchy fiddler with his own selection of songs, also Lynnette clogging

His vinyl entitled " I wish there was no Prisons"

His Lady of York (Cruel Mother) version is totally succinct and movingly haunting

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Dec 07 - 04:50 PM

It doesn't sound off-key to me, but it is awfully scratchy and it sounds on purpose. I suppose it's alright for a tune or two, but a whole concert of it would get wearing.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Dec 07 - 04:59 PM

Well this guy is a very experienced performer, so I made the assumption that it was on purpose. I have to say he intrigued me very much.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Folkiedave
Date: 09 Dec 07 - 05:43 PM

He has been intriguing people for the last 30+ years! And I know him quite well.

The Brid Fiddler!

Dave

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 09 Dec 07 - 06:17 PM

And,, IIRC, plays left-handed...

Kitty

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 07:15 AM

The only time I met Jim was when he did an album for Topic with the late Tufty Swift in our little garage studio. He seemed a very nice guy, and played in tune as I remember. In fact I'm certain he did, I've heard the record.

Perhaps the playing out of tune is something he has decided to do in later life. Folk music is a bit like that. I made several similar decisions.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,jOhn
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 07:21 AM

he's from hull.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 07:25 AM

National Treasure indeed
Have a prized live recording 10 miles off the coast of Flanborough Head of Jim seguing Belinda Carlisles "Oo Heaven is a place on earth" c/w The Undertones "Teenage Kicks"
Jim took over the role of The Brid Fiddler, working on the pleasure boats out of the Yorkshire port, in the early eighties from my late compadre Nigel Chippindale, and is still going strong in the summer months.
Also a fine, and quirky songwriter, Check out Pools Win, amongst many others.
There have been several self made CDs over the years, all of which never fail in raising a smile.
Well worth checking out, and if anyone is in Brid next summer, why not take a "Trip round the Bay" with Jim.
Regards Ralphie

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 07:30 AM

Ok so somebody explain to me what a scratchy gypsy style fiddler is please.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 07:37 AM

Hi Mr Villan.
Difficult one!!
Have a listen to the MP3s on his MySpace page listed above.
Reminds me a bit of a folkie version of Restless Eric, in a way, but his fiddle style is probably indefineable.
Jolly nice chap though, well worth seeking him out if he is nearby.
Cheers Ralphie

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 07:41 AM

Hi Ralphie
I have seen Jim live and listened to the Myspace bit. I posted it LOL.
Les

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: ossonflags
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 08:44 AM

Great guy, I have known him since he was one of the the residents at "The Rugby Folk Club" Dock Street Hull, along with stalwarts such as Mick Waterson, Jock Manual and Jill Pidd; thats gotta be over thirty five years ago,am I right FolkieDave? you were around at the time in 'ull

Apart from his vast repoitoire of songs,stories and his unique fiddle playing style;does any one remember his very skillfull playing of whistles, piccolo and timber flute?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 09:46 AM

'Ok so somebody explain to me what a scratchy gypsy style fiddler is please.'

Show a bit of imagination Les. When you're a gypsy fiddler, life is full of scratches...you are living amongst the brambles and briars, eating hedgehogs, and stuff like that.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 10:07 AM

That sounds like me Al :-)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 12:15 PM

I recall him selling cuddly toys (made by Lynette?) at gigs in the early 80's, one of which was a baby seal which he suggested we could club together to get...
He also had a lot of interesting stories about collecting songs in North Lincolnshire (and pitfalls to avoid), for a local radio programme he used to be involved with.
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Bainbo
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 01:07 PM

I could sit listening to his songs and stories for hours. In fact, I have. So intense that on occasion it's made me think: "This must have been what it was like listening to the old Delta bluesmen." Not stylistically, of course, but you know ... So, yeah, I'd join an appreciation society.

And Ralphie - In the 70s I saw a wild man in a tartan jacket, singing songs like Recconnaiz Cherie and Whole Wide World. He was called Wreckless Eric (sic) ... but Restless Eric sounds much more interesting

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 03:44 PM

Ralphie -

"...Have a prized live recording 10 miles off the coast of Flanborough Head of Jim seguing Belinda Carlisles "Oo Heaven is a place on earth" c/w The Undertones "Teenage Kicks" ..."

This I have to hear...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 03:52 PM

And I remember him singing "Little White Bull" in the late evening session in the bar at the National at Sutton Bonington....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 04:22 PM

OK, OK...
I can't spell (W)Reckless !! Mea Culpa!
With reference to the "Teenage Kicks" recording, I always said that I would send a copy to John Peel (who was also a fan).
Never got around to it, sadly, but whenever I play it now I think of John
R

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Bainbo
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 06:04 PM

That's OK, Ralphie. I've just realised I can't spell Reconnez. D'oh. Anyone want to come round to my glass house and help me chuck a few more stones?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 06:17 PM

Bainbo

As Frank Muir (or) Dennis Norden once said about an eastern potentate trying to hide his family treasures against the marauding hoards.
"People who live in glass houses, shouldn't stow throwns"
Seydane.

can be arranged.
Get in touch............(Have just listened to it again...Lovely!)
Ralphie

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 05:33 AM

I've said it before, but People who live in Glasshouses do their shopping in Pateley Bridge.
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 07:03 AM

I think my favourite of all Jim's own songs is Custom Car Kid; when I sing 'Mutton Pie' in singarounds I invariably include verses from Custom Car Kid by way of personal acknowledgement to the great man.

Oh, he's got side-winders on his exhaust,
He's told me twice how much it cost;
It's a farting camel when he drives off,
But at least he's gone and that's no loss -
With a foll-the-diddle-di-do -
foll-the-diddle-dee.

Oh, the Custom Car Kid comes to settle his bill,
He says know wat I mea, Lads, it needn't go in the till;
He paid us cash but we charged him full,
And we pocketed the tax, he though he'd done real well -
With a foll-the-diddle-di-do -
foll-the-diddle-dee.

In fact, it's amazing how many songs fit the tune of Mutton Pie; I also lob in verses from The Twa Corbies, Willie's Lady, Same Old Man, Leatherwing Bat and The Maid and the Magpie.

Jim Eldon Appreciation Society Xmas Fun Quiz : How many songs to fit the tune of Mutton Pie can YOU come up with ???

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 09:11 AM

I still have a worn copy of the "Loaded Dice" cassette by Jim Eldon and the Allsorts. All sons by Jim..including "Pools Win" and "Custom Car Kid"....it's brilliant! My two (young at the time) daughters were grat fand and insisted I get them his autograph !!! The Allsorts are those notables Richard Wastling,Brian Slater,Dave Hill,Wayne Nicholls and John Craft.   By the way Sedayne , The Jim Eldon Appreciation Society was started By Brenda Spence and Pete Fletcher at Nellie's (White Horse Folk Club) in the early 80s(or it might have been the late 70s). I was an early member.
As well as those soft toys that Lynette made he also used to sell clowns and monkeys on sticks...a craft he'd learnt from travelling folk when collecting somgs from them. I remember at one Towersey festival Jim and Bill Caddick....(perhaps having imbibed a little too much) walking through the audience during a set by Roaring Jelly with usherettes trays shouting "Get your stuffed vermin" This was soon brought to an end as they walked on the stage and a hedgehog's head was bitten off. Yes Jim is a one-off!
Ossonflags...yes I remember the wooden flutes. In fact he sold one of his very old ones to a friend of mine Paul Blackburn,with instructions to keep it in a barrel of water overnight to preserve its tone
As for the scratchy fiddle playing ,Villan....try listening beyond that...particularly at live performances..he's a great entertainer.
These days I usually meet Jim at Maritime festivals..and the trilby and leather jacket have been replaced by a suit!!
As you can probably guess I'm a fan.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 09:16 AM

Think I may have imbibed too much!
Of course I meant "All songs by Jim"
"My daughters were great fans"
"when collecting sons..."

sorry
geoff t

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 11:26 AM

Hi Geoff
>>As for the scratchy fiddle playing ,Villan....try listening beyond that...particularly at live performances..he's a great entertainer.
<<
I didn't say I didn't like him, in fact I did, but the fiddle playing was very difficult to take on board. I saw him up at Grimsby Folk Club and had Dai Woosnam next to me who is a fan. I think he did "Something Else" the old Eddie Cochran song and I thought he did that really well.
I have no doubt he is a very good entertainer, I am just a tad intrigued about the fiddle bit.
Whens he next on at GFC then Geoff?

Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Mike O'Leary-Johns
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 12:08 PM

Jim Eldon is the " Bees Knees ".
He is asolutely WONDERFUL.
I would walk thirty miles : barefoot over Broken Glass to hear him!.
I could esily get over the top singing his praises..............
                                     Mike.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: ossonflags
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 02:08 AM

Well hello Mike!!! have been trying to get hold of you for ages.

Please send me a pm and will give you me contact details

Mick McGarry

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 03:37 AM

Can he PM you, without joining.....?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 09:09 AM

NO dunt think so!

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 06:07 AM

'ow anybody from 'ull could fail to identify with "Home Town" ('ome Town) beats me

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: ossonflags
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 06:11 AM

No..................missed that one.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 05:16 PM

will copy the tape for you Mick (as I don't think it's commercially available anymore)

It's the song that starts...
"I was alligator wrestling in Pearson Park.
My heart missed a beat when I heard the bloodhounds bark.
There was posse of parkies hard upon my tail
I was hanging on tight to the alligator's tail.
Home town , Home town.
It's a hard hard city , it's a hard hard town.
I'm gonna get a budgie if the pace slows down.
Home town."


It's better when performed!!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Les from Hull
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 05:39 PM

Mick Waterson told Jim he shouldn't write songs about problems, but about solutions. Jim's answer to this was that he only really knew one thing worth knowing, about toilet rolls getting out of sync.

'Pass one ply round behind, see your problems all unwind.
There was never a fault in the roll you'll find,
If you just pass one ply round behind.'

My life has been free from problem toilet rolls ever since, thanks to Jim.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Young Buchan
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 03:53 AM

Jim is a really nice bloke, an important collector of traditional songs, and a very good performer of traditional music.
Regretably someone once told him that he could write songs.
Even more regretably someone once told him it was quite ok for him to do whole sets of his own and other modern stuff.
I also,like Mike O'Leary-Jones, used to walk thirty miles barefoot over glass to hear him. Now I at least tend to keep my shoes on.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: ossonflags
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 05:00 AM

Yeh, my mistake course you can't PM without being a member.But been trying to get hold of Mike O'Leary - Jones for months.Would be obliged if someone could give/send me some contact for him.

Thanks for that Geoff it would be most appreciated

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 05:31 AM

Don't know if this will help. Mike O'leary - Johns was a member of Mainbrace and this is the e-mail address I found. Not sure if it is still correct

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 05:45 AM

Young Buchan, I cannot and will not understand the sort of intellectual arrogance that stands inside another man's soul and tells him how he should express himself artistically. Shame on you.

Sometimes artists do take the 'wrong' path. One thinks of Django Rheinhardts move to electric guitars. But this is lofty sounding nonsense. Perhaps if you had done gigs in noisy nightclubs with even a modern electro-acoustic guitar, you could understand where Django was standing.

Maybe Jim learned something on that ferry boat, playing for holidaymakers about the true nature of of 'folk' music that has eluded you thus far.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 06:39 AM

WLD...I'll second that.
Although Jim has made a great contribution to the collecting and preservation of songs...particularly those of travellers...and I could happily spend all night listening to him perform them....his own songs are also well observed , often amusing, and entertaining.

Young Buchan...you'll be telling me next that you'd prefer Vin Garbutt without his hallmark intros.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Young Buchan
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 09:38 AM

Ah, now I understand. I point out some of Jim's good qualities. That's appreciation. I point out some of his weaknesses. That's intellectual arrogance. Yes, of course, his weaknesses IN MY OPINION. All this kind of thing is subjective as is all art criticism, and I don't feel bound to keep saying 'in my opinion but of course there are other opinions and you're not bound to take my word for it' every time I want to express a view.
Why does it cause people such distress that I want to be critical? Has the Folk movement lost all critical faculties? The editor of a regional folk magazine once told me that after he'd farmed out records to be reviewed, if he got a bad review back, he would send it to someone else in the hope of getting a better one. How do we hold up our head as a musical art form if this is our attitude?
Let's be quite clear what I am saying. I do NOT, and I do not even feel like reserving the right to, come on these pages and criticise by name amateur performers. But Jim is a professional. He takes money, albeit hardly a fortune, from the movement in general, and from me personally when I buy tickets to watch him. I think, even without years of studying folk music behind me, I have the right to be critical when I believe he is making mistakes.
How do professionals improve if every comment they get is from an Appreciation Society? I'm very sorry this sounds like an attack on Jim, because the ONLY reason I have chosen to contribute to this is that I really admire so much about him that I think he is worth 'saving' (how's that for intellectual arrogance?).
Someone has asked about whether I would be critical of Vin Garbutt. No I wouldn't, because I have no time for his work at all, so I have no interest in trying to improve him. Jim however is different. And so I get railed to death…

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 09:39 AM

Not intending to get involved with a flame war..
I have to agree with WLD on this one.
Everyone who performs is entitled to do so as they wish.
Jim is a fine musician, and singer..
What he chooses to perform in public, is up to him.
Mr Buchan.
I happen to like the way Jim plays.
You don't.
no problem.
Deal with it.
Ralph

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 10:06 AM

Forget what i was saying Buchan - i don't know whether you're arrogant or not. I just thought it was awful thing to say about anybody.. Writing songs is what he has decided to do with his life. he brings quite a lot of abilities and intelligence to the table.

if you feel unable to engage with what he does, well that's how it is sometimes.

there are whole areas of the folk world that wouldn't get on my Christmas shopping list, unless I end up shovelling coal in hell one day. however surely we can all relate to the amount of effort that it takes to be a competent folksinger, of any kind.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 12:05 PM

"I think he is worth 'saving'..."
saving from what?   He still sings traditional stuff as well as his own material. I don't think he's in need of salvation.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 01:40 PM

Mr Buchan.
My name is Ralph Jordan.
Well known around these parts.
Before you spout your opinions, Surely it would only be reasonable if you were you inform us of your real name.
If you don't feel able to let us all know who you are, and what your agenda is, then, please allow the majority on this board to treat you contributions on this topic with the contempt they deserve.
Please inform us when we can see you performing in public.
Would be illuminating.
Those that can......DO.
Those that can't....WHINGE.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 01:45 PM

Sorry for the Typos.
Sent in anger. But, you probably get my drift

Apologies to all (Except Mr Buchan, whoever he/she is)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Sarah, Barnsley
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 02:07 PM

me! i'd join! He's been a hero of mine ever since I heard hin do 'Dancing on the Dark' on Andy Kershaw's programme on Radio 1 way back. I went to a couple of fiddle workshops run by him at Whitby this year too, yet to see him live (one for the list Padgett?)

Sarah :)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 03:08 PM

well at least, we'll know who we must turn to for salvation... the way, the truth and the light.

is there anyone else you'd like us to pray for?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 07:38 PM

I'm just waiting for my pools win....won't I be the blue-eyed boy!!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 02:26 PM

the other interesting thing about Jim is that ,unlike other artists ,you rarely get the same set twice....even if it's the next day of a tour or the next spot in a festival weekend

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 02:40 PM

When is he going to be in Lincolnshire then, Geoff.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 05:24 PM

On the night of the Spice Girls reunion - can anyone confirm the rumour that Jim once did a cover of Wannabe?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: peregrina
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 05:31 PM

As a performer, he is unique and charismatic. I am sure his distinctive sound must be a conscious choice.

Unless you've actually seen him before, you've never seen anything like him!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 03:37 PM

...and on the night of the Liverpool Nativity - can anyone confirm the rumour that Jim once did a cover of Instant Karma?

I have no doubt, of course; I once dreamt of Jim singing 'Here the Deities Approve' from Purcell's 'Welcome to All the Pleasures'.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,od git
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 06:11 AM

Villan
you'll have to check with Sue..I only do the MC/Resi bit at Grimsby , not the bookings

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Young Buchan
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 06:12 AM

Since Ralph asks so politely, my name is Derek Brinkley.
I will be happy to supply my address to Jim, so he can come and throw stones at my windows should he choose. Actually, of course, he won't because he is, as I said in the original posting (for the benefit of those who choose to read only every fourth word) a really nice bloke.
I don't feel any need to advertise my next performance since I have never criticised Jim as a performer (again to go back to the original posting); I criticised his material. I still do.
However, since criticism is clearly not acceptable to some people in Mudcat I will depart and allow them to run as many mutual appreciation societies as they wish.

Till seven long years are past and over...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 08:15 AM

aw come on, don't be like that!

when you've saved Jim, perhaps you could save a few more of us.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Rfalphie
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 11:55 AM

OK Dennis
Lets just leave it.
Alright?
Life's too short to fight.
Jim is a fine performer
May you, him and me have a quiet and gentle christmas.
And may this thread die quitely and quickly now.
Regards Ralphie

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 07:13 PM

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Young Buchan - PM
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 03:53 AM

Jim is a really nice bloke, an important collector of traditional songs, and a very good performer of traditional music.
Regretably someone once told him that he could write songs.
Even more regretably someone once told him it was quite ok for him to do whole sets of his own and other modern stuff.
I also,like Mike O'Leary-Jones, used to walk thirty miles barefoot over glass to hear him. Now I at least tend to keep my shoes on.
Young Buchan,has a right to his opinion,he prefers Jim performing traditional music,what is wrong with saying that.
   as a performer,I accept that I cant please everyone,There are people that like what I perform ,and there are people that dont.
I have been criticised for performing BEATLES material on my concertina,I have been criticised for sounding as if I am singing with a peg on my nose,I have also had hundreds of people tell me what a good singer I am,I also overheard someone say how boring they thought I was, as a performer you take the rough with the smooth.
you have to have a belief in what you do,I know Jim, just like myself does,and I am sure just as I do,he will decide for himself.
my own opinions,may or may not be the same as Buchans,but he has a right to state his opinion,which was not unpleasant merely a preference for that, which he prefers to hear Jim perform,I see nothing wrong with that.
Remember the guy that called Bob Dylan[ Judas] ,ithappens to all of us.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 05:42 AM

Another thread soiled by Mudcat hysteria. However, the last time I checked with the Association for the Advancement of Free Speech, it's still okay to have an opinion; likewise to express that opinion in a general critical evaluation, such as did Young Buchan, if somewhat polemically. Polemics are also fine, but, alas, the prissy pompous put-downs we've seen from WLD & Ralphie are no longer considered to be helpful in the slightest.

Anyway - back to the thread...

I remember many moons ago Jim telling the story of how he collected The Old Grey Song (Poor Old Horse) in a thronging pub at the Appleby Horse Fair in erstwhile Westmoreland. The scene was one of riotous uproar until one old chap started singing The Old Grey (Grye?) and everyone fell silent. As this beautiful song doesn't appear to be a part of the Mudcat archive, I include it here, pretty much as sung by Jim (on The Brid Fiddler, & elsewhere...) with a couple of extra verses I've picked up over the years.


The Old Grey Song (Poor Old Horse).

Once he was a young horse, he was a young horse in his prime;
and his master used to ride him, and he thought he was very fine.

Chorus:
But he's still my own, bonny sweet, who rode so many the mile;
over hedges, ditches, brooks and bridges, gates and cleared many the stile.
Poor old horse, poor old horse, oh cherry old grey.

And his legs and his irons have all goe to decay;
likewise he poor old body, it's all withered away.

Once he wore the clothing of the lindsay oh so fine;
and his eyes they sparkle, and his mane it did shine.

Out from the warm stable to the fields he has to go;
let it rain, hail, or sun shines, or the winds blow high and low.

Oh, he's stealing all my hay, spoiling all my corn,
He's eating up the long grass that grows against the wall.

They'll beat him, whip him, cut him,
Til the huntsmen let him go.
Poor old horse, poor old horse, oh cherry old grey.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 07:28 AM

Sedayne,
I may be imagining this...my memory sometimes plays tricks...but I seem to remember many years ago Jim suggesting that grye was a travellers' name for a horse...but it may be a figment of my imagination. In any case I agree it's a beautiful song

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 07:45 AM

I heard that too, but having done a search on Google all I came up with was mispellings of 'grey'! Certainly when I sing the song myself, I sing it as 'grye'. I heard it that Grye was an old horse, as in the song, put out to grass...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Derek Brinkley
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 08:20 AM

Yes. Gry or (from memory) Gryst means horse in Romany.

see http://www.geocities.com/Paris/5121/rumney.htm

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 08:41 AM

If saying that applying oneself wholeheartedly to an artform gives you the right to do what you bloody well like is being prissy and pompous... perhaps you need to re-evaluate.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 10:23 AM

Thanks the link, Derek - grai, gry, groi - here it is as a clicky:

http://www.geocities.com/Paris/5121/rumney.htm


WLD - It's not what you said that's at issue, rather the somewhat over-reactive tone in which you said it.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Bystander at work
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 10:38 AM

Re Gry, George Borrow's Romany Dictionary gives the definition as " s. A horse. Sans. Kharu. Hin. Ghora. Irish and Scottish"

Re Sedayne's use of the words "prissy and Pompous" I hesitate to reopen the dialogue, particularly since Ralphie had wisely suggested that it should be put to bed, but I really do feel that their use when applied to his and wld's earlier statements is inaccurate. In my book the words "passionate responses" would be much closer to the mark.

It is inevitable that the inflammatory use of the words "saved" and "improved" with reference to a performer's act/act contents , together with self-avowed use of the word "arrogance" were likely to spark raw nerves on the part of people who know Jim or admire his work, and lead to the sort of outbursts that ensued. Probably a good example of the fact that postings in haste or in anger are never a good idea. Ralphie did at least have the good sense to note that his response was made in anger - and I think probably justifiably so on the basis of what was posted. It is clear from Buchan's (Derek's) later postings that it was not his intent to criticise Jim himself, but to make clear his own likes/dislikes - always a very subjective matter anyway, where there is unlikely to be any right or wrong .

Returning to the welcome discussion of Jim's virtues, may I say that I was lucky enough to hear the Andy Kershaw programme which Ralphie referred to. I have always had some slight misgivings about Jim's fiddle playing, but the programme highlighted what a joy the totality of his performance is; I absolutely loved his apologies for playing a Belinda Carlisle number, and also found that for once I was actually listening to the words of songs that normally ,when performed by their originators, I would not have given a second thought to. I've had the good fortune to have a chat with him on at least a couple of occasions, and have found him to be the nice guy that everyone refers to. Roll on further nice Christmas spirit discussion of the man and his work ... if that's not possible then maybe we can revert to Ralphie's suggestion that the thread should be allowed to quietly go to rest ?

Compliments of the season to all.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 11:23 AM

Mr Bystander.
Well said.
Let us all rejoice that Jim exists in this world.
The recording that we did all those years ago, affirmed (for me anyway) that there is a way to bring all music to all people.
Mr Eldon does it with such aplomb.
We're on a road to nowhere.
Long may he continue. And all happiness to all that read this at this time.
Ralphie
(With thoughts for Nigel Chippindale, the man that gave Jim the Brid Gig in the first place)
Noel.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 11:25 AM

The thread's going just fine Bystander - were it not for WLD & Ralphies reactionary outbursts, or indeed 'passionate responses, call 'em what you will. No need to put the thread to bed because the pompous negativity of two people.

Fact is, artists of Jim's calibre invite comment, citicism & opinion, and if someone chooses to express that opinion then they ought to be respected in that, and listened to accordingly, not pounced upon for daring to give voice to what remains an entirely reasonable point in this context - i.e an open discussion on a man who without any evidence of discrimination might go from a considered rendition of (say) the traditional 'The Maid and the Magpie' to a bewildering take on Meatloaf's 'Bat Out of Hell' without any hint of irony in the incongruity of the juxtapositioning.

At times even I might find the resulting tensions a little unsettling, but I humbly defer to the genuine genius of the man - after all, Peter Bellamy did something similar with his Rolling Stones & Blues covers, did he not? And isn't it nice that 'pop' should go 'trad' once in a while? Better that than the other way round, as Jim has pointed out himself on at least once occasion I can think of.

What I'd really like to hear is Jim doing a cover of The Fall's 1977/78 classic 'Bingo Master's Breakout' in which Mark E. Smith sounds uncannily like the great man himself. We might at least speculate on Jim's fondness for The Fall - after all, isn't that a Marc Riley & The Creepers t-shirt he's wearing on the cover of 'The Brid Fiddler'?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 11:38 AM

Hey Sedayne....
I thought we were mates!!!
I'm not sure that reactionary is exactly apt!LOL!
But I do
like the juxtapositon of Jim with Mark E Smith.
In a funny way, they could be bastard twins!
Both live outside of the "normal" world.
And both have their own take of how things should be.
Which makes life so much more fun.
Regards Ralphie
(Oh, and I do like pompous negativity!!)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,I Am Agency (not at work obviously)
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 12:03 PM

Can't see the point of closing down a thread if it is serving to spread knowledge of this very important and amazing performer.
They who today hear only a scratchy fiddle may by tomorrow recognise the work of true genius.
If somebody doesn't like it, well they don't like it but that doesn't make it worthless (which isn't what Dennis/Buchan or whatever said).
Jim Eldon once gave me a song and encouraged me to arrange it for myself.
It's one of the very few I might still do in public to this day.
He's like that. So generous with his music and passionate about it.
Long may that continue.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 12:10 PM

Yo Ralphie - of course we're mates; and I'm Derek's mate too (though I'm still realing rather from his own pop-trad twist delivered at The Shakespeare in Durham some months back). I can see where you're all coming from, just that I'm just trying to maintain some measure of objectivity here; guiding you all to an oasis of impartiality midst the scorching heat of your respective passions, outbursting & otherwise, as our caravan of wise men winds its way across the cultural deserts in pursuit of our particular star.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 12:12 PM

if I'm a pompous, prissy, complete reactionary - you're a complete twit.

(sorry about the spelling)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 12:38 PM

Maybe I am at that, WLD - if the foolscap fits after all...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 12:43 PM

>>They who today hear only a scratchy fiddle may by tomorrow recognise the work of true genius<<

What the hell has the fiddle got to do with recognising his work?

I only hear ascratchy fiddle, but on no account have I said that I didn't like Jim. Far from it.

One of my favourite performers is Neil Young and he has a poor voice to say the least, but I just love his work.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 04:06 PM

Although as Sedayne says it can be a little unsettling at times when he switches from traditional to modern (via his own songs) , it is clear how passionate he is about whatever he is singing. He has never gone in for long intros making this juxtapositioning some getting used to (but good value for money!!)
He has passsion for traditional material (particularly what he has collected) and has definite views about how they should be performed.
One remark attributed to him in the past was "If they can't sing 'em right they should leave the buggers alone."

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 04:11 PM

That's the quote I was thinking of, but I couldn't source it! I think it's on the cover Prisons, but all my vinyl's presently in storage.

Thanks, Old Git.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Betsy
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 07:57 PM

Jim, I hope you haven't changed too much in all these years, its was always a pleasure hearing you in the presence of Mick and Nancy, McGarry, Jock ,the Watersons and others at the Rugby , not to mention the delightful Trev the landlord. ALL good fun and trad. entertainment.
It must be great getting such a fine obituary BEFORE you have died - which - I hope will be a long ,long time arriving.
Keep doing what you do in the way that you do it - and - Fuck 'em all.
Best wishes,

Betsy

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Derek Brinkley
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 04:41 AM

Thanks Sean! Ok, I confess. I sang Agadoo to the tune of Mo Roisin Dhu. The room was dark. It was the kind of mistake anyone could make.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 05:09 AM

And there's me being tactful, Derek - not wanting to go so far as to actually name the deed...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 06:10 AM

Agadoo?? Agadoo?
Blimey, whatever next?
"Theres no one quite like Grandma" perhaps!!
"Shuddup a ya Face"
Delightful!
Can't wait for the CD
Regards and thanks for the laughs.
Ralphie

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Surreysinger
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 06:50 AM

Whoa ... what an admission ... Agadoo to the tune of anything is pretty bad!!! Call for the taste police immediately, never mind the folk police..........

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Surreysinger
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 07:04 AM

Meant to add ....
" It was the kind of mistake anyone could make. "
With my previous work background it occurs to me that ignorance is not bliss - it is no defence in the eyes of the law :-)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Pete fletcher
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 08:05 AM

>>The Jim Eldon Appreciation Society was started By Brenda Spence and Pete Fletcher at Nellie's (White Horse Folk Club) in the early 80s<<

Well, old git, I can't remember that. (mind you, when you get to my age!!)
Brenda was always doing that,starting "fan clubs" for people she liked, it was just a bit of a joke really. (she even declared a fan club for me once which generated a total membership of one!!)

As for Jim - like it or hate it you can't hardly ignore it. As for his fiddle playing - it's not "bad playing" or "out of key" or "scratchy", it's exactly how Jim intends it or he wouldn't do it like that. He's that kind of bloke.

Anyone who can earn money on Brid pleasure boats busking to the general british holidaymaker can't be getting much wrong. Now that's working for your brass!!!

Personaly? I thing Loaded Dice was the best thing he's done. Custom Car Kid and Pools Win especially

Cheers,

Pete Fletcher

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,I Am Agency (not at work obviously)
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 08:20 AM

When I say "scratchy", that is precisely what I mean.
Not out of tune or bad,
Of course I know that this is exactly how Jim Eldon intends it.
Do not attribute words to those who said nothing of the kind.
Especially not to me.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 09:39 AM

Jim refers to his playing style as "rough fiddle".

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 10:02 AM

Ah finally :-)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Pete Fletcher
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 12:44 PM

I wasn't attributing anything to anyone in particular.
Some people say these things about Jim's music.
As Geoff says, Jim calls it "rough"

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 12:56 PM

I assume Jim knows nothing of this thread or maybe he int computer literate!

Lifetime obituary then it seems to be

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Pete Fletcher
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 01:07 PM

You're right I think Ray, Jim is a PC free zone.

Now, nobody take that the wrong way :-)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Mike
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 01:32 PM

Somewhere in the back of my memory , I seem to recall Jim saying{or someone told he heard it said} that he tuned the fiddle the same way that some of the travellers had taught him.So he liked to keep it that way.Mike.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 03:01 PM

Hi Pete!
I might have got it wrong! Maybe it was Brenda and Jim who started the Pete Fletcher fan club! I really like Loaded dice too...but I also like to hear Jim singing traditional song. No preference for either.
I remember Jim saying "My father-in-law used to attribute his rough playing to the fact that he played left handed on a right handed strung fiddle...my rough playing is cos I can't play"    before I get shot down , I'm not agreeing with that, just passing on the quote.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 03:03 PM

Interesting Old Git :-)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:34 AM

Regarding our hero's alleged computer illiteracy - who does the Myspace site? (Link given above, but here it is again for the sake of convenience to the curious : Jim Eldon Band - Myspace )

Listening to the wonderful 'Old Johnny Walker' (on the Myspace site) I'm put in mind of the fiddle playing heard in the Holy Modal Rounders / Pete Stampfel / Michael 'Snock' Hurley school of things, of which there is ample traditional provenance of course (for a choice Hurley classic : Hog of the Forsaken - now there's song I'd like to hear Jim cover!)

In these days of increasing blandless in all things, with muso slickness exalted at every turn, Jim's rough fiddle is a veritable salve to the senses to be sure.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 11:10 AM

There's a Jim montage on YouTube with a belting cover of the Screaming Lord Sutch classic 'Til the Following Night:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uWg048H_ssU

That's some fine, very fine, fiddle playing; and just what we need for the season too: "...Abundance of Fiddle-Faddle Stuff, Raw-hads, Bloody-bones, Buggybows and such (Sutch?) like Horrible Bodies..."

Joy to the World!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 11:20 AM

...that should, of course, be Raw-heads... The quote, incidently, comes from a wee booklet entitled 'Christmas Entertainments 1740', which also includes the following:

"And so far for Enchantment, which some old Women first set on foot to amuse Children, and is now finished by the Author, with no other view but to assure his Readers, that Enchantment proceeds from nothing but the Chit-Chat of an old Nurse, or the Maggots in a Madman's Brain."

I say again, Joy to the World.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 12:43 PM

>>'Til the Following Night<<

That fiddle playing is what I meant.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,I Am Agency (not at work obviously)
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 01:15 PM

Jim calls it "rough"

As any fule kno, "rough music" refers to a specific northern music style.
Eliza Carthy & The Ratcatchers have an entire CD devoted to it.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 01:21 PM

In spite of the obligatory vitriol that some of our posters do so well,
I think this is a very interesting thread.
As a card carrying member of the old time music community in the states "scratchy fiddling" immediately caught my attention.

Questions:
Where does Jim Eldon's fiddling come from?
Is he part of a fiddling tradition?
Did he make it up himself?

Thanks

Russ (Permanent GUEST)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Leadfingers
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 01:23 PM

100

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 01:23 PM

He learn't it

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 01:24 PM

You been sitting there all day waiting for that LF LOL

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 02:44 PM

This is what Eliza Carthy says in the notes to Rough Music:

"Rough Music is in the Book of Days on October 28th and is described as a form of community punishment practiced all over England. If a man were seen to be (say) beating his wife, or 'allowing himself to be hen-pecked' it says here, he could expect to receive a concert of Rough Music. Basically if they thought you had been naughty (it doesn't say how or if they proved this) all the men, women and children of the village would go round to your house in the middle of the night, call out your name and proceed to bang pots, pans, tin lids and buckets or whatever came to hand, to bring your crimes to attention and drive you out. When my family moved to North Yorkshire at the beginning of the seventies there was a case of a man being driven from our area by this method. However, we've tried to make the album a bit nicer than that."

Rough Music

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Leadfingers
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 03:50 PM

And dont forget that Bill Cadick had an Album of the same name out in 1976 with some lovely songs on it !

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:04 PM

So Jim's rough fiddle is meant to drive you out?

Out of what - The folk club?

:-)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:08 PM

Yes, Bill Caddick did record an LP with that title.
That would be Black Country rough, as opposed to Yorkshire . . .

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: The Sandman
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:10 PM

This is what Eliza Carthy says in the notes to Rough Music:

"Rough Music is in the Book of Days on October 28th and is described as a form of community punishment practiced all over England. If a man were seen to be (say) beating his wife, or 'allowing himself to be hen-pecked' it says here, he could expect to receive a concert of Rough Music. Basically if they thought you had been naughty (it doesn't say how or if they proved this) all the men, women and children of the village would go round to your house in the middle of the night, call out your name and proceed to bang pots, pans, tin lids and buckets or whatever came to hand, to bring your crimes to attention and drive you out. When my family moved to North Yorkshire at the beginning of the seventies there was a case of a man being driven from our area by this method. However, we've tried to make the album a bit nicer than that.
sounds like another custom called Skimmington Rides.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Rasener
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:11 PM

Ah the good old Black Country.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:23 PM

Skimmington Rides were a West Country thing, as described in Thomas Hardy novels.
Rough Music is specifically northern.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 06:24 PM

I'm waiting for my pools win

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 06:49 PM

Sedayne - thanks for starting this thread which I've found well worth following in spite of some of the shallowness of the responses to Jim Eldon's craftmanship. I really like what Jim does with his music and if you want to read where he gained some of his inspiration do read his article on Billy Harrison - Yorkshire Wolds Fiddler on the Musical Traditions website.

So far as I know you are the first person to make any connection between the Holy Modal Rounders/Michael Hurley and Jim Eldon, though I'm not sure where such things might lead, but a Bridlington Fiddler version of The Hog of the Forsaken could be exactly what the world needs right now.

Or perhaps not...yet.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 04:39 AM

Thanks for the link, Matthew - I love those old recordings Jim made with Billy Harrison; essential Christmas listening too, so it's nice to have a bit more background.

Rough Fiddle isn't quite the same thing as Rough Music, though the one doesn't preclude the other - and one might at least ponder just how much of Jim has rubbed off on Eliza over the years. He was on one of the old Watersons albums wasn't he? Though not on fiddle if I remember right.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: the button
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 05:48 AM

Jim appears as a chorus singer on The Light Dragoon & Lass of Swansea Town on Mike Waterson's solo album, IIRC.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 07:45 AM

He does at that; it was 'A True Hearted Girl' I was thinking of, on which he plays flute and whistle. I saw him once using his whistle as a prop in an old sailor's story, threading it with string & conjuring forth a complex pattern of knots...

A few storytelling threads going on right now; any feelings on Jim as a Storyteller?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: the button
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 10:05 AM

Ah yes -- he also wrote the melody for "Jenny Storm" on True Hearted Girl.

I've just got the Mike Waterson album on CD to replace my old vinyl, so I'm listening to it almost every day at the moment.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 14 Apr 08 - 08:12 AM

About time this was refreshed.

Just found this on YouTube; Jim playing Candlelight Fisherman & The Sailor's Hornpipe onboard the Yorkshire Belle!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSaF5CMXYbA

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: greg stephens
Date: 14 Apr 08 - 10:35 AM

Nice video. But it was the TRumpet Hornpipe I think, not the Sailor's.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 14 Apr 08 - 11:12 AM

Saw him once at Whitby absolutely priceless. He sang the strangest collection of songs I have heard in a longtime

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Folkiedave
Date: 14 Apr 08 - 01:23 PM

Great lad Jim.

Cannot praise him highly enough.

As for "rough music" a band called "Life and TImes" have a CD called Charivari and there is a track on there called "Rough Music".

I played it on my radio show as a tribute to Matthew Parris.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 14 Apr 08 - 05:35 PM

Trumpet Hornpipe of course; just testing, ahem...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 07:39 AM

Just past Hallowe'en, and almost Bonfire Night, the Dark Season as I've always thought of it, November - The Month of Blood and Bonfires - just the time for braw pies, puddings, mischief and other such eldritch carousings and, of course, some appropriate music along the way: Jim Eldon - Til the Following Night, which is linked to above, but for those who missed it...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 12:32 PM

Jim is to appear at Barnsley folk club on Jan 19th 2009

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Vic Smith
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 02:24 PM

Jim & Lynette are appearing at Folk at the Royal Oak in Lewes on March 12th 2009

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 04:30 PM

For any of Jim's fans not in Yorkshire 4 of Jim's Yorkshire songs can be heard for free at www.yorkshirefolksong.net which is the Yorkshire Garland Website. 'Thunderin' sort of a Lie', 'The Lady of York', 'Oh what a windy night!'The Beverley Maid and the Tinker'. Also some of the songs we recorded together in the East Riding are in there. The 4 recordings are live recordings from our Launch day concert at York. Jim is one of our county treasures and the website wouldn't have been the same without some recordings of him.
Some of Jim's songs and ballads from the sixties are among my great favourites, particularly the supernatural ballads.
One of my lads' favourite toys was a flute playing spider made out of leather with a hat on rather like Jim's made by Lynette for them. It sits on the shelf in pride of place.
He is definitely one of the great characters of the folk scene.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 04:15 AM

Jim is also known for his "monkey up a stick" and similar hand crafted wooden "toys" that he fashioned and sold as and when he felted the need ~ for a bob or two!

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 06:43 AM

Thanks for the heads up, Steve - here's a link to Jim's bits:

Jim Eldon Songs on the Yorkshire Garland

And the rest of it's impressive too! Well worth losing yourself in for a day or two...

Any chance of a photo-link for the flute playing spider and the monkey up a stick?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:37 PM

What's a photo-link? I can take a photo, upload it into my pictures then send it as an attachment if that's any good.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 09:04 PM

Errmm... Steve ... that link to the Yorkshire Garland site doesn't work properly...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 09:12 PM

Sorry ... that should have read Mr Beard ... don't know what happened there!!!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 03:48 AM

Works fine for me; try This for the Yorkshire Garland site and browse around! Lots of wonders therein, excellent links & four songs by Jim...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 04:04 AM

O goody goody!!

Steve need a photo of the "monkey up the stick" save to hard drive as jpeg and simply send as attachment by email to whoever wants it!

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 04:17 AM

Thanks to the Yorkshire Garland link ,I can now see that Brother Gardham and Brother Padgett between them sport a mighty fine brace of (insane) beards. Sirs, can I be the first to salute your facial pompadours?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Surreysinger at work
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 09:29 AM

Aha, Mr Beard (or may I call you Insane?) - that link now works... but it certainly didn't last night... thanks for providing it!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 09:45 AM

Call me... Ishmael!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Surreysinger at work
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 11:45 AM

Ok - you're Ishmael....

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 06:11 PM

Spleen,
Sorry to disappoint but Raymond is now beardless. Watch out, ladies!
He's also sporting a pair of lovely anglos.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 03:55 AM

Very funny SKG, but perfectly true!!

I appear to have suddenly become rather white in that department

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Surreysinger
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 06:44 AM

What - the Anglos department?? Must have a look.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 03:08 PM

Always thought beards were compulsory in our line of work. I was born with mine,.... I think!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 15 Nov 08 - 03:01 AM

Regarding the Anglos I now have 2 from Marcus Music in Wales and use them to play tunes!

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 10:03 AM

New youtube video of Jim Eldon performing a tune he learned from Billy Harrison who described it as a Carol. Jim has added lyrics paraphrased from the St. Matthew Gospel.

Watch it here

Seasons Greetings!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 10:17 AM

I'm speechless! There I was dreading Christmas and now my heart is brimful of festive anticipation!

This is a work of rare genius; long have I cherished the cassette Jim issued of the Billy Harrison recordings, but this takes it onto another level altogether. How might I beg Jim's permission to sing this myself? And might we ever hope for a festive collection?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 12:05 PM

Keep an eye on the youtube page, dots for this tune plus Billy's seconds will appear shortly, also the words. Hopefully more tunes to follow in the coming weeks....

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 20 Nov 08 - 02:51 PM

Hello again, a superior recording of 'For unto us...' is now available to listen to, you will also hear Billy Harrisons seconds played. Dots to follow on the same page.

Better recorded version here.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 05:14 PM

One more thing, A pdf of the Notation and lyrics has been added to the link below.

Insane Beard, Jim would be only too happy for you to perform this tune yourself.

Many thanks!

Corona.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 10:12 PM

Sign me up! Jim is very intriguing and a pleasure to hear.
Dan

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 23 Nov 08 - 05:04 AM

Insane Beard, Jim would be only too happy for you to perform this tune yourself.

Jolly good; I've downloaded the PDF & mp3 if only for the joy they stir in my soul; Rachel and I will work it up in two-voiced harmony for the seasonal singarounds - if we get it right we may even feature it on our myspace page! But these recordings - what can I say? It's been a hearty revelation to be sure! One wonders if we can expect more of Jim's treatments of Billy Harrison's songs & tunes - I'm particular fond of Chiming Bells...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 23 Nov 08 - 04:12 PM

Excellent stuff, Corona! One of Jim's better efforts. It could take off. He told me about his You-tube stuff when I saw him at last Sunday's City match and he's now online himself so we might be able to entice him in here.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Pikey Holland
Date: 03 Dec 08 - 05:49 PM

I was extremely priveledged to know and play tunes with Billy Harrison when he was still with us and I was a young squeezebox playing Morris man (i'm the one on the Musical Traditions article).I'm dead chuffed that Jim keeps Billys tunes alive, he was a great bloke.

I can remember going back to a folk club organisers house in Kegworth, Notts with Jim in 1981. Jim spid this guys record colelction, and said he had loads of great folk music. Jim delightfully spotted a Frank Zappa album and put it on the turntable, much to the folkies horror and my joy!!!

Rock on Jim....

Pikey

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 02:10 PM

Similar tales are told about Peter Bellamy; après-gig soirées with earnest folk promoters keen to impress their guest with their record collections only to have it sniffed at in favour of The Stones. I don't suppose history records which Zappa album it was? In a recent conversation with Rob Mulaney a mutual fondness was revealed for Weasels Ripped My Flesh, though Uncle Meat will always be #1 for me.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Dec 08 - 09:53 AM

check out Jim's new song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSeEsS6-HGQ

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 17 Dec 08 - 01:34 PM

Thanks for the response folks! The youtube video will remain until its time to take down the decorations. Then Jim and I will begin posting regular performances from my living room on youtube. The first will be for Ploughmans Monday.

Best wishes for the festive season,

Corona.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 18 Dec 08 - 08:25 AM

....by the way, if anyone here does download the dots for the Carol and performs it over Christmas I would love to hear it (mp3?) or see it (youtube?).

All the best,

Corona.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 01:03 PM

Hello again and happy plough monday!

I have started a new thread where I will be posting links to youtube films of Jim performing in my living room (and beyond?).

Jim Eldon Youtube thread.

Cheers!

Corona.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 09:29 AM

Jim is at Barnsley folk and Acoustic club on January 19th 2009!

It is a Monday night at The Shaw Inn, Jct 37 m1 3/4 mile

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 06:16 AM

Who is coming then??

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Topic56
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 10:24 AM

As definetly not a member of the Jim Eldon Appreciation Society. He and his scratchy out of tune fiddling is the reason I no longer take a boat trip out of Bridlington.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 14 Jan 09 - 08:26 PM

Just for you our next offering from Jim is sans fiddle:
Click Here to See and Hear

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 05:11 AM

Sterling stuff, Corona - keep 'em coming!

Does he take requests? A slice or two of Mutton Pie wouldn't go amiss.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 12:23 PM

You'll need an axe to get into it and then a club to wallop off all the maggots, oh and if you swallow any it'll rattle in yer belly for a month and a day.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 09:47 AM

New tune up folks, thanks for the support!

ITS HERE

Corona.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 10:37 AM

My wife is a huge Blondie & Jim Eldon fan, so you might imagine her delight at this...

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 08:51 PM

Glad to hear it Mr. Beard, and thanks for looking me up!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 04:42 PM

Birdhouse in your Soul, performed by Jim Eldon:

HERE!!!

Ciao,

Corona.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 04:54 AM

You simply have to watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2u1SMdJ9a8

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,jOhn
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 05:16 AM

he looks scary there, like summat out of a orror fillum.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 11:09 AM

Two new splendid Jim Eldon YouTube videos for the season c/o Corona Smith:

Hallowe'en Moon

Farewell Stick and Stone

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 09:04 AM

Hey! Thanks, was just going to do that very thing you just did.

Allez oop!

Corona.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 06:19 PM

YOU are invited to ...

Jim Eldon & Friends @ the Adelphi in Hull on the 27th of December,

The day after boxing day.

£4

proceeds to Amnesty International.

!!!Featuring Jim Eldon, Lynette Eldon, Dan Eldon, Shiznitz!, Skull and the Cross Bones and many more!!!

Come soak up some Stray Dance and work off some of that xmas stuffing...

Seasons Greetings

Corona x

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 06:23 PM

Not to forget, seasons greetings from Jim and Gerald:

The Christmas Ploughboy

;-)

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 09:48 AM

Could you ask him to do Barr & Darr next, Corona?

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,crozcrosbie
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 06:52 PM

proud to say I played cello on the sharpshooters thing. Suffice to say that music and good times shared with Jim and Lynette inspire me every time I play, Rough fiddle playing? listen to Fred Pigeon playing the Scotch Polka, etc. We did in Westcott St. East Hull circa 1979. It made perfect sense then and still does. pre "Pro-Tools" and auto tune gizmos. Everything was out-of-tune then. We got by.
Incidentally, "Poor Old Horse" came from the late Jimmy and Tommy Feeney, erstwhile travellers, settled in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. They would be pleased that Jim had taken their music on. Love you Jim and Lynette and the whole Hull thing.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 02:13 AM

proud to say I played cello on the sharpshooters thing

Respect - that's something of a classic. So what are you up to these days???

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Martin Deacy
Date: 14 May 12 - 10:16 AM

Am trying to book Jim to appear at my local . Anyone know how to contact him ???

thanks in anticipation

Martin

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST
Date: 14 May 12 - 01:20 PM

I suggest you try via the Yorkshire Garland Group. Steve Gardham is the chairman and he can reply via email. It's not right to put contact details on a public forum without permission so this might be the best way to do it. I'm sure you'll enjoy an evening in Jim's company - he's the complete folk entertainer!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 14 May 12 - 04:02 PM

Martin
Either join Mudcat and PM me or get my email address from the website and email me yours and I'll let you have his phone details.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Sleepyjon-with-lost-cookie
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 08:21 PM

I stumbled on this thread while searching for the "Old Grye" song, and found back in 2007 the post giving the words of the song, (sorry, poster, I can't locate the entry to identify you at the moment - this thread is huge!!) and the suggestion that "grye" is a Romany word for "horse". More searching in Romany dictionaries confirms this, and a bit of lateral thinking and lucky guesswork reveals that one Romany word for "old" is "chori". So "chori old grye" - "poor old horse"! Result!

Now, does anyone know a bit of Romany? - can you make anything of "bonny sweet" which might be exactly what it says, but doesn't seem to me to be a particularly "horsey" king of term of endearment - could that too be a corruption of a Romany expression?

Any suggestions welcome.

SJ

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 13 Feb 14 - 07:20 PM

This Saturday!!! The only live music at the Adelphi this week, come and support this legendary venue and take advantage of a rare chance to see the likes of Jim Eldon and Dicky Deegan performing.... Tim O'Connor and Shiznitz too, only a fiver on the door x Facebook event here

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: warpy
Date: 14 Feb 14 - 06:07 AM

Songs guaranteed to make you smile and a bit of nourishment for heart and soul. It's not often enough he shares with us all. Be there or be miserable.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 14 Feb 14 - 06:27 AM

Did I miss something with the original posting?
All I get with the link is a whole load of pop garbage - which is fair enough if you are going to treat a competent performer as a popsuperstar
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: warpy
Date: 14 Feb 14 - 06:34 AM

No pop just class folkiness

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 14 Feb 14 - 06:46 PM

What link are you referring to Jim?

The link I posted is simply to a facebook event page advertising our gig at the adelphi.

The night will be brimming with high quality folk music....

Jim Eldon, Dicky Deegan, Tim O'Connor and the Shiznitz...

This will be the first public outing of a new Duo of which I am one and Jim Eldon is the other...

See you there no doubt!

Corona

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Sarah, Barnsley
Date: 19 Feb 14 - 05:40 AM

Jim will be playing at Barnsley Folk and Acoustic Night (aka Barnsley Folk Club) on 17th March - can't wait!

facebook event

Barnsley Folk and Acoustic Night website

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: r.padgett
Date: 20 Feb 14 - 04:09 AM

Starts at 8pm with a short tune session for half hr then from around 9ish JIm will do a usual first spot around 40 mins and another to finish the night

On or two songs from floor singer etc

Ray

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST,Jean Wright
Date: 05 Jun 14 - 12:47 PM

Is Jim Eldon the very same man who taught in Hull and played Bob Dylan loudly in his classroom. Would love to think this man became the Bridlington Fiddler.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 05 Jun 14 - 12:49 PM

Yes!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Sep 16 - 05:13 AM

Jim is live guest on this evening's Vale Radio's FAB Folk and Blues show 8-10pm, DAB in North Yorkshire or online at www.vale-radio.com

The show will be podcast at www.mixcloud.com/tonyhaynes52

He's bringing in HIS choice of music. This should be interesting!

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 Sep 16 - 07:26 PM

Jim Carroll, said "All I get with the link is a whole load of pop garbage"

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Sep 16 - 07:59 AM

Jim Eldon's show can be found at:

https://www.mixcloud.com/tonyhaynes52/vale-radios-fab-folk-and-blues-5th-september-2016/

If Jim Caroll wants to listen live on another Monday evening the show is from 8-11pm on:

www.vale-radio.com

We are also on DAB in North Yorkshire.

We feature, as much as possible, acts from North Yorkshire, or playing in North Yorkshire, and have guests performing live nearly every week.

Jim Eldon's show was a bit special, but then so is Jim.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Sep 16 - 02:30 PM

I would rather have Jim Eldon, than some of the wankers, I have encountered recently on the uk folk scene.

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Uncle Tone
Date: 06 Sep 16 - 03:19 PM

Do you want to name names?

OK, 'wankers'. You mean performers that you don't like?

May I politely suggest that if they can bring in audiences and are successful and popular then 'wanker' is possibly not the best description of their characters?

I guess, because Jim Eldon is hardy a floor-singer, that you are referring to guest singers?

Please elucidate.

Tone

Subject: RE: Jim Eldon Appreciation Society
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 06 Sep 16 - 03:55 PM

I'm sure Jim'll use that appreciative remark on his next album cover, Dick!