John Kelly - book him now!

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 11:52 AM

Me again. Just had a rummage; I originally got Thomas o' Winesberry from "The Seeds of Love" (Stephen Sedley), but later added some verses from the version in "The Balld Minstrelsie of Scotland" - including two verses quoted in the footnotes. J.K.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 09 Jun 08 - 11:25 AM

Hi Phil. Thomas o' Winesberry is one I learned back in the 70s, and sang for a while, then found a more complete version in the 80s. I sang that once or twice in sessions in a pub in Rathdrum in Co. Wicklow, but I was out of the folk clubs during that period. I have had spasms of practicing it since, but unless I've done it at Frodsham, I think Swinton was its first performance. I'm just trying to remember where I got it. I'll have to check and get back to you.
John Kelly.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 04:47 PM

Trust me, I would have been there if I hadn't had a booking myself. (Well, not a booking exactly, but a prearranged slot - which for me is progress.) (Lord Marlborough and When I was in my prime. Went OK.)

I look forward to hearing your Thomas o'Winesberry on some future occasion. I started digging into Willie/Thomas/etc a bit back, & was wondering about working up Robert Cinnamond's John from the Isle of Man. Either that or surprise everyone by doing False Foudrage to the tune of False Foudrage...

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 04:27 PM

Bit quiet really, since most of Manchester was apparently in Chorlton. And these are my friends! I'm just back from dancing at Chippenham, singing at Seaford, and doing promo spots at other clubs in Sussex/Surrey. The list, as far as I recall, and not necessarily in this order;
Bold Robinson (harmonium), Lake of Cool Fin (harmonium),Rigs of Rye (cittern/harmonica), Rob Roy (guitar), Maria Marten (harmoniflute), Searching for lambs (I think!... harmoniflute), Banks of Inverurie (harmonium), On the Banks of Allan Water (harmonium), Thomas o' Winesberry (guitar) Young Sailor Cut Down (harmoniflute), Burke and Hare (harmoniflute), Bonny Bunch of Roses (cittern/harmonica), Greenland Whale Fisheries (Harmonium), Plains of Waterloo (harmonium). I think that's about it, unless I did Streams of Lovely Nancy (harmonium)...not sure.
What's the fascination with set lists? Is this the new Train Spotting? I rather thought the idea of Train Spotting was that you had to spot them yourself ...i.e. BE THERE!
John Kelly.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 28 May 08 - 08:29 AM

So, anyway, how'd it go?

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 16 May 08 - 08:38 AM

Perhaps we can rustle up a visit to yours one Monday singers night?

The problem is I have to keep going on holiday but I am sure something can be sorted!

Cheers

Les

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 May 08 - 08:30 AM

Bloody 'ell, Les - You've just booked everybody in Manchester!

I'll get me own back one of these days... ;-)

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 16 May 08 - 03:48 AM

The thing is Dave, Phil is starring at the Lloyds - an Evening of mostly but not exclusively traditional songs and tunes.

I'll see if I can get his set list for John Kelly!

Cheers

Les, as ever, in Chorlton

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 May 08 - 03:34 AM

Bugger off! Chorlton's only a couple of miles away, what's wrong with coming to Swinton so you can get your own set list and put some money in John's pocket at the same time? Some people, tsk. Want jam on it... :-)

Cheers

Dave

(Only kidding, Phil)

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 15 May 08 - 03:41 AM

Ah, 19th May. Good job I didn't go to Swinton on Monday really.

I'll be at the Lloyds in Chorlton, I'm afraid. Hope it's a good one, & if someone can post the set-list that'd be greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 11 May 08 - 04:59 PM

Unfortunately I'm back in pilot-light mode this week, so won't be heading for Swinton tomorrow. Can somebody post a set-list afterwards?

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 07 May 08 - 04:03 PM

John just e-mailed me with news of a couple more gigs. Great news for all of his fans, and for the world of folk music generally.

A great talent being recognised at last!

See if you are lucky enough to live near one the gigs. If not, make the effort to hear a truly original folk musician.

Here is his website with the details:-

http://www.bigalwhittle.co.uk/johnkellyharmoniumhero/

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Sooz
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 07:24 AM

I've sent you a pm John - please have a look!

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 05:12 AM

yes book him now!

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 05:58 AM

Just think of it though....you and Seth Lakeman in the same rap posse!

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 05:56 AM

Just imagine John. If a few of these miserable sods booking folk festivals had any taste at all - you'd be a millionaire. A mogul, concerts in the Albert hall. Mike Harding asking you for interviews , guest spots on Kate Rusby's latest album, your own television series......Jools Holland would do his boring boogie woogie licks on Spencer the Rover, Van Morrison would probably offer you his holiday home in the hope that you might offer him a chance to croak a load of rubbish along with you - like he did with The Chieftains.

And people would buy you you drinks just to crawl up your arse. I would, for a start.

Mind you - there's a lot to be said for artistic integrity. Richard Bridge keeps telling me that. Personally I think having piles of lolly is a lot better - more soothing for the soul.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 10:17 AM

Bi: ER.... not sure about this "he'll buy anyone a pint" stuff; I can barely afford to buy myself one most of the time. Mind you, if I started getting loads of bookings....
Mr Happy: The harmoniflute is a very small hand-pumped harmonium, played on the lap - in fact it's often called a lap organ. I think it's probably the kind of thing that the Indian harmonium developed from. It's three octaves, by the way.
Backwoodsman: Yes, the collapsible type of harmonium/American organ I use was used on ships, and by the army in field services, and by the Sally Army in the street, and, I'm told, by travelling Medicine Shows. By anyone, in fact, who needed a portable organ. And nowadays you can add folk singers to the list.
Looking forwad to seeing the coach party in Swinton! John Kelly.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 07:26 AM

I'm pretty sure that the harmonium John plays is a 'Ship's Harmonium', named so because.........guess what, they used them on the old sailing-ships!

No doubt someone will thick my ear and tell me I'm taliking crap! :-)

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,Phil in Chorlton
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 07:21 AM

If you put a five(?)-octave keyboard on an accordion, meaning that you had to rest it on your knee, play it flat and hold your bellows arm out in front of you, you'd have something like a harmoniflute. When John was in Chorlton he pointed out that it's more portable than a harmonium, although since he'd brought a harmonium* as well I'm not sure how much weight to give to that explanation. I suspect it's a horses/courses compatibility issue.

*Strictly speaking, an American organ.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,Bi the Collie
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 07:04 AM

A great performer and a very nice young gentleman too - he'll buy anyone a pint.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Mr Happy
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 06:45 AM

What's a harmoniflute?

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 06:36 AM

John is both unique and hugely talented - a great singer, musician and performer. And a jolly nice chap too. He'd be a fantastic addition to any club's guest list, rave reviews guaranteed.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,Nigel Spencer
Date: 21 Apr 08 - 04:30 PM

Sorry - using generic headgear terminology. Definitely a cap!

I only knew about five people though... but I think I was the only Nigel, so yes.

Anyway, I'm going to see John Kelly at Swinton, so you're welcome to a lift. As are any of the rest of the Chorlton sinaround crew we can fit in my Volkswagen.

Cheers

Nigel

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,Phil in Chorlton
Date: 21 Apr 08 - 02:32 PM

I was at the singaround, which probably narrows it down sufficiently (although it's a cap, not a hat). Does this mean you're Nigel (who knew everyone) from the singaround?

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,Nigel Spencer
Date: 20 Apr 08 - 02:59 PM

Are you Phil with the hat from the singaround? I can give you a lift to Swinton if you want.

Nigel

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,Phil in Chorlton
Date: 20 Apr 08 - 01:28 PM

Thanks, John. Yes, I think the White Cockade was involved.

When it comes to travelling distances of an evening I'm irredeemably nesh - I only became a regular at the Chorlton club because I could walk there and (more importantly) back. But I've made a note of the date.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 19 Apr 08 - 03:48 PM

Hi Les. Was LTOMM "The Last Thing on my Mind"? I have heard somebody singing it recently, and think it may have been at Chorlton.
Regarding my stuff: Inverurie was "The Banks of Inverurie" (harmonium); 6:4 was "The Rigs O' Rye" (cittern and harmonica); prime was "Young Sailor Cut Down" (harmoniflute); Lizz was "Leezie Lindsay" (harmonium).
'Scottish' is puzzling me. I didn't have the guitar with me, and don't, as yet, do any Scottish songs on harmoniflute. So it's got to be harmonium or cittern. I think it was "Gin I Were Wher the Gadie Rins", which is on cittern, with "The White Cockade" before and "The Flowers of Edinburgh" after it. "Maria Marten" was on harmoniflute,
and the last two on harmonium.
I'm on at the Swinton club on 19th May, which is hardly more than a million miles from Chorlton. Just in case anyone from Chorlton (or anywhere else) wants to hear all that stuff again - well, much of it, anyway, plus other stuff as yet to be disclosed. Or possibly even learnt!
Cheers. John.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,Phil in Chorlton
Date: 17 Apr 08 - 08:11 PM

Can anyone help me reconstruct John's setlist, from when he played Chorlton in February? I was sufficiently impressed to write myself a note on my mobile phone, but my note-taking style is somewhat laconic.

It goes somewhat after the following fashion:

Banjo Me LTOMM Mark POTS PCT Kidd 6 4 ... Mark Mark Les Inverurie Corder prime scottish greenland waterloo lizz

Which, decoded, tells me that John did two sets, each of them preceded by floor acts, three of whom were called Mark and one of whom was called Me (LTOMM remains a mystery, however). As for the content of the sets, the best I can do - with much help from Mudcat Search - is:

The Valiant Sailor
The lakes of Pontchartrain
Captain Kidd
[something in 6:4]
?Inverurie [almost certainly not the 'quine']
The Murder of Maria Martin
?prime [not "When I was in..."]
?Scottish [I should probably have been a bit more specific]
The Greenland Whale Fishery
Plains of Waterloo
?Lizz

The first two, and the Greenland song, were accompanied on harmonium; Captain Kidd and the 6:4 song were accompanied on cittern. I couldn't swear to the others.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Giant Folk Eyeball (inactive)
Date: 15 Mar 08 - 05:05 AM

Been listening to John's album 'Come All You Wild Young Men' a lot since I got it - most days in fact. It really gets under your skin - he's got a great singing voice and really brings some of these songs alive. Off the top of my head, I can't think of another traditional singer with a similiar vocal style. Although I was partly at least attracted by his use of harmonium, it turns out that two of my favourite tracks are ones where he backs himself on guitar - 'Sam Hall' and 'Lord Gregory'... both have original and unusual settings - he's a very melodic guitarist. I'd really recommend this album.

Cheers

Nigel

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Mar 08 - 04:05 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 05:54 AM

got an e-mail from John which I have made the basis of a new page of the website. of course I'll alter it if it doesn't suit John or anybody else much

al

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,Phil in Chorlton
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 07:06 PM

So it is.

I want one now, and I don't even play a keyboard...

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 24 Feb 08 - 12:46 PM

Oh, and by the way.... the 'small squeezy thing' is a harmoniflute. J.K.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 24 Feb 08 - 12:36 PM

And in come I ....
Tom - shurrup about the heating allowance! Actually, I laughed out loud when they told me I was due for that; a few weeks earlier, I had been sleeping in a frozen tent in Scotland. I'll have another laugh when they try to get me interested in a free bus pass; I'm currently hurtling around the country in a white van.
Thanks to all for your kind comments.
Some (fairly) imminent dates:
14th March. Concert (with Jon Brindley) for the Bush Folk Club in Droylsden. It's at the Fairfield Golf Club. Details/tickets - see website: myweb.tiscali.co.uk/bushfolkclub
3rd April: Fleetwood Folk Club. The Steamer Hotel.
19th May: Swinton Folk Club. The White Lion.
I shall be selling - sorry... offering for sale... copies of my CD, so bring yer pocket money!
John Kelly.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 12:56 PM

http://uk.geocities.com/[e-mail]/swinton_folk_club/


Swinton Folk Club

19 May is John's night

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,c.g.
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 12:53 PM

Does the Swinton Club have a website? If not, can anyone tell me what date he's on?

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 12:22 PM

Has John been to Swinton before Dave? I am sure he will be much loved. It's a pity his morris connections have got out,it tarnish a young man's chances!

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,Nigel Spencer(cookieless)
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 07:58 AM

As I now know, he's not the feller with the big hair. He is very good though, on the basis of the version of 'Spencer the Rover' up on his webpage.

Cheers

Nigel

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 07:53 AM

It is one and same brakn - Get to Swinton in May:-) He is also an exceptional Morris dancer but there is not usualy enough room in the folk club;-)

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,young mark
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 07:25 AM

the best performers make you believe in what they're signing about, this is what john kelly does

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 11:49 AM

Yeh when I first tried to get people excited about him on the mudcat - I got the usual, 'actually there are lots of people like him, and us people wot know a lotabout folk music - we're mates with them all' sort of bollocks.

John's one on his own - a unique talent. I think the Polly on the Shore is astonishing - you think you know that song, you've heard it (usually crucified) quite often. he makes it live.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,Phil in Chorlton
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 07:56 AM

Hi Les,

I think if anything you're under-selling him! When he started his first number at Chorlton the other night ("The valiant sailor", aka "Polly on the shore") I actually cried, it was that good. He'd be a memorable performer if he sang unaccompanied, and the harmonium adds a whole other dimension. His cittern sounded pretty good too (particularly when he did a couple of tunes on it).

He didn't bring a guitar the other night, but if you get his CD there are several songs on there with finger-picked arrangements in odd tunings; what with that and the depth of his voice I was reminded of Bert Jansch a few times, and not in a bad way ("I wish I'd put Bert Jansch on instead...") He's also rather annoyingly good on the whistle. Not bad for a young 'un.

He introduced the odd squeezy thing Les mentioned as 'a cross between a harmonium and a flutina'; it's basically a harmonium keyboard with concertina bellows attached. I asked him afterwards what it was called; he told me it's a cross between a harmonium and a flutina. So now you know.

Book him, hear him, get the CD.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 06:41 PM

Terrier,

I understand that you are in fact TB and that L is breading dogs. John is in great shape and is thinking of forming a Boy Band

Love to all of you

Les & Liz

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: terrier
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 05:49 PM

Will the real John Kelly stand up please?
"Full flush of youth" Les? I bet he's using his heating allowance for his bus fare to get to gigs ;)

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 12:30 PM

Good one 'drummer. I couldn't find him on google, could be the lack of spaces in johnkellyharmoniumhero.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 11:56 AM

this is the bloke


http://www.bigalwhittle.co.uk/johnkellyharmoniumhero/

Jack Hudson is a big fan also.

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Brakn
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 09:45 AM

Is it the same John Kelly who is on in Swinton on the 19th of May?

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: GUEST,NIgel Spencer (cookieless)
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 09:34 AM

Is there a webpage? John Kelly's a bit of a common name... He's not the feller with big hair who sounds like Kevin Coyne is he?

Cheers

Nigel

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 09:11 AM

I feel sure their are many things 'drummer! John is a bit good isn't he?

Has anybody else had the joy? Catch him now whilst he is still in the full flush of youth!

Subject: RE: John Kelly - book him now!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 08:37 AM

at last something we can agree on. this man is unique....with something new to offer.