Treble tail gypsies - singer?

Subject: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 26 Feb 08 - 04:26 AM

I am trying to identify a singer whom I recorded in the early 1970's, as a guest at the Ivy Bush, Pontardawe.
He sang mostly traditional songs, accompanied on guitar, and one which he sang might help, it was apparently called Treble Tail Gypsies (a variant of the Wraggle Taggle or 7 yellow gypsies).

Is there anyone who knows who might have sung this song at that time?

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 02:52 AM

Looks like I have drawn a blank on this one, then.
And I even have the song on tape (and now CD).

Perhaps when I get hold of a WAV editer, I will put it online and ask.

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 02:53 AM

Editor it should have been! Finger trouble again.

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 28 Feb 08 - 05:36 AM

Other songs from the same gig are the Charcoal Black and the Bonny Grey (Cockfighting), and the Nightingale. He also played banjo as well as guitar.

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 28 Feb 08 - 05:46 AM

I'd guess 'draggle tail' rather than 'treble tail': the other songs you mention were quite commonly sung in clubs at that time, I think. The voice might be more telling than the repertoire, so do put up an extract when you can.

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Feb 08 - 06:38 AM

BarrySkinner?

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 28 Feb 08 - 07:24 AM

I am SURE he is singing 'treble tail'. That's what made it unusual. I expect draggle tail was the source of this name, though. (By maybe my ears have gone!)

I will try and upload some extracts to my web site soon.
(I have only just installed an MP3 editor, so I can make some small clips.)

Barry Skinner is a distinct possibility. I know we did have him at Pontardawe.

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Feb 08 - 07:33 AM

He was a good banjo player and guitarist,he was pretty active at that time.
he does have a website,he is now an artist and potter.

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Feb 08 - 07:35 AM

Barry Skinner on artnetBarry Skinner - Find works of art, auction results & sale prices of artist Barry Skinner at galleries and auctions worldwide.
www.artnet.com/artist/568705/barry-skinner.html - 50k - Cached - Similar pages

Barry Skinner - Art and Craft Galleries, Beddgelert, North WalesBarry Skinner, North Wales artist, wood turning, beddgelert artist, wood turner, paintings of north wales landscapes, impressionistic paintings of North ...
www.bed-gelert.co.uk/ - 6k - Cached - Similar pages

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 03:02 AM

Does this sound like him?

Treble Tail Gypsies

Hope it works, it is a direct link to an mp3, but I can't test it from here. WARNING it will play automatically, I think, so don't try it at work!

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: The Sandman
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 03:40 AM

I reckon it is.Barry Skinner,any banjo samples please,or more talking.

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 04:12 AM

I have now uploaded the performance to a private area of my web site

To listen or download, go to

http://www.chappuzeau.net

click the link for Private area
enter the password pontardawe (How original!)
(I have also uploaded Dahn the Plug from John Foreman - see other thread)

Will try and sort out more clips of ?Barry and add them to the Pontardawe menu

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 04:13 AM

And it STILL sounds like TREBLE TAIL to me

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 04:20 AM

Yes, it sounds like that to me, too, now that I've heard it. I wonder where he got it from.

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 04:21 AM

Perhaps we could ask him!

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 07:48 AM

Another track, with some talking and banjo, uploaded as requested.

"Can't make a living from a cotton mill"

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 08:31 AM

That is the tag line chorus from an Appalachian song called "Cotton Mill Colic" "I'm a gonna starve, everybody will, cos you can't make a living in a cotton mill".
Barry Skinner certainly used to sing that one so it looks like you have got your man!

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 08:59 AM

I have sent him an email too.

Subject: RE: Treble tail gypsies - singer?
From: pavane
Date: 03 Mar 08 - 02:09 AM

Barry replied that it is almost certainly him.