Young 'uns..How good is this?

Subject: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Banjiman
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 02:53 PM

I thought you all might enjoy these 3 young lads from Hartlepool singing at The Station, Loftus.

Cleveland Steel: The Young'uns

Enjoy!

Paul

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 04:45 PM

dear me, id had a few drinks by that point!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Banjiman
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 04:46 PM

Guest....is that you Sean?

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Charmain
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 04:51 PM

The Young Uns are great - I saw them at the Glasson (Lancaster) Maritime weekend - its good to see the traditions being carried forward!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 05:24 PM

Heard a lot good reports about these young lads. Not managed to catch them yet.

Excellent.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Banjiman
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 06:04 PM

Dave, do catch 'em, and put them on your radio show to!

Paul

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: the button
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 06:33 PM

All of which raises the question of what they'll call themselves if they stick at this -- which I hope they do.

I propose a name-change, roughly once every ten years.

* The Grown-Ups
* The Curmudgeons
* The Fogeys
* The Tankards

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 07:06 PM

For me, the link just gets past the text title, showing a fellow in a yellow jacket, Michael [name obscured] and goes no further, with no sound. I tried several times, but no go. Wazzup?

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,M&C
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 05:28 AM

The Young'uns are appearing at the Moor & Coast Festival - Whitby this Saturday (3RD May)

A full programme of the festival can be found HERE

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 06:40 AM

the Young Uns are indeed very good they blew us away at the singarounds at Moor and Coast last year.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 04:17 PM

They are booked, for a return visit, at Herga on 21 July!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,Barnacle (at work)
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 06:50 AM

and they are booked to appear at Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival 6/7 September

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,John
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 02:48 AM

.....they really are the best singers on the scene at the moment plus they are the betss lads you would care to meet as well!!!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 04:36 AM

I believe that they are at the Beverley Beck shanty festival too. Check with Ossonflags for confirmation.

R

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Northerner
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 10:59 AM

Three lovely lads. Not seeing them as often I'd like at the moment as I believe Michael's teaching commitments cut down their time somewhat. You should hear their version of "The Bonny Ship the Diamond."

Oh, and Tinker Dick is on that site as well. Now there's an experience. He has me in stitches. Very entertaining, and a super person as well.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,John
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 01:48 PM

My big problem is that we don't see them on at more of the so-called 'bigger' festivals like sidmouth, whitby etc. they are just so good!! they are singing 'traditional' folk songs and keeping the traditional music alive. none of this modern crap!! I vote we start a campaign!!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Banjiman
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 02:09 PM

erm.....guest John, I think you'll find that they do a mixture of songs........all very well.

It would be be great to see them on some bigger stages, because they're good, doesn't matter if they are doing "modern crap" or traditional stuff.

Paul

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 02:21 PM

Sounds good!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,John
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 02:29 PM

What do you know about the tradition Paul!! Clueless!
I wasnt on about them. I was on about 'second' and 'third' generation modern folk around today, which is what we constantly see at these bigger festivals. im sure they do do a wide variety of stuff - have you heard their sing john ball track?!! genious

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,FolkGod
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 02:31 PM

Guest John, you sound like such an idiot!

.....and yes, ive heard john ball and it is fantastic!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Banjiman
Date: 01 May 08 - 10:14 AM

"What do you know about the tradition Paul!! Clueless!"

Thank you guest John........probably not much, but I'm learning. I've put The Young'uns (amongst many others) on at KFFC though, and sung with them a time or two.

So yes, I've heard John Ball.....and it is great.

Paul

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Northerner
Date: 02 May 08 - 08:47 AM

The Young'uns seem to do a mix of traditional plus a bit of contemporary - local writers I think.

They were at one of the singarounds at Whitby (last year I think). This year they have a booking that overlaps with Whitby.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 02 May 08 - 01:25 PM

I've enjoyed their trad-singing in Durham - far more than the over-accompanied, unearthy, artificial noise swamping our airwaves these days, frankly.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's unplugged Apprentice
Date: 02 May 08 - 01:47 PM

"the traditional music alive. none of this modern crap!! I vote we start a campaign!! "

there's an unearthly echo here, something about, I've heard something similar from another source. Well I'll repeat what I've said before. I'll listen to The Imagined Village and I'll listen to The Watersons and The Copper Family..oh and Steeleye Span, I'd rather not build artificial barriers if it's all the same to you.

These lads are excellent, and if there's any justice, they have a bright future ahead of them, but don't rush them into the larger arenas, as some appear to want to do. Slow but sure.

I don't trust campaigns, the instigators generally have agendas.

Charlotte R

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 02 May 08 - 05:25 PM

Quite right, Charlotte. Let's not rush into things too hastily. Give the lads time and space to develop their craft.

There's no disputin' it, these guys are excellent, alive, and yes, really talented.
But there are other "fish in the sea", equally good as singers, who don't get any such plaudits, or even exposure, simply because they don't sing "mob-handed" but instead perform solo, either by deliberate choice or because their voice is strongly individual and doesn't necessarily "harmonise" readily with others in a "group" setting.

When you consider the importance being placed on getting back to the "traditional ways", ain't it strange that there's still a big barrier when it comes to putting on an unaccompanied solo singer in a club or on a festival stage. It's true that not all of them work comfortably within a stage setting, and not all of them can sustain a longer set, and yes some of them have a fairly limited repertoire -but all of those points apply as much to many singer-guitarists. I can recall performers who've built a solid and varied repertoire and plied their trade solo for years unnoticed, but as soon as they team up in consort with another singer or in a group, folks are keen to book them, even when the collaboration produces less satisfying results musically. Anyone else noticed this phenomenon?

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 02 May 08 - 05:47 PM

ain't it strange that there's still a big barrier when it comes to putting on an unaccompanied solo singer in a club or on a festival stage

Wouldn't know, MoorleyMan, wouldn't know.

I guess it's partly about pacing and variety. Some of the best headliners I've seen will actually switch instruments once or twice mid-set, which livens things up, and that's quite hard to do if you're not playing an instrument to start with. Again, if you're a guitarist you can use a bit of dreamy picking to cool them down, or some brisk choppy strumming to wake them up - these effects are also hard to replicate on vox humana. But if you were, for example, an unaccompanied singer with a hatful of traditional songs and as many again of your own - including some well-received comedy numbers and a couple of poems - you might think you could manage more than two from the floor.

(Then again, perhaps such a singer ought to stop moaning on that Internet and put himself about a bit more.)

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: gnu
Date: 02 May 08 - 05:58 PM

Oh my! Excellent! Thank you Banjiman!!!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 02 May 08 - 07:00 PM

Interesting and valid points, Phil Edwards.
By "guitarist" I guess I could easily have meant "instrumentalist" - of course any versatile musician-singer has a natural advantage over a vox-solo practitioner by mere definiton.

But your last sentence in brackets isn't entirely justified, and it rather implies you may have misconstrued my own comments.These were made from observations on singers - both male and female incidentally - rather than as "such a singer" who was "moaning on that Internet"..

But now I come to think of it, some of the most rewarding folk club nights I've attended over the years have been when the booked guest, a soloist, has sung entirely unaccompanied - and while I accept that may be partly a matter of personal taste that's not the whole story by any means. In the end all I'm saying, I guess, is that unaccompanied singing is equally valid a form of entertainment as accompanied singing, and like any entertainment it demands skill and judgement on the part of the performer to keep an audience's attention. The vocal equivalent of the "wall of sound", however proficient, is certainly impressive, but can tire a listener sooner than a varied set from a solo singer with plenty of light and shade and contrast. And that's not a criticism of any of the singing groups on the folk scene, just an observation (again). Peace!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 03 May 08 - 04:44 AM

your last sentence in brackets isn't entirely justified

Actually that sentence was aimed at myself! I wouldn't dream of telling someone I've just 'met' to stop moaning.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Banjiman
Date: 03 May 08 - 06:04 AM

Hi MoorleyMan,

The thread started as an attempt to share a fine musical moment created by 3 young performers who happen to sing together.....with wonderful harmonies. They have been known to (shock, horror) use instruments as well.

I suspect that your comments above about solo unaccompanied singers were a bit of "dog whistle" (see Pop goes The Folk Singer Thread) to certain folk club organisers. As a gentle challenge to you why not put up a video of the unaccompanied solo singer who can't get enough gigs? It would be interesting to see if it makes as much impact as this Young'uns video..........

By the way, there are lots of other fine videos on the Loftus page (link above)including a fine unaccompanied piece by Maggie Gee....who admittedly also plays guitar rather well when the fancy takes her.

All of the videos were excellently filmed by Ian Swinburne who also does an excellent job of the sound at Loftus Open Acoustic.

Paul

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Northerner
Date: 03 May 08 - 07:05 AM

We should remember that the lads are not full-time performers. Michael has a full-time job as a teacher. So their number of gigs is going to be a bit limited.

They are coming along nicely.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 03 May 08 - 09:34 AM

Now then Banjiman,

I never questioned the impact of the Young'uns for a moment. I said: >>"There's no disputin' it, these guys are excellent, alive, and yes, really talented."<< They don't need any apologist or publicity machine. Nor instruments for that matter (but that's another debate).

As for your gentle challenge... well yes, I've seen the videos too, all of 'em! No soloist will ever have the same visual impact as a group, least of all that fine bunch of lads! They are unique..

But "making an impact" on a video shouldn't be the major criterion for booking any act. If you take that argument to its logical conclusion, you seem to be implying that just because an act (whether solo or not) makes a strong visual impact, that's better (contentious value judgement alert!) - and you're rather suggesting that the music isn't important (or as important) any more.. now that's a real dangerous road to go down, brother!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Graveyard
Date: 03 May 08 - 12:38 PM

Now then Morley Man'They are unique' they could be taken for Wilson clones, this does not mean that they are not very talented and are getting better all the time, and will continue to do so.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,John
Date: 03 May 08 - 03:49 PM

"Wilson Clones"
They are better than the Wilsons and technically more gifted all-rounders. ive spoken to ken and I reckon the wilsons would agree

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 May 08 - 03:55 PM

bollocks you've spoken to ken - you talk so much rubbish

ive just had a look at The Young'uns on Youtube - how good is that video of country road, sung by Michael I think?! really quality version! check it out on Youtube.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 03 May 08 - 04:01 PM

GUEST John - I dont think we should be making comparisons. Sean, Michael and David would all say that the wilson's have been huge influences upon them and that, on the whole, they have learnt so much from the folk music tradition of teesside. They would never boast or say they are better than anyone cause they are really down to earth. so we should'nt start comparing.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's unplugged Apprentice
Date: 03 May 08 - 04:07 PM

" reckon the wilsons would agree "

sounds like more of a personal opinion thatn the unsubstiated opinion of other artists

Charlotte R

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Graveyard
Date: 03 May 08 - 08:25 PM

I never inferred or stated that either was better, just that the influences were obvious. This is not a bad thing and the lads are great ane will get even better as time goes by. Also three lads doing harmony or five or four are bound to sound similar if they do similar songs. Good luck to the young 'uns

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: stallion
Date: 04 May 08 - 05:35 AM

mmmm Gravyard,
"three lads doing harmony or four or five are bound to sound similiar"
Only in the sense that a zebra looks similiar to horse or a tabby like a tiger. We met up with The Young Uns at KFFC WWW last Feb and I was blown away with their confidence and hubris, voices and arrangements. Confidence is not arrogance and by their demeanour you can see them soaking everything up like a sponge and I think everything they see and hear in the folk world is informing to a lessor or greater degree what they do and will continue to do so. Also they are useful to have in the audience for the chorus's! Ron tells a story of singing in a club in Cumbria when a fabulous harmony from the audience joined the chorus, Cockersdale had dropped in en-rout to somewhere! These lads are a great for the folk scene, keep it up lads.
Pete
2BS&S

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Hairywol
Date: 04 May 08 - 06:30 AM

Have to agree with everyone - they are absolutely brilliant. Especially have time for the cute blonde one.

But what a choice of name - or so I thought: What will they call themselves in a few years time - The Not-So-Youg'uns?

I've heard though that it's a subtle coded reference to Cliff Richard, a long-time favourite of theirs. If one listen's carefully one can pick up a little of Sir Cliff's irreverent twinkle in their performances.

And some day
When the years have flown
Mudcat, then they'll teach
The young'uns of their own

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 04 May 08 - 06:46 AM

Shows how easy is to misinterpret a few well-intended words!

The word "unique" means simply that. Taken literally, it's obvious that we're all unique. We all have something unique to offer. But beyond that basic point, the fact is that all singers, if worth their salt, will absorb, will learn a lot from other performers and the scene in general. And continue to develop. That's the folk process.

Yes, the Young'uns and the Wilsons do have plenty in common (not just hair!!), the Teesside tradition being but one thing, and OK when they started out they did a noticeable number of songs that are also in the Wilsons' repertoire - but that doesn't make them "Wilsons clones", no way.

Yes Stallion, you're spot on. Confidence can all too often be mistaken for arrogance. And the confidence of youth is a wonderful thing (albeit a very distant memory now!)..

See y' around, lads..

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,Liz
Date: 04 May 08 - 07:55 AM

What will they call themselves in the future? maybe the Old 'uns'or maybe the Wils 'uns' who care's, as long as they are still around along with the mighty Wilson Family.

Liz

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,MoorandCoast'un
Date: 04 May 08 - 02:54 PM

I travelled from the south west to see the younguns at the moor and coast festival in whitby this weekend!! truly remarkable! they performed as a duo because Michael was away with work. they were superb. Michael turned up today for the singaround and they rocked the joint....absolutely superb!! blown away!! well worth the long trip!! cheers lads

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,Sue
Date: 04 May 08 - 03:10 PM

here here!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: nutty
Date: 05 May 08 - 05:53 AM

Yes I also have to say 'Well done' to the Young un's. Their performance at Moor and Coast was spot on. Such nice lads as well.

Folk music needs more young people with the committment and drive that these lads have.

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: old git
Date: 06 May 08 - 08:27 AM

Yes, their performance in my "folk club" session at M and C was excellent (even with just the 2 of them) What I also liked is the way they stayed on and added to the already good chorus singing. Then they turned up next day with michael and did a couple of songs as part of the singaround (no "star" posturing). My kind of performers....and something else they share with the Wilsons.

geoff t

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: old git
Date: 07 May 08 - 02:25 PM

Oh...and they really looked as if they ENJOYED singing!!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 May 08 - 05:31 PM

They clearly love what they do. That's why they should always appear at the big events. The best!! Are they on the main whitby festival this year? I hope so!! I hear sean does history projects in schools and has set up a shanty choir made up of primary schools! Superb!! What a great guy!!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 May 08 - 05:32 PM

I meant primary school children!!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: GUEST,John
Date: 09 May 08 - 02:37 PM

that is great. what a triumph for folk music! well done to sean!!

Subject: RE: Young 'uns..How good is this?
From: Joe G
Date: 12 May 08 - 08:15 AM

One of my friends in my home town of Hartlepool mentioned The Young'ns to me so I checked out the website and they sound excellent. Hope to catch them next time I am in the 'Pool at the fortnightly folk club at the 'Pot House' (Harbour Tavern)

Joe G