The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Nov 08 - 10:21 PM

That's one possible interpretation.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 01 Nov 08 - 10:25 PM

Thaks, Smokey. We have a similar tradition of assimilating newcomers in the US deep south, only our tradition involves a banjo, a tree stump, a jar of Vaseline, and squeelin' like a pig.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Smokey
Date: 01 Nov 08 - 10:30 PM

You need to be here on a Thursday for that :-)

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 05:31 AM

". . . because that's how the majority of English trad. song and music has been performed over the centuries." (me)...Really? Where did you get that idea?" (Don)...short memory - you WERE involved in the "Chords in Folk?" thread.
And some advice for you Don - even my strongest critics have said that my recording quality is acceptable, and it was done on an old second-hand computer, with freely-downloadable software, and an inexpensive mic...so why don't you pull your critical finger out and finally give recording a go? I, for one, certainly will give them a listen - even though my favourite/Top Friend American music remains the chants, drums, and flauting of Amerindians.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: s&r
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 05:52 AM

If the recording sounds like you sound, then the recording quality is acceptable. If you sound how the recording sounds then the singing is suspect.

When you have any credentials in music you may criticize others; I look forward to hearing Don's recordings in the expectation that I will enjoy them and probably learn from them.

I am sure however that if I were to offer suggestions as to how his performance could be improved he would listen to the comments carefully. If they had validity he would I'm sure accept the comments in the spirit offered. If not he would say why not.

You are in no position to offer anyone musical advice WAV. Really.

Stu

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 06:04 AM

The RECORDING quality is acceptable, but that just means that there are no splutters, coughs, scratches, hisses and glitches, apart from the actual singing.


Why don't you want to learn how to sing well? That is not inconsistent with singing in an 'earthy timbre' as you like to put it.

Don's advice about singing with church choirs is very helpful, it's helped me a bit. Plus, it's traditional. I woudln't be surprised to learn that many of the trad singers got their start through singing in church.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: s&r
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 06:27 AM

Here's a quote from a review of one of Don's concerts:

'One song struck me in its beauty of form and execution: a simple, sad Scottish ballad of longing sung by Don without accompaniment. His great voice rose and rumbled up in mourning to haunt the rafters of that fragile church with the memory of a love now centuries dead; the beauty of the ballad and of his steady voice struck me with a kind of pure sadness that is all but impossible to find in modern music- for a moment I felt as if I, too, were wandering the hills and valleys of Scotland singing a hopeless plea for companionship. I had always liked folk music, but never really pursued it- after seeing Bob Nelson and Don Firth perform, I have no choice but to seek it out whenever possible.'

When you get one review approaching that WAV I will take you seriously.

Listen to the voice(s) of experience.

Stu

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 07:00 AM

As I said before, Don Firth is a treasure and we're blessed to have him with us at the 'Cat.

Years of hard work but years of loving it. Years of practice while enjoying every moment. Years of listening to and assimilating the thoughts of others. All that combines with true passion and above all an homage to the reality of each song, treating each with the respect it deserves so that honesty shines through...........All of this comes together to get reviews like that.

And you Wav? Please.......Don't even try to defend your lame positions. Try taking the advice and say thanks.

Otherwise have a Coke and a smile and shut the fuck up.

Spaw

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 08:59 AM

I'm with BWL, I don't check this thread out often. I don't remember if I posted at the very beginning, but since I don't want to join MySpace to listen or read, I've skipped out on this dubious pleasure.

I look forward to hearing Don's recordings in the expectation that I will enjoy them and probably learn from them.

You got that right, s&r! I count myself lucky that when I was growing up I got to hear him many times. I wish I was still there in the PNW--I'd go to all of the concerts with Don and/or Bob.

SRS

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Gervase
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 11:01 AM

Kinell, WAV, your singing is worse than your fucking poetry!

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 11:04 AM

I haven't even listened to any of WAV's singing yet. I feel it is a bit of a coup on his part that so many of you have. The man is getting exposure. His efforts are bearing fruit. ;-)

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: s&r
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 12:51 PM

LH listen even if you keep it secret. It's so bad it's almost an art form. It should be part of every condemned prisoners required listening. No scratch that - it would have to be a bad crime - really bad

Stu

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 02:20 PM

I'm getting curious now...

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 03:03 PM

You are right, it is a coup, Wav could be languishing in obscurity, but now we KNOW his singing is lousy.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Nick
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 03:05 PM

I enjoyed your post Don.

The thread obviously satisfies some sort of need for all participants. The thickness of WAVs skin is inversely proportional to his talent so this is an ideal spot for a perfectly consensual S&M relationship to ensue. Of course you'll all be aware where the power resides in such a relationship.

I think I'll pop back in 1000 posts or so.

Any chance this could be summarised into a weekly digest?

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 05:15 PM

What I'm looking forward to is the day when it begins to spinoff into a number of related threads...like the Mary Tyler Moore show spawning "Rhoda" and "Lou Grant" and various other series.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Smokey
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 05:36 PM

Don - I just read your (above) review.. Record you must, with all your heart. Do it now, or I will send you to Matron for a thrashing and an enema. And can I hear it please? (the recording, that is.)

If nothing else, WaV provides a good reliable bench-mark by which to judge one's own efforts.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Don Firth
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 06:45 PM

All in due time, Smokey, all in due time. After all, we wouldn't want the project to be a complete wash-out, now would we?

What the Immortal Bard has to say on the subject of singing, from As You Like It, Act II, scene 3:

An he had been a dog that should have howled thus, they would have hanged him: and I pray God his bad voice bode no mischief. I had as lief have heard the night-raven, come what plague could have come after it.

And Act V, scene 3:

Shall we clap into't roundly, without hawking or spitting or saying we are hoarse, which are the only prologues to a bad voice?

Could anyone or anything be the very epitome of English culture other than William Shakespeare himself? He obviously had a great deal of insight and musical taste, not to mention quite a way with words.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Smokey
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 07:10 PM

Ah yes Don, but Shakespeare didn't have that knack for simplicity or the keen observatiional skills of our learned friend. I wonder if he could play the recorder? Nah - not clever enough.

Try not to procrastinate over the recording Don, that's one of my (many) faults, and being a being a bombastic opinionated old git, people are reticent to give me the required kick up the arse. Just do it - there's nothing to lose - at the very worst you'll learn stuff that you can't learn any other way.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Smokey
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 10:33 PM

Sorry Don - it's really none of my business.. I do hope it goes well though. If I may offer one tip, it would be to try not listen to what you've recorded immediately after you've done it; give it a couple of days if you possibly can, if not more. Counter-intuitive, I know, but well worth it.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Don Firth
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 11:13 PM

Yeah, Smokey, same as writing. Once you've finished a piece, it's a good idea to let it sit for a couple of days before reading it for possible editing. Gives you a little perspective.

By the way, I'm always a little nervous about dropping my pants around Matron. She tends to get excited. . . .

Don Firth

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Smokey
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 01:08 AM

Well, she's only human I suppose..

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 06:08 AM

"I wonder if he (Shakespeare) could play the recorder?" (Smokey)..I do too - he certainly mentioned it several times in, e.g., Hamlet...?

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 06:17 AM

Gee, that'd be another thing Shakespeare was far superior at than you Wavydickless. Follow my advice and go stare into a mirror and say, "I am a racist bigot with no talent and my Mummy blows hogs."

The truth shall set you free.

Spaw

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: s&r
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 06:24 AM

He also mentions Murder, usury, under age sex, sailing, fairies, asses, so that means he probably indulged in those...

Stu

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 12:25 PM

Why the constant use of, e.g.? As part of your repatriation efforts you should learn how to use English properly.

So Shakespeare mentioned the recorder once or twice, certainly not as often as he mentioned other instruments (no e.g.'s, sorry). No reason at all to suppose that he did. If Shakespear played anything, I suspect it would have been some string instrument so he could serenade girls. Bill was far too busy to take up music seriously, running a show and writing takes up all your time!!
As for little organ, it is not certain that he meant the recorder, merely some small instrument (organ meaning instrument, not the pipe-monstrosity in cathedrals).

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Don Firth
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 01:22 PM

I heard somewhere that Shakespeare messed around with the lute a bit, but he was no John Dowland.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 02:29 PM

Wavydorkusbigot,

Follow my advice and go stare into a mirror and say, "I am a racist bigot with no talent and my Mummy blows hogs."


Spaw

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 02:44 PM

My last "e.g.", e.g., Volgadon, was because the poem that followed was an example of my previously posted point, NOT sent by the seaside.

And where for art thou, crude Catspaw...spitting feathers in your kitty litter?

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 02:54 PM

Don, I'm sure he messed around with it a bit in order to, ahem, mess around with something else a bit.

Wav, your English is execrable.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Gervase
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 04:03 PM

where for art thou, crude Catspaw
It's 'wherefore', you wuckfit, and it means 'why', not 'where'. I wouldn't expect some scrounging parasite of an economic migrant to know that, of course.

Got a proper job yet, you workshy layabout?

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 04:11 PM

Wherefore means "where", thou pathetic, maundering, chuckle-headed son of a witless haberdasher's apprentice. Take thy mewling utterances elsewhere, thou vile poltroon. Away with thee!

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Gervase
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 04:34 PM

Bollocks does it!

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Don Firth
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 06:19 PM

where•fore    adverb
Etymology:   Middle English wherfor, wherfore, from where, wher + for, fore for – 13th century.
def:   For what reason or purpose. Why.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 06:38 PM

I read every word, as usual, and agree with some, as usual.

Some of it confirmed David's preconceptions, in other words, and some of it didn't.

There's an apocryphal story about the burning of the Library at Alexandria, one of the great lost treasures of the ancient world. Supposedly the Caliph whose forces had taken the city ordered the burning of the library, on the grounds that it contained teachings contrary to the Koran. One of the caliph's subordinates tried to reason with him, arguing that not all of the literature in the library was sinful - some of it had messages that you could also find in the Koran. So? said the Caliph - if it's just the same as the Koran, we don't need to keep it. And into the flames it went.

When someone who's been performing in front of a paying public since before you were born not only tells you you need to work on your singing but tells you how, it strikes me that you don't "agree with some" (and then try to lecture him about recording). You pay attention, and consider very carefully the possibility that everything you're being told might be worth listening to. Don, you have the patience of a saint - and I hope you find something better to do with it than trying to communicate with a tone-deaf twit. Thanks for posting the exercises, by the way.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Smokey
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 07:46 PM

"I heard somewhere that Shakespeare messed around with the lute a bit"

The filthy traitor! That's Southerners for you.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 10:45 PM

You people obviously need to hear more poetry. It soothes the savage beast.

Ahem!

A Chinese bricklayer named Fong
Had a "tool" so incredibly long
A professor named Blake
Mistook it for a snake
Now it's in a glass case in Hong Kong

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 11:06 PM

Wavydorkusbigot,

Follow my advice and go stare into a mirror and say, "I am a racist bigot with no talent and my Mummy blows hogs."


Spaw

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Smokey
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 11:25 PM

WaV:

You seek to deprive people of the opportunity to emigrate in order to improve their lives.

You seek to deprive people of the right to play the music of their choice, where they choose.

You do both.

You are a hypocrite.

You aren't dangerous, you're just a very naughty boy.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:25 AM

So what, Smokey? He is in no position to have any influence on the UK's immigration laws, so who cares? He CAN'T deprive anyone of their choice, he has no power to. Can't you live knowing that there are a few powerless people out there who don't agree with you on things like that? I predict that all your moral outrage here is going to have utterly no effect whatsoever on changing WAV or remaking him into someone you approve of, so what are you persisting in it for? Does it make you feel great finding someone you can feel so morally superior to? I know that it gives most people a real thrill when they do that...it's so much fun and so self-affirming. ;-) But this whole scenario here strikes me more and more each day like some sort of tacky emotional addiction that a group of people are coming here for day after day. Each day you all return for your fix of superiority to WAV.

Me, I just come here because its so darn funny watching you all do the Pavlov's dog routine over and over again. If WAV is indeed a troll, then he has found a reactive goldmine here that is 42 carat pure.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Smokey
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:53 AM

You're not wrong LH, twaddle like that is never going to influence anybody, but I have no moral outrage, as such. Nor do I particularly consider myself morally superior, but you'll have to trust me on that. To be honest, WaV brings out a side of me that I don't like much, but it needs some exercise every so often. It's a bit like driving past a gruesome road accident and not being able to resist looking, perhaps. On the other hand, I have found there are people on this forum whose wisdom I appreciate, and whose company I'm honoured to be in. I've learnt stuff by being here - I wish everyone could.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:42 AM

Okay, fair enough, I guess. I'll trust you on that. I think people are giving WAV's opinions (whatever they may be) far more importance than is really appropriate, that's all. This thread is not a big deal.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 03:38 AM

Smokey has it about right Hawkster. For me its a pleasant diversion while the forum is in poli-sci mode. About Wavy I couldn't give a shit less. As soon as the election bullshit passes I'll be outta' here and leave him for others but right now, its been great fun abusing young David Franks.

Don't get me wrong, I truly do believe he's a racist, bigot, and no talent doofus, but I don't care enough to get past that much. So until the election passes by....................

Wavydorkusbigot,

Follow my advice and go stare into a mirror and say, "I am a racist bigot with no talent and my Mummy blows hogs."


Spaw

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 06:27 AM

"As soon as the election bullshit passes I'll be outta' here and leave him for others but right now, its been great fun abusing young David Franks." (Spaw)!!!!!...for what it's worth, from what I can gather, Obama is far closer to the WAV way and I hope he wins.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 07:28 AM

It's just a shame Obama has abandoned his Kenyan roots - after all, when people lose their culture society suffers...

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 07:42 AM

Is he closer to the Wav way? I thought Obama is supposed to be pretty soft on immigration.

"You're not wrong LH, twaddle like that is never going to influence anybody"

Not so sure about that. Somebody must have influenced Wav.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:41 PM

I haven't heard much about Obama's stance on immigration, but on other areas he seems to be a regulationist who questions capitalism - much more than McCain. And, while here on Mudcat immigration is the factor that I get asked about the most, I've also questioned capitalism, monarchism, and other aspects of our status quo, in my life's work.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:49 PM

I wish I could show you MY life's work, but it has to wait until completion when the unveiling occurs.

What it will be is the world's largest free-standing statue of William Shatner, clad in a speedo, and brandishing a hot branding iron. I have labored at building this monument for over 40 years now and I hope to complete it before my death.

If I should pass away prematurely, however, the staff at the WSSBA will carry on until the work is done.

This will be my legacy. My testament. My gift to the World.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: GUEST,His Brother's Brother
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:17 PM

#6 Sweet Dreams

Last night I had the strangest dream, I do not lie, e.g.,
Whilst my English helix a-watering,
All immigrants took up the battle-cry-
FROM NOW ON, e.g., and moved back home,
To practise their Own Good Culture
And leave my Morris to such as I.

I do not dance it, myself,
But others should,
For when lost is culture good,
Society surely suffereth.

And, further, in my dream,
My very own Good English Dream,
Mr. Carthy, Martin, sending his guitar to Spain,
An English Cittern did accquire,
Musicians, followed suit, never did they tire,
To Greece bouzoukis went, a significant cultural gain,
And little organs sounded on England's Fair and Pleasent Green,
Again.

"Our roast is our boast; not foreign curree,"
Said our Own Good English delegate, echoing me.
Against capitalist migration, the UN did decree,
Which prospect filled my own good self with glee.

'Multiculturalism is fallen, is fallen, is fallen,'
The bells (all closely associated with England) did toll,
'Multiculturalism is fallen, to rise no more.'
Women gave up tennis, put the kettle on,
For tea, naturally,
And none cared for to sing in harmonee.

I woke up,
Much the sadder,
   On pottage did sup,
Then my heart turned gladder,
                  For I now knew,
                   That the way forward,
                              For humanity,
                                 Nothing could stop.

Subject: RE: The Weekly Walkabout (part 2.)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:24 PM

Wow. Impressive. The spirit of William McGonagall has not died yet, I see. It lives on. Bravo!