Mystic June 11-14 2009

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:36 PM

Oh yeah, and they need to stock some better rums like Appleton's and Myers's and Wray & Nephews if we really want to pull it off. BYOB is fine.

C H A N T E Y CLASH!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:29 PM

Just a wet dream of mine, but I think it'd be fun if the German Hall sing along was a sort of "battle". The room would be broken into "teams," maybe just like "South side of the hall", "east side" etc. Then, turn by turn (round robin), each team would have a go, sending one of their members forward to present a song/chantey/whatever. The next team would try to respond, compliment, or "top" that with one of their own.

Let me be clear that in this particular bed-time fantasy there is no nastiness to the "competition," rather the competition-ish format is just a fun way to structure the event and spur on creativity and excellence.

So yeah...at the beginning of the battle -- or CHANTEY CLASH as I would call it -- it would be more of a warm-up, not real heavy competition. Wed hear some ballads and lower-energy songs from some of the small guns. Each team would naturally, however, hold some of their strong players till towards the end. They'd probably have some pre-planned "floppers" in their arsenal, to deal heavy blows to their opponents. But, lots of it would be just-now-remembered songs that seem like a good "response" to what was just heard.

A certain portion of the people in attendance would be supporters of respective teams, naturally singing along on the chorus, and cheering them on. However, they would respond appreciatively to all of it. In all, the audience would be on the edge of their seats waiting to hear what the next response would be. Audience response and rough consensus would determine the "winners," but again that detail would not be important.

Can you imagine all the people coming to the festival, weeks before hand, building up their private "arsenals"? Sizing up their competition and making up special "signature" verses to diss them? that would be HOTTTTTTTTTTT!!

(If this sounds at all like a Jamaican music "sound clash," then you've guessed one of the inspirations. :-0 )

Dim the lights a bit more and take away most of the chairs, and it could get even spicier

Gibb

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:26 PM

ok Barry, I hold my hand up to cutting out of the pub sing an hour early on saturday night but we were there til the death on Thursday and friday nights, as I read it, we were singing the choruses, I think Ron did lead one song over the the three evenings but it is the time for everyone to join in and lead if they want and, for my money, one of the highlights (but there were so many!)
It was my first Mystic and my lasting impression was it seemed like a big family gathering, warm, welcoming with the odd squable, handbags we call it!
It was a truly wonderful experience and if anyone reading this has never been I thoroughly recommend the experience, that is a credit to all who are involved in whatever capacity and I include the audience in that.
Pete

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 06:51 PM

"Can it be that "The Old Red Duster" is unknown in the Yankee Provinces? Got a lot of quizzical looks, not to mention silence, during its rendition during an informal sing"

Wotcha, I've hardly ever heard it sung in these parts much less other songs representing the "Tin Can" fleet, we could use more exposure. As a former Navy Corpsman, during the Viet Nam conflict Neil, my singing partner has an obsession for Navy & Merchant songs.


John from Elsie's, the Johnson Girl that leads "Cornish Men are Fishermen" is Bonnie, she does a great job on it, eh!


Walt's question; "The question is : Are venues like Mystic providing a themed entertainment, or shepherding a resource? Are the "fans" audience or participants? The line is soft and frequently blurred"

The festival "in general" should cover all bases, the fans are your participating audiences,as well as fringe performers, staff & volenteers & the performers & others are also your shepherds. Leave the "Themed" stuff to the pirates, though having Johnny Depth there deep sixed along with a dead horse as a kids event might be appropriate


As to the 'shanty only' final concert as a send off. To my mind in theory Jerry it sounds well enough but not so much in in practice. As Marc points out some don't do shanties at all (Why not, it's a maritime festival who'd be at an Irish fest when they can't put forth an Irish tune or song?? Ya, I know?). There are some gray ares & exceptions, an above example was the Buckingham Lining Bar & Track Gang of railroad workers, there should be more exceptions of that ilk & less exceptions of others. A fasinating exception. They did sing work songs that had choruses that even a babe could join along with. True, there should be more than just random connection though, I don't think a shantey man belongs at an Irish fest just because he sings a couple of sea songs that may have some Irish origins, BUT! That's up to the festival event planners & in the reading of how attendence is by the voting of full or empty seats. But you are right in the steering of sing alongs for an ending, still s alippery slope. Lead by example, encourage that (shanties only) but don't demand it of those that can't handle it, let them lead with what they are strong in & with what they were hired to do. Remember performers get paid to perform for those that pay to hear them.

As for the after concert sing in the German Club. For those of you who complain about slow songs or ballads being sung, it's your sing, don't quack when it happens, again lead by example, give possitive feedback where it's deserved & figure it out when it's not, how to be supportive. My take on performers at that sing is that it's they all should be taking part if they were paid & took a part in the fest earlier in the day. It is as much a part of the festival as the concerts & workshops & as a paid performer they should be using their talent, judgment, support & mostly their voices (at least for one song) or bones. Last yr there was a great session happening downstairs at the same time-to bad it was strictly all Celtic music??. Which brings me to performers leaving to huddle elsewhere long before the sing dies down.
I've always been pulled here. One night I missed what was a very lovely sing by some folks that I would've cherished hearing & probably won't hear again. I do believe that paid performers bare a responsibility to see the pub sing through, at least up until it starts to fade on it's own & not because a bunch of the strong singers "left the room", then go off & do what's to do. I don't usually leave the pub (& I'm not a paid performer) until it starts to die because I feel it's not fair to those that come to the pub all "juice up" from the concert. They won't stay up late (where's the harm), they want to sing along (why wouldn't they), some want to try out singing in that enviorment for the 1st time & want to see how the seasoned folks respond to them (where'd they go). If all the grand or strong singers leave the pub sing early, it will die & fade faster than a fart. You/they can't leave it in the hands of less seasoned & expect it to run on the weight of it's on momentum.
Ok, I'd better stop here, with that.

The fisher poets will be having their day & fest, all by themselves, what's up with that? Sorry Jon & the best of luck, I only can get to afford Mystic once a yr (Barely at that), I wish you guys were part of this festival, it's where you belong with your berthern, you're as much a part of the culture as the music is. In the past I've always made my thoughts known about the "Poets". I don't care that much for poetry even though as a much much younger man I had my poetry published by others. Still you have the poems of C. Fox Smith, Harry Kemp & Burt Franklin Jenness being put to music & heard during the fest. We even had a great rendering of the sea related work's of Kipling at the symposium by Heather Wood, excellent Heather. You guys were missed.

I'm not gonna turn this into a "what's wrong with the festival" because there's far to much that's right & mighty with the festival, it is a class act & it's a one of a kind, I'm just tryinbg to give a response.

I would love for the festival to run longer (am I alone amongst just a few?) & just the adding back to the schedule the Thrusday eveing & the addition of the Friday morning symposium was more than a delight & a treat (& very well attended I might add & note). The Friday symposium was very well attended & extremely well done, kado's to all. On track, on point, on topic & spot on. I would argue with those that think the history, origins, the folklore & etc of the songs & getting them right (if Huntinngton can't get it right "what chance for a broken down squatter like me") are more important than the songs being sung though that's for a different day & a differennt topic & debate.

Greg (I miss your presence & ditest your "exile"), your ideas (always worth at the very least a listen) leaning towards a week long are well worth a debate (but where??, we've been down that road before) as well as the "artist in residence" idea. There are 'shanty camps', there are many "folk weeks' that are well attended in the different fields of folk music & folklore, why not in 'sea music' &/or 'maritime folklore' &/or other maritime arts, cultures & crafts. Scrimshaw, knot making, blacksmithing, sail mending, coping, ships jointery, blah, blah, blah. The resources are already in place as well as the ability, means & methods to make it just another "One Of A Kind" program/fest. I'd love to see the festival do more than shanty demo's onboard, those just touch the surface or the how's, why's & when's but it would take so much more time to dive below to get to the meat of the motion but that would do well during a week long primer/premier. Then there would also be room for those that are well schooled & educated enough to teach & show the rest of us underlings just "how to do it & get it right" instead of complaint/compliants. And here again is a chance to appeal to "the youth" (I know, you already do that with the youth but not in an enviorment that would be blowing about here) & to bring them along. Sea music & poetry is an international language all onto it's own, there's enough there for a week long workshop.

Ok, I promise to behave now

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: SaltyWalt
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 06:16 PM

Wow,
Great points.

1) Paul, nice idea to make the singing (round robin) workshop a workshop! To that end actually sceduling folks who run sessions or sings so that they can steer the course of the gathering more than sing. Perhaps offer commentary. Feedback and leadership---Too much to ask of MSM?

2) Marc - Just wanted to make sure I was clear. I LOVED those groups that you mentioned by name. One of my strongest festival memories is of that inuit group. I was saying that they were exceptions as stated : " I think the situation of having people from exclusive ethnic traditions who don't know where their music overlaps with the sea is rare (and an obvious exception). " I wasn't sure if you were supporting me or pointing out a lapse on my part. I'm sure we're "on the same side" on this one.

3) Leading by example is important, but I've learned the hard way that the example of the one or two "good ones" is usually outweighed by the noise of a group of the "bad ones". Entropy is the only LAW. If you don't stand against it, then you're not actively building anything, perhaps not even holding ground.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 04:26 PM

I absolutely love the German Hall a cappella singing. However, perhaps the MSF organizers are missing an important opportunity to develop the a cappella pub-sing (fo'c'sle sing) tradition. They scheduled the on-board open sing led by the Ancient Mariners. Although it was a little too regimented, it was a good way to involve more singers leading songs. Suppose the on-board sing (called a "round robin" in the program) was expanded? Hmmm… have it guided by volunteers imbued with the tradition? There could be themes outside the maritime tradition or at least outside the German Hall tradition: funny songs, parodies, ballads, drinking songs, gospel (can't believe I said that), recitations, river songs, logging songs, John Campbell songs, and well you get the idea. Small crowds (8-15) would be ideal. Offering this for maybe 2 sessions on Friday and Saturday late in the afternoon might be just the way to encourage newbies and old hands with soft voices to get involved.

The Pickin' Singin' Gatherin' (Capital Region folk club) leads a small session like this at Old Songs this Saturday at 4:15 at the Street Corner. Drop by.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 11:42 PM

Sorry "bye"

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 11:40 PM

The best way to lead is be example

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:18 PM

Greg-

Thanks for stopping by, and adding your comments to the brew.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Greg B
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 08:56 PM

Walt and Marc, you've said it all. As a former key supporter of the event who's been "in exile" for past a couple and now into "several" years, you've hit at the heart of my own concern.

Which is "how does this event 'develop'?"

MSM has a "Development Office" which seems to measure its success by dollars raised divided by least amount of effort on its part.

That, to me, is not "development." To me, "development" is moving key cultural preservation events like the SMF to the next level.

Someone (Barry?) earllier on this thread said that he wished it were a while week. Well, why, then shouldn't it be? Why shouldn't the "Festival" as we know it now not be a culmination of a "Sea Music Week" under auspices of, say, the academic arm of the Museum (who by the way are the landlords of record of all those bedrooms scattered about the premises)?

If there was enough of symposia to run as a continuous event off-site this year, then why weren't those running through a week ON site?

And why isn't Louie Killen an "artist in residence" for a week at MSM prior to the Festival? We never had that opportunity with Stan Hugill, so what are we waiting for?

A couple of other notes--- Marc, you are right on when you draw some lines regarding choice of material, particularly by the experienced. As Jon Bernier once pointed out, the guy who knows (and does) all 153 verses of "The Flying Cloud" in the midst of a pub-sing is nothing but a self-indulgent ass. And what's worse, is he convinces a talented, but unpolished, young singer that it's a good idea to do something like "The Jeannie C" in the same setting. When he probably has "Hanging Johnny" or "Reuben Ranzo" down cold, instead.

Marc, you're one who can carry off anything, but will put the crowd before your ego. That's a chanteyman. A chanteyman doesn't launch off into "Haul Away Joe" when the job of work involves the capstan. Nor does he try to perform an a cappella "Mary Ellen Carter" in the midst of a pub sing. Neither works.

Walt, also spot-on. Bringing young people along involves helping them to understand the dynamic of a crowd of 50 or 100 or 200. Even if you have to take them aside and explain it. There are folks who, year after year, don't "get" that, largely because they haven't absorbed it on their own and because nobody whom they like and admire as taken them aside and said "Hey, mate, you've got a nice voice and all and probably could enjoy it a lot more if you'd just take into consideration that if you want people to sing with you, you've got to give them something to work with."

And again, that's being a chanteyman.

In an atmosphere where if you "get up and give a verse of Reuben Ranzo (Ranzo)" the "answer that you get" is guaranteed not to make you sick, well stick with Ranzo and leave "The Field Behind the Plow" to the YTB after hours, or the car on the way home. So give that verse of Reuben Ranzo.

For younger singers, something to note is just how MODEST the efforts of some of the great singers are. You don't see Don Sineti, Cliff Haslam, Marc Bernier, Frank Woerner et. al., launching off into self-indulgent ballads and such in a big group-sing. Their focus is on the group. And even when it doesn't seem to be, it is. Such as when Geoff will take off into "Grey Funnel Line." He knows damned good and well what will happen. Or when the singer whose name I don't recall from four years ago took the calculated risk of "Down to the Water to Pray." Wow.

The trick is that all these folks give the room (populated with some really great singers) something to glom onto. The result is magic.

Here's to keeping the lights burning brightly.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 04:28 PM

Walter; I'v read your post a couple of times now and I like it. I'm impressed with your insightful and thoughtful response. However, I'd once more like to comment on a couple points.

First it was a true pleasure seeing you as a performer this year. I still remember clearly the first time you approached me on board the Dunton with questions about what sources I used. You commented, "I felt like I was often performing opposite the workshops I wanted to see, so I figured myself relatively unheard." I felt the same way for a very long time. This past festival was my 21st, and it was only a few years ago that I realized some of you folks have been listening to me most of that time.

As for the Chantys only or sing along only suggestion that has been discussed for the final concert. I think it is safe to say, that the organizers of the festival have never invited anyone that they in their minds didn't think had a connection with the sea. A few examples would be…

The Lining Bar Gang; Although not retired Mariners, this was a group of men who had actually worked at physical labor using work songs, many of them closely related in form and subject as many of the chanties we sing.

Darren Wallace; A builder of musical instruments and boats from Lafayette, La. He spent 25 years working in a shrimp boat in the Gulf of Mexico. Many of our guests asked why we had a Cajun band at the festival. This is the music that is heard in the Fisherman's bars in that part of the country, Craig and I thought that this was a perfectly legitimate connection.

We've also had Inuit fishing peoples, and Fisherman from Africa, Portugal, and France. Who would have been incapable of doing a sing along with an English speaking audience.

Geno Leach and Moe Bowstern; Fisher Poets from the American North West Coast. Neither one sings songs at all.

None of these people do English language "Sea Songs" as part of their regular performance. This does not mean they didn't bring something very exciting to the festival.

"How do we get younger folks interested and keep them?" By making them feel welcome and appreciated.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 03:44 PM

The word from the Seaport is that is their intent.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Salsa
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 12:07 PM

Any news on whether the seaport will continue the festival for next year??

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 05:46 PM

It was nice to see you as a performer Walt. Good JoB! and Good Answer!

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: SaltyWalt
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 04:44 PM

Well.
What a surprise!
Last week my search for a Mystic thread was fruitless, and this week, it appears tardy!

Now that I've spent well over an hour reading, I've got a buncha things I'd like to comment on.

Thanks for the Kudos Gibb. I felt like I was often performing opposite the workshops I wanted to see, so I figured myself relatively unheard. I'm very glad you appreciated the pacing. I pride myself on knowing the difference between "work speed" and "pub speed."

I think one of my best memories of the festival had to be the SRO audience for Lou Killen. It seemed like honoring Lou and honoring the Tradition were the same thing. I saw all sorts of people crowding around to get a listen - I myself snuck around to an open window on the side. What touched me most about this was that mixed in with the "fans" and the "crowd followers" were some of the most respected/experienced scholars and performers who have heard everything Louis was going to do in that workshop for years. There they were eager to hear him again. It was a strange moment of "Everything is alright in the world".

I'd really like to chime in on what JWB and Mark were saying.
I think the two topics are related.
I've been to a number of festivals where the rule is "Chanteys only" in the final round robin, and sure enough someone pulls out "Mary Ellen Carter" or some such. I see that an AWEFUL lot at Chantey sings as well.

I think what's been happening here is a tradition of its own and the question is one of letting it grow organically, or steering it while there are still people conscious of objectives.

First of all, I really don't think it's too much to ask someone hired and paid for a maritime event be asked to do one song from the tradition. I think the situation of having people from exclusive ethnic traditions who don't know where their music overlaps with the sea is rare (and an obvious exception). Frankly, this is becoming more rare all the time as more "ethnic traditions" get bulldozed everyday.

The question is : Are venues like Mystic providing a themed entertainment, or shepherding a resource? Are the "fans" audience or participants? The line is soft and frequently blurred.

In the case of "open sings" at the German club, are we expecting inexperienced performers to understand the subtleties of flow that come with years of reading a crowd? Sometimes they have spent a lot of time working themselves up to said performance, and as aficionados felt the need to research something unusual. They have seen seasoned performers put a hush on the room with a slow mournful song, well done, and wanted to do that themselves.
What I have also noticed is that some folks lack the prescience to notice when someone has just done that to the room, charging into "Haul Away Joe" two beats too soon after someone has almost made me cry.

I think it's a good question that bears more discussion, and folks need to accept that whether or not someone is steering, the boat is still moving down the river.
Perhaps guidelines need to be printed somewhere, or perhaps new folks need some shepherding or perhaps trying to control the energy of growth stunts it instead.
I do know that this question is related to the "how do we get younger folks interested and keep them?" question too.

Well that's enough for three threads.

I think singalongs should have places for people to sing along.
I think cool cats like those two who started me on this dissertation should consider an opening announcement (as de-facto leaders in this community) instead of pointing out that some folks at Chantey sings may lack the ability to pick up on social cues. ;)

All that being said, I noticed a shortage of "American" sounding songs at the sings. A notable exception being the "Johnny Come Down to Hilo" that Craig and Mark kicked all kinds of ass with (and brought up the energy level--Just so you know that I noticed).

I think a little shepherding that way wouldn't hurt either.

OK I've used the same word 3 times. It's time to go.

I had a great time and was honored to be there.
-W

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 03:09 PM

Charley,
       I must apologise to to you for not seeking you out. I`m sure Alice would have brought me straight there had I had the good sense to ask her but, being a stranger, there was so much to do, see and hear and so many folks that I did not know if I was on my backside or elbow. I`m sure the opportunity will arise again. Tanner to a knicker we brushed shoulders and were unaware.
       Concerning C.Fox-Smith I certainly did forward an mp3 file of us doing " Gerrans Churchtown". If you would e-mail me again on [e-mail] I will send you a copy of our version of "Limehouse Reach". Dave Watts has arranged a suitable tune for it and it is a regular in our repertoire now.

All the Very Best,
John

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 07:53 PM

And, John, I wish you'd introduced yourself to me as well. I believe your band did a musical arrangement for one of C. Fox Smith's poems, "Gerrans Churchtown," in 2007, and I'd be interested if you've done any more work with her poems.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 04:08 PM

Barry,
       Yes, that certainly was us under the tent with you and a pleasure it was to make your acquaintance. Perhaps next time we will get time to chat about things.
All the best,
    John

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 09:05 AM

Thank You Paul.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 07:07 AM

Vicki-

Thanks!

We'll do an update soon.

It certainly seems as if you all had a great time!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Vicki K.
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 11:02 PM

Charlie,
    The fellow in photo # 9 (between April and Karen and Robert) is Bill Bracken, with Jake Bryan to his right. They were part of a group of four members of the Pick'n' and Sing'n' Gather'n' who came down together, at the urging of Paul Schurr and me. Three of them, including Bill, were at the Sea Music Festival for the first time.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 10:11 PM

John, if you were the couple that was with Alice during most of the festival, I did meet you. I was hanging with Alice off & on for a fair bit of the festival. I believe we were introduced under the tent during an evening concert, if you are the same couple.

The festival belongs to all who come & it doesn't matter fro, how far or from where. Glad you came to be part of it.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 07:27 PM

Barry,
      We were in NY for 3 days from June 1st, 1 day in Guildford, 5 days in Hyannis and the last 6 days in Mystic. We met our good friend Alice Marsh and had a whale of a time. I would have loved to met and sung for you but it is your festival and I was content to be one of your chorus. Definitely next time.
Yours,
John

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 05:17 PM

Gee, thanks Paul for that primer, the checks in the mail.
With reference to "Finn & Haddie" at the Portsmouth Maritime Fest, Ken Schatz will be rounding us out as a trio

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 05:08 PM

What a joy and a privilege to sing with the Mystic 2009 performers, newbie's, and regulars all over the Mystic shipyard and at the German hall. We are lucky people to have this wonderful experience every year.

Wasn't the open-sing at the German hall spectacular? I enjoyed so many different voices and so many good songs. I think the extra seats in the hall helped create more of a community feel and encouraged more folks to step up and lead a song. It was less hectic than other years. In addition, the hall sings were less dominated by performers (as much as we love to hear them).

On my first visit to the festival a few years ago, Marc Bernier was the performer who made this newbie feel welcomed to Mystic's long-time shanty family. Now it feels like home to me in the hall thanks to the friends I've made at Mystic. I know a lot of people contribute to Mystic's friendly atmosphere—and I thank you all. It takes the good spirits of people like Bonnie, John, Barry, Charlie, Marc, Don, the unscheduled performers who just show up (our other John), and more folks than I could possibly list to create what we have at this festival. Yes, we have a treasure.

There have been a few comments referring to an after-after sing, and I can say that it is also a joy to have the rising sun and singing birds announce your bedtime. A little secret hasn't been mentioned, however. A certain highly regarded folk artist and sometime MC, who might be more known for his rousing Chicken on a Raft or his melancholy Best Cure, led the Friday after-afters singers in a rousing night-ending medley of Doo-op music. We killed off teenagers (tell Laura for me) and woke up little Susie and who knows what else damage we caused with this final song blast. I confess that even Weird Al made an appearance, but that's my fault. (Thanks to Jim, the Rum Soaked Crook who sang back-up rhythm. I'm still laughing.)   I'm sure these ditties qualify as foc'sle songs on some cargo ship. Another night a very large guy with a pierced earring and rakish look in his eye led a version of Rolling Down to Old Maui that, though jumbled in oddly disturbing and interesting ways, shook the rafters, raised the dead, and cleared the air of all serious intent. Now I'm sure these after-afters were occurring all over the town in motel rooms, private homes, and camp sites. Bless you if you slept instead so that you could rest your voice, get ready for the next day's performance, or maybe please your wife.

One last chapter in this book—Performer CDs. I have CDs by many of the folks, so I'll only mention the best of the new ones I picked up. My biggest surprise was Holdstock and MacLeod's "Deepwater Return." I've already memorized "My Pittenweem Jo" and given 4 iTune stars to many of the songs.   Danny Spooner's "We'll Either Bend or Break 'er" is a fine collection of traditional shanties. I love Louis Killen's version of these songs too (they're deeply grooved in my hard drive after two years…yes, I'm a newbie), but I never expected to 4 star so many of Danny's versions of the songs. He makes a song like "Liverpool Judies" sound fresh. Bob Web has a number of maritime tunes and fewer shanties on "From Salthouse Dock." For me, songs like Bob's "The Gals o'Chile" got 4 iTune stars and earned a place on my learn list. Well done, Bob.

My favorite CD overall is John Robert's "Sea Fever." By god, get a copy. Songs like "The Black Cook" and "Sir Patrick Spens" – just to name two – have the deep smoky flavor and complexity of a fine, well-aged single malt. They will be classics. I noticed that Peter and Joanne Souza are acknowledged for their support on the CD. Well if you two give John his get up and go for making CDs, please keep priming the pump. Well done. I bought other CDs, but they became $15 donations to various folk traditions. Another recent purchase was Finn & Haddie's "Fathom This." Barry Finn was a volunteer this year at Mystic and kept too busy (thanks Barry). But I must say that 4 cuts on this CD get 5 iTune stars. A few others were 4 stars. Neal Haddie actually writes or arranges some of these songs. I almost led his original song "Heavy Cruiser" at the Friday sing, but the chorus would have been new to everyone. Marc would like the rousing nature of the song. You can get this CD at the Portsmouth Maritime Festival on the last weekend in September. Then you can hear Neal lead the song, not me. Save a seat in the Press Room pub if you get there on Friday before me.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 05:00 PM

John, I wish you had made yourself known or let us know you were gonna attend so we could keep an eye out for yp. Sorry to have missed you

How long are you here for & where?

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 01:07 PM

John-

Thanks so much for your excellent description of the Griswald gathering. I've attended these sessions in the past and just did not have the reserves left this year to hang in for another day. But then again I didn't travel all the way over the Great Pond to attend the Festival.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 12:32 PM

Well done, Marc. Having seen a tv documentary from the US about people extolling the virtues of affairs with animals my wife was gobsmacked. I`ve always had my suspicions about those soldiers. The only thing they could get over here were moody cows or sheep and they are always complaining.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 12:23 PM

As a point of note; my soarce for The Moose Song was a book called Songs the Redcoats Sang. So even that came from over there, sort of.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 12:17 PM

Glad to do so , Charley, from where we sat.
The Inn was very well attended and the restaurant was doing a roaring trade with a fine selsction of New England dishes. There is also a decent ale to be had, the one with the kilted Scotsman on the beer engine handle, Ten Pence Ale or something like it. The crack in the bars, prior to the opening session of Irish songs in the front bar, was great with a number of us exchanging our tales and histories and then the music was enjoyed by an appreciable crowd. While dining on a delicious prawn dish in the back bar the stage was set for the survivors to sing and play. We also had the pleasure of re-acquaintance there with Gina and Bill Dunlap. Each of the survivors who had requested a spot, in turn, singularly or paired, did their bit and all were to be congratulated. As an Englishman I was astonished at the amount of songs sung that evening that emanated from over here, especially some contemporary ones. Please forgive me for not being able to name the artists but special mention must be made for the following, taking nothing away from all who participated. The gentleman who sang, "I`m `enery the Eighth I Am". You can imagine it tickled us pink. Then the two fellows who sang and accompanied themselves with the most deft display of bones - breathtaking. Then a pair of the Johnson Girls with a strong shanty. One of the girls then sung a perfect "Cornish Men are Fishermen". I spoke to her afterwards and told her it is one of the songs in our repertoire and I was transported to Padstow presently. There was also a song about the MOOSE - but I shall not dwell on that for fear of distressing those of tender disposition. Eleven o`clock came all too quickly and it was time to drive back to Mystic. I hope this compressed report gives you an idea of the evening.
Youts,
John

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 10:34 AM

Would someone describe the survivors' gathering at the Griswald Inn in Essex?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 06:52 AM

May I propose a vote of thanks to all involved in this year`s 30th anniversary Mystic, the tremendous pool of stunning performers, the admins. and volunteers for their faultless organising of the event and those enthusiastic audiences. The German Club must also be mentioned for allowing the "afters" to go ahead. I will certainly do all I can to go again. Oh yes, and what a bonus, - the Griswald night!

Our Very Best Wishes to all concerned.

John

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: CET
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 09:32 PM

I'm with you about the sing alongs, Marc. There's a time and a place for songs that don't lend themselves to joining in, but not at the German Club session(at least not for most singers).

At any rate, I had a great time and I would recommend Mystic to anyone who really likes to sing.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 06:04 PM

Great thanks, Marc, I can change that.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 04:10 PM

Sorry Gibb. You got them Mixed. That's Martin singing Greenland Whale Fisheries. The good news is you'll probably never confuse them again.

Cool stuff though. I'v known Don for probably 30 years, and I don't think I'v ever heard him sing Swing Low Sweet Chariot.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 01:51 PM

I posted up a few clips of performances, if anyone is interested:

Louis Killen

Phil and Martin Hugill

Phil Hugill (Hopefully I've not mixed up his and Martin's names?)

Don Sineti

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 11:44 AM

If I somehow post this twice, please forgive me. I'm STILL trying to catch up on much needed sleep.

I thought the festival was extremely well run and thank all the sound people for making us sound amazing, for the volunteers who enabled us to safely and quickly lock away and relocate all those 21 instruments that we lugged and played on stage, for everything that made the weekend a success.

Due to dragging my 12 year old around with me, I wasn't able to go to the pub sings this year and the YTB, but always was amazed by the singing and harmonies. It is intimidating -- the very thought of trying to leap in and lead a chantey, but I hearily joined in the choruses.

Great job everyone

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 11:38 AM

Though due to family responsibilities, I couldn't attend all of the festival, I thought it extremely well run and enjoyed seeing dear friends and meeting new folks and meeting the royalty of the festival. Kudos to all who ran the sound board and made the main stage sound so well and to everyone who made this such a success.

This year I didn't make it to the pub sings, though I have in the past...I have always been impressed by the singing (I never had the guts to try to leap into to the fray though I'd join in on choruses), and I've been amazed at the stamina of those up until the wee hours of the morning. (I can't quite do it anymore.)

Well done everyone.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 11:07 AM

What impressed me at the late evening shanty sessions was that many of us more experienced singers restricted ourselves to leading just one song. In these sessions there is always a temptation to respond immediately to what someone else has led, and experienced singers have the advantage in pulling that off. It's a high stress situation to lead a shanty in the German Hall period but I thought that most everyone was being very supportive to the singers (well, sometimes the conversations in the bar entrance area got a little too loud), and especially so to newcomers.

I did find it irritating that a few people choose to lead songs that were totally unrelated to the sea, or to drinking.

I don't think a single person was singing from the pages of Rise Up Singing, which I also consider a plus.

And no one brought in a boombox!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 08:40 AM

Edmund: I'm very much aware of that fact. But that knowledge comes with a bit of experience.

I'v no desire to ban slow songs, just advocate singalongs.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: adventure
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 07:37 AM

Apologies to Marc......habit of "k" spelling in name.
No matter....you're one of the best!
Keep up the good work....we all appreciate your efforts along with the rest of the Mystic folks and crew.
Doryman..heading off to the International Dory Races.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: CET
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 07:59 PM

Marc:

I have to say that I find a little odd what you seem to be suggesting in your post, i.e. that it takes more "chops" to sing a high energy shanty than a slow song. In fact, the opposite is true. A quieter, more reflective type of song is harder to bring off. You still have to cut the room, but you have to do it at something less than full volume. Tonal quality is more important and phrasing is trickier.

I would also respectfully suggest that a quiet song doesn't have to be lacking in energy, and can get the whole room involved, as long as it's well sung, e.g. Time Ashore, which somebody did on Saturday night.

In any case, although the energy might have been lacking in some of the sessions in previous years, I don't think it was this year. The German Club sessions had the best singing I've ever heard at a festival. I doubt there was more than 30 seconds delay between songs from the time people started piling in to the hall until they kicked us out at 1.30 in the morning.

The YTB was great too.

Edmund

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: adventure
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 06:12 PM

hmmm....audience participation. In some venues just fine....in others like the final concert it could entice some to change seats, others to leave and foreign language singers to cringe. The pub sing at the hall covers the venue for people who want to sing and be heard. Different folks doing different things makes the festival what it is and I hope will continue to be. People pay a handsome fee to see the performers on stage and enjoy the presenters as well as their musical trends. Some sing ballads, play instruments, single, group and story tellers. Several do it all. Personally I like the venue as it stands. Learning songs and listening to new singers is always great in the hall when it gets rolling. I like the split for stage and hall with whatever follows at the YTB at late evening....this year until 4 to 4:30 with a lot of good song and cheer. The blocks were fully busted this year. Ken, Mark, Jerry, Barry, Charlie, John, many others, our crew from Gloucester were sure up for singing this year. Goeff and crew who organized this 30th year even should be extremely proud of what went on in all venues. Nice to see the Thursday evening concert back, too. I am still amazed that we could not pick out Mars at 5 a.m as the sun was rising!!!! Great job by all who assisted, managed, performed, attended and donated to the 30th Mystic Sea Music Festival. The Museum should and I'm sure after this event hold the festival in high esteem. Can't get much better than this. Nice to see some friends from afar and catch up on old and new news. Mark, nice job on Maui!!!
Thanks to all.....too many to thank for so much!!!!
Doryman and his mate(Peter and Joanne)

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 05:58 PM

ooops guest was me

so what was your most memorable moment
for me there were a few contenders
Singing on the main stage
The pub sings in the evening
The YTB session (fuzzy as it was!)

But the best was joining in a chorus in the boat shed with Ali Kelly to my right and Bonnie to my left, the chimes were wonderful. thanks guys

Pete

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,jcampbellwampum
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 05:06 PM

It was great fun to hear the various renditions of my songs throughout the festival, thanks to all who have gone to the trouble to learn them, and perform them. I'll have to come up with something fresh to stay ahead of the pack. Am in the final stages of the illustrated "Frederick's" catalog, in which the fashions are portrayed in the anime style, and am looking forward to the Sea Story Festival, which we hope will have a strong participatory component.
We usually hold up the phone for Geno Leech, so he can hear Sinetti sing "Maui", this year Geno says he sounds like a lumber truck on the rumble strip.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 03:58 PM

just to let you all know that the tee shirt came through the wash in a reasonable state!

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 03:13 PM

The YTB is different.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 03:02 PM

At least the ballads should have a chorus or refrain (which will make them even longer!). I do agree that a long ballad without a chorus or refrain is inappropriate for the German Club shanty sessions.

Those of us who gather at the YTB (usually after midnight) do indulge in singing some of the quieter sea songs. There was quite a turnout at the YTB this year, with the sessions continuing to 4 in the morning.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 10:42 AM

So thinking about the suggestion put forward a few days back. Re. audience participation being a requirement

Not every performer invited to the festival has that ability. We've had performers that don't speak English. We've had performers that play tunes, they don't sing in any language.

I would suggest however that that should be preferred behavior for the pub sings. It appears to have become quite fashionable to sing, long, slow, beautiful, boring, ballads at the pub sing. Although a few of us can in fact do that with taste. There are more and more inexperienced singers taking that route because they don't have the chops to carry off something with more energy. Unfortunately the choice of material prevents support from we who do have the experience and skill to help keep the energy up. And it is during these songs when folks can't sing along that the idle chatter starts, making it that much harder to grab your piece when the dirge is done. Many of these upcoming singers are learning from example. If those of us experienced singers kept the energy of the pub sing up, a solo ballad by a professional vocalist during the concert might be that much more enjoyable.

I have on more than one occasion in the last few years left the German club early because I actually grew tired trying to kick the energy back up. And I don't tire easily.

Just my own opinionated opinion.
Marc Bernier

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 11:10 PM

Note that --according to an employee at the Seaport-- the Morgan's hull looked nothing like that originally. She was relatively "flat" bottomed. Supposedly, after so many years, the bottom sagged down and stretched, which is why it seems there is so much mass below the waterline when you see her now.