Jimmy Rankin, any views?

Subject: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 07:34 AM

As usual we will be going to see the Jools Holland R & B Orch. in an oudoor concert this summer, with the wonderful Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall & guest Dave Edmonds. The opening act (on at 18.30) is Canadian Jimmy Rankin. Any Canadian Mudcatters heard him? What is he like? is he worth getting there early to hear?
Previous opening acts at JH gigs have been dire. His brother Chris, and his guitarist, Mark Flanagan, both great with the band, have been underwhelming with their own groups doing "songs wot I wrote" in other years.
RtS

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: Acorn4
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 08:18 AM

He was a member of the famous "Rankin Family" -absolutely excellent stunning music, but disbanded a few years back. Unfortunately one of the band members was killed in a car crash not long after this.

Not heard him solo but if it's anything like the band, get there in time and you'll be in for a treat. Good on self penned stuff and trad arrangements.

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: Acorn4
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 08:19 AM

... and if you've not heard any of the Rankin family CDs go to the record library and try them out.

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: meself
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 11:57 AM

Jimmy is a strong, completely professional performer (in my somewhat limited exposure to him). There is no question of how "good" he is; the question is rather how much his style of music would appeal to you. It's a little hard to put a label on; he performs mostly, if not entirely, his own songs, and they blend "folk"/folk/trad./rock/Celtic/pop/C&W influences. Not much relation to Jools Holland and R&B, I shouldn't think. (I'm not familiar with those other names you mention).

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: Rifleman (inactive)
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 11:59 AM

"Unfortunately one of the band members was killed in a car crash not long after this."

John Morris Rankin - fiddle and piano

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: Willie-O
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 12:10 PM

The Rankins have reunited for touring in the past couple of years, with John Morris Rankin's now teenaged daughter Molly included in the lineup.

As for Jimmy, never mind trying to second-guess him, just go see him! Seriously, you should. There's nothing complex about what he does--they call it "singer-songwriter", and his stuff is the non-navel-gazing variety with a backbeat. Not set-filler--Do not miss him!

W-O

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 02:07 PM

Thanks for the heads-up, guys, looks like we'll set our chairs & cooler up early (and umbrellas, this being British Summer!).

RtS

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 03:34 AM

Well, we went to the concert on Friday, the weather stayed fine, we got a spot on the slope centre to the stage. If you don't know Stonor, the mansion nestles in a natural bowl and the stage is set with the house as the backdrop. Arrived early, set up our picnic and beers and got a good view over the sound tent. We enjoyed Jimmy Rankin's set, he was followed by actress/singer Charlie Dore and her Hula Valley Orchestra: a sort of old-timey group (guitars,mandolin, uke, lap steel, bass) and then the Jools Holland mob with the wonderful Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall and special guest, old rocker, (only a year younger than me!)Dave Edmunds, who did his infamous "Sabre Dance" at breakneck speed among other numbers. Firework finale and full moon, great night. I think it was the biggest crowd we've seen at one of these gigs.
Only bummer was the queue to get out of the carpark (half an hour).

Thanks to Wille & Acorn for input.

RtS

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: Acorn4
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 03:45 AM

Glade you had a good day. I've always admired Dave Edmunds music, especially when he was in collaboration with Nick Lowe.

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: GUEST,MtheGM
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 05:41 AM

I found a beautiful version of the Rankin Family singing HoRo My Nutbrown Maiden in Gaelic on YouTube — well worth googling. M

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: GUEST,MtheGM
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 05:49 AM

... also a version of Mairi's Wedding with some delightful dancing, also on YouTube.   M

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 02:24 AM

The Rankins--all of 'em, are excellent. Great group that came out of the Maritimes. Some of the most beautiful music I ever heard. Also, he had a major hit with "Followed Her Around" some years back. It's on Youtube also. He's a truly professional and straight-up awesome performer. Needless to say, I love the Rankins.

Subject: RE: Jimmy Rankin, any views?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 02:39 AM

In fact, I think they are the very best group of this kind to come out of Canada, period. Jimmy has a bit of roack and roll in his soul, but he's also got the heart of a maritimer, and it shows in his writing.

As for the gals--LOOK OUT. When you listen to this cut, make sure your china, chrystal and windows are taped. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj0x34ICsTI

And "North Country" is simply beautiful. If you search The Rankin Family on Youtube you'll find lots. And it's worth listening to. Guaranteed.