2009 Obit: Jim Couza RIP (UK)

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Audrey
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 05:02 PM

He's one performer who often had me crying with deep sadness at one song, only to have me splitting my sides with laughter at the next. I'll never forget the one about why dogs sniff each other's bottoms!

Rest in Peace Jim, I'm sure you'll have a great send-off

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Steve and Mary Johnson
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 04:04 PM

Mary and I learned of Jim's death today and have to say it leaves us very sad. I was lucky enough to have a regular seat next to Jim at the Vaults bar session in Stony Stratford every Sunday, and felt privileged when he allowed me to play percussion on some of his tunes. I remember the first time he played 'Friends and Neighbours' –it literally had me in tears. I was lucky enough to get hold of a pristine copy of the album on EBay and copied it to CD for him, but unfortunately, it's still in my instrument case.
God bless Jim, we'll miss you.
Love and condolences to Karen.
Steve and Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 03:57 PM

I have just received this from Jims family, please people who knew him come along. I am in Hungary....

My sister Karen and I have just returned from the undertakers and she has
asked me to invite as many people that Jim knew to his funeral and a wild
celebration of his of his life party after, on the 22 nd of August 2009 .
The sevice will be held in the Methodist church that he attended in
Whitchurch Buckinghamshire hp22 4jd at 11 am, we arranged it to be as late
as possible to enable people to travel .The celebration party afterwards
will be just around the corner at his home at 3 Castle Lane.
The one thing that worried Jim was that his funeral would be a very small
affair with only a few people attending .SO LETS PROVE HIM WRONG for the
first time ever! Please could you pass this information on to as many of
Jims friends as possible as Karen is not sure she has everyone's contact
details . If you can make it please e-mail me as soon as possible so we can
cater for everyone my e-mail address is [e-mail]. Thank
you. John & Karen.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Malcolm Speake
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 03:26 PM

Jim will certainly be missed on the folk scene, so soon after Johnny Collins going as well. Have seen him many times at clubs and festivals but the one that sticks in my memory was at the The Birmingham Traditional Music club (BTMC) back before the beginning of time (when Dave James was a golden haired youth).

It was Christmas and Jim did a grand night dressed as Father Christmas, he also gave out the presents to the children (pinching Eric Jackson's job). It was a great night.

Well done Jim yours was a fine life bringing joy and happiness to everyone you met (except those you rubbed up the wrong way - but that's their problem not yours)

Fond Memories

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Jim Palana
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 03:21 PM

I met Big Jim in 1969 when the late Alan Soares first brought me to the Tryworks Coffeehouse in New Bedford, MA. Jim was one of the leading performers there and his enthusiasm for traditional music was great even then. That he went on to forge such an impressive career playing the hammered dulcimer was a source of great wonder to his old Tryworks friends - we were there when he started! And that he made so many friends throughout the UK and Europe is a testament to his wonderful talent and personality. He was larger-than-life in every way and he made the world a better place with his music. Roll on, buddy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 01:19 PM

Here's a YouTube clip of him playing and talking about his dulcimer.

What I always found so amazing was that the fact he had to sit so far back from the instrument because of his size never got in the way of his playing.

And I'm glad people here remembered his singing as well as his playing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: goatfell
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 12:35 PM

rip

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: fretless
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 12:35 PM

I remember him from the late 70s when I booked him for a Friday night performance at The Good Coffee House in Brooklyn. A very fine musician and very decent guy. Rest well, Jim.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Aeola
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 12:30 PM

Very sad. It's a few years ago when I first met him but he will always be remembered.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: scowie
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 12:25 PM

correction to what i wrote---should be Jim performed at that mammoth CONCERT event, a fund raiser and a memorial. sorry probably the emotion of finding we'd lost another friend got to me---Scowie.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 12:21 PM

My sister Karen and I have just returned from the undertakers and she has asked me to invite as many people that Jim knew to his funeral and a wild celebration of his of his life party after, on the 22 nd of August 2009 . The sevice will be held in the Methodist church that he attended in Whitchurch Buckinghamshire hp22 4jd at 11 am, we arranged it to be as late as possible to enable people to travel .The celebration party afterwards will be just around the corner at his home at 3 Castle Lane.
The one thing that worried Jim was that his funeral would be a very small affair with only a few people attending .SO LETS PROVE HIM WRONG for the first time ever! Please could you pass this information on to as many of Jims friends as possible as Karen is not sure she has everyone's contact details . If you can make it please e-mail me as soon as possible so we can cater for everyone my e-mail address is [e-mail]. Thank you. John & Karen.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Bob
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 11:51 AM

This is very sad news, RIP - Jim.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: sapper82
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 10:51 AM

Oh bugger! Another one gone who will be much missed.

At least I did manage to see him live a couple of times.

My condolances to his friends and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Joe Nicholson
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 10:31 AM

Jim played our club in the eighties Blind Jacks at Knaresborough a wonderful night. He stayed at our house, we heard he had a spectaculer appetite so we filled the fridge but he was on a diet and had only had a slice of toast and marmite.But I remember most him playing his hammer dulcimer in the open at Whitby on the East Side by the swing bridge he had to give up because the hundres listening were stopping the traffic.
Farewell Old Lad you wre a good un.
Joe & Mo

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 09:56 AM

I will miss you Jim, I didn't get to say goodbye. I hope you're up there somewhere running the great session in the sky. Tears, love, respect and gratitude. Your Godson and prodigy. Maclaine Colston. x

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Richard & Carolyn Hughes
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 08:35 AM

We remember Jim from the SMU days - Ceilidh and Eisteddfod - set up under a tree, filling the air with music....A big, gentle man. Safe Home.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 07:33 AM

I think of Jim every Christmas time as his rendition of "Brightest and Best", one of my wife's favoutites, is always played on the Manx Folk program.

He used to come to the Cheddar folk club quite often and was always welcome there.
I don't know whether his timing was planned or sheer coincidence (it would match his sense of humour) but on two separate occasions he entered the room while the song "Barrat's privateers" was being sung just as the line "when a great big Yankee hove in view" was reached.

He certainly inspired me to try out the hammered dulcimer, and in another life with more time in it you never know...


Robin Madge

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Dawn McLaren
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 07:32 AM

Jim was one of the "greats". A great performer and a great-hearted man. Absolutely the best guest that ever slept on our BIG settee! He loved the catering. That was in the "old days" at Fleet Folk Club.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: scowie
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 06:05 AM

I knew Jim from way back, His heart was as big as his frame, it saddens me that it has given out on him, and yet another light has been dimmed in this Folk World of ours.
We all remember the Lochabie Disaster, Jim performed at that mammoth
event, Scottish Television put out a short recording of it late one night, and there of course was the lad, and he sang what i know as "St. Pauls Song" it was highly evocative, emotional and a very very moving tribute to the victims, and their bereaved. I hope someone can do the same for him.
farewell my friend untill we meet again, keep a seat warm for me,
your buddy Scowie.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Pistachio
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 05:59 AM

I saw him at Warwick Festival last year and loved the sound he made.
I offer my condolences.
Hazel

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: bubblyrat
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 05:52 AM

I'm A Walt Michael man myself,but Jim came a pretty close second as a hammered dulcimer player & singer.I remember fondly seeing him at a Country Fair at Kingston Lacey in Dorset a few years back,in his "Cripple in a Hovel" guise,complete with fly on his nose and wooden crutches---somewhat ironic ,really.Having busted a string,he took out his roll of piano -wire,& asked for some cutters----I was priveleged to lend him my "Leatherman" !!
          What can I say about Jim Couza ?? Just " Once seen & heard, never forgotten " !!
                   RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 05:16 AM

Oh no, not another one.

Jim was tagged as being 'the giant of the hammered dulcimer' - an obvious cliche for a large man.
I first met him in the mid 80s I think, and we forged a professional relationship which led to recording his meisterwork, Jubilee in 1989. I later recorded Out of the Shadowland and his biggest seller - Welcome to the Fair. This was done because he needed something to sell at the Mediaval fairs that he did (when he dressed up in doublet and hose as a minstrel). What started out as a throwaway item (and was recorded all in one day), went on to become a massive seller, to Jim's surprise and joy!

During all that time, we became firm friends and I found him to be a 'giant of a man'. There were legion stories about Jim Couza - mostly centring around his somewhat brash American demeanour - but I found him to be a kind, gentle and compassionate human being underneath the exterior. And when I had troubles of my own, he was one of the few true friends who stepped up to the mark.

I last saw him in person a year ago at Warwick Folk Festival, where he had a whale of a time getting back to the playing he loved. I last spoke to him earlier this year, when he was in very buoyant mood, and was talking about doing more gigs, and even starting a new album project. This from a man who had had both legs amputated and untold health problems. But he never lost his sense of humour and joy of living. I remember us joking after the first amputation - he had taken up going to the gym to try and keep fit, and was doing 10 miles a day on his exercise bike. All the old jokes about the one legged cyclist came out. After the second amputation, I asked him what he was going to do. He said, "Oh, they've fixed me up with a rowing machine, so I don't need the Goddam legs for that!"
I've never known a person remain so positive under such adversity, and he will always be a true inspiration to me.

I had no idea that things had taken a turn for the worse, and was shocked to read here that he had passed on.

I will truly miss him, and my thoughts go out to Karen.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 03:31 AM

First saw Jim at the National Festival, Sutton Bonnington around 1988 and not long after that in the much more intimate surroundings of the Oddfellows Arms at Kegworth where he did an exceptional night.
Very sorry to hear this sad news.
RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: lisa null
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 12:47 AM

I for one had a great fondness for Jim and his music. I would show up for Howard Glasser's Eisdteddfod's and ceilidhs in the early seventies, more often as guest than performer in those days, and Jim's house would often be the place we cold party for the night and sing to our heart's content. There was always a heap of body's sprawled on the floor the next morning. Later, our paths would cross at the University of Pennsylvania, where we both studied folklore. By then, he had an interest in the music of Pennsylvania. He moved to England and we lost touch with each other-- but I wil remember him always as a fine hammer dulcimer player, a strong singer with an interesting repertoire, and a great host!

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 07:12 PM

I remember Jim from the Tryworks coffee house in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a fine singer, one of the very best Hammer Dulcimer players, and a great guy. Never got to see him on this side of the pond but I know there will be many back in New England who will be saddened by his passing.
Farewell Jim.
David

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,North/South Annie
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 07:10 PM

I first saw Jim in the 70's in the Gosport & Portsmouth area and I think he was the first person I had seen playing a hammer dulcimer. He was absolutely amazing both then and on subsequent occasions I was lucky enough to see him. Thanks for the music Jim, rest peacefully now.

Condolencies to Jim's family at this time.

Annie

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 06:45 PM

I can't say that I knew him, but saw him many times over the years. He was responsible for one of the nicest nights I've ever had in a folk club - at the Bracknell club he did a night where his much of his set was prompted by random thoughts, connections and some remarks from the audience. I remember it included I'll See You In C.U.B.A. (Bing Crosby in Blue Skies), the (longish) chorus of which he had the whole cellar singing.

A sad loss of a great musician.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: RiGGy
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 06:17 PM

I learned this Rod MacDonald song from "BIG Jim Couza" in the early 70's. Seems like a fitting farewell:

Though my sails be torn and tattered and my mast be turned about
Though the night wind chills me to my very soul
Though the spray might sting my eye and the stars no light provide
Give me just enough morning light to hold

I will not lie me down, this rain a-raging
I will not lie me down in such a storm
And if this night be unblessed, I shall not take my rest
Until we reach another shore

Though the only water left is but salt to wound my thirst
I will drink this rain that falls so steadily down
If night's blindness be my gift, there are thieves upon my drift
I will bless this fog that shelters me around

Though my friends are worn and weary and believe their hopes are lost
There's no room for their bones on this blackened bottom
Though death waits just off the bow, we will not answer to him now
We must stand and face the morning without him

Riggy

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 05:32 PM

We have special memories - of festivals and chance meetings when Jim used to astound the tourists when he busked in Bath.

We have sad hearts, but know Jim will take harp music into another dimension!

Pauline Jack & Zak

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 05:31 PM

When I first moved to Wales in the early 80's I looked out the local folk Club, Llantrisant. I innocently thought "well no-one knows me here so I can try out my new hammer dulcimer on them". Lo and behold, second night there, in walked Jim, he was a regular and lived only down the road. Happy days.
Thanks for the music Jim.

Andy

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 03:36 PM

I never got to see Jim, but I did get to see Maclaine Colsten playing Hammered Dulcimer at Faldingworth.
Jim has left a very talented man to carry on the tradition of playing the hammered dulcimer.

RIP Jim

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Cats
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 03:16 PM

Jim and I played at the International Garden Festival in Stoke on Trent many years ago. Just the two of us surrounded by flowers and people who had never come across folk music before, let alone in a garden. I remember Jim Lloyd coming round to 'check up' on us and found us sitting there singing Dr Price. He was not amused and we got roundly told off! A lovely man who managed to drink the rainbow of my homemade wine inside a week and still stand up. He will be missed

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: mouldy
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 02:58 PM

He was at the first ever festival I went to, 23 years ago. He blew me away! So sad to hear of another good one gone.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Paul Hollingworth
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 02:49 PM

The world has lost a fine musician and wonderful warm, friendly, generous man. I was privileged to play with Jim on several occasions in the 1980's. He'll be sadly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Broadside Man
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 02:43 PM

Very sad to hear this. I remember Jim from the days of the Antelope Folk Club in Wareham.

As he began to play he stopped and said something along the lines of "I'll just let the music fill the room " and it did.

RIP Jim

Geoff

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 02:40 PM

Another big talent gone. And another kind, gentle and generous soul. He will be missed.
RIP Jim.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Bass Harmony
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 02:04 PM

I have listened to and been influenced by the big mans music since we met in London more than 20 years ago. I was once on a boating trip on the upper Thames and fell on a medieval fair on Wallingford common and heard his wonderful music coming over the field. I knew it was him and sought him out, to find him in doublet and hose entertaining the natives.
Another great loss, although his music will surely live on.

See ya Jim.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: skipy
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 01:48 PM

Of all the artists that have played Folkforms in the 20 years that we have held it he is the 2nd loss in one month!
RIP Jim & thank you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: bavis
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 01:45 PM

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 01:31 PM

Hell, another one. RIP Jim.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: GUEST,Kerensa
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 01:10 PM

I was shocked & saddened to hear if Jims death after a friend read about it here on Mudcat. I had always been aware of his health problems, but he just kept fighting.
Jim was a great friend & a huge influence on my life. It was Jim that introduced me to the hammered dulcimer 18 years ago, who taught me in the early days & his music contiues to influence & inspire me even now. I'm just sorry that I hadn't kept in closer touch over recent years.
I remember when I married for the first time, Jim was at the wedding, legs in bandages, on crutches to play for the service. He had called me 2 days before to say that he may not be able to make it as he was due to go into hospital but was so determined not to let me down. It meant the world to me to have him there & I have never forgotten it. I still have photo's of us both playing at the reception, me in a huge frilly dress, completely oblivious to all the people around us. It was such a joy to play with him.
I'll never forget everything he did for me, the support, encouragement, inspiration, mince pies, food fights!......
RIP Jim - you'll never be forgotten. x

Subject: RE: Obit: Jim Couza RIP 2 August 2009
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 12:59 PM

Imet Jim on my first American visit in 1976 and often thereafter. A big man with talent to match. Goodbye Jim, thank you for the music.ROY

Subject: RE: Jim Couza RIP
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 12:01 PM

We, "Elsie`s Band" wish to express our sadness on learning of Jim`s death. We were aware of his health situation but, nevertheless, it is still hard to come to terms with when such news breaks. He blessed "Elsie`s" on a number of occasions with his breathtaking music and this will be his lasting memorial.

Subject: RE: Jim Couza RIP
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 11:57 AM

I am very saddened by this - Jim was a regular guest at Swinton until his health problems prevented much travel. Always a gentleman with a massive talent. I remember well his poignant song about a Mexican loosing his family fortune on the outcome of a cockfight - Can't remember the title. Jim had a good laugh when some wag asked him to do 'the Mexican chicken song'. It was never the same again:-)

Rest in Peace, Jim.

DeG

Subject: RE: Jim Couza RIP
From: Gervase
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 11:15 AM

Another good 'un gone. I remember seing Jim 25 years ago in Suffolk; a great gentlre bear of a man lugging what looked like a barn door around with him, yet producing the most wonderful music with it.

Subject: Jim Couza RIP
From: GUEST,Tim Hague
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 10:40 AM

I have had this message from Jims family:



It is with great sadness that I have to announce that Jim sadly lost his battle with his health problems and on Sunday the second of August at 10.30 pm with his wife at his side took the hand of Jesus and peacefully slipped away. condolences can be passed on to the family by e-mail at [e-mail]. A kind,Passionate,wonderful big hearted man that has left a huge hole in all our lives.Johnathan

He will be missed by all that knew him, his recent appearances at the Vaults in Stony Stratford were stunning, although he was in poor health his love of the tradition shone through

RIP Jim

Tim Hague