Singing Tom Bliss Songs

Subject: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: GUEST,The Man Himself
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 12:45 PM

Just popping in briefly to say that I was asked by a number of people up at Whitby if it would be ok for them to sing and/or record my songs now that I'm not doing them any more.

Just in case anyone else is in any doubt, the answer is - and always was actually; please feel free to do with them just as you like (including improve/customise as preferred).

I'd not say no to a few sovs via PRS if that's on the cards (I'm being a non-earning cone-head for the next 10 months, so pennies will be welcome), and it would be nice if people said where they got the song from because I have this huge and burdensome ego to feed, but both those issues are secondary.

I've no idea how many people are already singing things wot i wrote out there, (no-one ever did 'em when I was at their club), but I do get the occasional report to warm the old cockles.

You see, songs don't technically exist except when they are actually being played, so the more they're sung out merrier from my point of view.

I believe a few working chums are doing versions, now that I've stopped, so maybe you'll hear the rare snatch from stages up and down the land, but please don't hesitate to do any of mine in any circumstances (even as monologues like the lovely Mavis Hewitt does).

Bye for now

Tomsk

Right - were was I? Oh yes, registering my new electric eco-scooter (reg JK09 WKD - no, really, it is!)

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 12:57 PM

Thanks for that Mr WKD! Been mulling over 'The Sins of Mary Prout' in my head since we saw your last performance in Gainsborough and might one day be brave enough to sing it acapella but it won't be for coins I'm afraid so remuneration would not be forthcoming.... also 'God Speed' keeps appearing when I drive and I have to use all my skills to get it out of my head on a long journey.
Would you object to a rendition of these appearing on Youtube?.... sung by someone other than your good self!..... no competition I have to tell you but just a version.
Wishing you all the best with your 'New Life'
Mike.

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: Simon G
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 01:20 PM

Its a privilege to sing songs written by Tom. Despite my pretty ropey amateur performances Tom's songs stop people dead, especially God Speed and The Violin, wait a second I only sing those two so it must true for all Tom Bliss songs.

I'll be taking them to Nova Scotia with me from October.

Thanks Tom for your superb songs. I do hope many people enjoy singing them to others and you get all the kudos you deserve and the odd sovereign for the students union bar.

Travel safely on WKD

Simon

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: mauvepink
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 02:30 PM

No chance your songs will die around me Tom! Blame Simon G as the man who introduced me to your music and then transported me to my first Tom Bliss concert. I was at your penultimate one too so it is still fresh in my mind. that reulted in the God Speed Tom Bliss thread :-)

Just this past week I have sung God Speed, The Violin, Sins of Mary Prout, Rue and The Whisper. All recieved with fondness from folks in the variou clubs who love your songs. Three weeks back one gentleman approached me and even thanked me! When he was up he actually commented "how nice it was to hear songs by Tom Bliss" and "that Tom's songs are not sung enough".

You are certainly well thought of and your songs respected. Long will that always remain and I ALWAYS say whose song it is. Most often folks know that already :-)

Take care and good luck in the future. Thank you for the permissions given once again

mp

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: frogprince
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 07:15 PM

Just popped over to Youtube and found Mr.Bliss doing "The Violin"; fine, fine song indeed.
                         Dean

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 07:57 AM

God Speed is also on Youtube
God Speed Tom Bliss.(+ Tom Napper)

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: Pwitz
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 12:49 PM

Tom

Did you receive the photos of your last gig at Gainsborough Folk Club which we sent via e.mail?

Polly and Paul

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: GUEST,TB
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 03:10 PM

Hi PnP - yes indeed. I was in Alderney on a lobster-driven dial-up when they arrived, so had put in the doolater box. Just uploaded now. Many thanks and apologies for not replying sooner.

And Mike - as Maggie nearly said; "YouTube if you want to, the Laddie's not for (re)turning!" (I'd love to see and hear your version/s).

T

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: Skribla
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 04:30 PM

Tom - 'Kelping' already on our PRS return for Whitby. Also planning to do it at Hull next Sunday - that'll be reported too. Best wishes.

Cheers,
Dave E

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: open mike
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 04:46 AM

tom--if you read this, i am looking for a song called wild and blue by the mekons and was referred to ask you.

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 07:43 AM

Tom, are you ready to do a Sinatra yet?

You CANNOT stop singing your songs! Great to hear others singing them, but heck, you should be singing them too.

To all you Festival Organisers out there, this man should be up there headlining your festivals!   

Yeesh, I sooo need my own festival, my own radio station...AAARRRRGHHH!

Tom, put your hands over your ears for a minute...

Talented people such as Tom should not have to give up singing their songs because they can't make a living from them, it's just not right.

He should be headlining Sidmouth and all the other major festivals, as should George Papavgeris...not in the backrooms, but on the main stages. I know talent when I see and hear it and both of these guys are swimming in it, as is Duncan McFarlane and his band....so it's time for the Old Boys Folk Network to get new blood into its Organisers and change a few of the Headlining acts, instead of putting on the same old people, year after, yawning year...

Bring BACK Tom Bliss, and bring on George and Duncan too...

:0)

Subject: RE: Singing Tom Bliss Songs
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 01:26 PM

I must admit I almost had a tear in my eye when I heard one of Tom's friends sing 'Rue' at Shrewsbury - and that is not even one of my favourite of his songs!