'The Master' for Liam Clancy

Subject: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: GUEST,Jorrox
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 12:19 PM

This is for Liam Clancy. I don't care how unfashionable they are, I love The Clancys and Tommy Makem. I think Liam is one the best singers, period. And we all owe a debt to Liam and the lads.

Liam's not in the best of health these days and I wanted to send him some positive energy.

I know all the arguments against The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem so please don't use this thread to re-kindle old wars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwjxR6zxROY

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 12:35 PM

Very well done! I love it. Thanks for writing it, making it, and posting it!

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 12:45 PM

I was an early fan, in 1961-62, when a young lady in a record shop in Tacoma, Washington had me listen to an LP of theirs. I loved their energy and showmanship, and I immediately loved the songs.

These were, after all, theatrical folk - Tom, Paddy and Liam were all actors who fell into folk music during their New York days. Many of their songs, so familiar to us now, might never have gained a wider audience save for their efforts. The late, great Tommy Makem added more material and great musicality to the act - along with an added dimension of "Irish Soul."

One can argue about the changes in tempo and some poetic license, I suppose, but it doesn't detract from their accomplishments. I have also enjoyed a couple of Liam's books, both insightful and entertaining reads. I send my very best wishes for better health and more music to a man I was never privileged to meet, but have long admired.

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 12:58 PM

It was cold by 1030 on the Saturday night of the first Cambridge Folk Festival in 1965 — no such luxuries as a tent in those far-off days. We had watched & heard a succession of fine acts: but they'd all started the same, with the singer spending an unconscionable time making sure his/her guitar was in tune, & then turning to the patiently waiting audience & saying, "Well...".

Then, at last, the announcer said: "And now the last act for Saturday night: the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem." And within a split second, no more, there were these four Arran-clad young[ish] men in a half circle, two with arms spread, one driving on guitar & the other on banjo, halfway thru the first verse of "Roddy McCorley". And everyone - but everyone - had forgotten how cold it was. And I thought to myself: "Wow: now that's professionalism!"

I wish all the best to what remains of the greatest...

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: GUEST,Jorrox
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 01:07 PM

I'm very jealous MtheGM; not just that you saw them in their prime, but also that you were at the first CFF!.

I was way just about to start school that year so I couldn't make it.

I started going to CFF in 87 and have been every year (bar one) since. So I even missed the time they played during their re-union phase.

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: ard mhacha
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 01:17 PM

No need to sound apologetic Jorrox, they were the spark that revived the flame, and all of those folk songs lying dormant for many years were brought to life by this group.
Yes, good health to Liam, Dylan wasn`t far wrong when he described Liam as the best folk singer he ever heard.

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 02:08 PM

Thank you, Jorrox. What a fine thread this is; and what an achievement is that song that tops it up. One recollection — I think from the programme of that first Cambridge, but not even mentioned in the lengthy Wiki article — is that the two oldest of the brothers, Paddy and Tom, had served during the War as officers in the Royal Air Force, which I have always regarded as an interestingly offbeat [for their public personae, one might say] wrinkle — sort of associated with that unexpected record sleeve which forms part of the song's montage, of the four of them in evening dress instead of their trademark white Arrans.

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: gnu
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 02:17 PM

It IS grand, boy!

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 04:07 PM

MtheGm - as I understand it both Tom and Paddy served with the RAF and also saw service with the IRA in the 40's. I have never quite understood that one though. I know the old style IRA was a different animal from the Provisional IRA but even so!

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: Stringsinger
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 04:17 PM

Jorrox, I found this song appealing. It brought back pleasant memories when I worked with them at The Gate Of Horn. We had a great time together! I will never forget Liam's version of "Lang A-Growin". That was masterful!

Also, nobody has ever done "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya'" as well as Tommy Makem. There's another "master". I called him the Bard of Armagh. I miss him.

We did "Hearty and Hellish" in the cave (Gate of Horn) and I worked with not only them but two other great musicians, Bill Lee (Spike's father) on bass and one of the best guitar players I know, Bruce Langhorne. His accompaniment with Odetta on Paddy Clancy's "Tradition" records is classic IMHO.

Thanks for posting this.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 04:34 PM

When I first saw the Clancys & Makem in Ottawa in 1966. I became an instant fan and have remained so for over 40 years. I met Tommy and Liam in Halifax about 20 years ago and found them both very friendly and gracious. I have attended several concerts of the full group, Liam and Tommy together, and both individually backed by Kevan Evans and Brian Doherty. In every case and every venue I was thrilled by their performance.
Perhaps they made some changes in traditional material and slapped the odd (c) mark where it should not have been, but they exposed treasures of the Celtic culture to the world in a way that had not been done before. They set the benchmark for others to follow, but in truth their standard can not be surpassed! That at least is my humble opinion!

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 05:08 PM

Frank - I am delighted to hear from you sir. To have someone who played an active part in such a resonant time in our music comment on my effort is an honour.

I love that you mentioned Lang A-Growin'. Liam (on his own, one guitar, one voice) was a first class ballad singer. Such a story teller (the actor in him was a large factor in this, I would say)

The members of the message board over at liamclancy.com would be thrilled if you could maybe share some of your experiences on that forum.

Many thanks

Gavin Paterson

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Nov 09 - 03:35 AM

Liam's first solo album is great; I love his versions of All for me Grog and The Jute Mill Song ('Oh Dear Me')

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: Stringsinger
Date: 25 Nov 09 - 02:50 PM

Hi Gavin,

There's something wrong with his message board. I tried to get in but they would not
accept the Username and password I sent them. Tried four times.

Frank

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: olddude
Date: 25 Nov 09 - 04:51 PM

Outstanding!!

Subject: RE: 'The Master' for Liam Clancy
From: Gavin Paterson
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 05:46 AM

Unfortunately, this has taken on a sadder tone since yesterday.