Nic Jones on stage again????

Subject: Nick Jones on stage again????
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 08:41 AM

according to the Grauniad (vis the Tradsong forum)

Gaurdian article

It is a distinct possibility.

Subject: RE: Nick Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 08:44 AM

I think anyone who saw him remotely clse to will realise it isn't. He didn't so much perform at Sidmouth as join in with other people.

Subject: RE: Nick Jones on stage again????
From: Bernard
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 09:26 AM

"finally taking to the stage himself to perform three songs."

I didn't see it, but I know people who did. As our anonymous Guest pointed out, he didn't so much perform as join in with others - including his former band, Bandoggs, which may be what the above quote was referring to...?

Mind you, there was a time when even that would have been a far fetched dream... so who can tell?

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 10:38 AM

I think we have to get our heads around the fact that Nic Jones the folk singer left us in the car crash. From one person who knows him -it may have been Martin Carthy, I heard that he was enjoying picking out Elton John songs on the piano. According to the Guardian article, Nic Jones would rather have been at a Radiohead gig. We are all happy for him that he survived to rejoin his family. His contribution to folk music was completed long ago.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,folkiedave
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 11:08 AM

And the anonymous guest was me. The article does give slightly the wrong impression, and I was there.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 11:22 AM

"If you were fortunate enough to be at the Sidmouth Folk Festival this month, August 2010, you would have seen the cream of the 21st century folk scene celebrate the influential legacy of Nic Jones. Guests included Martin Simpson, Pete Coe, Jim Moray, Jackie Oates & Belinda O'Hooley, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, Jon Boden and Sam Carter."quote
I dont dispute that the above mentioned are all good performers. however, if I was to choose my cream of 21 century performers, It would be a different list entirely.
I am very pleased that Nic joined in with others to perform three songs, however that is a far cry from going out on the road again.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: Bernard
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 05:42 PM

That said, he's a long way from the semi-vegetative state where he couldn't even recognise himself when his recordings were played to him.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 07:30 PM

a different list entirely, Dick ?

what, no Martin Simpson, no Pete Coe and no Sam Carter ?

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 09:33 PM

Murray it depends what you consider of utmost importance,singing, or accompanying songs, or instrumental virtuosity.
PeteCoe and Martin Simpson[imo]are the two performers I prefer out of the ones named, I just hate this kind of school league, childish best of crap.
how we perceive people can vary depending on our own moods.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: Reinhard
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 12:18 AM

That "cream" phrase is typical clueless journalistic hyperbole. Is there any need to go on a bender about that?

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 01:05 AM

Bernard: The semi-vegetative state you refer to didn't last all that long ~~ a matter of months merely. We lived fairly close at the time of the accident, in N Cambs villages about 12 miles apart, and visited one another's homes frequently, until the Joneses soon afterwards moved to Yorkshire ~~ I think they now live in the SW but have lost touch, I fear. Anyhow, my point is that the really sad time was when Nic came back to himself and realised that he would never be able to perform again, or be the same man, as before the accident. I recall one time we were at their house in Doddington. Nic got his fiddle out and managed to scrape a sort of tune, so I picked up the guitar and strummed along. I shall never forget the bitterness in his tone as he said, facetiously with an attempt at a smile, "Wow, that's good; let's do gigs!" Recalling it in the car on the way home, my wife burst into tears.

I am glad to learn from this thread that he is still about the scene and at least doing something.

~Michael~

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,David E.
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 01:31 AM

"I am glad to learn from this thread that he is still about the scene and at least doing something."

Amen to that.

David E.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: Hamish
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 02:14 AM

Interesting interview with him in this month's Acoustic magazine. It doesn't sound like he'll be reaching the dizzy heights again any time soon. Be he sounds on good form.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 03:43 AM

OK people.
I was there. I recorded it. I've heard it during the edit about 50 times now.
Firstly, I can assure you that Nic is not, repeat not going back on the road. Why would he want to?
I'm not sure who came up with the idea of the concert at Sidmouth. Whoever it was deserves a pat on the back. It was probably the highlight of the week.
All I know is that the love and admiration shown to Nic was genuine and heartfelt. Audience and artists alike.
As Martin Simpson says at one point. "I've never shared a stage with so many musicians who are so terrified!"
And Chris Wood before his excellent take on the Taoist tale.
"Storytellers will tell you, that the ghost of the person you learnt the story from, will be standing behind you. I didn't expect him to be poking an ice pick up my arse!"
As to those who question the artists booked. Firstly, It made complete sense to use the skills of artists who were already booked at the festival in other capacities. Secondly, They were people who had been influenced by Nic in the past. (even though some hadn't been born in 1982!)
Thirdly (and most importantly) Nic had a ball!!....Still signing CDs well into Andy Cuttings sound check (Andy didn't mind!)
It was a day of celebration. Never to be repeated. But Nic doing the late night drives again?....I don't think so.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 04:19 AM

Sadly, I wasn't there, but have seen pictures posted on facebookand it looks like somewhere I SHOULD have been. To many of us of 'a certain age' Nic was and is a folk hero, him and Tony Rose were my particular 'heroes' and, sadly, neither is in any position to make any more music. How sad therefore that there is a fabulous back catalogue of music for both these artistes that we have no access to.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,EricTheOrange
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 04:38 AM

>From: Good Soldier Schweik

>if I was to choose my cream of 21 century performers, It would be a different list entirely.

>I just hate this kind of school league, childish best of crap.

????????????????????

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GMT
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 04:50 AM

What great news regards Nic.
Ralphie, when and where (and if I guess) will your recording be available?
Cheers
Gary

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 05:15 AM

Gary.
It's not up to me.
Nic and Julia have the recordings, It's their call now.
Respect for the quality of the recordings mainly goes to Ian and the sound crew at the Ham.
Trying to sound check that amount of people in 30 minutes was (as the stage manager said) "It's like herding cats!"
We said to all of the artists. "Remember which Mic you sang into and which DI you plugged into, because we haven't got a hope to fix it during the gig!"
And bugger me....They all did! Astonishing!
When a decision is made, I promise I will let people know.
Ralphie.
PS The other choice quote was from Mr Simpson...
"For 40 years Martin Carthy and Nic Jones have been telling me that I play too many notes..............Fuck 'em!!!"

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 05:32 AM

Martin Simpson - maximum respect!!

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 07:07 AM

The person who first proposed the concert was actually Derek Schofield. He said to me, "We are always celebrating people after they've gone. Why don't we ever get round to doing it while they are still here to enjoy it?" He pointed out that Nic and Julia had visited the festival last year (I think) as they now live in the South West, and suggested some sort of tribute concert.

I then approached the artists. It wasn't just about who was already booked for the festival - some people were booked for the festival specifically because I knew they'd work well in the concert, and because they were very keen to be involved in it. Booking them to do other things as well simply made the concert achievable on a financial level. I also knew, after my initial discussions with Julia, that Nic's greatest admiration currently is for the younger crop of singers and musicians, rather than those of his own generation, and that he especially liked Jim Moray, for example. So it made sense to invite some of those artists. But I also wanted to have Pete Coe involved, and he eventually suggested the Bandoggs reunion.

Several months before the gig, Paul Sartin and I realised that all the members of Faustus would be at the festival at that time, and so even though Faustus was not booked anywhere else in the festival, they could probably get together to perform Ballina Whalers, which was already in their repertoire - they did Master Kilby as well.

I also realised a few months before the gig that I didn't have time to manage the concert and all the artists, having the rest of the festival to look after. So I handed the artist list and the songs selected so far to James Fagan, who took on the management of the gig for me. Being a massive Nic Jones fan, he was delighted to take this on.

One more thing, re Nic's appearance and how it was publicised. It was originally suggested by Julia that Nic might play a bit with their son - but then their son couldn't get the time off work and it looked like Nic might just be a guest, rather than getting on stage himself. Julia had told me they were very happy to have it publicised that he would be there, but I was very conscious of not wanting to be exploitative.

It was only when I spoke to Pete Coe earlier this year and explained that Nic's son couldn't make it that we discussed the Bandoggs thing. But I didn't want Nic to feel pressured into performing if it didn't work out, so it wasn't publicised in case it didn't happen.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 08:02 AM

Thanks Joanie...
I entered into the whole process at a late stage,
James contacted me, asking what I would like to sing.
Having picked myself up off the floor!!!
I suggested that it wouldn't be the best move, unless he wanted to clear the Marquee really quickly!
I think that recording the gig was the best option. And I feel very proud to have done so.
Well done to Derek for the concept.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: freda underhill
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 08:15 AM

What a moving concert it must have been, and so good to celebrate his music while he was there to enjoy it. He was such a wonderful musician, such a moving voice - how lucky we are to still enjoy his music.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: Howard Jones
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 08:21 AM

I for one very much hope that Nic and Julia will give their approval to the release of a CD. I wasn't able to get to Sidmouth this year, but sounds as if it was the event of the year - I'm disappointed I missed it.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GMT
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 08:49 AM

Thanks for that Ralphie; fingers firmly crossed on this one. Seems everyhing worked for you (most luck has a large dollop of skill behind it) and you got a good capture.
Cheers Gary

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 03:16 PM

While I'm here. I would urge ony Nic fans to seek out The Halliard CD. Available from Mollie Music (Nic and Julias label)
Mention was made above of Joe Jones (Nics son) not being available to be at the gig due to work commitments. (A sad thing indeed)
Well, If you can get a copy of The Halliard CD You will hear Nic solo, with Joe playing exemplary guitar, A song called "The Victory"
Just wonderful.
Thanks

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: DebC
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 04:51 PM

I sure wish I could have been there! It sounds like it was a wonderful tribute and well deserved to a man who has been an inspiration to so many. Well done Derek Schofield and to all who made it happen.

I would agree with Ralph that The Halliard recordings are a must for any collection.

I was fortunate to visit Nic and Julia last March and I wrote a short note about it in my blog.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 05:11 PM

Debra.
Lovely Blog.
I too have been lucky to spend time with Nic and Julia.
He's a demon at pool too!!
Regards Ralphie

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: SylviaN
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 07:16 PM

It was, indeed, the highlight of the festival. Congratulations to all involved, especially Nic and Julia.
xxx
Sylvia and Keith

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,Bel O'Hooley
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 01:58 PM

Hello,

Ralphie did a great job recording us all and I've made a little slideshow for mine and Jackie Oate's version of Annachie Gordon. Hope you like it.

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

Belinda x

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: Noreen
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 03:05 PM

I like it very much, Belinda.
Thank you.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,Ken from Chichester
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 09:48 AM

I was at the concert - I queued for two hours; I was able to thank the man, wish him well, and shake the hand of my hero. It was a very emotional affair. Nic only sang along a bit, although they put his mic up for the last line of the chorus to the penultimate song 'Ploughman Lads'. This man got three standing ovations from a thousand people for what he had done for folk music over 30 years ago. I think Chris Wood said 'trekking pole' (not 'ice pick'), referring to Nic's extending pole with a walking-stick style handle. Martin Simpson did say 'Fuck 'em', which I thought was extremely off-colour: it would have been much nicer if he'd moderated his language (MS does play too many notes imho). I echo the compliment paid to Joseph on the "The Halliard: Broadside Songs" cd: Julia told me that he just does it naturally, only having asked Nic for the odd hint. Oh for an hour or two with Joe! I just get stuck, trying to work the arrangements out, so I just do what I can. It was a privilege to be in the audience, not only for the performances, but to honour a great man.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,Nipper
Date: 30 May 11 - 04:21 AM

Not sure if this thread is still alive but he certainly was doing more than just 'joining in' on Saturday at the QEH.

We got Bandoggs plus Nic with Joe and others (thanks Belinda) and I got a couple of minutes to talk to him whilst he was signing CDs afterwards. He certainly still has his wit and said he would very much like to be playing his guitar again onstage. I too felt very honoured to have shaken his hand.

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 11 - 05:27 AM

Belinda and Jackie
I just love your version.Here's a clicky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYDiYGaTtBY

Subject: RE: Nic Jones on stage again????
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 30 May 11 - 06:00 AM

Theres another thread re the May 2011 QEH gig. More details there plus links to a couple of clips, and some photos.

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The current thread: In Search Of Nic Jones concert (28 May 2011)