Max's Thread - UK Escapade

Subject: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 08:13 AM

Yes, I've made it safe and sound. Travels were pretty smooth, though that was my fist time thru customs / immigration is the modern age and boy is that a pain in the behind.

Barbry and John picked me up and were very patient as they decided whether they wanted me in the country. Very very nice embassadors to greet me.

At Barbry's now resting and freshening up.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Hamish
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 08:20 AM

You're very welcome, Max: hope to see you in The Barn on Sunday at Towersey ~8^)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 09:18 AM

If it was a pain in the behind they certainly searched you thoroughly.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Soldier boy
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 09:53 AM

A big warm welcome to you Max now you have landed in the UK.

When you say, "Barbry and John picked me up and were very patient as they decided whether they wanted me in the country", I do hope that By "they" you were refering to Customs/Immigration and not Barbry and John having second thoughts about taking you in on the first leg of your UK Escapade!!!

It tickled me, because I suddenly got this image in my head of Barbry and John standing at a distance;looking you up and down intensely, scratching their heads and mumbling quietly together for ages and ages with looks of great concern, fear and doubt on their faces. And you, stood all forlorn and forsaken; like a little boy lost and unwanted. Bless!

It's a funny and sort of sentimental image that I can't get out of me head now.
So if I have a kind of strange stupid grin on my face when I meet you you'll understand why I hope.

Have a great trip Max and I am hoping to meet you in Whitby on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Best regards.

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 09:58 AM

Max-

You're in good hands!

Hope you leave the driving to your hosts, and look both ways before stepping off the curb!

Maybe we'll get to see you at the Black Lion in London when we overlap tours.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 10:07 AM

Welcome to the UK Max. Hope to see you at Orpington in a week's time. Enjoy Whitby!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: pavane
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 10:08 AM

And in the UK, its the kerb

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 10:11 AM

I can just imagine the muttered comments by the customs officials.....'hmmm...there goes the neighborhood'

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 11:58 AM

He's there and all in one piece. Now, remember. We want him back.
He's cute, isn't he?

Mom, looked what followed me home. Can we keep him? Pleeeeaaaassssseeeee?

NO!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 12:21 PM

On the other hand, watch out he doesn't pee on the rug.........


Spaw

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,G F
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 12:34 PM

Welcome to The Madhouse Max. See you next Friday at my humble little club.

Enjoy your first week

Sue

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: The Barden of England
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 01:20 PM

Welcome Max, and see you next friday morning. I aim to show you some of Kent before we visit the denizens of Orpington :-)
John Barden

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 01:21 PM

Welcome, Max - we're looking forward to having you stay with us!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Big Mick
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 01:26 PM

Damn but I am jealous!! I had a harbored a small thought that I might be able to squeek out a surprise and just show up, but between the two ailing parents, performing sched, and getting my youngest child registered and checked into her dorm, it just wasn't to be. Have a great time, buddy, and I second strongly Sinsull's admonishment. Enjoy the young man's company, but you MUST send him home in three weeks. We absolutely want him back.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Amos
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 01:47 PM

Dang. Now he has to learn English and come back talking funny, I don't doubt.

A

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Micca
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 01:48 PM

Max,If I can stand "Homeland Security" you can stand Our "Customs and Immigration" I must admit tho' that your guys are deteriorating and going down hill ,one was actually pleasant and smiled at Dulles last year!!! That was a first in 10 years!! Welcome to the country mate
Micca

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Soldier boy
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 02:24 PM

You're right Amos, Max probably will come back to you all talking funny.
He will be picking up all kinds of strange and diverse dialects on his travels around the UK and as he is spending quite a long stay in bonny Yorkshire he might break into some Broad Yorkshire speak on his return and then you won't understand a single word he says.

You might think that he met God in Whitby and has come back talking in tongues!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 02:50 PM

I'm not sure what Blues might sound like in a Yorkshire dialect...

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: MikeL2
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 03:11 PM

hi

Poot t'wood int oil....

or as dear old Larry Grayson used to say...shut that door

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: fat B****rd
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 03:21 PM

Welcome to the UK, Max.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 03:25 PM

Good to have you here, Max!

Enjoy!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 03:34 PM

Looking forward to Friday Folk at Orpington.

See you there Max.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: skarpi
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 04:45 PM

Lets hope that not another volcano wakes up here in this Island
and stopp all flights again ? Earthquakes has started in " Vatnajökull "
the biggest glacier in Iceland ...and small ones in Katla ..

shaiisss am tired of all this , crises , eruptions ...politics ....

Well Max enjoy Great Britain and great country with great people :O)
all of you have great fun and all the music you can get , Slánté , Skál


all the best to you all Skarpi Iceland .

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 07:14 PM

What a night we are going to have next Friday ! It'll be an excellent end to our month of singarounds.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Amos
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 07:17 PM

Oh, aye.

Wak oop thas moorning
Wit tuh blues all roond mah haid, eh....

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 08:33 PM

Got a nap, lunch then a nice long, wet, muddy messy walk thru the
countryside. Classic English village (very Harry
potter), old church (graves at this church from the crusades), cute old pub, cobblestone, grass fields with lambs grazing around, lovely river, different grasses, flora and fauna. Just lovely.

Went to an Indian restaurant for dinner then for a
quick site seeing drive through a coastal town called Blackpool. Very
much like ocean city (md or nj) with boardwalk and old roller coasters and piers
and such, or more like cony island cuz it was all old and gritty. They
explain its well past it's heyday and full of prostitutes, knife
fights, drugs and 'funny girls' (trannies).

Heading the the Whitby fest in the morning. 1am here, so I'm off to
sleep. This house I'm in was built in 1664. Crazy shit considering
that's older than America.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 08:47 PM

The first place anyone took me when I first got to the UK was to a pub. I had to step down to get into it, and it had started at street level in the 16th century, when it was new. The whole age thing really hit me. People are impressed in the U.S. when somebody says their house is 200 years old. 200 years ain't nuthin'...

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Soldier boy
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 09:13 PM

Hi Max. Sounds like you are quickly getting to like the quaintness and the sense of History in the environs of the UK (apart from Blackpool of course, which is a stain on the landscape!)

Anyway, to make up for that, you will be in Whitby in the morning and staying there for a few days, and that is where you will truly appreciate a proper traditional British seaside town.

Enjoy!

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 10:03 PM

Glad you stayed away from them lions!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 10:29 PM

MAx if you get to drive just remember the passenger's seat is on the side of the road no matter what country your in (If the car was made for that country) . Now on a mortorcycle ><><> well your BLEEPED !!! . NO kidding about the look both ways crossing the streets thing.. # one killer of Yanks in the UK .   I would love to be there as well . Have some fun for all of us !!! Of all the people to meet British Mudcatters you are so at the top of the list !!! Blue Skys !! G

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 03:32 AM

Little clue - the passenger seat is the one without the steering wheel!

Welcome to the UK, glad my colleagues in Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (they haven't been 'Customs and Excise' for several years now...) let you through, obviously my memo worked.

Max - you want old? The Black Lion pub in Plaistow where we'll be on 2nd Sept, is mentioned in the Doomesday Book - that's a whole 400 years before Columbus failed to turn left at Albuquerque! OK, so the present building is only from the 16th Century (that's the 1500's) but it's still pretty impressive!

LTS

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Barb'ry
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 03:58 AM

Well, I have to report that Max appears house trained, so no need to hide the best china, chaps!

We are loathe to part with him - been a pleasure having him with us. He might have a few bruises from our low doors (house actually dates back to 1214 but had a 'new' 'front' in the 1600s so quite modern,really)!

Maybe see some of you in Whitby and I'm sure Max will have a great time for the rest of his stay.

ps It's a well known cabaret club in Blackpool called 'Funny Girls' where the acts are all cross-dress/transvestite, rather than a slightly offensive northern term!!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Mr Red
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 10:41 AM

Max
See you at Towersey all being well.

I may pester you with an interview for a couple programs on Stroud FM, I will have a station Edirol/Zoom with me. Time permitting. 3-5 minutes would do it.

Now I have the things understood! I did a good set of interviews at Sidmouth only to find it hadn't recorded just about all the time.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,999
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 10:44 AM

Hope you`re having a great time, Max.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Barb'ry
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 01:14 PM

We have handed Max on to Susan and Dick, sniff. We want him back soon! Thanks for spending time with us, max xxx

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 02:32 PM

Having cappachino at Arnie's in Whitby before the evening concerts. Dance? Concert? So many options.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 06:06 PM

What to do, what to do? Rough go eh?

You lucky lad you!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Linda Kelly
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 04:56 AM

Delighted with the briefest of introductions in the car park in Whitby-great to see you and Barb and Andy again. I was exhausted after one day in Whitby-you will positively age after a whole trip full of festivals. Have the best of times Max. Linda Kelly

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 03:05 PM

When Max was in Preston I was in Roscoff (Britanny) But I WILL be at Towersey on Sunday !

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Pistachio
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 04:43 PM

Also delighted to meet young Max outside the Festival office. What fun it must be to see the faces that belong to names you have become familiar with.
Enjoy the whole experience, so glad you saw the west coast first - now you can revel in/on the best coast!
I doubt anyone can travel to Whitby and not marvel at the views that can be seen on the approach road (or rail).
Great to catch up with other catters and old friends too. What a huggable place to be.
Keep smiling.
Hazel.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 05:27 PM

Pistachio... "marvel at the views". Max... "Heading the the Whitby fest in the morning. 1am here, so I'm off to sleep. This house I'm in was built in 1664. Crazy shit considering that's older than America."

That's why I always wanted to visit GB and Europe and elsewhere. The sense of history, longevity, civilization... even when I visted Max's part of the world, I enjoyed the sites, the architecture and so on because I live in a backwater town that's not even near as old as where Max hails from.

Enjoy it and soak it in Max. I'll have to settle for Google Earth and Boatin Wend's canal videos... which are excellent, BTW!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Paul Burke
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 07:36 PM

Hang on... love you all, and hate to be pedantic (well, a bit..) but America was well established by 1664, even the Colonies that became the Good Ol' U S of Wherever. You supplied us with one of our greatest revolutionaries, High Peters (well, he was American from 1635-1642).

That's just yesterday, if you want "old" remember the Synod of Whitby, just there where you are, that decided that England would follow Roman Christianity... except it wasn't "Whitby" then, but Streansall or something like that.

PS Who why when where or what is Boatin Wend.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Effsee
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 10:13 PM

..."This house I'm in was built in 1664. Crazy shit considering that's older than America."...

No it's not! It just wasn't called America then!
Just ask the Native Americans. :-~

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 04:42 AM

Hey come on, y'all! Glad everyone is happy to see/meet Max, but you're not giving him much chance to post his "journal" entries on his trip! More impressions, Max, please, for those of us who have never been out of the U.S.?

Sounds like a great time is being had by all!

LiK

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 05:42 AM

Boatin Wend is a 'Catter who makes DVDs of canal trips.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Sandgroan
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 06:27 AM

Max in Preston??!! Do tell us more! Did he make it to The Moorbrook - the finest folk club in the UK (probably)?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 08:18 AM

Where's Max? Isn't this his thread ?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Noreen
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 10:23 AM

Max is in Whitby, where I have just arrived, in a traditional coastal downpour which feels like it has set in for the day.
He will I am sure post when he can, but he'll be busy doing stuff right now!

Hello Whitby :)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: pavane
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 11:57 AM

And I am sure Max wants to see more of the UK than just the computer screen.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 12:00 PM

See you at Ash, with luck.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 12:05 PM

Day 3 in Whitby.  Feels like I've been here for ages. Folks are starting to sound normal. How quickly the mind adapts, I don't even notice the accents anymore.  I think I am one of five Americans here among thousands of folkies and vacationers. My language habits are already changing, perhaps to avoid the snickers. I'm on holiday, not vacation. And I work at University, not college. I wait in a cue to get into places, a router is pronounced rooter, and things that are not good are rubbish. My words are changing without even thinking about it.

A lot of opposites here. Things that are up are down and pushes are pulls. Light switches are upside-down, doors always seem to swing the opposite way that I expect.  All in all though, when strolling about, which I have done a lot of, I have to remind myself I am in a foreign land.

Barbara, Andy and I left for Whitby Saturday morning, stopping at a the Brough Castle in Cumbria. Stunning views of the countryside and just knocked out being in and touching such old stone, imagining life in this castle in its time. The sheep wandering about everywhere, freely, even on the playgrounds.

We arrived around 3pm and quickly ran into Dick and Susan, Bill Sabes, Folkie Dave, Linda and Pistachio. Whitby is striking the first time you lay eyes on it. The Abby in the distance, the port, the regatta, the town built into the hillsides around it. It was a fantastic sunny day, just making it a perfect introduction.

Barbara and Andy got settled in their pad, with award winning views of the harbor, and soon I made it over to where I was staying, across the river with Dick and Susan. I just dropped my suitcase off and split, eager to jump into this town and figure her out. I set out on foot intent to walk every street, down the piers, onto the beaches, up and down, round and round. I think I damn near did.

I found a cute little outdoor café and stopped to have a cappuccino and some dinner. Tiger prawns and Crayfish with potatoes and toast bits, and a pot of tea. Lovely, lovely, lovely.

Whitby Folk Week is amazing. Very much like folk events I've been to in the US, like Folk College and The FSGW Getaway, but on a scale that is wholly unbelievable. Folkies take over this whole seaside town for an entire week, 10 workshops, concerts, pub sings are going on at any given moment around the clock. The choices are impossible.

Whitby reminds me of a Maine coastal town. It is a familiar port town. Perhaps like Belfast or Camden Maine with a touch of the consumerism or tourism of Ocean City, Maryland.

Saturday night, I chose the Festival Folk Club at the Conservative Club, I think because I heard there was an American performing. Ran into a very old friend in Jon McKenzie, and enjoyed the show very much. The American, Jeff Warner, impressed the hell out of me and was a pleasure to meet following the show.

As Saturday came to an end, I got to do one of my favorite things to do in this whole wide world: Bullshit with Dick Greenhaus. We stayed up half the night telling stories and exchanging ideas as to what awesome things we'll do next. I relish those moments, and actually take notes so not to forget the things he tells me.

Sunday was another beautiful, sunny day.  Dick made breakfast, and I had my first English bacon, and I headed off to a Blues Workshop. Very well attended and Roger Sutcliffe floored me with Brownie McGhee's Sporting Life Blues.

I stuck around to see Tom Paley and an American Music Session then headed off to the beach for a snooze, then more wandering, determined to find a wifi signal so I could check in. After much wandering with my phone in my hand, looking like a weirdo no doubt, I finally asked a local kid what the scoop was. He told me about a couple of pubs that would give me the code if I asked "the guy behind the bar" and The Art House Café where I sit now.

After dinner, missing Barbara and Andy already, they were kind enough to pick me up and take me to The Rugby Club for a concert. The simply sick harmonies of the Grace Notes with the special appearance of Lucy Wright (a Jews Harp virtuoso and clearly an angel), the impeccable musicianship of Minstrel Show Banjo from 1880 to 1920 – Rob Murch, and what must be the finest melodeon/concertina player in the world John Kirkpatrick was so good, I'd have come all the way here just for that.

It finally rained here today, so I skipped a couple of workshops to come have tea and write all this. Just now as I sit here, Mrs. Duck has just texted me to head over to a pub to meet them and see some Morris Dancing, so I'm off. Much more to come.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 12:22 PM

That's what I'm talkin' about........

Right on.

Mick

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 12:46 PM

What fun! It doesn't get better than 'listening' to an articulate observer.

(although I do believe that it is 'queue' rather than 'cue'. :)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Noreen
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 01:13 PM

Lovely!
More fun later at the mudgather in the Endeavour :)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Will Fly
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 01:43 PM

Max - if you saw John Kirkpatrick, then you did indeed see one of the finest "squeezers" in the world!

Looking forward to meeting you on 2nd September - tenor guitar and blues harps in hand... :-)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 02:20 PM

Enjoyable read.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 04:39 PM

Max-

Thanks for posting such a great update!

I almost believe you are actually there.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 06:24 PM

Hey Max. Yee got a Mudcat tee shirt with yee fer the meetin an greetin?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 06:59 PM

We have wi-fi at The Liberal Club should you want to go live on Friday, but it may be best to just write it up after. Enjoyed your Whitby posting.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Soldier boy
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 07:30 PM

It is wonderful reading your personal diary Max.
You paint such wonderul pictures with your relaxed commentary and acute observations.
I look forward to hearing much more and hope you thoroughly enjoyed The MudGather in The Endeavour with Les and Maggie tonight as part of their singaround/playaround session.
I know that it can be a bit crowded and noisy in there at times but I am sure that you will have enjoyed the whole experience and will have been made very welcome indeed by Les and Maggie and everyone there.
Man, You must be buzzing and have a huge grin on your face!

The next official MudGather at 4.00pm on Wednesday in The Board Inn (East side, on the left of the cobbled street and near the 199 steps up to the Abbey) should be a bit quieter and more sedate affair where you should have the opportunity to get to know fellow Mudcatters even better and do some more floor spots to wow us all.

I have always loved Whitby as a seaside town. It has a very special place in my heart and the Whitby Folk Week Festival is something else altogether!

And from your diary posting above Max I can tell that Whitby and the Festival is weaving it's special majic spell on you too.
It really is a place you will always remember with a glow in your heart and will wish to return to time and time again.

And guess where I am heading tomorrow?   Why Whitby of course!
I'm almost all packed up and ready to go.
Yippeeeee!

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 07:22 AM

Feeling quite loved after The MudGather in The Endeavour with Les and Maggie last night, if not a bit overwhelmed. So many names and places, please forgive me if I did not get them all. People seemed a bit concerned that I was bored or weirder out. No. No. These are my people. I am home.

Another great chat with dick last night, we must make that man write a book. Awesome Jews Harp workshop this morning, I'm smitten now, not only with Lucy Wright but I'm determined to master the instrument. Now I'm off to dance, American today and Playford tomorrow. Then a cruise of the North Sea on the Esk Bell. So much more to come…

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 07:30 AM

Photos and more Photos.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Linda Kelly
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 08:25 AM

Lucy is quite lovely and such a beautiful voice!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 08:35 AM

Is that St. Helen's at Churchtown I see? We're not too far from there ourselves actually; there's some interesting misericord carvings including a splendid Elephant & Castle and a Bat-winged Horror straight out of M R James. A little further along the road you have Saint Michael's with its remarkable Sexual Contortionist and graves of the hapless Spanish sailors who became vagabonds following the scuttling of the Saint Anne of Dunkirk during the civil war - an episode celebrated by by our very own Sailor Ron in one of his finest lyrics.

We passed by Brough Castle on Saturday ourselves, en route to Tyneside, reflecting on how the brutal stamp of the Norman war machine is now accepted into the landscape as picturesque. A little chilling really, but such is romance...

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 10:41 AM

PS - Talking of Jew's Harps & St. Helen's - Double Murchanga (D/A) at Saint Helen's, Spring 2008.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 12:19 PM

Thanks to all who came to the Endeavour last night to entertain us, we had an absolute ball!

Les and Maggie

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 02:47 PM

If the private jet weren't in the shop (routine maintenance: oil, lube and spark plugs), I'd zip on over right now. Thanks for the photos and field reporting.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 04:55 PM

GOF and plugs? You don't do your own maintenance?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 12:36 AM

;-D

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Noreen
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 04:49 AM

Hey, that Max can DANCE!!

*big grin*

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 09:44 AM

Wow. Maybe that's all there is to say about yesterday. Wow.
OK, maybe not.
After a little contra dancing, that I can't say went very well, I was off on a half day cruise on the North Sea on a ship called The Esk Belle (named after the river) to a little town up the coast called Staithes. This is where Captain Cook apprenticed before he moved down to Whitby.
The view back at Whitby is stunning, my words will fall short, so you gotta just look at the pictures. Bram Stoker describes Dracula entering the harbor and heading up to the Abbey, and now that's all I can think about when I look at it. I'll have to read the book again that I've walked those steps.
There are other legends and songs and stories that are associated with this sea and this town and the Abby which I'll write about when I return.
I was gob smacked at the coastline, having enviously seen it in picture books and golf tournaments, it was just surreal to be looking at it from this ship. The seas and the weather were turning, every mile we went, and sure enough it began to rain just as we pulled ashore.
Staithes was old and gorgeous and gritty. The Cob and Lobster, a pub we stopped at, had pictures of turn of the century sailors doing their thing, and I just can't imagine how hard that work was. Our generation will just never have the opportunity to be that tough.
It rained a bit, and the seas were rough on the way back, it was cold, but it sure could have been worse. I didn't hear many complaints. Lots of mudcatters onboard, so much love again, and great conversations. I think we're up to 45 mudcatters that I've met at this point.
Had my first Whitby Cod fish and chips in a delightful dinner with Hillary, Noreen, Richard and Cats. Brilliant. The ladies talked me into formal tea and fancy cookies the next day, did their share of teasing my pronunciation of certain words, and turned me on to the holiday tradition of sucking on knobby ends... I'm not going to explain that quite yet, but get your mind out of the gutter. A very pleasurable dinner with some very fine folks.
Boy was I tired at this point. I wanted nothing more than to go to bed, but Bill Sables showed up as we ate our deserts, lemon sorbet for me, and pointed out that 2 old friends, Sam Pirt and Ian Stephenson, whom I hosted 10 years ago when they visited the states, were performing at a Ceilidh (look it up, it's awesome). So I sat down for a moment (big mistake), but was successfully able to pull my butt off the couch and head up to the Spa Pavilion. Boy am I glad I did that.
The place was loaded with folks, young and old, which brought warmth to my heart, seeing young people enjoying a traditional social gathering, music and dance, with genuine smiles on their faces. It's like a giant square dance. Hundreds of people dancing. I watched and photographed for a bit, and wondered how to approach a strange Englishwoman and ask her to dance with an American who has no idea what he's doing, and luckily Noreen showed up and dragged me out on the dance floor. We proceeded to tear up the floors till 1am. It was the time of my life. Never have I ever had so much fun dancing before in my whole life. Noreen was a peach, and I am so grateful, and I believe I picked up the steps pretty good. I woke up sore, tired and grinning from ear to ear.
A fantastic display of rappers (Morris Dancing with swords) ended the night. I got some great video of that, which I hope to upload shortly. If there is video of me dancing, I will pay money for that.
I walked the 199 steps up to the Abbey this morning and took about 1000 photos of it all. The views overlooking Whitby are magnificent. The 360 view boggles the mind. Check the pictures, I uploaded a bunch more today.
I apologize for bad grammar and misspellings and too many pictures, I am at a disadvantage with both time and technology, so I will polish everything when I have a bit more time and such.

Today is my last day in Whitby, hitting the road with Richard and Hillary in the morning. Not sure what kind of connections I'll have following today.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 10:06 AM

Max, can you tone down the wonderful descriptiveness a tad? This is upsetting. I am missing Whitby and won't get to see you on your visit to the UK....

But seriously, I am glad you're enjoying it all so much, especially the sucking on knobby ends!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Splott Man
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 11:35 AM

Isecond that George. For one reason or another this is my second year in a row not at Whitby.

Hey Max, when your in south Wales, if you are interested in more things Maritime, there will be a couple of tall ships in Cardiff Bay.

See you at Anne's.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 12:09 PM

Well now you're thoroughly spoiled for the far more prosaic delights of Orpington on Friday. You'll have a chance to view Tesco's and the multi-storey car park no doubt, but compared to Whitby it might be a bit of a come-down.

We'll just have to make sure that the welcome you get indoors compensates for the suburban character of the immediate outdoors :-)

Don't worry though, away from the suburbs I'm sure you'll see some fantastic parts of Sussex and Kent.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Girl Friday
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 01:47 PM

Cheers Rob.. It's true we have the largest Tesco store in Europe right opposite. It has an escalator from the ground to the shop floor(s). Watching prople go up it is like watching scenes from "Zombies - Dawn of The Dead". However, after Bram Stoker's views of Whitby you'll feel right at home. When you get inside The Liberal Club, you may find the lounge bar a bit spartan - it's being decorated at the moment. However, the beer is good, and the welcome from Friday Folk will be very warm.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 01:56 PM

And video too? It just gets better.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 03:06 PM

Max, I imagine there's still an afternoon session every day in a pub in Robin Hood's Bay. For me, that and the children's concerts were the high point of Whitby Folk Week. If you can get to Robin Hood's Bay, you'll love it.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Tootler
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 06:53 PM

I'll attest to the welcome at the Orpington Friday Club. I went there two years ago when I was in Kent for the annual Recorder Festival. I had cheekily asked for a floor spot and they gave me one and made me very welcome. It made what could have been a somewhat flat Friday evening very enjoyable.

I hope I did not let them down with my singing!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Leadfingers
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 08:09 PM

Recorder Festival ?? SCARY ! All those High Up Legal types !!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 11:37 PM

Max, you are living my dream. Thanks for describing it so well and for the pix, though they make me cry.*smile* Can't wait to see some videos, too!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,abuwood
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 03:53 AM

Lovely to meet you Max, and really enjoyed reading uour posts. Yes Joe, Robin Hoods Bay afternoons still happen, our caravan is overlooking that bay and we shall go down to the Dolphin this aftrrnoon

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,^&*
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 03:57 AM

Recorder Festival ?? SCARY ! All those High Up Legal types !!

And there was I thinking it was all about reel-to-reel dancing, ;>)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 04:43 AM

Hi Max

I can't imagine they let you see Staithes without mentioning this guy and this song - but I'll put it up for those following your exploits from the states

Staithes

In view of the accent I'll put a link to the lyrics as they are worth reading if you can't catch them on the video

Lyrics

By the way Max - Do not let your visit to Orpington pass without INSISTING on hearing Wee and a Shave from Tone Deaf Leopard - it will surpass anything you have heard on your trip to date!!!

hope to see you Friday

Rafflesbear

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 06:33 AM

But if you want to hear
"Rebel (without bladder control)"

as well Sue may have to take a break between the two songs in order to - er - well - you know.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Tyke
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 06:42 AM

Not the best recording of Vin you must agree Rafflesbear I also suspect that some of English during the intro needs explanation. Brass Rubbing is to copy onto paper an image. These images are usualy found in Old Churches not Pubs. Brass is also slang for Money and A Brass is a prostitute a female/male who will commit a sexual act for money.

Having compleatly ruined Vins comic timing by explaining the Joke I shall file this joke away and steal it!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 07:06 AM

I do indeed agree Tyke but the best I could find straight off. While others struggle to catch the finer points I shall sit back and enjoy listening to my vinyl copy of The Valley of Tees :-)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Tyke
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 07:53 AM

Just had a look on SPOTIFY sorry! No Vally of Tees Album but there are 30 Vin Garbutt tracks including Vally of Tees. Well worth a listen!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 11:57 AM

As my thread seems to have vanished ..anyone who can get to South East Wales on Tuesday evening is welcome to come to meet Max at my place. Pm me if you're coming for catering purposes.

Anne

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 12:11 PM

Here's one copy

Vin Garbutt Valley of Tees

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 02:29 PM

My God Max ! Now you know we're completely insane. Rafflesbear and Richard Bridge are requesting their favourite T D L songs. However you can look forward to hearing our young blues meister Ben, if he's prepared to sing !

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 02:40 PM

Max, Don't let them off the hook!!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: The Barden of England
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 04:12 PM

Max will be with me from about 11am tomorrow. Have pity on him please!!!
John Barden

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 08:17 PM

Audio went weird on this.

Rappers

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 09:21 PM

They are completely mad! LOL!!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 04:36 AM

I have never seen Morris Dancing like that. Impressive!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 04:56 AM

Newcastle Kingsmen enjoyed dancing in The Newt at Sidders ! They DO do a good show

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 05:54 AM

OK, perhaps some of us have started taking living in the north of England for granted...This is just "Whitby", but we're pleased some of that special feeling is getting through.

Max, it was lovely to meet you, and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time on the rest of your trip too.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 05:56 AM

OOps not logged in - 'twas me.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 06:30 AM

Don't you believe what John Barden says about pitying Max. Spending time with the Barden of England in the Garden or England is delightful.

How did last night's Orpington Folk go? I was far too ill to attend. Home sick today and hoping I can make tomorrow's Ash.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 06:48 AM

I don't know how last night's Orpington Folk Club in Farnborough went but I'm looking forward to Orpington Friday Folk in Orpington with Max tonight.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 07:08 AM

well... damnit.. I am feeling bad. Today is Friday. No day in between Friday and Saturday.

I should take more drugs and go back to bed.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 07:18 AM

If Max matches the Barden drink for drink we might have to feel sorry for him!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 08:05 AM

Well, Max has been safely collected by The Barden and is off to Kent!! He's had his first decent night's sleep since he got to Whitby so he should be ready for anything *grin* Look after him you Orpington & Ash Folks and please remember to sign his 'little black book'.

I've sent the reserved Escapade Tshirts and a few spares with John, and there are Mudcat Registers for you all to sign too! Max is collecting lightweight souvenirs of his trip, I understand he's a good boy.....

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 08:25 AM

Get well quick VT, we want you and TSO together with your good weather fairies at Ash.
Al

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 01:31 PM

max2uk10 update for 8-27-10

A day of travel yesterday, 6 hours or so from Whitby to Leatherhead
with Hils and Richard and their caravan. Smooth trip as far as I was
concerned. I spent the evening sorting out their wifi and probably
using more bandwidth in a night than they use all year. I was happy to
be able to upload some video I took at Whitby to YouTube.
Hils and Richard and John took me out to dinner and spent the night
and next morning turning me on to CDs of English jazz and Tone Deaf
Leopard, and their magnificent collection of mudcatters caught on
video.

Their cottage is the cutest thing in the world and is full of amazing
nooks and crannies and secret passages, port cellars and underground
hideouts. Hils feeds the foxes jam sandwiches and the birds coconuts,
and has a heated spa for the birds, so the garden is full of many many
happy animals. I am so glad that folks like this still preserve and
properly inhabit places like this, as I am sure does the wildlife.

It was also the first bed I slept in in a week, so that was very very nice.

John B picked me up and took me down to Kent and took me on a lovely
walking tour. We took some time to swap a few songs and he reassured
me that folks won't throw tomatoes (pronounced toe-mott-owes of
course) at me tonight and tomorrow as I begin my floor spot
performances.

So dinner, then the folk club. Wish me luck. If you don't hear from me
soon, they've kidnapped me and forced me to go on tour playing the
blues across England, or I've been stoned to death for playing Jesus,
Cocaine and Monkey songs in the same set. I'm not sure if that's legal
here… or anywhere.

Updated pictures at http://maxspiegel.posterous.com/max2uk10

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 01:46 PM

Break a leg!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 02:06 PM

Latest New from Orpington. Ben has gone awol, having no doubt forgotten about Ash tomorrow. We are planning to give Max a copy of 8 x2, unlesas, having already heard it, he never wants to hear it again !

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 04:15 PM

Hey Max, have you forgotten how easy you made it for us to do a blue clicky??? Here are your photos...

Max is awesome, he's given us wifi *big grin* He's such a good boy!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Seaking
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 04:38 PM

You'll be running workshops then Hils ?

This is a great thread, much better than reading a book..

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 07:12 PM

And you still didn't get "Wee and a Shave" :-(

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 04:33 AM

That'll come later today.

We'll be leaving for Ash in about half an hour.

Max is feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep, and a Full English Breakfast.

Thanks to everybody at FF, it was an amazing evening.

See you later
Don T.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 05:39 AM

After the picture postcard and somewhat constructed atmosphere of Whitby with its top flight artists, how was the gritty reality of a suburban club in utilitarian premises (albeit augmented by irregular talent)?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 05:47 AM

All the better for Max not having had a demonstration of how NOT to play the octave mandolin, I suspect :-)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 06:54 AM

There were a number of railway songs and a few references last night to Dr Richard Beeching

For information Dr Beeching was an accountant and produced a report in 1963 based on a survey conducted during just one week in April 1962. On the evidence of that one week survey he produced a report that led to more than 4,000 miles of railway and 3,000 stations closing in the decade following the report, a reduction of 25 per cent of route miles and 50 per cent of stations - and that is without those that successfully survived his recommendations.

Given the love of the British for their railways (whether they use them or not!) this produced shockwaves in this country not equalled until Margaret Thatcher oversaw the demise of British heavy industry.

Further 'vandalism' has occurred since with the destruction of the routes of many of these former railways by the injudicious siting of the odd housing estate or superstore along their lengths making reopening in changed circumstances (eg the green agenda or growth of the towns involved) all but impossible.

The subject still rankles with the British public and has produced quite a number of songs of protest and nostalgia including 'The last train to Dobcross' performed last night.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 09:17 AM

Thanks for that clarification Raffles... I did wonder whether Max might have been bemused by the references to "Beeching" that cropped up in several songs...I was concerned that he might have thought it referred to corporal punishment using somewhat thicker and less flexible "weaponry" than that used in traditional "birching".

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 10:20 AM

Max and Charlie Noble come to Britain just as I go off to Greece. Coincidence... or fear of the Washboard of Mass Destruction?

RtS
Sounds as if Mudcat hospitality is living up to its reputation. Continue to enjoy, Max.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: John Routledge
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 12:06 PM

Just got back from Whitby and great to read that you are capturing the spirit.!!

A beautifully written account.

Great to have met you

Gan Canny John

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST, Richard Bridge at Ash on the netbook
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 01:21 PM

It is still being a nice day - only three spots (literally) of rain so far and Max's playing has been most impressive.

Right now Border Crossing are knocking our socks off.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 04:27 PM

Hope Max gets to read this before tomorrow pm ... I'm planning on serving up roast lamb once you get to our place tomorrow evening, Max, so don't snack too much along the way!

Anne

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 05:19 PM

It has been both a pleasure, and a privilege, to play host to a man who has done so much to facilitate our communication worldwide on the subject in which we share a common interest, and having got that rather pompous, but heartfelt, comment out of the way, I'd like to pay tribute to a really nice guy who is the very antithesis of the stereotypical American abroad.

Max is a quiet, thoughtful, well mannered man who has won a place, I believe, in all our hearts.

I'm happy to count him, at last, among my very best friends, and in time I hope to visit the USA to meet all the other friends I have accumulated due to Max's efforts.

Max, you are eminently qualified to be an honorary Englishman, and I look forward to our next meeting.

kindest regards and best wishes
Don T.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 05:32 PM

I made it to Les and Maggie's Whitby Endeavour session on Monday evening, but not to the Wednesday meet at the Board... it was great to see and hear Max, and I'm glad he's been enjoying his trip so far!

Kitty

(Just home from Whitby and back online today...)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 06:58 PM

I heartily echo Don T's sentiments regarding Max. He is a most charming young man, and so not a typical American. Best of all, he's not afraid of Tone Deaf Leopard ! It was a great day at Ash once again, and we much enjoyed the mini Mudgather - and the shirts are great. Thanks MGAS. Anne - look after my new best friend please. Sue.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 07:25 PM

Another great run. Orpington Folk Club was a great time, lots of great folks, good songs, and got to see Tone Deaf Leopard for the first time in person. John left me in the care of Don and Winnie who made me proper tea (with tasty cookies) before bed and a full English fryer breakfast before heading off to Ash. They let me sleep in too, which was much appreciated. 

We drove through Canterbury, where Roman walls still tower throughout the city along the road ways, and Sandwich where the sandwich was invented during a card game. 

The Ash Festival was very nice. The venue, the Chequer, and its gardens, and the organization and MC, the performers were all exceptional. John Barden knocked my socks off, Don and Richard Bridge too.  All the performers were top shelf. Made an intimidating environment in which to perform, but I pulled all the stops and think I held my own. 

It felt great to be among such fine people, such fine musicians, which seems to be the feeling all along this trip. Fine people, that I'm trying like hell to be as awesome as. I'm the lucky one here. The pleasure is truly all mine. 

My time with John and Don and Winnie was rich and I am grateful. They took care of me, showed me kindness and showed me England. 

Hils and Richard took me home again, and Micca jumped in the car and we couldn't get him out, so he's here in Leatherhead with us tonight and we're off to Towersey bright and early. 

And to tell half a story, my underpants are now splayed about Hils' garage…

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: The Barden of England
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 03:13 AM

I have just spent two wonderful days in the company of Max. I just wish I could have shown him more of our county, but believe he needed some rest - his itinerary is punishing to say the least. He is a credit to his country and his countrymen, and as Max put it 'He knocked my socks off'. As a worldwide community we are incredibly lucky to have the Mudcat, and it reflects so well the man. Max - you are a star! Enjoy the rest of your stay, and let's see you back soon.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 03:57 AM

Well, I don't do "gush" but I was very impressed by Max as a person and as a musician too.

But I think he set too ambitious a timescale and despite cramming in much more (with the aid of a plethora of informed hosts) than pretty well any less well guided visitor could have done, will have missed so much.

Even though the UK (or, to keep it even smaller, England) is tiny in comparison to the USA it is very crammed with things that ought to be seen and will appear impressive to one from a younger country, with vernacular architecture from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries (less than fifty miles from me is the oldest continuously inhabited dwellinghouse in the country, from 1150 or thereabouts), formal architecture such as cathedrals from before that, indeed the grandfather of parliaments, megaliths like the Medway stones from centuries earlier, the compact red-soiled rolling picture postcard countryside of the West country (and indeed Kent) cultivated from well before the Norman invasion, the grim grandeur of the relics of the industrial revolution when manufacturing industry was born, the many more recent examples of Victorian grandeur, from the period of the greatest empire in the history of the world.

You will, Max, just have to come back again!

Even though the great days of Cambridge Folk festival are past, it should be "done" some other time, as should one of the tiny invitation events, to contrast the town festivals exemplified by Whitby (done) or Sidmouth or Broadstairs (not done). Some of the literaryscape, like the Brontes or Dickens or Shakespeare should be "done" - and the British Museum reading room for the ballad collections, and C# House, for comparison with the Library of Congress (itself a very very impressive institution).

Maybe we should start a new thread to assist Max to collate an new list for his next visit.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 04:15 AM

There are people who think a weekend in London means they have 'seen' England , or a one day visit to a city is enough - I have an American Cousin who 'Did' Europe in three weeks - Before flying home , my old mom asked her where she most wanted to go back to - . Her reply was " I've been there , I dont need to go back"
As Richard says , there are far too many things to see in U K , so lets hope we CAN get Max back over .

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 04:34 AM

The few days with us will be relatively calm, I think, to give Max a chance to get his breath back!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 04:37 AM

I came to see dear old England's people. Surely her things will be in place for years to come. I shall return.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Cats
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 04:37 AM

It was great meeting Max at Whitby,.. he really is a sweetie.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 05:53 AM

Harumph!   Could we please stop all this typical American shite? Speaking as an American and now adopted daughter, sister, whatever of Kent UK, I'd like to say there is no typical American as there is no typical English (person).

As an American I always thought the typical Englishman was bend over backwards polite and found to my shock they are not. Not as a group. There is the problem... The group.

Individuals are nice and polite or they are not. Max has not cornered the market on nice in America. There's lots and lots of Americans just as nice. If you base your judgement on tv shows or films or even on the occasional meeting with an over stressed visitor to this country you are not getting a true picture.

There... nuff said.   Harumph over.

It was very nice to meet you Max. Sorry I didn't spend too much time hanging about to chat. American accents remind me of how homesick I am at the moment. I know poor excuse for being impolite.

Really enjoyed your music as well as that of my English family. And a huge thank you to Adrian O and the landlady and staff at the Chequers Inn who all must be utterly exhausted today. I look forward to next year's.

Oh, I will put that on the Ash thread too.

Hugs to all, especially Hils who is working so hard to make this adventure for Max.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Jack Campin
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 05:56 AM

Max, you are eminently qualified to be an honorary Englishman

And an honorary Scotsman too!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 06:44 AM

Max: I came to see dear old England's people. Surely her things will be in place for years to come. I shall return.

I think this is a great sentiment...meeting the people is Max's priority on this trip, and he certainly seems to be meeting a LOT of people!

Great to meet you at Orpington, Max...loved your singing and playing.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 07:06 AM

*slight cough* You will remember, I hope, that once you get off the train this evening you'll be in Wales? We get a bit sensitive if called "English", typical or not.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 07:23 AM

When we visited the USA and Canada a few years back we met so many nice people (Max included) that I will never regard the loud tourist types that have given rise to the stereotypical view as being what real Americans are all about. Keep on enjoying Max and keep on enjoying, Max!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 07:25 AM

Never met a rude Welsh person either. Well not face to face. Max brace yourself for the way the Welsh speak English. Sounds like they are singing all the time. Very musical, which probably explains the "typical" viewpoint that the Welsh produce the best singers.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Penny S.
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 07:50 AM

It was great to meet and hear Max - and I have to say that he, and VTam, are just the sort of Americans I have always had the good fortune to meet. Charming, friendly, intelligent...I would say quiet, but VTam's voice is impressively operatic.

Penny

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 08:17 AM

Panny as I have said dozens of time before 'what I lack in confidence I make up for in volume.' 8~}

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 09:35 AM

VT - sorry bout the typical American thing - but I had to say it. All of my American friends are my kind of people, and none of them have any time for the stereotypes. I have found this to be true of Europeans too. We're all just people - our kind of people.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 02:02 PM

Max has now added The Three Horseshowes , Towersey to his 'one' List ! Excellent Barn sing , a wander round the Festival site and then delivered him (Cross Country) to Reading Staion for his trip to Foreign parts ! And he knows about the Lamb Anne .

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 02:46 PM

He's off to Jonesland?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 03:00 PM

"he, and VTam, are just the sort of Americans I have always had the good fortune to meet"

Uhu! Well, my Aunt (from Virginia) reckoned that the only Americans worth meeting, are the ones who had left America..

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 06:17 PM

He's here in Wales now and had his first pronunciation lesson - necessary, as tomorrow he'll come with us to Llancaiach Fawr to start the day.
And I'm heading to bed ... goodnight, chaps.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 06:29 PM

Not that you would dream of quoting her, Crow Sister.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 07:20 PM

That was me. duno what happened.

Icchydd dda !

Forgive any spelling mistakes please

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 07:29 PM

All he needs is : "byw cymru Hir" and "Rwyf wrth fy modd y blues " .   Something like" Long live Wales" and "I love the blues" if Google translate is correct !!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 08:42 PM

Max has left the care of Guru and myself to Wales, may he continue to enjoy his time This side of the pond.
Some may think Americans can be loud .Max is reserved and talented and I look forward to his return to us on friday.

Max your socks over the cottage radiator should be dry by friday! :>)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Tyke
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 01:08 AM

Seems to me that Max has proved to be so popular during his vist you might consider Raffling or Auctioning off his Socks to raise a few quid for the Mudcat "Darn It!"

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 03:03 AM

Guy - the usual phrase is Cymru am byth (Wales for ever). We'll take good care of him, but the Welsh are, as ever, welcoming.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 05:44 AM

"Not that you would dream of quoting her, Crow Sister."

I think I forgot to this at the end of that post! ;-)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Girl Friday
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 06:36 AM

Shame that Max didn't get to hear Ben, and vice versa, we should have given him Ben's demo C D.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Micca
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 12:30 PM

There are some Pix of Max at Ash Nr Sandwich on Saturday Here

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Noreen
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 12:56 PM

Thanks micca!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Micca
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 01:53 PM

and a few of Max and other "assorted" Mudcatters Here and others not Mudcatters

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 05:10 PM

Yaaa know... the pics from this thread are not just great. The pics with titles and names are allowing me to put faces to people I have been talking to at the Café for years. It makes this whole endeavour even FAR better. With some pics, I can almost feel the atmosphere. Well done and thanks.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 05:30 PM

Towersey was the same goodness I've come to expect at the festivals I've been to over here. The barn had a magnificent sing going on and the pub had a mighty fine jam going too. Morris Dancers were dancing in the sunshine as we arrived. Lots of mudcatters there too. Mr. Red, Mike, Terry, Liz, etc etc. Much love. 

After the sing, Mr Red interviewed me for his radio program and I recorded a station ID for him, which was fun for me, cause I'm the guy usually asking for them. 

After the barn sing ended, we got to run around the festival grounds for a bit. Got a bite to eat and checked out the shops and curiosities. A fair amount of weird stuff floating about. Weird puppets, men in dresses and wigs riding motorized refrigerators, faces painted, girls dressed up goth and fancy, crazy instruments being played and sold… I loved it all. 

A couple of more mudcatters down there too which were great to meet. 

Then, Leadfinger Terry Silver drove me to Reading Station. Micca tagged along, but slept through most of the fun. See, if you've ever heard stories about Terry's driving, THERE ALL TRUE. It's manic, high anxiety, speed racer blindfolded sort of stuff. At one point he hit something on my side of the car, going fast, that pushed the passenger side mirror closed. He calmly and casually just asked me to push it back out. While there was some concern for my safety and actually finding the station, all turned out just fine and I am grateful for the ride. Micca helped me find the right platform and bid me farewell and I was off to Ann and Steve, I was off to Wales.

The train ride was lovely. I enjoyed the landscape and comfort of the train. Passed the madness of the Reading Festival on the way out and WOW was there a lot of people there. Tents were scattered a out for miles as the train kept rolling by. 

I wanted to keep this a secret so not to get teased, but I got a bit confused and missed the Newport stop. The station was under construction and you had to open the door yourself, and signs had Welsh on them, and I blew my chance. To add to the confusion, I couldn't reach Anne on the phone, she didn't have my number and she had to rush back home to save the lamb she was roasting me for dinner. 

I got off at the next stop and caught the first train back to Newport which, as luck would have it, was ready to go as soon as I found it. I got ahold of Anne as soon as I got on the train, and they circled back to get me after rescuing the lamb. Lost about 35 minutes and caused Anne and Steve 2 trips to the station was the worst of it all. 

The lamb was perfect, the dinner, the companionship and conversation was great and off to bed for an early start to Llancaiach Fawr Manor. 

Anne and Steve work at Llancaiach Fawr Manor where it's 1645 all the time. They are actors who play out the roles of servants on the stately manor. I went into work with them and got to go through as a patron. It was most impressive and I enjoyed it very much. There was also a dog show (DOG SHOW!) going on outside, so that was fun to see too. Among much else, I saw a Welsh beagle that was almost as handsome as Merle. 

Ned picked me up from there and took me deep into the Welsh countryside and preserves called Brecon Beacon. Lambs everywhere, seemingly roaming free over the stunning green and heather hills of Wales. All the while Ned tirelessly answering my endless questions about life and culture and history of the region. I learned a lot and saw some great views I've been wanting to for many many years. 

From there, he took me into Caldiff, which I later learned is the fastest growing city in Europe. A college town, a holiday destination, a port and an all around bustling city, visually stunning in the old and new architecture.  It was especially hopping because it was a bank holiday Monday. 

Carnival rides, vendor booths, music, parachuting, rescue dog demonstrations… a lot was going on. A lot. Ned knows the city well, and was the best tour guide I could have possibly had. He works downtown at a touch-me science museum and planetarium, the finest of which I've ever seen. He took me for a custom tour on our way back out of town. 

A quiet evening here, giving me a chance to rest and other things, like shave for the first time since last Wednesday at Whitby and post this update. Another lovely dinner from Anne and Steve, more of the same super duper hosts I've had along the way. I am well cared for and feel very much at home even though I'm in a different foreign town and country and home every night. 

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 05:53 PM

Just to clarify ... I DID have Max's number, but on the phone and computer that was at the house, and hadn't bothered to take it with me because having heard he was on the train thought nothing could go wrong. And I didn't help matters by the fact that my iPhone was out of battery charge, so Max couldn't get through until it had charged a little in the car. I've never normally dared to go out leaving a meal cooking in the oven and so while worrying at the station about how someone could vanish between Reading and Newport I was also worrying about charred meat and potatoes at home - and the phone number.
On the way back home I managed to log into Mudcat on the recovering phone and was just about to find Max's number when he called - such a relief!
Tomorrow night is the Mudgather, which will be about a dozen strong. And I'm hoping to show Max a bit more of this beautiful part of the country.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Noreen
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 06:17 PM

Hey, gnu- not just you, but I'm learning stuff about other UK catters- I didn't know what Ann and Ned did outside music festivals, before now.

(I was going to say in 'the Real World', but as has just been agreed elsewhere, music-making with friends such as goes on at festivals is very much the REAL world, and what we do the rest of the time merely supports that!)

So glad that you're still being looked after well, Max- this is most definitely a life-changing trip. You're fitting in so much concentrated experience in your visit here!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Dame Pattie Smith EPNS
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 08:02 PM

Splottie and I will see you at Anne's tomorrow night Max - or tonight as it is now. So starts the party in Wales and you are coming to me for tea on Wednesday before the fabled Llantrisant Folk Club. Once been never forgotten!
X The Dame

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Maryrrf
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 08:35 PM

I'm just now catching up on your adventures, Max. I don't post too often but do log on to Mudcat at least once a day - and really appreciate Mudcat being here. I'm so glad that this came about, and that the UK 'catters are taking such good care of you. Did you ever imagine anything like this when you created Mudcat???

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 08:50 PM

Micca, love those pix, esp. the one of Max looking rather pensive or is it just glad of a minute's quiet?**bg**

Max, we are so enjoying your posts. I read them to Rog as soon as you've sent another. I am so happy you have had the chance to do this. What a wonderful, incredible journey!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 09:03 PM

I'm learning so much about our UK Mudcatters! Thanks Max, for sharing your travels with the rest of us. And Micca, the photos are great.

SRS

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Tyke
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 10:03 PM

I don't know if Max was introduced to The Works of Frank Meadows Sutcliffe when he was in Whitby. But as for Photographs and memories of his UK Escapade here is a blue clicky Thingamajiggy

Whitby Harbour points North with the Whale Bones on the West Cliff and the Abbey on the East Cliff. With the Sun Setting at Sea at certain times of the Year. The light is so special in Whitby that no matter how many times you visit you will always find somthing that you have not noticed before.

We only met briefly in the Endevour Max but I hope you get some pleasure from a look at Frank Sutcliffe's Photographs and trying to work out just what you are looking at and just where the Photographer was standing when he took his image.

Oh and the Red Street Lamp halfway up the 199 steps Marks the Harbours Channel for a safe return!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 01:44 AM

I also loved Micca's photos. Some years back Santa Micca sent me a CD of the session at the Barn at Towersey in 2003 - now I have more pics of regulars & other Catters!

Anne and Steve work at Llancaiach Fawr Manor where it's 1645 all the time. They are actors who play out the roles of servants on the stately manor. I went into work with them and got to go through as a patron. It was most impressive and I enjoyed it very much.
Llancaiach Fawr Manor - as Max says, 'tis very impressive!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 02:58 AM

Again I should clarify - my husband Steve works at Llancaiach full time. I'm a lowly "relief interpreter", and have other things that I do as well to earn money (like singing, songwriting, telling stories, running workshops, teaching and whatever else I need to do to make sure we can afford to keep going). But it is a wonderful place and well worth a visit - we even had King Charles I come visiting a couple of weekends back!

Weather looking good for this evening, fellow South Wales Mudcatters!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Splott Man
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 10:30 AM

I've plonked a few pics of Max enjoying south Wales here

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Crane Driver
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 10:48 AM

Oh Neddie - what have you done? Not only does your link go nowhere, but when I look for you on Facebook, you're not there any more! Don't say you were just a pigment of our imaginations?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Crane Driver
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 11:23 AM

Ah - little Neddie has returned. It was only a temporary defenestration.

See you tonight

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 01:04 PM

Can someone remind me where Max will be on Thursday and when do I get him from? I am suffering a dearth of gin and am very confused.

The session is still happening, hopefully there will be someone else but Manitas and me there.... :-D

LTS

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 01:45 PM

Oh Ned, you haven't made those piccies Public, I can't see 'em *sniff*

Liz, I've PM'd you, am surprised there's any confusion, the Itinerary seems to be working well, apart from train station confusion! (there had to be a glitch Max, hope that's it)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Leadfingers
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 02:04 PM

They show fine for me Hils !

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Micca
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 02:12 PM

I suspect I should have warned Max that the Welsh have their eccentricities about station labelling!! and that Cass Newydd was Newport!!! Sorry!
LtS, I am picking Max up to fetch him to the Black Lion, so No problem (I hope) I know you may feel this ais an excessively optimistic view of things but at least he will have someone with him with some knowledge of the vagaries of London's sometime eccentric transport system and how to get around it.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 02:13 PM

Hils The photo album is on facebook. Do you have a facebook account? Are you logged in?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Jack Campin
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 02:24 PM

Can you put the photos somewhere public, like Photobucket, Picasa or Webshots?

(Nobody's ever given me a good reason why I should put up with the hassle of being on Facebook).

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Art Thieme
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 02:28 PM

Fantastic!
Art

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Noreen
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 03:26 PM

I think Ned has just given you a good reason, Jack! :)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 03:57 PM

I thought I was picking Max up from somewhere as I am not working... Oh well... best laid plans and all that.

LTS

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 04:22 PM

Alas, I'm not on Facebook but I do know that photo albums there can be made 'public' so that everyone can see them. Hopefully Ned will change the setting when he gets back from the MudGather at Anne's!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Splott Man
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 03:39 AM

Please don't blame me for the eccentricities of Facebook.
I don't know why I vanished yesterday, that's their fault.

I'll have another go at going public later.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Splott Man
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 03:47 AM

Update.

My photos on Facebook are set to be viewed by everyone, but I suppose that's just everyone on Facebook.

I don't yet have another online photo account and am a bit busy right now, so please hang on till the weekend when I can put a bit of time to it.

Anyhoo, we had a small but fun gather at Anne's last night, Max was the only one to get to sing as there was too much interesting conversation.

Present were:

Anne Lister and husband Steve
Dame Pattie Smith EPNS
Splott Man
Crane Driver
Sussex Carol
Sian from West Wales
Soup Dragon
JudeL
Guest:Andy & Guest:Marie
and of course Max.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: sian, west wales
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 04:38 AM

Had a great time last night. Wonderful to meet Max and touch base with all the other 'Catters. Many many thanks to Ann and Steve for hosting the evening!

sian

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 05:11 AM

another good place with a very generous freebie photo account is MyOpera where Mudcat has a photo album as do some 'Catters.

sandra

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Tootler
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 05:25 AM

I suspect I should have warned Max that the Welsh have their eccentricities about station labelling!!

For some bizarre reason they want to have the names in Welsh. How inconsiderate of them! [g]

Seriously, Max, I'm sure you'll have a lovely time in Wales. The Welsh are very friendly and it is a stunning country.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Jack Campin
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 05:53 AM

Tootler's point put a question in my head.

Is there anywhere in the US where public signage is in a Native American language?

(Not trying to distract from Max's thread, a short answer will do).

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 04:57 AM

All my public photos can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/MaxSpiegel

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: SussexCarole
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 05:49 AM

Superb time here with Max - just speeding off to the Wail and to deliver Max to Oxford - more when we get back.

Some piccys here: http://picasaweb.google.com/CaroleEtherton/MaxInWales

Over to you all to add details.............

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 03:30 PM

I don't think you are in PA anymore, Toto. This seems to be turning out to be all I hoped and more. Keep the stories and piccies coming, buddy. Love to all the 'Catters.

Mick

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 03:50 PM

I see he's famous enough to have a statue erected on the shore already...pretty good likeness, too!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 10:57 PM

Yes, Jack, there are places like that in the U.S. Many of the reservations and Pueblos and such use their own names for things, from their languages. Though they are the native names, they're usually written in the Latin alphabet.

Max's travels continue to be amazing. I'm enjoying watching from here!

SRS

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 11:14 PM

About Native American signage- well, there's Seattle, Spokane, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, - and that's just in Washington state.

In Alaska, they have Alaska, Alyeska, Yakutat, Eek, Ignigik, Chugiak, Chignik-

Get the idea? :)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 12:11 AM

There's a place called Eek? I must go there!!!

A gentle session last night, meant we could chat and enjoy each other's company, sing a few blues and work out the best way to get as much of London into a 2hour walk as possible!

Thanks all for being there.

LTS

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 12:40 AM

Thank YOU all for letting us share in this adventure!

(yes, there really is an Eek. Not to mention an Egegik.)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 04:41 AM

Richard & I managed to see Max again last night at LtS's Black Lion session. He's had a few small 'glitches' along the way, but the Itinerary seems to be working well & we're all 'fire-fighting' those glitches to smooth his passage. All Max's Hosts and Helpers have been marvellous and I think Max is getting a quite a variety of Catters to meet, places to see & types of transport too!

Today he has been let loose on the city of London, and is pottering around by himself this morning with Liz's A-Z mapbook. Hopefully he'll get to his lunch appointment and Micca will meet him afterwards (with his carry-on bag) for some guided sight-seeing before catching the right train to get back to us here for tea at Old Keepers (liver & bacon followed by chocolate tart). Leadfingers will be joining us for the rest of Max's trip and is loaning a guitar for Max to use.

Just in case anyone would like to browse photos of Old Keepers, my photopages are here!

This evening he'll have time to repack as there won't be any other time before his flight on Sunday. He might even get to shave!!

Tomorrow there will be lots of time (probably 5 hours total) in the car (good scenery though) going to the Wail at Verwood in Dorset to meet more MudCatters for a couple of hours. Then we'll drive over to Lewes for my gig in the evening, Max & Leadfingers will get a chance to play too!

I'll drive them all back to Leatherhead afterwards and Leadfingers has promised to get Max to Heathrow by 9.45am on Sunday. We'll be sorry to see him go, he's been a great guest here in the UK!
Hil

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 05:57 AM

This one of Max's photos is stunning:

three people at Llantrisant

Very effective use of blur/pixelation to make something like an impressionist painting.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Splott Man
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 07:16 AM

That's (L-R) Olli Price, Mick Tems and Tori (mid song), who we hadn't seen at the club for some time.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Mr Red
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 12:44 PM

Thanx 4 the interview - Max.

It will be going out on Stroud FM soon. And if I can find the webspace it will be available on-line soon. Will post when edited and uploaded. It is currently a 7 Mb file but that could be reduced when not for live broadcasting.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 05:50 PM

The whirlwind continues.

Had an absolute wonderful time at Anne and Steve's, in Pontypool. The mudgather was very enjoyable, filled with warm and bright folks, great food and great conversation. We gabbed so much, we didn't get to any music. It was a welcomed change, to just chat with folks. I enjoyed it very much.

Off to Gower.

I headed home with Andrew and Carol to Gower. They explained the beauty during the drive and Carol lamented the darkness preventing me from seeing it. They warned me that I would merely have to lift my head from my pillow in the morning and look out the window for the proper introduction. They weren't exaggerating.

Such a lovely community, Llangennith, stunning landscapes, the sea, the hills... Amazingness (yes, I'm making that a word).

Carol took me on what turned out to be just about the best hike I have ever been on in my 38 years. Top 2 if not #1. Up, across, down, over and upon the Rhossili Downs, Beach, and Cliffs. Every step, the view just kept getting better. We huffed and puffed our way to the top and back down the other side where the cliffs were. No guard rails, no safety nets, hundreds of feet down and gusting winds. Exhilarating beyond belief. We stopped to have a pint at a pub with a deck right on the edge of the cliffs. Best view of any restaurant that I've ever been to, hands down.

Max2uk10 - Gower

With the day's sightseeing behind us, still dizzy from what I just saw, we were off to Dame Patti's for tea (which means dinner here), then to Llantrisant Folk Club for a floorspot, more mudcatters and more good times. Dinner was lovely, and they had a fiddle player friend, Ross, down from Scotland who's company I also enjoyed very much.

Off to Llantirisant (pronounced: ...I have no idea, the Welsh language eludes my comprehension).

Great folk club, great room, great people. More mudcatters, more great songs and stories I've never heard before and more love. Dame Patti is a hoot and her and Ned really run a great club, very entertaining, loving and warm, a real solid community, which is what it's all about after all.

Llantrisant Folk Club

The next morning, we got all packed up, with Carol and Andrew dropping me off in Oxford to catch a double decker bus into Victoria, London, they continued on to The Wail which I'll be off to after a day in London. Saying a ceremonious goodbye to Wales we re-entered England on the way.

The bus ride was fun, great view, Wifi giving me a chance to catch up on some emails, and just quiet and calm before the big city. I met Micca, after a few laps around the station. It was London rush hour by the time I got there, so it was bustling, and I'm lugging my luggage and looking for a wee man among thousands. Took a little while, but we found each other and were off to Liz the Squeek's house and a session at the Black Lion Plaistow, on the east side of London. Liz was kind enough to feed and lodge me for the night and I am grateful. More of the same goodness I've come to find on my rambles.

The Black Lion was a really cool joint. An old carriage pub with several rooms and a couple of different buildings. Seemingly like a Victorian age truck stop. Pull the horses round back to the stables and pop in for a pint. Very quaint and nicely appointed, very cozy room. Not a lot of folks, but it was a fascinating mix. We had a bunch of Irish session players (top notch who did most of their talking with their exceptional musicianship), mudcatters and blues players. Irish tunes and American Blues, seamlessly interchanging. It was kind of funny, and a whole lot of fun. It was comforting and a pleasure to see Richard and Hils again after my Wales jaunt too. They relieved me of one of my two suitcases, lightening my load for my impending adventure into London the next day.

London ho!

I got up at the crack of dawn and ventured into the city with the commuter crowd. I was on my own, though well instructed by Liz who was kind enough to spend a considerable amount of time with me the night prior explaining to me the transit system and city layout. Her plan was perfect, by the way.

I got off the Tube at the Westminster stop and spent the morning walking up the Thames, crisscrossing over the various bridges seeing as much as I could in the 4 hours I had before meeting a friend for lunch at The George Inn. I did all the tourist things, snapped hundreds of pictures, went up in the Eye, Big Ben, The Globe, The Tower Bridge, just a lovely walk on a perfect day. Had the time of my life, just awesome.

Max2uk10 - London

Had a great lunch with my friend Judd, who I think I may have turned into a mudcatter with stories of my adventure and the characters and kindness surrounding it. Tried London fish and chips, which as warned were not as good as the Whitby Cod, but better than most in America.

Micca met me at the George and got me to Waterloo station so I could catch the train back to Leatherhead in time for tea (dinner). Liver and bacon with carrots, mashed potatoes, asparagus and a chocolate tart for desert. After dinner, Terry and I worked out some numbers together for the spot tomorrow night. Blues guitar with whistle and mandolin accompaniment, this should be interesting.

Off to the Wail in the morning, then a spot at Lewes Folk Club, supporting one of HIls' gigs, so I am very excited to see her perform and to jam with Terry Leadfooted Leadfingers Silver. Then back late and up early again to catch my plane back to the states.

Wow.

So, not much happening here, just the usual...

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 06:26 PM

Oh, is that all...no worries, then!:-)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 08:09 PM

I've been enjoying your tour, Max

sandra

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Newport Boy
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 03:26 AM

You've been busier that we have since Wednesday, Max. Great to see you at Llangennith, and I'm very pleased you had almost perfect weather for your experience of Rhosili Bay.

Phil

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 04:05 AM

Sorry had to do this


200

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 04:31 AM

Sandra... you're next.

(well your nation that is)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 08:10 AM

gulp - how do we match the fabulous UK hospitality? And our festivals are so much further apart in this 'wide brown land' ...

sandra

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 09:17 AM

You're lucky Terry's away to meet up with Max, John.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Newport Boy
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 10:46 AM

Sandra - you'll just have to find a couple of 'Catters with private planes!

Phil

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 11:07 AM

Well, Mick and all who thought up and contributed to this fabulous trip, I must say that it is truly a gift that keeps on giving - to all of us. We've all learned so much, and I think Max's tour amongst all of our UK folks has gone a long way to giving us a look into that rich music and cultural heritage in the here and now.

Thanks to all of you, and thanks, Max, for reporting back, and thanks to our UK folks who have offered up stories and photos.

SRS

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 11:33 AM

I met up with the main man myself. He came up to the venue where I was stewarding, and we had a long chat.
It was nice to meet up again, and we chewed the fat, and set the world to rights ☺
Glad you're enjoying your trip Max, we're an eclectic bunch over here, some of us are quite nice too ☻
To save anybody else saying it, I don't count myself in the quite nice category.☺-☻

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Joe Offer
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 04:26 PM

I've been enjoying Max's London Photos along with some from the music gatherings he's been enjoying. Makes me want to make another visit.
Have a great time, Max! Your architecture photos show you have a good eye for photo composition.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 05:41 PM

Amazing Joe . Is that blue skys in those pictures !! I dont remember much of the corlor blue in the sky at any rate !! Thanks for the link ..

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 06:46 PM

"Makes me want to make another visit. Makes ME wish for just one visit. I spent my youth seeing the US, while my wife saw Europe a couple of times. We trade stories.

C'mon home Max, there's radio shows which miss you.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Will Fly
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 06:50 PM

Just said "farewell and a safe journey" to Max after a great evening at the Lewes Saturday Folk Club at the Elephant & Castle. He played great blues with mandolin accompaniment from Leadfingers. And My Guru Said To Me was excellent and in great voice.

An evening to remember - watch out for some forthcoming YouTube videos of Max in action this evening...

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 09:58 PM

Someone needs to pull all of these photos from all of these sources into one file. And the videos. And Max's commentary and the stories people have shared. Put it all on a disk as a slide show with videos and I'd buy a copy.

Just a thought.

SRS

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 12:26 AM

I've seen zillions of pics of Big Ben, but never a close up of the amazing decoration. I second Joe's comments about the photos.

thanks, Max

sandra

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 03:50 AM

Sandra,

Being very pedantic, very few people have seen ANY pictires of "Big Ben".

What Max's photos (and probably all the other ones you've seen) are showing is ST STEPHEN'S CLOCK TOWER.

"Big Ben" is the nickname of the largest bell (formally called The Great Bell) installed in the tower.

Here's a photo of the real Big Ben:

ACTUAL Photo of Big Ben

:-)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 04:21 AM

And Max and I drove past where the man who gave his name to Big Ben had a family estate, in Llanover.   Benjamin Hall, who married Augusta Waddington, was the chap in question.

Happy landings, Max - we've loved having you here! Hope your return home is full of joyful reunions, and we hope you'll come back soon.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 05:54 AM

Thanks, Rob, now I can say I've seen Big Ben & the decoration around the clockfaces on St Stephen's Clock tower!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Leadfingers
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 07:07 AM

Got Max to Heathrow in good time for his flight - He takes off in about a half hour from now ! London orbital Carpark did NOT live up to its nams , so an easy drove round from Leatherhead . Had a great time last night-Thanks for Hospitality , Hils and Richard , and after a FULL day driving the Pretty Way to Lewes Via The Wail) Hills did a superb evening at the Filk Club !

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 07:27 AM

safe flight to you Max.. wonderful seeing you in person.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,puck
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 08:19 AM

It gave me great pleasure indeed to meet Max and shake his hand at Llantrisant Folk Club last Wed. evening and to thank him for the Mudcat Cafe - this brilliant and educational resource he has gifted to us all. In humble reply, he said not to forget that it is as useful for him as it is for us!
It's true that an on-line community is only as good as those taking part in it but Max envisaged the concept, made it a reality and what a success it has become!
P.
[Malcolm 'over-by-'ere']

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 08:45 AM

I'm very glad that we went to Lewes last night. It was great fun, and we got to say goodbye to Max properly. I'll look at your piccies later Max . Happy landings, and glad there were no holdups on the world's biggest car park.
Sue

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 03:54 PM

Have a safe journey, Max.You have your Whitby heather so you'll be back :)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 03:59 PM

He has landed back in the U.S.! Just sent a tweet and a facebook note.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: vectis
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 04:15 PM

Very pleased to hear he has arrived home safely.
It was a pleasure to meet him in Whitby. I hope he will make NZ once I have moved there so I'll get to see him again.
Mary

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 04:16 PM

Max- your photos of London are absolutely stunning !

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 06:08 PM

We're so glad Max has returned home safely, he will be missed here in the UK and especially here at Old Keepers.

This trip would not have happened without Big Mick's initial 'nudging', the collections made by SINSULL and in the UK, all the wonderful MudCatters who contributed, hosted & helped (you know who you are), and also all those who offered ideas and suggestions for Max's Grand UK Escapade. I must also add my personal thanks to my other half, Richard, who supported me throughout the organisation of Max's trip.

Max has a huge list of MudCatters he's met (and possibly met) in the UK. I've posted Registers on the appropriate threads but I may have missed a few Catters for which I apologise. As Max promised, he has been documenting the trip to the full with photos and videos aswell as posts here and on Facebook etc. I'm sure that Max will need a while to recover from his strenuous itinerary. I think he impressed us all by managing the challenge of the trip with such cheerful good grace. It's been an absolute privilege to share some of Max's time with him and to ease his passage during this trip. As his Mum says, he's a good boy!

Thanks Max, for providing us with such a secure home-base for the Worldwide Folk Community, you now have an idea of how much we appreciate you here in the UK.

Wishing you safe journeys on your next adventure, we know you've got the bug for getting out and about to meet Catters around the world. They'll want to meet you too.....

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 01:00 AM

My role was minor compared to that done by MGAS and Sinsull. I had every intention of doing all the legwork.... but as is well documented, my life took some hops that precluded that. I called "She who is Mother to all, and must be obeyed, elst you will receive boxes of gaudy junk" otherwise known as Sinsull. She did what she has always done (which is why I love you, woman), and then we got talking about who to get with in the UK. Sins suggested MGAS, and that turned out to be enough to earn them both Sainthood in this lad's heart. So when it comes to kudos, it belongs to these two. And MGAS, I hope Richard is a tolerant sort, because I am going to give you a grade A, down home going to Jesus, country boy, patented Big Mick hug the first time I get the chance. And to our friends in the UK, thanks so much for the hospitality you have shown. The fact is that ever since I met Max, all those years ago in his "office" above the Iron Horse Brewery in West (by Gawd) Chester, PA, I fast knew that I loved this man like a brother. I have watched him, over the years sacrifice time with his kids, money, and relationships, just to keep Mudcat going. He has done this not because he had too, and at times not because he wanted to. He did it because he knew that this was a special place, and that for many it was their window on the world. He is as fine a man as I know, and I so wanted this to be the trip of a lifetime. Thanks to Sinsull, MGAS and Richard, and all of you fine UK'ers, that is exactly what happened. I hope one day soon to tell you all that in person. But for now, please accept my fondest best wishes and my gratitude for showing our Max the hospitality you showed him.

All the very best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Soldier boy
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 10:37 AM

Very well expressed Big Mick and a big thanks back from all UK Mudcatters.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 03:00 PM

Ya know... I was just chattin with a buddy and said I enjoyed the vid of Max playing and singing and mentioned his good guitar playing might not have been possible after the accident.

Accident?

Yup. For anybody that missed the thread, here it is.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Anne Lister
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 06:24 PM

Thanks, Gnu ... we did meet a cement mixer on a quiet lane in Monmouthshire and Max told me the tale. Luckily in this case the two vehicles didn't make contact.

But it was absolutely our pleasure to have Max come and visit and I'm so glad it all worked out the way it did.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 08:39 PM

Our time with Max was all too short in a very busy schedule, but long enough to know that when he next visits the UK he has a place to stay for as long as he wishes.

The fee for this service will be a little help in playing finger style blues guitar.

It's been both a pleasure, and a privilege.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 06:44 AM

The last day was loaded up with a drive to the Wail and then to Lewes Folk Club. The Wail was definitely worth the trek, there were a ton of mudcatters there and some great singing. Gave me a welcomed 2nd chance with several fine folks I saw along the way and cream tea and scones with jam and cream. It's a really neat little festival out in a field, and the weather was perfect again.

Amazingly, 16 or my 17 days were blue sky and sunshine. I don't know what everyone talks about, England's weather is delightful.

Just a couple of hours at the Wail, then it was off to Lewes Folk Club where Hils scheduled to perform and Terry and I were there to support her. Even Richard was cajoled into singing a song. We tore the roof off the joint. Terry sat in with Will and then with me, and Hils was amazing. Her songs are still stuck in my ear. It was another great club in another great room. Not a lot of admitted mudcatters, but perhaps we recruited a few.

Back to Old Keepers to pack and sleep before an uneventful drive (thanks Terry) to the airport. Everything went perfect, flight on-time, the seat next to me empty so I could stretch out, everything went smooth. Then a drive from Philadelphia to State College where my kids were waiting. Emily was a peach to meet me so I could get some of the best hugs I've ever gotten.

The next morning I went to see my folks and pick up my dog, who also missed me dearly. Just when I thought I was home and back to normal, I'm up 2 hours before dawn, clearly still on UK time. So it's back to work, back to life... Wish me luck.

There'll probably be another couple of updates as a ruminate about my trip. I can tell you this was a life changer. All the fine folks, all the ground I covered and songs I heard, the festivals the folk clubs, surely I'll continue to process it all for the rest of my life. Perhaps I will consolidate it all with the pictures and such and offer it up in a more tangible form as suggested, we'll see.

I very big thank you to all involved. All the great folks who welcomed me into their homes and drug my butt across the country and into their clubs, thank you. Hils and Richard, SINSULL and Mick, jaqui and anyone else who contributed and organized this trip, you are amazing, it all went off without a hitch. Amazing...

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 06:55 AM

Max - It was a real pleasure to be able to contribute to your enjoyment of England and Wales !

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 07:38 AM

If you give away the secret of our perpetual glorious summer weather, our little island will soon get too crowded.
Glad that you enjoyed it though Max.
Did Jacqui not tell you that Hertfordshire is the jewel of all England?
Next time maybe?
keith.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 11:11 AM

Now that you're home Max, the English weather is back to normal. It poured with rain last night, and is still doing it today.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 11:56 AM

Perhaps we should get Max back for the whole summer - See if we can ALL get a good tan !!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 12:02 PM

Funny - Jacqui's daughter was here from the UK. 90+ degress until she left. Fall is here now.
Good to have you back, Max. I have enjoyed the travelogue.
SINS

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 12:19 PM

What a wondrous thing you have all wrought...from the basement where Mudcat was born of Max and Jeff, to corroborating with Dick and Susan with the DT, to all who have come here and contributed, what a wonderful, wonderful thing/people/Max!

Glad you are back safely and loved the travelogue, too. Look forward to hearing more when you feel so inclined. Really neat you had hugs waiting for you!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 12:44 PM

I was lucky enough to meet Max a second time, at the Wail - I'm glad he enjoyed his brief visit, tea and scones/ cream / jam, and to hear that his whole trip and journey home went so well. (It rained in Dorset the morning after your visit to the Wail, by the way, while you were flying home....)

Kitty

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 01:07 PM

That was Max's tears Kitty, as he flew over, on his way home.
Next time Max, I demand that you come to Scotland as well. :)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 05:21 PM

Great to meet you in person at last Max and to shake the hand of the man who has given so much to all of us.

Andy

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Soldier boy
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 10:39 AM

It was great to meet you in the flesh Max and also to meet My Guru Always Said and Noreen and Barbry in The Board Inn at Whitby, along with about another 30 Mudcatters or more!

It has been a real delight reading your travelogue and I also hope that you might ruminate some more amout your trip and consolidate a sort of reflective summary of your experience with pictures and commentary etc (but please do rest up and recover from what must have been a truly exhausting time here first).

In the meantime, talking about 'pictures' etc, does anybody else have any more photos or video that connect with Max and his trip around the UK that could be posted and shared on this thread?

Chris

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 11:25 AM

I have thoroughly enjoyed the trip I have vicariously taken and want to thank all involved for taking such good care of "Fearless Leader" and sending him home in one piece. This is another of the threads that not only tells a tale but one where we have learned a great deal about an awful lot of members who are often more quiet about themselves.....sorta' like the memorable Bill Sables and Allen USA Tour years ago.

He returns just in time for the beginning of college football season so he can once again see his Penn State Nittany Lions get the shit kicked out of them by the Buckeyes of Ohio State.

Good to have you back lad.........What's this year's bet?



Spaw

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Barb'ry
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 12:09 PM

I've got pictures and a video of Max but a) I don't know how to post them on the site and b) I took the video vertically on the camera and can't turn it round... OK, I know that sounds dim, but I can't find the 'rotate clockwise' button on anything! I've uploaded some of the pics onto my facebook page, so if anyone wants to 'be my friend' let me know.

bx

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 02:32 PM

You Americans are lucky we let you have him back. He's a helluva nice guy, and we realy would have liked to keep him.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Splott Man
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 05:13 PM

I've got a few pics on my Facebook which are viewable by all if you're on Facebook too (I think).

Splott Man a.k.a. Ned Clamp (there - I've gone public!).

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 05:46 PM

Max put most of my photos up on his photo-pages!

And Max has already posted links to some of Richard's video's too.

And I'm still not on Face-book, I don't really have to be, do I? I've got friends, honest I have *sniff*

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 06:42 PM

But did he ever return?.....

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Sep 10 - 04:31 AM

We sent him back home Dick, honest we did.... And he posted on 7th September to prove it! He'll still be catching up with a backlog from work, MudCat, Facebook & goodness knows what else, whenever he can find time between hugs from his kids & family!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 10 Sep 10 - 11:25 AM

May I second Katlaughing's post? Mudcat and the Digitrad are phenomenal resources and we are very lucky to have them.

It was a delight to meet Max and hear him sing. Another time we must show him more of lovely Lewes.

Valmai

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Sep 10 - 02:53 PM

Just to let you all know how we did with the Escapade T-shirts. Max has had the proceeds from the sold T-shirts since I got to the point where my costs were covered. There are only 4 left if anyone still wants them. There are 2 off XL, 1 off L and 1 off L demo. Price may now be negotiable to save me keeping them in my cupboards *grin*

Oh, I'm so glad I didn't order 100......

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 10 Sep 10 - 04:56 PM

Wonderful pics again!

And... oh my... Max smokes? How absolutely terrible!!!!

Got a light... cough... cough...

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 11:27 AM

Hey gang. I'll be hosting the Folk Show on WPSU FM (http://folkshow.org) at 8pm EST this Saturday, September 18th. I mention this here because I intend to talk about my journey and play cuts from the dozen or so CDs you all gave me while over there.

If anyone didn't get me one, and they have any mp3s they could email me ([e-mail]), email them to me and I'll try to get them on the air.

Also, if anyone has the wherewithal to record any promo spots for me and email them, that would be awesome. Even if it's on your phone or hand recorder. As a suggestion: "You are listening to the amazing Max Spiegel who just got back from impressing the hell out of England ...on the Folk Show on WPSU FM" ;) Seriously, though, anything you want, key words being "Folk Show" and "WPSU".

I know it's too late at night for many of you to listen live, so we will archive the show and make it available in the days that follow.

Thanks,
Max

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Girl Friday
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 11:49 AM

Hi Max. I looked at your link for last week's show,and found it not archived, so was disappointed about that. This is great though. Is the U S A ready for Tone Deaf Leopard? We do have experience of recording promo jingles, having done one for an Essex station's folk show . We'll put some thought to it.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 02:08 PM

Think thats 3pm Saturday in real time?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Geoff the Duck
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 03:45 PM

I keep trying to catch up with this thread, but it keeps getting longer. You all keep putting on new photos, and by the time I have looked at them it's time to get other jobs done.
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 04:00 PM

Well, if y'all play at Kent State like you played against Bama, you'll need to be playing all the upbeat tunes you have available! Hope your first trip to Ohio is fruitful for JoePa and his troops as the second one is likely to leave them down in the dumps...........


Spaw

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 04:17 PM

Spaw... it was only 24-3. They're getting better.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 04:26 PM

Matter of fact, points f/a are 47/37, so they are doing well overall. Batting 500 right now. GO ah, er, what are they called? Oh, Yeah, Nittany Lions.

I just checked the website and fans are being encouraged to buy beavers. I closed the browser right away.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Max
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 04:55 PM

MGAS, 3 AM, not pm.

Spaw, don't hijack my thread to knock my Nittany Lions. #1 teams are 18-0 against ranked opponents with an average of a 24 point margin. We beat the average with a quarterback that was in high school 6 months ago, on the road in the 2nd game of the season of a rebuilding year. Plus, I thought we moved the ball well. Very encouraging game.

You had a great win over Miami, by the way, kudos.

(see the difference in caliber of human being that Penn State puts out as apposed to Ohio State?)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 05:00 PM

LOL.....I apologize for the sidetrack. Actually, both your QB and the kid at Michigan scare the hell out of me. OSU is weak on special teams but otherwise look really fine but I can easily see a three loss season as well as a no loss one.

And now back to the music..........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 05:22 PM

3AM??? How am I going to stay up THAT late? How long's the show? I'm finding it hard to find info on the site, stoopid girl!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 07:59 PM

Max I can record it on line in the UK.
My Guru may have to cope with an even later get out of bed time for me though :>)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 09:36 AM

As I understood it, it's getting archived, so's we can listen again. Is this right Max ?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 09:45 AM

I tried placing the Max interview mp3 on Facebook and MySpace and failed.

I have since been told it is possible but not obvious.

Any advice anyone?

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 09:47 AM

I do Myspace. I think that you'd have to upload it as you would a song.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 10:11 AM

Girl Friday,

Do you actually read what people say?

From Max: I know it's too late at night for many of you to listen live, so we will archive the show and make it available in the days that follow.

The archived programme will (perhaps unsurprisingly) be found under the Archive section of the website, but as Max says it will take will a few days after the programme to put it up.

The show is also next Saturday (18th) not last week as some other people seem to think.

---

Please note that anonymous posting is no longer allowed at Mudcat. Use a consistent name [in the 'from' box] when you post, or your messages risk being deleted.
Thanks.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 01:57 PM

Guest, that wasn't very kind was it?

But I appreciate the information and link you've put up for the Folk Show archive, so thank you for that. I'm still not having any luck finding the Blues show archives so I'm glad to have been pointd to the Folk Show one as I probably won't be able to listen live here in the UK.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 02:09 PM

If you're prepared to slag people off at least have the guts to put your name to it

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 02:27 PM

BTW - Guest: last week's show was the regular Blues show that Max hosts, I'm sure Sure was talking about that.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Made up name
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 03:25 PM

If you're prepared to slag people off at least have the guts to put your name to it

Err, kind of whom was being slagged off? Telling somebody that their question was answered 5 posts above by the thread's author is not 'slagging them off' It's pointing out the obvious...

---

FINAL WARNING: Please note that anonymous posting is no longer allowed at Mudcat. Use a consistent name [in the 'from' box] when you post, or your messages risk being deleted.
Also note that if you post as a guest, you are expected to be on your best behavior.
Thanks.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Mr Red
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 11:42 AM

Now now children.

FWIW Myspice & Farcebook cannot upload MP3. no song or speech unless you are prepared to make it into a video.

So I did. Farcebook cannot take 2 minutes plus.
Myspice has it but I cannot search for it to post the URL. Maybe that will change given a day or so for them to catalogue it.

If you want to hear Max talking about Mudcat search for
"interview with Max Spiegel (Mr Mudcat)" (the actual title).

Good luck. I will post the blickie when I can get it.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 10:25 AM

at last - MySpace - interview with Max @ Towersey 2010

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 07:16 PM

Thanks Mr Red for doing that.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 05:14 AM

'simply sick harmonies' . What does that mean? Cloying? Enough to make you sick? And simply? I give up

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Noreen
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 09:19 AM

Where is that quote from, GUEST,guest?
Not on this thread, that I can find.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 02:01 PM

From Max 23rd August. just puzzled to know what he means as I'm a fan of Grace notes

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: SussexCarole
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 02:19 PM

Reading through Max's post of 23rd August it seems rather obvious that he meant to type sLick. A simple typo!!   
GRACE NOTES = SLICK HARMONY

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Splott Man
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 05:34 PM

My photos of Max in south Wales can be seen on my brand new Flickr account

Ithangyou

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 04:37 AM

I agree with Noreen. It was quite clear that Max was praising the 'slick' harmonies and I think 'guest' was quite aware of this!!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 03:48 AM

Oops sorry. Should have said I agree with Carole :)

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 05:17 AM

Am sure you're right Carole & Jane, they're stirring!

Thanks for the photos Ned, tidy! And for the interview link Mr Red!

Maaged to hear Max's archived Folk Show the other night, excellent! Link to clicky here!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: TopcatBanjo
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 06:18 AM

Or it could be that he actually meant to type "sick" as this means "great" or "excellent" these days among those who are "down with the kids". ;o)

Definition of "sick"

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: pavane
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 06:20 AM

Mrs Pavane was thrilled that she was played on USA radio.
Mind you, there is a recording, somewhere, from 1979, of her singing an advert for ice-cream in Dubai. "We all scream for Kwality ice-cream" to the tune of Yellow Submarine. Ouch

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: pavane
Date: 23 Sep 10 - 06:48 AM

Sorry - didn't explain : Mrs Pavane is Dawne Oakley

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Splott Man
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 02:50 PM

I've posted a video of Max at Llantrisant Folk Club here

It's a bit dark, but loud and clear. Enjoy.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Girl Friday
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 03:52 PM

I've seen far darker videos believe me. Your clubroom must have fairly good lighting. The sound is brilliant.

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 04:11 PM

Thank you, Splott Man--It's quite obvious Max loves the blues--I think this was the best performance I've seen posted for him. Way to go, Max!

Lin

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 04:53 PM

Now... THAT is Blues. The facial expressions, the voice... you could "feel" that "feel" of true Blues. I could see and "feel" that he was totally into it. Excellent. That is what playing ANY kind of music is all about. Great capture!

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: gnu
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:52 PM

MGAS!!!! Thank you for the t-shirt and the CD. I am listening to it right now. Great stuff!

Anybody who hasn't been to the website should have a boo.

Thanks Hils.

g

Subject: RE: Max's Thread - UK Escapade
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 04:26 PM

Aha, glad it got there safely and you're very welcome!! It was all arrnged by another Catter closer to you who will remain nameless but your thanks will be passed on and cherished by both of us. Keep smiling!!