Help: mudcat how does it work

Subject: mudcat how does it work
From: selby
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 09:47 AM

Having used the data base a couple of times I have decided to take the plunge and become a mudcater. About me I am from a place called Selby in England I play accordion sing,unaccompined & morris dance not all at the same time. I have with my wife run a folk club. So how does mudcat work? Has there ever been or likely been a meeting of mudcaters. Keith

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 10:16 AM

Hi, Keith and Welcome. Glad you've decided to join us. You will get plenty of responses, but I'd like to recommend that you go back through these threads a read them at random for an idea of what we are all like and up to.

I am in Wyoming in the US and I know we have one or two Morris dancers this side of the pond; we also have many UK Mudcatters, on ein particular, Sam Pirt, who is superb on the accordion, just put out a CD with another UK member, Bill Sables.

Some good threads would be Spancil Hill; Music Therapy; Why we sing; Mudcat Tavern threads 1-11 (one of them was a "pub" instead; there are bunches.

At the beginning of the threads, right next to where it says "refresh" you can set the filter box back as far as a year, then hit refresh; this will bring up titles of all threads posted in that time. That's when it gets really fun. Just remember it is important to have a sense of humour.

Again, welcome and have fun!

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 10:30 AM

Hello Keith,

I am also new here and UK based. I live in Llandudno, North Wales. My main instrument is tenor banjo (although I can play a few Morris tunes on the melodeon, play a bit of guitar, sing a little etc) and my main love is the dance music from all parts of the British Isles.

So far, I have found Mudcat to be a great place with some really nice people - stick around!

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Alice
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 11:10 AM

Welcome. Here is a link to some Memorable Mudcat Threads such as Where is Spancil Hill blue clicky thing. The forum used to be more focussed on the discussion of folk and blues music. Now there are threads (called BS) that include more humor and banter between the members, sometimes creating fantasy situations (such as the tavern) and poking fun at each other and sometimes referring to music.
There are many threads started by requests for lyrics or explanations of songs. There are threads that are filled with opinions that "creep" from one subject to another, often mixing serious ideas with humor. There are many "inside" jokes about possums, and tiples, which refer to previous thread discussions. If something seems confusing, then just ask for an explanation, and someone will probably give you a "blue clicky thing" (a link) to the answer.

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 12:54 PM

Welcome, Keith! I'm guessing that if you're from Selby you already know Bill and Sam- give them best regards from Stateside for us, will you? The Mudcat is a strange and wonderful place, and the more time you spend here the better you will know that. Best of all, if you contribute fairly regularly you will get all kinds of varied responses from the different personalities that seem to live here all the time.
Some of us have met at different places. Bill Sables met a lot of us at the Old Songs Festival in New York last June; there have been gatherings in New Jersey, Washington DC and the west coast of the US as well as other smaller meetings here and there. So, welcome to you!
Allison

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: selby
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 12:58 PM

To all of you that know Sam & Bill, yes I do Indeed know them & go to the session in now the world famous JUG INN.

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: bobby's girl
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 01:28 PM

Hi keith I'm also a relatively new mudcatter, actually recommended to give it a try by Sam Pirt's dad, Graham, at Whitby Festival this year. From that you'll guess that I am also UK based, living in Portland, Dorset, and also a Morris Dancer. I've found the Mudcat a very friendly, interesting slightly lunatic and very addictive place to be - welcome.

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 02:04 PM

And the resident linatic offers his best welcome too. It seems that today I am having to 'fess up for all the somewhat eccentric BS that goes on around here, but it's a part of this place too. Mudcat is also the friendliest place you will find on the net and THE premier "Folkie" place to be. The database and the forum discussions are not to be equalled. We tend to think of the 'Cat as a little village and it is populated with all types of folks...but as you will find, we may not always agree, but the disagreements are based on knowledgable, informed opinion. We have a stellar cast of players here and in general you will find love, humor, and humanity in every thread. If you have any questions, please ask.....and tell Bill and the Pirt's that "Cleigh O'Possum" also sends his best. Is Sam still coming in June?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: wildlone
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 02:54 PM

Hi i'm also UK based and have only been at mudcat a few weeks. I dont know how they do it but Iwake up in the middle of the night and switch on the computer before I switch on the light,"YES THE COMPUTERS IN MY BEDROOM" click on the icon on the desktop so I can get a fix. so here is a warning DONT DO IT its ADDICTIVE,GIVE UP MUDCAT NOW LEST YOUR LIFE BE TAKEN OVER AND YOU WILL DWELL IN LONELY SOLITUDE LOOKING AT THAT SCREEN. seriously now mudcat is a good place to be with good people on it. .WL.

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Wullie
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 04:15 PM

I'll have to get over to the Jug sometime it sounds good, you could try the Grove at Wakefield, or Boons End at Ossett they are very good to. I enjoy the 'Cat and spend to much time on it according to my wife. Wullie

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Melodeon
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 04:34 PM

welcome Keith, good to have another UK mudcatter. i'm in Gloucester and I'm ashamed to say I don't know where Selby is ( I've a feeling it could be Yorkshire but I don't want to look too ignorant about my own country). I have been making contributions for a few months now but I still feel a little self consious because everyone else seems to know each other so well ( but that is my problem not theirs, No one has ever shown anything but good humour and sensitivity). perhaps we should arrange a Uk mudcatters meeting. Melodeon

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 06:56 PM

And the larks they played melodeons
And the larks they played melodeons
And the larks they played melodeons
Till the dawning of the day!!!

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: bill\sables
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 07:01 PM

Hi Keith, I Told you it was a good web site. Welcome. Just a reminder to all you other UK catters if you want a MUDCAT TEE SHIRT I have got some here Dick Greenhouse sends them over to me to save postage on sending individual shirts so if you want one e-mail me at [e-mail] I have large and XL in stock if you need bigger or smaller I will have to get another batch from Dick Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 07:03 PM

Thinking of the larks singing,

Probably my favourite was

And if ever I return again (X3) I'll eat you deep fried.

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: bill\sables
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 07:32 PM

Hi Bobbys Girl, I noticed your comment about finding mudcat through Sam Pirt's Dad Graham, and it got me thinking a few years ago people asked Who is Sam Pirt? and we answered Graham Pirt's son. It now seems they ask Who is Graham Pirt? and we have to answer Sam Pirt's dad. and knowing Graham I'm sure he doesn't mind at all. Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 07:38 PM

Hey Bill.....Is Sam still coming over in June or thereabouts........Like to see him get around a little more than you did (AHEM).........Next time, huh?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: poet
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 07:47 PM

Hi Keith
I'm New too and yes it confuses me a bit. They(mudcatters) all seem to know each other but just like a folk club visitors seem to be welcome, and is'nt that just like folkies.
I ran a club for 12yrs and a festival for 14yrs and i feel quite at home here, although they dont really know me yet.


Graham Hyett (Guernsey)

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Sep 99 - 08:06 PM

To all the newbies; it may seem like we all know each other, and sometimes we do, BUT, we were all newbies once, too. As you post more, (don't be shy about jumping in), we will get to know you more and the stories will start flowing about ole Melodeon or WL, poet, and Selby and all of you others. Everyone is welcome. Some of us have more time to spend here and it may seem we are on here 24 hrs per day, but actually we take shifts! **BG** (which means Big Grin)

Anyway, please do not hesitate to ask questions, int he threads, or in a personal message to one of us. Most of us are happy to oblige. And, don't worry about protocol because there isn't any! Have fun, share your knowledge, and join in 'cause this place if full of caring, brilliant, witty, knowledgable, and loving phoakies (my spelling). The best thing about the Mudcat is we are all free to be ourselves with respect and validation.

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: bill\sables
Date: 19 Sep 99 - 07:36 AM

Hi Spaw, I am trying to pin Sam down to a time when he can take time from Uni. and get across to the US It might be Jan 2000 or it might be easter or it might be June.I do know he is playing in Norway sometime next year, When we do get over Ohio is on the list so tell the neighbours to get their ear plugs ready, Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: selby
Date: 19 Sep 99 - 08:15 AM

Thanks for all the kind information and welcoming mesages. I think I am starting to get the hang of it now when I am struggling I just shout HELP!!!!!! Keith

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Sep 99 - 02:21 PM

Good on you, Keith, quick lad, aintcha?**BG**

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Sep 99 - 05:56 PM

"and the sharks, they stank malodorous
at the draining of the bay"

wish I had a nickle for every parody of that line!

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Sep 99 - 12:03 AM

......and I know you'd prefer it the old, staid, traditional way, but let me say,

"And if wishes were Corvettes, Krishnas would be cruising." .....Come to think of it, they are! Oh well...........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Allan C.
Date: 20 Sep 99 - 07:38 AM

Selby and other newbies, I really can't add anything to what has already been said. So I will just send you my "hello and welcome". I hope you decide to stay.

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Mían
Date: 20 Sep 99 - 01:16 PM

thank you for the newbie welcome, I 2 am 1.

this place is truly wonderful.

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Sep 99 - 01:36 PM

Well welcome aboard Mian.....and just to show you we do care......

What the hell kind of name is Mian? (Oh about the same as catspaw)......Tell us how you pronounce it? Tell us a little about yourself........Nobody really cares, but tell us anyway ***BG*** (means Big Grin)

Seriously, welcome aboard...it is a wonderful place. Lots of music and good friendship to be found.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Magpie
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 09:47 AM

Hi, you newbies (and oldbies?) I'm new too, although I have occasionaly butted in. Unlike yourselves, though, I never thought to introduce meself properly, until now. I'm based in Oslo, Norway, which (sometimes) is a really dinky place.(When you're used to it) I sing, play the tinwhistle and the guitar. I even started to learn the bodhràn, but after having read all the nasty jokes, I gave it up. I tell you, my neighbours are probably thrilled!

The name? For some reason (I've never dared ask why) it's what my boyfriend calls me. Regards Magpie

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: FionaN
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 10:24 AM

Hello,

I'm new too, having lurked about for a bit I thought I'd jump in properly...I'm from Leeds (not far from Selby actually) but live in the South now...

Where exactly is the 'now world famous' Jug Inn...I'll be up north this weekend so might quite like a visit...does it sell Black Sheep?

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Bert
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 10:29 AM

So Magpie, you play tin whistle AND guitar! How many bloody HANDS have you got?

Bert.

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 10:39 AM

Magpie, FionaN, and all the other newbies-- I want to extend my own welcome to the site. I tend to be withdrawn and to keep to myself, but I've been here for quite awhile, and I'm happy to welcome to you to our ranks.

Bill Foster

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 11:26 AM

Bill is really a quite well respected and very informed and talented member....a picker of some note!

Also a WELCOME from me........In the Mudcat Jargon thread, Jeri has posted a neat little chart that a modified version of which we hope to see in the "Quick Links" soon. Go take a look if you haven't already and you'll get a lot of questions answered. The DT (song database) is tremendous and easy to use. This is a very unique site as you all may already be seeing!

This is a wonderful, loving, compassionate, intelligent, and humorous group around here and indeed we do tend to think of it as a little village. Jump in whenever and wherever you want and don't be intimidated by anything. We're glad to have you and hope you "move in" for good.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Patrish(inactive)
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 11:51 AM

This is the second time I've written this - must have pressed clear entries instead of submit message. here goes I am newish(there a suprise), and work in Batley West Yorkshire. I sing badly, play the melodeon badly, write recitations badly but.. I am a great audience. Had the greatest time in Whitby this year - just about lived at the Tap & Spile. I know I like the sort of people I meet at folk events so I am not surprised that you are all so friendly here. kindest regards

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Magpie
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 12:12 PM

Well Bert,

I suppose I asked for that one. But I tell you, it's pretty tricky to play the whistle AND sing too. Hands or no hands

Magpie

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Bert
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 12:18 PM

Never mind Magpie, that's the sort of welcome you can expect here.

And while we are in welcoming mode... Hi there Patrish, Welcome aboard, if you 'sing badly, play the melodeon badly, write recitations badly' you'll fit in just fine here.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 12:31 PM

I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to say "Hello and welcome" to new Catters. Occasionally when things get a little low-key around here, there are mumblings about "cliques, dilemmas and lack of Mudcat musical purity (my term only). As long as new folks say "hello", and let us know they're here, the welcome mat is always out. That makes for a healthy community folks.

Rick

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 12:47 PM

.......sorrowfully we do have a few sickies of which Rick is one.

And Magpie, listen up....Bert does have a point about your fitting in here. You DO however, have it all over Bert who has to relearn every instrument he picks up after he remembers which one it is. By this point he's forgotten WHY he picked it up and the whole process starts again..........

Personally I think your nine hands are very attractive though a bit bizarre...well, not here, but out in the real world I'm sure people stare.....like Rick.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Bert
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 12:54 PM

Of course if he could read he would know that Patrish was the one who would 'fit in'

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 01:10 PM

Nobody ever told ME that reading was a requirement here. How about something in the "Quick Links?"

Sorry Magpie, you fit in too for the reasons I stated, and Patrish, I apologize for not recognizing it was you who completely stinks.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: bill\sables
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 01:51 PM

Hi Fiona N and Patrish The Jug is in Chappel Haddlesea on the A 19 south of Selby, North of the M62. Wednesdays are music session nights and all are welcome. Fiona N there is a festival this weekend if you want some good music near the Jug. My email number is earlier in this thread if you want a ticket, just £5 for the whole weekend. Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: selby
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 01:53 PM

Thank you to all who have welcomed me and other catters. It is starting to look like that yorkshire is the english centre for mudcatters.The JUG is just of the M62 junction 34 at Haddlesy over the river aire turn left. there is a singers and musicians session on tommorow night 22/9/99 Patrish I spent a few lunch times in the Tap & Spile at folk week Keith

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Davey
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 02:21 PM

I'm fairly new, although I lurk from time to time. And I'll keep my postings down to no more than 4 **BG**.. Greetings to you regulars and newbies. I play guitar, mandolin, harmonica and bouzouki, and also sing (not simultaneously with harmonica playing, yet. And yes, it is a great place to be......

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Peter T.
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 05:44 PM

What I think is hilarious is that we now have two sets of directions to the JUG in two different towns -- Chappel Haddlesea and Haddlesy from Bill and Keith -- no wonder English folk music is in a state of confusion. I can just imagine the M62 tomorrow night, A19, junction 34, if this really exists! Folkies wandering all over. "Aarrh, tourn left where the old church used ta be, and go down past Lower Mudcat until you get as far down as you can, which is Upper Mudcat, and there 'tis." (BG).
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Magpie
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 06:12 PM

Hello Davey

Imagine the pain of knitting jerseys to the pair of us...

How many arms ????

Magpie

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 06:59 PM

Interesting the way people give different directions to get to the same place. I think I would find this one quite easily from both but looking at my map, it looks as if I turned left after the river Ayre, I could even end up in West Haddlesey.

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: bill\sables
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 09:02 PM

If you come from the M62 and cross the river Aire you turn right to the Jug if you turn left you will get lost Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Davey
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 09:09 PM

Hi Magpie... I think it would take at least 6 arms and 2 heads... A challenge to be sure.....

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 09:39 PM

I wonder how many arms and heads that a lot of us would need if we counted singing and every instrument that we are cable of playing a simple melody on (lets say the melody line to the Wild Rover). I would have to remind my self on some instruments which I haven't touched for a long while but my own list would include:

Tenor banjo, 5 string banjo, ukelele, guitar (6 string, 12 string and bass), mandolin, mandola, bazouki, cittern, piano, fiddle & viola (very scratchy bow but in tune), whistle, recorder, clarinet, appalacian dulcimer, hammer dulcimer, harmonica, piano accordian, GD melodeon, anglo concertina, harp...

Additionally of course everybody can "play" the bodhran (no offense meant to those who genuinely do play this instrument - I love it in skilled hands).

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 10:19 PM

Jon, please tell me where you live so I can come over there and cut your fingers off!!! If you give some folks an instrument they've never played before and tell them to play "Wild Rover" on it, they'll have it figured out in minutes.

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 10:57 PM

Jeri, I am certainly not a brilliant musician (I'm reasonably competent in local sessions but no more than that) but I've tended to be able to work out the basics of instruments quite quickly especially when I was younger. Sometimes it would take hours rather than minutes to get that far - I wish that I had of known somebody willing to lend me a set of pipes or a brass instrument for a day at that time.

I am older now and a lot slower at picking things up than I was but my fingers are still quite precious to me even though they they have minds of there own and can be very stubborn little creatures at times!

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: mudcat how does it work
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Sep 99 - 11:22 PM

Alright, Jon, your fingers are safe. I wonder what it is that makes some of us accumulate many different instruments while others are happy with one. Although I've stuck to the fiddle despite distractions, I'm constantly fascinated by other instruments.