Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle

Subject: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Angus McSweeney
Date: 03 Jun 97 - 09:42 PM

Songs to Ditch, songs not to Ditch, and all these great requests for lyrics! ...After reading a few and then getting back on the guitar I started thinking about what fun it would be to play with all the good folk that contribute. So I propose a folk circle...just add the song you want to play when it comes round to your turn in the circle. If we can't all play together maybe we can get an idea of the songs that would be played. We assume that all instruments are in tune and everyone is ready. I'll start off with an old favorite of mine, Key of C, I'll be playing guitar, and the song is "I Never Will Marry"

Please add your contributions, one at a time, and I think we can get a pretty good list of tunes here!

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 03 Jun 97 - 11:00 PM

My turn?

I'll do Kate Wolf's "The Lilac and the Apple". I have a bass voice so I'll do it in D starting at the A below middle C. A cappella for this one.

Frank Phillips

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: cleod
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 09:15 AM

Hmm, this sounds like fun...I'd do "Danny Boy", but I'm afraid to get thrown out by the audience >g<, so I'll just sing "The Cruiskeen Lawn" -- I do a pretty good tenor, for an alto, that is...^_^

cleod (happily quaffing)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 09:54 AM

I'll sing "Suzanna's a funnicle Man" in A

Bert.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 09:58 AM

Hey we could do this for real
If Angus makes a cassette and sends it to Frank, who adds his song and sends it to Cleod......

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 12:30 PM

"I've rambled This Country Both Earlye and Late" on autoharp(ala Mike Seeger) in D

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bob Landry
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 02:20 PM

Even though I ain't no Stan Rogers, I'll offer "Fisherman' Wharf" in Am (acoustic guitar).

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 02:21 PM

That should have read Fisherman's Wharf

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Les Blank
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 02:45 PM

I frequently swap songs monthly with a small but very energetic group , so here's my contribution :

"The Cat Came Back" (in D) (( I do nine verses at last count

and am always on the lookout for additional ones !!))

If I'm asked for an encore, I'd do "Ramblin' Boy" by Tom Paxton

(in C).

I'm also very partial to "Delia's Gone" sung in dialect.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Scott Swinney
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 05:50 PM

I'd like to join you on "Ramblin' Boy"(probably the entire gang would) and then I'd contribute an old Paxton favorite of mine "One Time Only" in C. I'll be playing my 6-string but I appreciate the accompaniment. I wouldn't mind playing the 12-string when Les contributes "Delia's Gone".

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Mountain Dog
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 06:29 PM

Dear Les Blank,

I, too, am a "Cat Came Back" fan and have plunked at it ever since first hearing Cisco Houston's version on an old Smithsonian folk collection. Since that time, I've come across some other verses and would be interested in swapping. If you're so inclined, please drop me your nine verses via e-mail to:

[e-mail]

and I'll see if I've any to add.

To all the Folks in the Circle:

My contribution on 6-string, in F and sung in baritone, is Stephen Foster's "Hard Times Come Again No More".

Who's next?

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: LaMarca
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 08:16 PM

How about us acaulpoco types? Let me cast a vote for being allowed to do some songs that DON'T have choruses. I like ballads; they aren't usually sing-alongs, but sure are fun to learn and sing. I can't tell you what key I sing it in, but my current favorite is "The Land" by Rudyard Kipling, set to music by Peter Bellamy. It's a tongue-in-cheek history of England in 8 or 9 double verses...

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Dave Murphy
Date: 04 Jun 97 - 11:11 PM

Maybe Sweet Williams Town to slow us down a bit and give the musicians a chance for an extra pint. Unfortunately, you'll have to listen to me in the seanos.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Jack
Date: 05 Jun 97 - 11:05 AM

I would do Schoolday Over by Ewan MacColl.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Jun 97 - 03:30 PM

I like to add a little humor - how about Shel Silverstein's "Our House"? We used to sing it at camp, and the kids loved it.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Les Blank
Date: 05 Jun 97 - 04:33 PM

Scott Swinney: I'd be honored to have your help, especially on the 12-string. It's enough for me to handle 6 strings(seeing I only have five fingers on my hand !!) You guys who do the doubles have always amazed me. Maybe I can work up to it slow -- can I try eight strings to start ?

Mountain Dog: I first heard the old Cat in the mid 40's when The DJ's on WWVA, Wheeling, W.Va, Lee and Juanita Moore used to play it all the time, even sang along with the artist(s). Can you accept an attached file with E-mail ? I can handle Word (7.0) for Win 95, Notepad or Write. Otherwise I just send 'em as I can get to 'em.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Peter Timmerman
Date: 05 Jun 97 - 05:51 PM

"Skye Boat Song" in D.......Yours, Peter

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Mountain Dog
Date: 05 Jun 97 - 05:59 PM

Dear Les:

I started out on 12-string with fewer than 12-strings... On my old 12, I usually found that by the time I got it cranked up to concert pitch, It'd be busted back to only 9 or 10 strings in a matter of minutes! And being a poor aspiring writer at the time (on the other side of W. -By God - Va. from you), it would normally stay that way for months or years on end. When I finallly got a 12 that would bear the strain of a full complement of strings, I was already used to the broader neck and the richness of the tone was a delight.

P.S. Word 7 for 95 is just fine for me. I look forward to receiving my first cat via e-mail.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Les Blank re: Cat Came Back
Date: 05 Jun 97 - 08:29 PM

Wonder of wonders !! I just found a slew of new verses in, of all places, the Digital Tradition !! Don't tell me this isn't nearly Oz !! Funny, how looking in DT is never my first idea -- Thank you dick g for putting up with the likes of me !

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Angus
Date: 05 Jun 97 - 09:21 PM

I hope everyone else is picking up as many great song ideas as I am! I think the circle's back to me, and I'm going to play "The Bloomin' Bright Star of Belle Isle" in the key of G. I don't know about you, but I'd like to see this thread continue for a while. If you haven't joined in, please do so and give us a song. Or give us another one if it's that time.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Jun 97 - 11:53 PM

then lets have a little gospel number...perhaps "Gathering Flowers for the Master's Bouquet" in G (still autoharp...I had one guitar lesson one time....a 'friend' said he'd show me...he showed be a barred 'F' and said to practice that and he'd show me some more...so I play autoharp!)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Peter Timmerman
Date: 06 Jun 97 - 10:02 AM

In the break you might want to see the film of the Cat Came Back. A Canadian National Film Board thing, I think. Yours, Peter

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Scott Swinney
Date: 06 Jun 97 - 07:26 PM

An old favorite of mine, "Changes", by Phil Ochs.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Frank in the swamps (Cathub)
Date: 06 Jun 97 - 08:22 PM

How about a little tearjerkin' mellodramy? I'm partial to the ballad of "Billy Venero" in C. It's better'n John Wayne when you're hangin' around a campfire.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: OLD FOLK
Date: 06 Jun 97 - 10:04 PM

My wife and I would like to join in with a 6 string and a mountain dulcimer Key of G "CAN THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN"

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: cleod
Date: 07 Jun 97 - 12:00 PM

I'm back in the circle, and now that I have the lyrics of Greensleeves...

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: rich r
Date: 07 Jun 97 - 12:34 PM

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Big Dave
Date: 08 Jun 97 - 12:42 AM

Can I join?

If so, I'll do my version of "Bright Morning Star", unaccompanied, in "guess the key".

Cheers,

Dave.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Angus
Date: 08 Jun 97 - 11:38 AM

Glad to have you in the circle, Dave. Everyone's welcome in this circle. I enjoy all the varied selections coming out of the woodwork. I'll add "Thirsty Boots" by Eric Anderson.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Jack
Date: 08 Jun 97 - 09:23 PM

If its my turn, I'd like to do Coats off for Britain by Ian Rosseloen. Its a great pro-labor sarcastic poke at the British "powers-that-be" in the guise of of one of those war-era moral boosting songs.

everyone now

Coats off Coats off Coats off for Britain There's a battle to be won!

Next!

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Frank Phillips
Date: 08 Jun 97 - 11:09 PM

If I get a second chance I'll do the Jeannie C. I'll do it right out of the Stan Rogers song book. Drop D tuning.

Frank

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bill Foster
Date: 09 Jun 97 - 08:11 AM

I would do "Old Shep" on the guitar, since that one always made me cry when grandpa sang it for me. I would also like to do "Meeting in the Air," which my family and I performed at Alex Haley's memorial service. I do it on the 5-string, clawhammer style.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 09 Jun 97 - 08:29 AM

Thanks Bill. Not many people have the courage to sing tear jerkers these days.
I'll stay in the mood and sing "While London Sleeps"

Bert

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 09 Jun 97 - 11:41 AM

I don't play an instrument, but I'd like to sing "Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues" in my very own key.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Susan-Marie
Date: 09 Jun 97 - 12:42 PM

IF I could get over my nervousness in the company of so many accomplished folk musicians...

I'd do "The Lass of Glenshee"(a capella, in an alto key) because that's the song that stole my heart and plunged me into the world of celtic folk music.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Will
Date: 09 Jun 97 - 08:54 PM

I'll throw in Northwest Passage. Stan Rogers did it a capella, but I need the melody line on the guitar to drown me out.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 10 Jun 97 - 01:10 AM

Howdy Folks,

I've been singing a lot of harmonies and playing various instruments on many of your choices. I wanted to add some recorder to Cleod's Greensleeves (alto or tenor depending on key).

If I may lead one now, I'll use guitar for one of my recent favorites, Early by Greg Brown. We'll do the chorus twice each time through so that everybody can learn it and join in with lots of harmonies.

Then (since I've held off so long before joining in) I'd like to go a cappella for a short one in unison from the Shaker tradition. Let's do Love Is Little.

Allinkausay, Bill

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Peter Timmerman
Date: 10 Jun 97 - 11:17 AM

If I had the chords right (And I don't) I would like to contribute Tim Hardin's "The Lady Came from Baltimore". I heard him do it at maybe his last concert in England years ago. Which was a strange event. Maybe someone else around the circle and I could go off and figure it out and come back. Yours, Peter

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Angus
Date: 10 Jun 97 - 11:28 AM

Hey Peter! "The Lady Came From Baltimore" is one of my favorites. I've probably played it three times this week and I seldom encounter anyone who's ever heard it. I'd be glad to share the chords, but I'm in a bit of a hurry right now. Do you want me to e-mail them to you or start a seperate thread?

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Angus
Date: 10 Jun 97 - 11:30 AM

Oh yeah, another song. I'll stay in the mood and play a quiet little number called "Black Sheep Boy", also by Tim Hardin. 6-string, Key of D.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Steffan
Date: 10 Jun 97 - 12:19 PM

Well, if I sang I'd empty the hall, so I'd throw in an instrumental on the English Concertina at this point - other instruments welcome to join in. I'd probably do a minor key slow sad Celtic air, followed by a dance tune in the relevant major - lots of choices, here, and if I had to choose right now, they'd be Dark Woman of the Glen followed by Ewe with the Crooked Horn, but if you asked me tomorrow, they might be something different ... -Steffan

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 10 Jun 97 - 02:08 PM

Dear Angus, You could e-mail them to me at the above address when you get a minute. I guess that counts as leaving the circle and coming back! I certainly appreciate it. Beautiful songs. While you are on the thread, and speaking of Tim, do you know whether the live recording of TH is still available? Yours, Peter

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Angus
Date: 10 Jun 97 - 06:13 PM

Sorry, I don't know about the live recording. I have an old album of his from the late sixties. I includes Lady Came from Baltimore, Red Balloon, etc. Problem is I haven't had a turntable hooked up for years. Hey! To all you others contributing to this circle: remember, this is a FANTASY folk circle. That means your instruments ARE in tune and your voices sound GREAT! OK, enough with capital letters. But since I'm back on here, let me do one more. Now for something completely different: Long Time Blues by Mason Williams. Peter, heads up! I'm going to send you those chords now. Angus

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Jun 97 - 09:42 PM

Since I dredged up the words of "The Keys of Canturbury" last week, I've been singing it around the house....I think I'll add it into the circle now...I just re-listened to an old recording of Oscar Brand & Jean Ritchie doing it, he with a formal, slow rendering of his part,& Jean with a faster reply using a slightly different tune! Neat! The record must be over 30 years old, and it's probably been 25 years since I've played it...this forum sure makes me dust off some old favorites!

(I'm playing it on the Dulcimer...key of C...I hope some lady is following with the woman's part...my falsetto is bad!)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Annie
Date: 10 Jun 97 - 11:21 PM

For a real gas...some night when you are all jamming put down your instruments and sing the "star spangled banner" everyone, as loud as you can. It's cool.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Martin Ryan
Date: 11 Jun 97 - 05:31 AM

Dropping in to this world-wide circle, I would offer "The Traveller all over the World", as being appropriate.

"Come all you fellow travelling men of every rank and station

And hear this short oration which as yet remains untold..."

Unaccopmanied, of course - we search musicians before entry in our circles!

Regards

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Susan of California
Date: 11 Jun 97 - 04:10 PM

I think one that we could have fun with is "This Land is Your Land"...including the lost 'radical' verses, and I'd have my husband play his 12 string.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bob Landry
Date: 11 Jun 97 - 06:57 PM

Time for another go -- I'll grab my new 6-string and flat pick "Ragtime Annie" and 'The French Two-Step", two fiddle tunes that start with the same musical phraseology but end up in different directions. I'll do my best to make Jarvis Benoit (a great Celtic and Old Time fiddler from Janvrin's Island) proud.

Bob

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 12 Jun 97 - 12:08 AM

Susan, How 'bout sharing some of those "radical verses"? I'm only familiar with Arlo's...

As I went walking,I saw a sign And on the sign it said "No trespassing". But on the other side, it didn't say nothing, That side was meant for you and me.

I'll add a lovely little song (at least in my opinion). Tim O'Brien wrote and recorded this when he was with the bluegrass group Hot Rize, but it is no bluegrass tune. If you haven't heard it before I think your in for a nice surprise. It's called "Late in the Day", 6-string (it would be nice if someone could add a dobro), key of G.

And Bob Landry, what's the new guitar? Scott from Minneapolis

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Peter Timmerman
Date: 12 Jun 97 - 10:04 AM

Now that Angus and I have sorted out "The Lady Came from Baltimore", it is contributed to the circle. Next, Doc Watson's version of "Alberta". Yours, Peter

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 12 Jun 97 - 04:54 PM

Native American verse:

"This land is my land,it is not your land
Ever since you stole Manhatten Island
You drove our Nation to the reservation
This land was swiped by you from me...

Subject: Lyr Add: OLD PECULIER
From: Jack
Date: 12 Jun 97 - 05:59 PM

All these songs are great.

We should have a drinking song

I suggest the anthem to Theakston's Old Peculier Ale.
(I finally got the lyrics from Dick Swain who says he can't remember the author - anybody know this?)

Some men take cider in the spring to make the sap rise frisky,
And when the autumn mists arise, some drive them out with whiskey.
Some say that naught but English Ale in summer's heat'll cool you,
But I've one drink all seasons 'round -- a pint of Old Peculier.
A pint of Old, a pint of Old, a pint of Old Peculier.
But I've one drink all seasons 'round -- a pint of Old Peculier.

For ague, gout, some men take rum. For fever, some take brandy.
Some keep the Hollands standing near. Some keep the porter handy.
Forsake such physics all, I say; let no such doctors rule you.
The one true cure, the nostrum sure -- a pint of Old Peculier.
A pint of Old, a pint of Old, a pint of Old Peculier.
The one true cure, the nostrum sure -- a pint of Old Peculier.

My youthful days I spent with maids, tasting their delights, sir.
Though greatly I enjoyed the days, I much preferred the nights, sir.
I lost my heart to Kate and Jane, and sold my soul for Julia;
But now the ranting days are done, I'm left with Old Peculier.
I'm left with Old, I'm left with Old, I'm left with Old Peculier.
But now the ranting days are done, I'm left with Old Peculier.

If wife should scold or children nag or trusted friend betrayed you,
With the magic potion in your hand, such slights will not dismay you.
If peevish master with new whim or foolish ways should school you,
Just come and drown your sorrows with a pint of Old Peculier.
A pint of Old, a pint of Old, a pint of Old Peculier.
Just come and drown your sorrows with a pint of Old Peculier.

And when your days are drawing down, and time begins to slip, sir.
Forget the ones who said they might; recall the ones who did, sir.
Let foolish fact be lost in time. Let kinder memories rule you,
And take some consolation in a pint of Old Peculier.
A pint of Old, a pint of Old, a pint of Old Peculier.
And take some consolation in a pint of Old Peculier.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Angus
Date: 12 Jun 97 - 07:56 PM

I'm going to go have a beer. Be back in a few minutes.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Mountain Dog
Date: 12 Jun 97 - 09:56 PM

Angus,

Whilst you're off to get a beer, I'll tune me 6-string to G and beller forth a rousing rendition of "The Jug of Punch" a la the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. (Depending on your reaction, you can join in on the chorus...or make it a double at the bar!)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 13 Jun 97 - 10:30 AM

All together now!!

Beer, Beer, Glorious Beer
Fill yourselves right up to here...........

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: dani
Date: 13 Jun 97 - 09:39 PM

Since we've already invited the Shakers.... "How can I keep from singing?"

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Alan of Australia
Date: 14 Jun 97 - 12:26 AM

Good one dani.

Having watched this thread with interest I'll finally draw up a chair and join in.

I'll do Dancing at Whitsun (written by John Austin Marshall) and Staines Morris. I think these two go together very well with the common link of the maypole.

Cheers,
Alan

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 14 Jun 97 - 04:40 PM

I had no idea someone had set Kipling's "The Land"! "When Julius Fabricius, sub-prefect of the Weald..." Oh, sorry, we're supposed to be singing, not reciting (and anyway I don't know most of it). So if I could sing in a key, I'd sing "Look Sharp", or whatever it's called, and I wouldn't even tell you it's from _1776_. And even if I could play an instrument, I don't think I'd accompany myself on that song.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 14 Jun 97 - 05:50 PM

Jerry...Peter Bellamy was an amazing musician...I have that record with "The Land" on it....and no matter how many times I listen to it, I cannot come NEAR reproducing it!...(glad LaMarca is doing it!)......but as long as I'm here, how about another of Bellamy's Kipling pieces? I can do "Soldier, Soldier" acapella...an anti-war song with a difference.....

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 14 Jun 97 - 10:13 PM

About five years ago a friend talked me into going to a Kingston Trio concert. I wasn't very excited about going, and the concert was about as you'd expect until two members of the Trio broke guitar strings at the same time. This left Nick Reynolds on the stage by himself with nothing planned. So he pulled out an old Goebel Reeves song that he now sang to his granddaughter to put her to sleep at night. It's the same lullaby that I sang to my children when they were little. Kind of convenient...it makes them sleepy and also possibly lays the seeds of a social awareness. Everyone knows "Hobo's Lullaby", so lets get some good harmonies on the chorus and maybe pass the verses around a little. If we do well enough maybe we can get the folks out in the kitchen to come back in and join the circle. Key of G.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bill
Date: 15 Jun 97 - 02:54 AM

Howdy Folks,

I might take the lead on one of those verses of Hobo's Lullaby. Then I'd get serious for a little bit t remind us about what sometimes happened with those folks using Old Buddy Goodnight from the writing of Bruce (U. Utah) Phillips.

Allinkausay,
Bill

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Jun 97 - 03:03 AM

I think we should all take a beer break and let Jerry recite Kipling's "The Land." I hadn't known of that poem, but I looked it up when Jerry mentioned it. It's a good one. Nothing wrong with a little poetry for variety.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Frank in the swamps.
Date: 15 Jun 97 - 05:48 AM

Well, I've just finished my beer, now if I can get a fiddler to join me, I'll play guitar on "Give the fiddler a dram."

Hic,

Frank.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 11:03 AM

This might be a wee bit less fantastical if people would send in the lyrics of whichever of their favorites aren't in the database as yet. (hint, hint)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 01:41 PM

I have been playing a tape my father-in-law brought back from Ireland. It's a "Pub Sing-along" kind of thing which is great since I know all the words EXCEPT one titled simply Pocheen (sic). I'll sing this one later but right now I'm out in the kitchen with a walkman trying my darnedest to figure out all the words. I'll post what I come up with separately. And, no, it's not the Humours of Whiskey.

Frank Phillips

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bob Schwarer
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 03:07 PM

When my turn comes around I think I'll do "Four Wet Pigs". Nice and short and not too deep.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Mountain Dog
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 03:49 PM

I'll follow up Bob's wet pigs with another tip o'the tam to Bryan Bowers, this time with an a capella version of "The Scotsman". (I'm pretty sure it's in the DT - look for the title or try keyword "bawdy".)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Peter Timmerman
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 04:33 PM

It is late around the campfire, and time for an old Indian legend. This was told to me as a true story by a Dene, many years ago, as we sat around watching the aurora borealis crackle in the Northwest Territories of Canada.

In the olden time, before the white man took over the seas, there was a great deal of travel between the lands of the red people, the yellow people, and the brown people. There was trade in precious objects and magic medicines. In that time, a curse came over the peoples of our tribe, from some evil spirit, or because someone had done something wrong offending the gods. The women of the tribe became unable to bear children. They would swell up as if they were pregnant, and then nothing would happen. The wife of the chief, herself concerned that she had no children, went to her husband, and asked him to go to the shaman and get some powerful medicine. The chief went to the old shaman, who said that it was mysterious, but that there were two prophecies that he had once heard, of which the first was that only by giving birth on the skins of beasts from the yellow people, the red people, and the brown people, could the false pregnancies be turned into true births.

The chief called a meeting of the tribe, and said that he was going to the distant trading centre where he had heard of skins being available from the exotic lands of the yellow people and the brown people. He had himself prepared a skin of the finest elkhide for the birthings, to be the skin of the beast of the red people; and he asked for contributions to buy the other two skins from the traders. The tribe gave him all they could and he set off. After many trials and tribulations, the chief was able to reach the trading centre, where after much negotiation, he was able to buy a great furry brown skin of an animal called the yak from the yellow people, and a tough grey skin of an animal known as the river horse or hippopotamus from the brown people. He returned home. During his long absence, his wife and two other of the village women had showed more and more signs of pregnancy, and on the day of his return, it was clear that birthing was imminent. The chief now spread out the beautiful skins, the elkhide for one woman, the furry yak skin for another, and for his own wife, he laid out the great grey skin from the river horse. The shaman danced a ritual dance, and the birthing began. And lo and behold, each of the three women gave birth, one to a daughter, and one to a son, and the wife of the chief gave birth to twins, a daughter and a son. There was great rejoicing, and then at last the shaman spoke up: “Thus is the second dark prophecy fulfilled, that the squaw on the hippopotamus is equal to the sum of the squaws on the other two hides.”

He told this story with great sincerity, and with high drama, looking heavenward for inspiration throughout until the end. His arms traced out the travels of the great chief, and the travails of the womenfolk. It went on about three times as long as I have rendered it.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 04:41 PM

While we are in the mood do we have a scotsman that can lead us with Manura Manya?
Bert

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 07:15 PM

While we're waiting for that Scotsman I just have to say: Hey Bill, thanks for the help on Hobo's Lullaby, but you were posted at the very beginning of the list. I almost didn't see you. How did you do that? OK, how about "Wild Mountain Thyme"? I'll check the data base, but I'm sure you have this one, Dick. And I do agree, lyrics to some of these songs would be great (I just can't wait for the reunion CD). Peter, great story!

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bob Landry
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 07:48 PM

I'll lead everybody in a rousing version of "The Mermaid" (it is in DT - I looked). So far, I've lined up a banjo player (I didn't show him the jokes from the other thread - yet) and a fiddle player. Everybody else: grab your instruments, lubricate your throats, put on your dancing shoes and let 'er rip.

Scott: From virtual to tape to reunion CD - the way this thread is growing, how about a boxed set. To answer your earlier question, my new 6-string is a Guild DCE, natural finish, with cut out, Fishman electronics and the best case I could find - Love it !!

Bob

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: ron k
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 08:05 PM

Well I've had a few beer now and I feel pretty good about joining in. How about "City Of New Orleans" by Steve Goodman, in C. Watch out for that B flat chord in the chorus.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: ron k
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 08:18 PM

Well I've had a few beer now and I feel pretty good about joining in. How about "City Of New Orleans" by Steve Goodman, in C. Watch out for that B flat chord in the chorus.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Les Blank
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 09:35 PM

Bob Landry:

I was going to play my Ovation Balladeer but your last message

prompts me to bring another of my several. The very first guitar

I picked up (back in 1952 !!) was a Guild, an F-20 flattop

to be specific. It still sounds pretty good even after four

facelifts !! I'd sure like to have it meet your new one !!

Les (by the way, while I'm here, let me enthrall you with

the old Johnny Cash tune, Tennessee Flattop Box.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: ron k
Date: 16 Jun 97 - 09:42 PM

Time to add some Canadian content. How about "Cape St. Marys"? My 30 year old Barclay knows it by itself. All I have to do is hang on for the ride.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: OLD FOLK
Date: 17 Jun 97 - 01:00 AM

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 17 Jun 97 - 03:53 AM

Howdy Folks,

My apologies to Angus for taking over your place at the top of the list since you deserve the credit for this great song circle. Scott, I have absolutely no idea how I got out of line up there. Too bad since my song was such a great follow-up to yours.

As long as I'm here, I think I'll pull out the fretted dulcimer tuned in DAC for an aeolian minor mode. The song I'll share with you comes from the writing of Pete Seeger and has a traditional (probably celtic) melody. It's "The Song of the World's Last Whale" and reminds us about conservation (which most of us need some reminders about at times). Since I don't see the words anywhere on DT, I'll post them per Dick's excellent request.

Allinkausay,
Bill

Subject: Lyr Add: BILLY VANERO
From: Frank in the swamps
Date: 17 Jun 97 - 03:59 AM

All right, Dick G. I get the hint. I took a quick look and didn't find my aforementioned ballad in the database, so here goes:

BILLY VANERO

Billy Vanero's blood ran cold when he heard the story told
Of a band of Apache Indians who were on the trail of death.
Heard them tell of murder done, three men killed at Rocky Run.
"They're in danger at the cow ranch," cried Vanero 'neath his breath.

Cow ranch forty miles away, in a little spot that lay
In a deep and shaded valley of the mighty wilderness.
Half a score of homes lay there, and in one a maiden fair
Held the heart of Billy Vanero, Billy Vanero's little Bess.

So no wonder he grew pale when he heard the cowboy's tale
Of the men that he'd seen murdered day before at Rocky Run.
"Sure as there's a God above, I will save the one I love.
By my love for little Bessie, I will see that something's done."

Not a moment he delayed, when his brave plan had been made,
And then his comrades told him as they heard the daring plan,
"You are riding straight to death;" but he answered, "Save your breath.
I may never reach the cow ranch but I'll do the best I can."

O'er the alkali flats he sped, and his thoughts flew on ahead
To the people at the cow ranch thinking not of danger near.
With his quirt's unceasing whirrs and the jingle of his spurs,
Little Chopo bore his rider o'er the far away frontier.

Lower and lower sank the sun as he drew reins at Rocky Run.
"Here men died, my little Chopo," and he stroked the glossy mane.
"There are those we've got to warn, ere the coming of the dawn.
If we fail, God bless my Bessie," and he started on again.

Sharp and clear a rifle shot awoke the echoes of the spot.
"I am wounded," cried Vanero, as he swayed from side to side.
"While there's life, there's always hope. Steady onward I will lope.
If I fail to reach the cow ranch, at least they'll know I tried.

"I will save her yet," he cried. "Bessie Lee will know I tried."
For a moment then he halted in the shadow of a hill.
From a saddlebag, he took with trembling hands a Bible book,
Tore a leaf from out its pages saying, "This will be my will."

From a limb a twig he broke, and he dipped this pen of oak
In the warm blood that was flowing from the wound beneath his heart.
"Rouse" he wrote "before too late. Apache warriors lie in wait.
Goodbye, Bess. I love you, darling." And he felt the cold tears start.

Love's first message and the last, while his thoughts were on the past,
To the saddle horn he tied it, though his lips were white with pain.
"Take this message if not me, straight to little Bessie Lee."
Leaning forward in the saddle then he clutched the sweaty mane.

Just at dusk a horse of brown, wet with sweat came panting down
The little lane at the cow ranch, and it stopped at Bessie's door;
But the cowboy was asleep, and his slumbers were so deep,
Little Bess could ne'er awake him if she'd tried forevermore.

Now you've heard the story told, by the young and by the old,
Of the battle at the cow ranch on the night the 'Paches came;
Of the short and bloody fight, how the chief fell in his flight,
And the panic-stricken warriors, when they heard Vanero's name.

Dawg, it always makes me cry...

Frank.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 17 Jun 97 - 02:20 PM

Hi all! Heard the music and thought I'd sit in. How about a little country/hillbilly stuff. Let's try "Rocky Top" in G (I've got the banjo covered) and then an old Johnny Cash tune called "Come In Stranger" (in A for that one since I'm back on guitar).

(This is FUN!)

Mike

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bob Landry
Date: 17 Jun 97 - 03:25 PM

Les Blank: My new Guild DCE and I are honoured to play with you and your experienced F20. If you're ever inclined to visit Central Alberta, we can do it again. I enjoyed your version of the Tennessee Flat Top Box and learned a few new licks.

Dick: I looked in DT and did not see the words to Fisherman's Wharf, my first contribution. Since this thread is getting long, I've put the words and chords in a separate thread

As long as I'm up: let's mix cultures through a common theme and string together "The Moonshine Can" (Newfoundland), "The Moonshiner" (Ireland) and "Mountain Dew" (USA). As before, we need instruments, lubricated voices and feet. With our driving ryhthms, we will emulate the The Chieftains and their Nashville buddies in the CD "Another Country".

Words to The Moonshine Can were contributed earlier. I think Mountain Dew is already in DT. If the Moonshiner is not, I have the lyrics already tyoed up and will contribute them in a separate thread.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: LaMarca
Date: 17 Jun 97 - 05:31 PM

Since we've had some cowboy songs, how 'bout a sheep song? I'd like to do "George's Son" by John Kirkpatrick; a ballad setting of Thomas Hardy's "far From the Madding Crowd", Chapter 5. (I like them literary ballads). So as not to take up space here, I will post the lyrics for both George's Son and "The Land" (Kipling/Bellamy) on other threads. I really wish you could hear the tunes...

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: ron k
Date: 17 Jun 97 - 10:29 PM

Bob: Let's also do the Irish "Mountain Dew". We can follow it up with Bold O'Donoghue.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 18 Jun 97 - 12:22 AM

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Susan of California
Date: 18 Jun 97 - 01:22 AM

Most of the verses I am aware of are in the database, but here's one I have heard, done 4th out of six, I think... Nobody living, can ever stop me As I go walking, down freedom's highway Nobody living can make me turn back This land was made for you and me.

I have also heard that the song was originally written as "God blessed America for me", but I haven't come across verifcation for that. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, but summer school has started and I'm back to spending most of my time with my nose in the books!

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Peter Timmerman
Date: 18 Jun 97 - 09:44 AM

Time for Stan Jones' immortal masterpiece (see thread) "Ghost Riders in the Sky" in Em. "....Across these endless skies!!!" Yours, Peter

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Suzanne Wilkins
Date: 18 Jun 97 - 12:02 PM

Greetings from County Durham, England...

If I can extract the two fellas I sing with (including the hubby) from the beer keg we'd love to do 'I'll fly away' which tends to start pretty controlled and ends up loud enough to make your ears bleed.

(I'm meant to be hard at work at the day job here, but this whole site has got me hooked, and long may it continue! Many thanks for bringing folk and madness to the Northern wilds of the U.K!)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Peter Timmerman
Date: 18 Jun 97 - 03:23 PM

Dear Susan of California, the story is mostly correct. Guthrie wrote it originally because he was fed up with Irving Berlin's God Bless America which kept being played over the radio on his travels. Yours, Peter

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Mountain Dog
Date: 18 Jun 97 - 03:41 PM

In honor of the 60th anniversary of her mysterious journey, how about "Amelia Earhart's Last Flight" in G? Great chorus for singing along! (It's in the DT, too.)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 18 Jun 97 - 03:43 PM

Suzanne from County Durham,

Years ago I worked with a lot of guys from County Durham.

Sing something in broad Geordie for us, I'd love to hear that accent again.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Susan of DT
Date: 19 Jun 97 - 08:26 PM

I'd probably do one of the versions of the False Bride.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SHEEPDOG SONG (from Michael Cooney)
From: rich r
Date: 19 Jun 97 - 08:58 PM

A long time ago and far away, I did THE SHEEPDOG SONG as learned from the singing of Michael Cooney. I hear him do it on a live spot on Minnesota Public Radio in the 80's. I don't know if that is actually the title, if he actually wrote it, or if he ever recorded it, but I recorded it.

Such a dreadful thing is life
She was going to be my wife
Linda was her name, I loved her sweet and true.
A week before our wedding day,
My darling gentle fiancee
Killed in such an awful way
O what's a boy to do?
O my heart is full of woe; it's more than I can bear
The honeymoon won't be the same without my Linda there.

She was going into town
To pick up her wedding gown
She was going by the church in which we were to wed.
When suddenly, I know not why
When suddenly, I do not lie
When suddenly a sheepdog fell and hit her on the head.
They say we should not question why
That God must have a plan
But sheepdogs falling from the sky
I do not understand

Now let's all sing Pretty Saro. Lots of harmony, no instruments unless somebody has a sweet fiddle.

rich r

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: A;ison
Date: 19 Jun 97 - 09:06 PM

Hi

About time i joined in , I think.

I'll get Alan of Oz to sing "The Diamantina Drover", and I'll accompany him on my tin whistle.

Bm for those of you playing along.

Maybe I'll follow it up with some reels.

Slainte

Alison

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Angus McSweeney
Date: 19 Jun 97 - 10:19 PM

My computer decided to take a holiday for the last two days but I'm sure glad to be back in the circle! I'm just astounded at the depth of "musicology" that this group shows. Suzanne Wilkins, I have a group of fellows here in Minneapolis, Minnesota that does a very rousing version of "I Saw the Light" with "I'll Fly Away" stuck right in the middle. We use one 6-string, one string bass, one fiddle, and sometimes a banjo, dobro, or mandolin. It gets loud and is probably our most requested song. Please lend us your voice on that one. Peter, your version of "Ghost Rider's in the Sky" gave me chills. OK, maybe I'm getting a little too melodramatic. I just heard a very old recording of "The Phantom Stage- Coach" by the Ravens (circa 1950) and I'm wondering which came first? I'll bet you know. So I'll contribute an old song with a solid work ethic. "The Young Man Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn". Keep Singing.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Suzanne Wilkins
Date: 20 Jun 97 - 08:52 AM

Bert Hansell - How could I resist such a canny request?

Okay, for a good Durham song, how about 'The Lambton Worm'? The lyrics are already up on the list, and if any folkies on the other side of the Atlantic would like a translation before they join in, just stick your E-mail address up, and I'd be happy to do so! Mind you, we'd probably be singing it at that time of night when no language is a barrier, as we're all equally incoherent, no matter what we try to sing...

(Ironically we had a three-hour band rehearsal the other night, to start getting in tune for our 4th Of July gig in a traditional 'Olde English' pub, where we'll be doing all American material (C&W, blues, you name it, with none of our usual 'local' material in earshot - so there be a tiny 51st state - pop. about 127 - keeping it burnin' in Escomb, Co. Durham, UK on Independance Day!)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: rich r
Date: 20 Jun 97 - 05:59 PM

I have heard it said that the Phantom Stagecoach was released to try to cash in on the popularity of Ghost Riders, sort of an early day version of the sequel. And just like modern sequels, it couldn't match the original.

rich r

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Alan of Australia
Date: 20 Jun 97 - 07:09 PM

G'day,

Well, I've just had a turn I wasn't expecting (see A;ison above) but I'll have another. If it's not bad manners here I'll sing one of my songs, "The Travelling Salesman" - see the "Wraggle Taggle Gypsies" thread.

Cheers,
Alan

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Joe Offer
Date: 21 Jun 97 - 03:46 AM

That terrific medley of I Saw the Light and I'll Fly Away has me in a gospel mood, so it's time for another beer. How about a rousing rendition of "There Is Power in the Blood"?

-Joe Offer-

Oh, there's power, power, wonder-working power

In the blood (in the blood)

Of the Lamb

Oh, there's power, power, wonder-working power

In the precious blood of the Lamb.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Peter Timmerman
Date: 21 Jun 97 - 02:35 PM

I can't play it, and it is now a cliche, but there must be someone in the circle who can do "Ashokan Farewell". I heard it butchered the other night, and need it recovered. By the way, anyone know the history of the song? I have generally assumed it to be a recent piece. Can it be done on the guitar? Yours, Peter

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Frank in the swamps
Date: 22 Jun 97 - 06:23 AM

It is a recent song, written by a fellow called Jay Ungar. A magazine called "Acoustic Guitar" published a very nice arrangement by John Knowles in March/April 1993. Whatta ya mean "can it be done on the guitar???" You can do anything on the guitar, I'm particularly adept at butchering this piece! My lady fair,Lovely Jenny will play it on violin, and I'll accompany her on (what else), the ol' six string.

Cheers,

Frank.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Helen, also of Oz
Date: 22 Jun 97 - 07:19 AM

Because I have just posted a thread in the discussion group about these 2 songs I will offer:

Freeborn man of the Travelling People, and Goodbye to the 30 Foot Trailer

which are 2 of my all time favourite songs, and hell, I'll even learn to sing just so I can do them justice. I will be accompanying my singing on my 34 string Celtic harp - you'll have to guess which sounds better - the singing or the playing. :-)

Helen

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Big Dave
Date: 22 Jun 97 - 07:44 AM

Is it my turn again?

Because if so I'll clear the pub by doing John Tams' Pulling Down Song, unaccompanied - even I can't bellow loud enough to be heard over my melodeon!

Or if that's not enough I'll insult all the Australians with my attempt at "The Drover's Dream"

Cheers for now

Dave Smith

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Helen, from Oz
Date: 22 Jun 97 - 08:00 AM

So, insulting Australians is the latest game?

Don't forget we scored a few Folk Songs to Ditch in the other thread. If you don't show a bit more courtesy we all might sing South Australia, and Waltzing Matilda (not the Queensland version) very loudly and off-key, and drown out all of the solos and duos performing here. :-)

Helen

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Peter Timmerman
Date: 22 Jun 97 - 05:26 PM

Dear Frank, Thanks as ever for your assistance. I can hear AF even now wafting over the ether....Yours, Peter

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: OLD FOLK
Date: 23 Jun 97 - 12:52 AM

I think it's time to start stomping our feet "Mississippi Mud" if you please

Trent

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bob Clayton
Date: 23 Jun 97 - 01:12 PM

Well, after an evening (looooong evening!) of accompanying the other singers on mandolin, harmonica, banjo, or guitar (whichever seemed appropriate to the song), I'd probably use my turn to sing one of my own songs. I just looked to see if "World of Time" is in the Digitrad, and it's not yet there (probably scheduled for MS-Digitrad 98 or some such product), so I'll point people to my web page: http://members.aol.com/rjclayton/ which has a dozen or so of my lyrics, for the words to the chorus (actually, it's easy enough to pick up that you don't have to go there to get the words, but you might just like something you find there anyway).

If I were restricted to traditional material, I suppose I might do my guitar arrangement of Stephen Foster's "Angelina Baker," or my setting of "Robin Hood and the Tanner."

Then I'd go back to providing another instrumental voice to the proceedings.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 23 Jun 97 - 03:02 PM

I loved your website Bob. Now that summer is here you must sing us your "Summer" song.
I see a few "Home brews" creeping in so I will inflict you with one of mine
See the separate thread "4th. of July songs" for the words.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 01:38 AM

it wouldn't be a fantaqsy song circle without something from the greatest songwriter, john prine. depending on the mood i'm in, i'd either do dear abbey in g, souvenirs in d or hello in there in f. what the hell...let's do all of john's stuff!

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Sharon Day
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 08:40 AM

Wow! What a Jam Session. Just got online, was searching database for words to a tune and ended up in the middle of this giant Jam!! Do you mind if I join in - quietly of course - with my hammered dulcimer. (We H.D. players have gotten a bat rep. in some circles, sadly) If you'd rather I didn't bring my H.D., how about my Hawaiian tremeloa? (You'd better answer NO to that one.) That's one of the most unplayable instruments I've ever discovered in my search for old, unusual instruments! Now my guitar-zither, maybe I'll bring that. Maybe I'll join you again another day - if I can remember how I got here today!! Any other collectors of old unusual instruments, reach me at [e-mail].

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 08:48 AM

A Hawaiian Temeloa?? Is that one of those things that looks kinda like a zither which is stopped by a steel slider on a pantograph thingy?
Bert.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Sharon
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 09:09 AM

Sorry: that's tremeloa.. Yes, one string at the top, a sliding bar with attached pick. Watch the angle of the bar, or you'll be too sharp or flat.. Top string is barred and picked with a whiney slidey sound, and clusters of strings (chord clusters) are plucked at the bottom. I've determined HOW it's played. but now to play it so it sounds decent, that's another story. Have you tried to play one?

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Sharon
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 09:09 AM

Sorry: that's tremeloa.. Yes, one string at the top, a sliding bar with attached pick. Watch the angle of the bar, or you'll be too sharp or flat.. Top string is barred and picked with a whiney slidey sound, and clusters of strings (chord clusters) are plucked at the bottom. I've determined HOW it's played. but now to play it so it sounds decent, that's another story. Have you tried to play one?

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 10:06 AM

I'm back in the circle (I think we've given up the fantasy of an evening folk circle and moved into a weekend circle!) I'd like to contribute an old favorite of mine, "The Calton Weaver". I'm partial to the old Ian & Sylvia version, although I think they may have called it "Nancy Whiskey". I can handle the guitar on this (Key of C)and the male vocal, but I could sure use that autoharp and maybe if someone can do a Sylvia Fricker style harmony we could really make a "loud and joyous noise". This was my favorite piece to perform when I played the bars back in Iowa City in the late 60's and early 70's. Yeah, I've been around for a while. I really should change these strings...

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 10:45 AM

Sharon,

Re: Tremeloa.
I haven't tried to play one. I saw one in a local antique store and wondered what the heck it was. Unfortunately, at the time, I didn't have the $150 they wanted for it. When I came back later it was gone.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: sharon
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 01:36 PM

You're lucky you didn't have the money! I had seen one at a dulcimer festival in Michigan. So I had an idea how it was played when I spotted one at an estate auction sale. Everyone else was speculating what it was: some kind of autoharp. no, it's a zither. (Zither seems to be a good catchall name for any instrument one can't identify) I said nothing - no one could figure out how to play it. I got it for a $25 bid.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 01:48 PM

Wow, you got a good deal.
A zither is an istrument without a neck and with strings parallel to the soundbox
So it is a kind of zither, along with the autoharp, hammered dulcimer etc.
Bert

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: sharon
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 02:08 PM

Bert - Right. I have a couple guitar zithers.. Easier to play than the concert zither. Concert zither has all separate strings. Guitar zither has chord clusters at bottom, melody strings at top. A very playable instrument. Sort of an autoharp/harp combination. Fun. Which brings me to another topic. I just purchased a 3 1/2 octave folk harp. Any good harp sites that I might connect with?

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 02:19 PM

I'd like to do "Over the Hill", which is a beautiful little love song to the tune of "The Foggy Dew".. and I'll volunteer my pseudo-brother-minstrel-friend (don't ask, we do RenFaire together) for playing "The Chandler Shop"

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Blake
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 07:14 PM

"Last Thing On My Mind", by Tom Paxton. It's so well known that it's nearly an anthem, but it still sounds so good. Everybody join in with all instruments, exotic and otherwise. Key? Let's try D.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: ron k
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 08:59 PM

I heard some Lightfoot on the radio today. Let's try "Don Quixote".

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: ron k
Date: 24 Jun 97 - 09:01 PM

I heard some Lightfoot on the radio today. Let's try "Don Quixote".

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Helen
Date: 25 Jun 97 - 04:34 AM

Sharon

The best harp scene on the internet is the harp mailing list.

You can subscribe by sending a request to [e-mail] and then the e-mail address for posting articles is [e-mail]

There are huge numbers of harp sites, celtic sites, you name it. These are just some of the ones I have found in the last few months.

HREF="http://www.neosoft.com/~melody/celtmus.html" Melody's Early and Celtic Music for Harp page

HREF="http://www.halcyon.com/hertz/paul/virtual_harpers.html"Virtual Harpers

HREF="http://tns-www.lcs.mit.edu/harp/archives/" Index of /harp/archives/

HREF="http://www.tns.lcs.mit.edu/harp/" The Harp Page

HREF="file://tns-www.lcs.mit.edu/pub/mail-archive/harp/harp_archive.html"Harp Mailing List Archive

HREF="http://www.neosoft.com/~melody/celtmus.html" >Melody's Early and Celtic Music for Harp page

HREF="http://curiad.wales.com/zone/scw/6.html" SCW COF / FAQ - Cerddoriaeth / Music

HREF="http://www.epix.net/~lesley/carolan.html" Turlough Carolan - Main Page

HREF="http://www.epix.net/~lesley/carlinks.html#top" Turlough Carolan - Related Links

HREF="http://edweb.concord.wvnet.edu/%7Edeanca/celtic/" Chrys' Page of Celtic Stuff

HREF="http://celtic.stanford.edu/tunes.html#gif" Tunes at Ceolas

HREF="http://www.tassie.net.au/~celtic/htuneot.html" Celtic Southern Cross

HREF="http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~srpen/makers.html" Harp Makers

HREF="http://tns-www.lcs.mit.edu/harp/" The Harp Page

HREF="http://www.locksley.com/locksley/ezharp.htm" Locksley's EZ Harp Method

HREF="http://www.tiac.net/users/knighton/welsh.html" Wales

HREF="http://www.cs.brown.edu/fun/welsh/home.html A Welsh Course

HREF="http://www.ozemail.com.au/~dcundy/" The Lyrebird Duo, Harps and Harpists HREF="http://www.luminarium.org/mythology/ireland/" IRISH LITERATURE, MYTHOLOGY, FOLKLORE, AND DRAMA

HREF="http://celt.net/og/angaust.htm" Every Celtic Thing on the Web (Australia/Pacific)

Helen

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Sharon
Date: 25 Jun 97 - 08:22 AM

Thank's Helen! That should be enough to keep me from any housework, and hammered dulcimer practice, today! When you ask for help on the folk-line, help is just a paragraph away!

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 25 Jun 97 - 02:06 PM

Anybody willing to loan me a flute? I'd like to do a rendition of "Mile Marb'haisg Air A'ghoal".. it's a nifty little flute tune, and the title is the best part: the translation is "A Thousand Death Shrouds Upon Love". :)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Max D. Spiegel
Date: 26 Jun 97 - 03:34 PM

Bert mentioned to send a tape around to create it. Good Idea, but I got a better one.

We made the investment to get a Real Audio Server, and can put up real music with no download time. The quality is not perfect, but it is stereo, and has come a long way. Check out http://www.deltablues.com/radio.html to get an idea of the quality. I recorded those for 28.8 connections and can adjust to fit the demographics.

Do you think enough of us have sound cards and 28.8 for it to be worth it?

Anyway, those who know how to record or encode their music on their computers can encode and label them themselves and email or ftp them to me and I'll put them in a "Mudcat Folk Juke Box" on the net. How many songs in the database do you think we could get? We cannot (yet) put published music up (copyright), but we can do covers and our own songs.

If you have a pc with a soundcard, you can download the Real Audio Encoder for free and encode anything live, through your soundcards input or you microphone. I just send my amp's output into the soundcard and it sounds great. You could patch your cassette deck into the audio card just the same. Radio Shack has every wire you could ever need. You may need a converter or two.

Those without sound cards, pc's or anything else neat can send tapes to others who do get set up and they can encode them and email or ftp them to me. I'll try to do my share of encoding if there is interest in this, but I would like some volunteers to help me out.

I figure if we stay to the old stuff or songs that we know we wouldn't get sued for, we should be alright. All tapes and Real Audio Files must be accompanied with any copyright info. If you can't find it, keep looking. Stay away from modern and popular stuff (major label) because that will likely kill the project.

Any other thoughts? What do you think?

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 26 Jun 97 - 04:28 PM

Max - unfortunately, I think that not enough people will have 28,8's.. but if there's a way to muck around with a 14,4, I'm willing to give it a try.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Max
Date: 26 Jun 97 - 05:00 PM

14.4 will do. There are encoding options to enhance for particular connections.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Laoise, Belfast
Date: 27 Jun 97 - 11:17 AM

I have never met such complete bunch of "folk" nutters in my life. Youse are all brilliant craic (except for the bloke who insists on bringing country music into it - my own personal taste).

Any of youse into traditional irish music, listen to the Bothy Band. They are the Led Zeppelin of Traditional Irish fiddle-dee-dee music. Their singer (although I don't rate her voice that much) does some good versions of "Sailor boy", "Factory Girl" and "Sixteen come Sunday". She also does "Maids of Coolmore" but the lyrics are hard to get. Does anyone know this track?

Some other good bands are Altan, Dervish, Deanta and Tamlin - All from Ireland. Tamlin are from Belfast and they have an album coming out soon. They are friends of mine so buy it if you can.

If I were to sing a song on this fantasy trip youve created, it would have to be "Bold Fenian Men". It's a classic, and OK the lyrics are a bit idyllic with reference to the Nationalist struggle in Ireland (trying not to be political - hard when youre living in Belfast)but it paints some brilliant images - "Tis fifty long years since I saw the moon beaming, on strong manly forms and their eyes with hope gleaming" to give you a sample. Also, the tune is beautiful. I normally sing it in AM.

Carry on singing.

Slan go foill

Laoise

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 27 Jun 97 - 04:23 PM

I am familiar with the Bothy Band and Altan.. some cousins of mine with whom I have been trading Celtic mix tapes sent me several songs by each group. Are you familiar with Clannad, Four Men and a Dog, and Silly Wizard?

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Doc
Date: 28 Jun 97 - 01:59 PM

Hey to Laoise. I've never been to Ireland but had the opportunity to see Dervish at the Washington, DC Irish festival last spring. My contribution would be "The Hills of Greenmore" in D.

Peace to Belfast

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 28 Jun 97 - 07:31 PM

Back from Albuquerque, where somehow I could hear you folks' excellent performances as well as I can here in Espanola. Since Peter says I get to get to recite a poem, I would make it, not "The Land" (charming though it is), but "Speak", by James Wright--but I'd rather imagine I had a good singing voice than a good speaking voice. So I'll do "To Celia", words by Ben Jonson (and in the DT), tune traditional. If we don't have a harpsichord, any of the harpists should feel free to help out (key of C major).

And then since that was so short, I'll try an even shorter piece from the Jewish liturgy for the High Holy Days--"Hu elohenu, hu avinu, hu malkenu, hu moshienu, v-hu yashmienu b-rachamav sheynis l-eyney kol chai." The way Cantor Bushman had one of his voice students sing it every year. (The words mean, "He is our God, he is our father, he is our king, he is our savior, and he will save us in his mercy in the eyes of all the living." Anyone know the meaning of "sheynis", the word I left out of the translation?)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Laoise, Belfast
Date: 30 Jun 97 - 06:30 AM

Kiwi,

Yes I've heard stuff from all three bands you mentioned. Clannad are unique in combining the old celtic with the modern synth sound - it's a pity Enya is trying to copy them. She would be better off getting her own sound.

Four Men and a Dog are supposed to be excellent in concert. Friends of mine have seen them and are raving about them. I've heard stuff on tape but I really can't remember what I thought.

I am a big fan of the singer out of Silly Wizard. Their playing leaves much to be desired - too much "Hey-ho and away we go" on the box (accordian). The singer, however is brilliant - his name escapes me, but his voice sends me off into a trance. The only two songs I have of him are "If I were a Blackbird" and "The Fisherman Wife's Lament". I am open to suggestions of other tracks.

If you ever get a chance, check out the band More Power to your Elbow. I think they're from the Free State somewhere. Funky rock traditional - excellent!

Slan go foill

Laoise.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 30 Jun 97 - 09:54 AM

Laoise,

I don't think it's so much that Enya is trying to copy Clannad's style.. for a while, she was with Clannad, so doubtless that shaped her style a lot.

Silly Wizard sang "If I Were a Blackbird"?? Ooh, I'll have to go look for that now. *smiles* I only have one version of that, sung by a group called Double Indemnity. And THEIR lead singer does the same thing to me that the lead singer of Silly Wizard does to you. As for other songs by them.. I'll recommend "The Ramblin' Rover" and "Queen of All Argyle." I like the way that Silly Wizard does them.

Zhai'helleva and good searching, Kiwi

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Elsie
Date: 30 Jun 97 - 10:24 AM

ummm...is there any chance of switching this little detailed analysis of Celtic pop-folk to another thread?It sort of defeats the purpose of this one...thanks...

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Laoise, Belfast
Date: 30 Jun 97 - 11:45 AM

Sorry Elsie- got a wee bit carried away.

Message to Mountain Dog and Les Blank - any chance of getting "and the cat came back" on here. I hope this is the one I'm thinking of - with the class cartoon of a man in a house with a cat that destroys everything. If youre still singing it, maybe I could do a harmony.

Slainte, agus saol agat.

Laoise

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 30 Jun 97 - 02:26 PM

Good point Elsie,

You sing one for us and then I'll sing "The Cornish Nightingale"

See I do know at leats one 'real' folk song. :-)

Bert.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Kiwi
Date: 30 Jun 97 - 04:44 PM

Elsie.. good idea, I'll go get another thread going..

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Bob Landry
Date: 30 Jun 97 - 04:47 PM

As an exile from Cape Breton, Farewell to Nova Scotia followed by Alberta Bound speak volumes to me and my ilk. I'd welcome any help from banjo, mandolin and fiddle players. Feel free to improvise.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Kiwi
Date: 30 Jun 97 - 04:51 PM

Bob, unfortunately I don't play any of those instruments.. how about a little background flute? :) I don't know the song, but I can fake it. :)

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: ron k
Date: 07 Jul 97 - 08:32 PM

Hello Bob.

I'll do the mandolin for you on both of those songs as long as you back me up on "Out on the Mira"

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: sharon
Date: 08 Jul 97 - 08:53 AM

I know it's been sung and sung, but I still love singing "The Water is Wide" . Think I'll do it with some chordal runs on my hammered dulcimer.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: SUZY
Date: 08 Jul 97 - 03:36 PM

MUST BE THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND WORE EVERYONE OUT AND NOBODY HAS ENERGY FOR A FOLK CIRCLE?

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: No, we all moved to a new session venue
Date: 08 Jul 97 - 06:40 PM

Someone kindly created a continuing thread - forgot to tell you we moved to a new session venue - come on over & join us.

Helen

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From:
Date: 10 Jul 97 - 01:13 AM

I'll throw in "Poverty Hill" in D on the six string, and maybe "The Dutchman" same key (yes I do it wierd compared to most singers, but I like it in that key - easy to finger-pick). If we stay in D, I like "marvellous toy" in that key - easy to both finger-pick and really ham it up with a lot of creative sound effects on the onomonopaeic (is that spelled right?) funky sounding, fun chorus....

Cheers

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Whippoorwill
Date: 10 Jul 97 - 11:29 AM

I think my 8-string tenor guitar has dried out after I dropped it in the lake. Are the kids still up? I'll do "Froggy Went A-Courting," and encore with "The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly."

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: GUEST,T.C.
Date: 16 Apr 08 - 04:17 PM

Old Peculier was written by Keith Marsden & is on the C.D. by Cockersdale.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: GUEST,offkey46
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 03:13 PM

I'd like to do Kev Carmody's "Droving Woman". No body else will know it (at least in N America) and it's 21 verses long without a chorus, but it's a beautiful song

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 07:39 PM

I guess I'm dense. From reading this thread I don't gather by what means it's to be done: MP3s as email attachments? Paltalk? CDs? Tape recordings?   Someone please enlighten me.

Oh, and I would submit Some Little Bug, in C, or maybe Db.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: Gulliver
Date: 06 Jun 08 - 08:14 AM

Note that there's been a little time jump of eleven years here, Dave.

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: GUEST,elorac
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 09:00 AM

Hi there
Does anyone know if the tune for Northwest Passage has ever been committed to print (paper or electronic)? If so where my I find / buy a copy for my son to learn.

---

The song should be in the Songs from Fogarty's Cove songbook, which is available for $20 at http://www.stanrogers.net/, the official Stan Rogers Website.
-Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: GUEST,paddy
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 04:00 PM

"and it's 21 verses long without a chorus"
my worst nightmare!

Subject: RE: Tune up: Fantasy Folk Circle
From: GUEST,elorac
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 07:12 AM

Goodness Me
Fortunately the version we've come across of NW Passage runs to a modest 6/7 verses. A lovely song but I think I would have lost the will at 21 verses!
Thanks for the info by the way.