Oak, Ash & Thorn Opening for the Coppers(2000)

Subject: RE: Opening for the Coppers
From: Garry Gillard
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 04:22 AM

Thanks, Dave: very nice report.

I've put a link to this thread on the official unofficial Coppers page

here.

Garry

Subject: RE: Opening for the Coppers
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 04:11 AM

A special night it was. It was my first time at a coppers concert. On stage, there was a table. The coppers were very warmly and movingly introduced by Dave of O.A. and T., and then they came out and sat around the table. It gave the venue an "at home" atmosphere, as they looked relaxed as they told anecdotes, family history, and background information on the songs. Two of the more humourous moments: Late in the evening one of the Coppers said, "Here's another song from the Oak, Ash, and Thorn repertoire." (big audience laughter) Earlier, they told of their meeting with and affection towards Utah Phillips. "We were telling him about all the places we were going to on our tour - we're going here, then there, the next day there, etc. Utah then answered 'If you sing like that you've got to travel!' I always carry a bus ticket in MY pocket!'" Oak, Ash and Thorn started the evening off with their own brand of warmth, humor, and fine singing. They are also keepers of the flame of English folksong - and of the old Rice Krispies commercial (which they sang at their own concert at the Freight a few weeks earlier).

chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Opening for the Coppers
From: WyoWoman
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 04:49 PM

This is so great! Wish I could have been there, especiall since I know the OA&T part of the program now. (Lessee, El Swanno was the thorny one, right?)

PJ, that's such a funny story. But at least now the fans have been exposed to the source.

How wonderful to have perfect moments, and to be aware that they are when we're in the thick of them. Nothing to do but savor and say grace.

Full-contact, industrial-strength, body-slam hugs to all y'all. I'm getting a contact high...

ww

Subject: RE: Opening for the Coppers
From: p.j.
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 04:25 PM

I believe his stage name is "Some Canadian Guy", at least in Shakespearian circles...

At the Coppers gig there were many fans of Oak Ash & Thorn who came on their recommendation to see the family where it all started. In the Missing The Point category, one of them was overheard saying about the Coppers... "Wow, they do a lot of Oak Ash & Thorn songs!" :o)

It was a grand night. What the Coppers gave us in rich tradition and warmth, Oak Ash & Thorn gives us in talented musicianship, humor and beautiful preservation of this music for new audiences. Good folks, all.

PJ

Subject: RE: Opening for the Coppers
From: Dave Swan
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 04:14 PM

That gig, you silly Canadian person, is yet to come. Don't think I be invited to drink and sing in the dug-out, but you never know.

Subject: RE: Opening for the Coppers
From: Peter T.
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 03:59 PM

Boy, baseball has sure changed since the last time I was in a stadium. When did Oakland become the Coppers? Or is that another gig? (joke, joke)
yours, Peter T.

Subject: Opening for the Coppers
From: Dave Swan
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 03:50 PM

Oak, Ash & Thorn (my little band of idiots) had the honor of opening for the Copper family last Sunday, and I'm still high.

It's pretty common to say that a song was learned from the singing of (fill in the blank), meaning I took this song off his record. When a Copper says I learned this from the singiing of someone, that someone was named Copper too, and the song learned at his knee.

The contribution of the Copper family as collectors and custodians of traditional song can't be overstated.

Bob, John, Jill, and her husband John Dudley spilled out of the van at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley and it was very much like meeting a group of Mudcatters. Old friends we just hadn't bumped into yet.

The sound check quickly concluded, we repaired to the green room at the Freight, opened the ice chest and got down to business. Drinking, laughing, and telling stories. Highlights: A long discussion about real ale, its handlng and consumption; Bob "I'm a blues freak" Copper singing the blues and playing air guitar for Pam as he discussed the affection he's had for the blues since 1936; improvising lyrics to Dido, Bendigo; singing in the green room after the show until we were thrown out; reading from the manuscript of Brasser Copper, a nineteenth century volume with which they travel!

Onstage the Coppers are as warm, musical, funny and informative as one wants them to be. That sound, coming from those four people wraps itself around the listener and doesn't let go. I won't surrender my Copper family recordings, but there is no substitute for feeling those voices resonate in the same room.

We were asked onstage to join them for the evening's final number. I don't think it's ever going to get better for me than singing Thousands or More onstage with the with the Coppers at the Freight and Salvage, with Bob reaching around to hug, pat, and squeeze each of us as we sang.

Bob's grandchildren, now in their 20's and 30's, are learning the songs and singing in England. The legacy of this dear, talented family is safe for another generation.

The Coppers are the founders of the feast and I am honored to have spent time with them.

Dave