Could We Stop the Modesty Please?

Subject: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Peter T.
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 09:22 AM

I am getting a little sick of the modesty around here. As someone who has a lot to be modest about in the music department, and not usually prone to listening to others talk about what great things they are up to, this is an unusual request: BUT COULD WE HAVE SOME OWN HORNTOOTING AROUND HERE OCCASIONALLY??

I note that buried deep in some thread, tucked away as a throwaway that Dave Swan (Oak, Ash, and Thorn) is doing the national anthem at a major league baseball game today!!!!!! That is incredible!!

I further note (as I have politely buried in another note) that Rick Fielding is sharing the main stage at the Mariposa Festival with Gordon Lightfoot and Stacey Earle tonight!!!! This is not chicken liver either. There are other catters like sophocleese at the same venue, who are going to be thrilling audiences of many, many people.

I haven't got time to work through others, but there was another thread about a month ago, when something was going on, and buried in it someone casually says, Oh yeah, they are the headliners at this big deal.

You would have to be a detective to find this out (I know there is a new schedule thread, but still) at this site.

I notice this all the time -- could we get a little more bragging around here, or is that some mystic self-deprecating folk rule I am breaking? I am joking somewhat, but really.

I would like to say flat out that when people write here about concerts they have done and that it went well and whatever, I am thrilled for them, and feel that they are sharing this thrill a little with me, a total outsider. I guess it could go too far, but at the moment, it is occasionally like getting blood out of a stone.

Come on people, share your triumphs with us: we are here for the bad stuff too, but come on: what great thing have you done, or are about to do?

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 10:37 AM

I'm starring in St Martin's church, Plaistow tomorrow morning, 11.00am..... if anyone is interested.....

That's the Plaistow in London, not any of the others...

LTS

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: IanC
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 11:05 AM

I think people don't like to brag, especially within a family, which is what mudcat is like. I'm personally very pleased 'cos I'd rather have a natural conversation with someone who might be the world's leading expert on Mouth Music (for example). We've all got our own talents.

Reminds me of a recent thread where we were asked who we thought the world's best guitarist was. My thoughts (kept to myself) were that he/she was probably some flamenco player in a village in Spain we'd never heard of. If that's so, who else has the right to boast about it?

I'm not saying I'm not glad that people are doing really nice things but I really like the fact that I don't have it shoved down my throat all the time.

By the way, I'm doing a performance of Plain Bob Triples to an audience of thousands in Godmanchester, Huntingdon, England tonight.

Cheers! (and much love)
Ian

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: WillH (inactive)
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 11:16 AM

I'd sure like to know where people are performing, too. On the otherhand, I do understand about performers wanting to be able to talk about things as "just people", and I think that it would be bad if people here started to feel like that had to have their "On Stage" persona out when they posted here.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: bbelle
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 11:33 AM

Peter ... I've thought the same and I glad you brought it to the forefront. The What's Going On thread does point to some of this but not to the core. I knew Rick was performing today but didn't know he was sharing the stage with GL. I really wish I could be there ...

moonchild

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 11:40 AM

This is a tough one. Generally when one "brags" they are looking for acceptance in the larger group. Here at Mudcat, acceptance comes so easy that it eliminates the need. If you were to examine the accomplishments/venues played of Dan and Bonnie Milner, Rick Fielding,Art Thieme, and Sandy & Caroline Paton alone you would be very impressed. These people are mainstays in and cornerstones of Folk Music. Yet they are also real people and real friends here on the Mudcat. Dig a little deeper into the threads and you see that Barry Finn is singing at a function for the Governor of his state. El Swanno, as a member or Oak, Ash and Thorn, opened for one of the truly legendary trad groups in the world. If one were to dig deeper into the denizens of our village, they would find many more.

I guess I agree, Peter T., that there is more to us than that which we profess. But I kind of like it that in order to understand the depth of talent here, one must care enough to dig in and realize what a gift we receive when we get advice from these folks. Isn't that the beauty of the Mudcat? I can continue to perfect my craft at the cyber knee of some very accomplished performers. And if I am willing to extend meself a bit, they even become close friends. Don't git no better than that.

All the best,

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 11:50 AM

This place is populated by a wonderful group of people and one of the charms that draws us together is the lack of horn blowing that goes on. I do understand the point Peter is trying to make though and its well taken. Hopefully Bert's new "What's Up" will help some, but on the issue of downplaying talent, I fear there is nothing to be done...thankfully.

From conversation with Dave, I know some of the background of Pam Swan for instance. I don't need to hear her to appreciate the monstrous talent she has. Her formal training alone is quite awesome and is enough to answer any questions I might have. But Pam downplays all of that as do most others around here regarding their own gifts. When I listen to Rick's albums I can barely believe this is the same guy I know and love here at the 'Cat.....but it is, and that is perhaps the greatest charm which this place holds. But since we are all friends and family here, I too would like to hear more of what others have going on and would hope that this place allows them to express themselves freely without fear of being thought of as "braggers" or whatever. And that includes other areas too such as business and family. We have some really well connected and well known people around here in areas outside of music and there's nothing wrong with a little "tooting" about that too!

Now let me tell you about my genitals.......

Spaw

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 12:02 PM

I can't tell you all of the gladness I feel In words or in song, but the feeling is real For flowers on high do not themselves see so, in vases of freindships,... escape vanity

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 12:09 PM

Peter, you're so right. But it isn't bragging I'd be looking for, but news - reportage, quoi. If you are going to be performing somewhere, as headliner or chorus member, please do let the Mudcat know! Perhaps someone might be in the area... and if anyone cares about how it went, they will ASK, and at that point saying it was great and Gordon Lightfoot asked me to teach him my version of Oh Sole Mio or whatever isn't bragging anyway, it's answering someone's actual interest! And there will be tons of it! And if it goes badly and poor Gordon has to have you bounced, who will be more sympathetic and leave the teasing till you can stand it than your family?

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: kendall
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 12:53 PM

Sorry, this sort of thing is just not done in New England. I've had numerous luck breaks in my life, and, I've known some wonderful well known performers. I can answer questions, but, any more that that is hard for me to do.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 01:44 PM

Ahyup....Kendall, darlin', your rep precedes you...*bg* but we still luvya!

I agree Peter and aslo with Catspaw and Mick...it is the beauty of Mudcat and I would like to hear more news....I love to see someone's name in a thread about their radio show being on or a concert they are doing or even playing in the dirt with Martha Stewart:-). One or a few of us just might be in the area...who knows?

Some of the diffidence these wonderful people have, like Sandy, Caroline, Rick, Art, etc., IMO, is what makes them such real people and rock-solid friends...but, I think it is fun to share in their triumphs, too.

It would also be nice to hear more from others about what they do in their own realms of expertise, such as you, PeterToot-Your-Own-for-a-change, too! I think we are enough of a family/community here that we can share such things, too...twins being born next Feb. comes to mind.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: JenEllen
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 01:49 PM

Not just New England, I'm afraid. That sort of thing really doesn't happen among friends. I see the little buried bits that people share as a sort of "Hey, guess what happened to me..". Your friends go "Wow, lucky break, ya bastard..couldn't happen to a nicer gal/guy", grin and pat you on the back, proud as hell for you. The flip side is the person who runs around constantly shouting "LOOKEE WHAT I CAN DO!!" (you've met them, the woman who acts like she's the only one who's ever been pregnant, like he's the only guy who's ever been on the same stage as Gordon Lightfoot, etc..) Here we're lucky to have more than our share of talented people who prefer to assume the former. I don't see it as modesty, false or otherwise. I see it as people who enjoy their lives, enjoy sharing, and don't mind when I grin and say "Lucky break.."
~Elle

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Peter T.
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 02:11 PM

Well, I agree with Mick (as always) that this is a tough one, and I wrestled with this for awhile before putting it up, and then I thought what the hell. But I should not have used the word "bragging". That was a mistake. It sent the wrong signal. I think "news" is a better term, as suggested. I am very appreciative of how modest people are here, and not swaggering around, which I love. And I know that some people here have been very careful not throwing their weight around, which is also deeply to be respected. But I just felt that we should be hearing more about what the fine people here are doing, and sometimes from them. As kat says, it doesn't have to be in music -- a whole tavern thread was launched by someone who got a new job! Some of the best threads here have been about people discovering the Patons or hearing kendall or an Art Thieme record for the first time. It is a thrill. I am a fan - I can't help it.

Anyway, I apologise if I was out of line. It just got to me when I read the bit about the national anthem from pj -- and I heard about it in person two weeks ago. I mean is that neat, or is that neat?

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: JenEllen
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 03:03 PM

No apology necessary Peter. It IS neat.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: p.j.
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 03:07 PM

The way I see it, Gordon Lightfoot is lucky to have Rick, the Coppers and the A's were lucky to have Oak Ash & Thorn, and we're all lucky to have Catspaw's genitals. Seeing our friends and loved ones do things we're proud of is a thrill, partly because we want the world to know how good they are and, to be honest, partly because it feels so good to see somebody you love being the center of attention, and know that they're also a friend of yours.

Thanks to BS threads, I know a side of Rick Fielding (warped though it may be) that makes me love him. I don't know Gordon Lightfoot, he may be a fine fellow, but I don't know his sense of humor, his worries, his condom preference...I don't know the depths he will stoop to for a bad pun or the issues he will rise to when somebody touches a subject he feels strongly about. But I know these things about Rick and others around here, because we spend time together sharing mindless drivel *as well as* interesting musical information. So I'm tickled about Mariposa for Rick, because he gets to do something cool, but I'm also excited because I know that Lightfoot and Mariposa are lucky to have the likes of him.

Last night I stood on the A's playing field (next to Joe Garigiola, for cryin' out loud) and listened to the boys do their sound check over the Coliseum speakers. I was *so* knocked out to hear the sound that I'm used to hearing around my dining table filling a stadium like that. Afterward I snuggled up to Dave and said, "It just occured to me that lots of our friends are bringing dates tonight, but *my* date's singing the national anthem!"

I'm with you, Peter. I want to know about Mariposa, and when Mick plays the Caulder stage, and when Catspaw gets a standing ovation at the urologist's office. All the great moments in our friends' lives are great moments for us, too, for lots of reasons, and I want to be there if I can, and at least know it's happening if I can't.

And (sorry 'Spaw) I don't think size is the most important thing, either. I had a gig recently in a small club for only about 80 people, but I was playing with a great fiddler I had always wanted to work with, and doing Mouth Music for dancers that were really loving it. It was one of the best times I've ever had on stage, even though it wouldn't count as front-page material anywhere. I want to know about those kinds of experiences when other folks have them, as well as the big stuff.

Okay, so some folks aren't comfortable talking about themselves or their accomplishments. That's fair. But at least put up a little post to say it's happening, and let us ask you more about it. Or if you went to another 'Catter's gig, give us a review so we can enjoy feeling like we were there and celebrate their success with them.

Okay, I'll shut up now. Liz, how did the London gig go? Ian, tell us more about Huntingdon! Peter, twins?

Love to you all PJ

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: JenEllen
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 03:12 PM

could'na put it better PJ. And thanks for the update on the anthem!

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 03:40 PM

Well geeziz Peej........That was really well put and I think EXACTLY what Peter, Mick, kat, JE, and I had in mind. I dunno' what Kendall has in mind, but neither does he, so screw it. GREAT POST!!! And I totally agree that size doesn't matter as most are impressed simply with the exquisite beauty and symmetry of the entire "package."

BTW, did they replace home plate without too much delay?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Peter T.
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 03:42 PM

now if we could just get them to do O Canada instead of that piece of War of 1812 propaganda!(joke!)
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 04:31 PM

Oh, p.j., well said! I TOTALLY agree that Lightfoot and Mariposa are really blessed for having "our" Rick there.

Peter, no apologies necessary. I was just thinking today or what an elegant and genteel catalyst you are for all of us..you, dear friend, bring out the best in all of us.

P.J., I was just using the twins thing as an example, not pointing directly to Peter...I can't tell if you had your TIC with that one or not, but if you go to the What's On thread which Bert maintains you will see a catter and his wife are indeed expecting twins.

Now...when are we going to get to hear you in Hearme OR on Mudcat radio???!!! And, that is totally RAD about your honey...goodonelswanno!!!

And, not news, quite yet, but might as well start the ball rolling, some of the kind souls who swell my head and heart in HearMe are spurring me on to make a CD of lullabyes, so...I am open to suggestions. I have a few in mind and am not sure, really, of how many to include...anyway....holler if'n any of ya think of a special one or two, okay?

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 04:40 PM

Hang about, I taught Fielding every thing he knows :-)

Jon

(who would be delighted to have a fraction of Ricks knowledge/ability)

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 04:46 PM

LMAO...good one, Jon!! Wouldn't we all!!

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: p.j.
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 04:54 PM

OH! (doiyoing!) Thanks Kat, I was indeed having a blonde moment. I read your post as an announcement of PeterT's impending twinnage and got all excited. Duh. I actually had noticed the good news on the What's On thread as well but didn't make the connection. It's nice to have your friends interpret for you. :o)

As for HearMe, my computer with a sound card met a tragic end a couple of weeks ago, and I brought a laptop home from work that is hearing-impaired. It's keyboard is also quite finiky, so it's a little like trying to send messages through Hellen Keller. I'll use the proceeds from my next million-dollar gig to buy a new computer and get on HearMe. By then you'll all need hearing aids and it will be called HearWHAT?

Same technology impediment relates to Mudcat radio, but as long as this is the hornblowing thread, allow me to gush like a schoolgirl over the fact that I got to play that famous radio theme Catspaw's Rag with Sir Fielding himself at the first annual Toronto Catter's Gathering and Rhododendron Stomping Festival last month. Twice! I kept thinkin' "Cheez, I'm sittin' here playing with Rick Fielding. I'm playing Catspaw's Rag with Rick for-cryin-out-loud Fielding." If I can play with that boy again before I die I'll be a happy gal.

Kattie, dear, do you know the Irish lullaby Seothin Seo? It would be a lovely addition to your CD. And congratulations, you GO girl!

PJ

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Amergin
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 04:58 PM

Kinda surprised your laptop doesn't have a sound card in it. I hear fine with mine....

Amergin

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 05:08 PM

Why, thank yew, Miz P.J.....I do not know it, but will seek it out. Sorry about your laptop thingie...I kind of gathered that in the last HearMe, but thought you'd said somethng about having something two weeks from now...geez, ya 'spose Joe G. would've forked over a little if he'd heard YOU in the ballpark and knew you needed to share that talent with us all? I am sure he'd got the moolah!

Amergin is right..it is rather a suprise. Banjo Bonnie ahd a terrible time with her laptop, had an expert come over and try to join us and nuttin', then one day, about two weeks ago, she just told her god that she realy, really wanted to do that and voila! She was in like Flynn and singing and plucking' for us. There is talk of the Laptop Miracle of Toronto and I hear there was a queue at her building the other day, but ya know the Pope just ain't interested! just goes to show ya...we Mudders know where the real miracles happen!**BG**

lauvyakat

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 05:17 PM

Well this is all well and good, but let me tell you about Joe Smackers and the Boulder Twins...........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: JenEllen
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 06:16 PM

The lullaby CD idea sounds fantastic! I'll send you a copy of Seothin Seo!
Elle

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Sorcha
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 06:25 PM

WARNING: Horn Tooting Here--I got to open for Turtle Creek about 3 years ago, and almost got to open for 3 Dog Night last summer, but the promoters decided that the 3 Dog crowd might not appreciate Old Joe Clark........(yea, I know, very few of you have heard of Turtle Creek. I jammed with Frankie Gavin of DeDannan once......):)

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 06:27 PM

Thanks, Elle!

Spaw, you and me need ta go out back in the garden with the faeries; kick up the litter a little, spread it around, make it look real nice and neat...then maybe people will wanna have a little "Show and Tell" withya, darlin'...that's right, c'mon now...by the way...have you heard from Cletus and them boys lately?

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Escamillo
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 12:58 AM

Oh, I've been thrown out of so many important places.. With the choir, this year I'll be ejected from the Colón Theatre in November and some other places in Buenos Aires and Córdoba too. As soloist, this year I´ll try new traditionals and spirituals at the Borges Cultural Center with maestro Ciriglianos' piano and jazz band, causing some formal protest from the USA and UK embassies and may be a denial of a weaver from the Int.Monetary Fund to Argentina. (My father told me, if you're gonna screw it up, do it big) :))
Un abrazo - Andrés

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: mg
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 01:22 AM

o.k...it is my birthday today or tomorrow depending on where you are....July 9...I believe it is Art's too..

mg

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 01:30 AM

Oh, geez, Mary, thank you! Watch for a thread coming your way! *hits self on head* How could I have missed that!?

Andres....LMAO!! you go!

kat

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Peter T.
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 08:53 AM

Hey, Andres, that is great. I was wondering how it was all going. The Borges Centre! Is that the one named after Borges, or the one named after the person who read everything Borges wrote and dedicated his life to being able to reproduce Borges spontaneously? I have friends in the IMF so I will put in a mollifying word for you!

yours, Peter T.
P.S. I am not twins. The fact that I have half of a broken amulet around my neck is simply to arouse suspicion.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 10:52 AM

I'd like to open for Joe Smackers and the Boulder Twins!

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 12:13 PM

Well, for those interested, the solo gig turned into a 7 piece choir for the first time in about 6 weeks and the lesson for today which I was down to read was 2 Corinthians 12.2-10: (5) On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknessess.

That's me down a peg or six today then!!

LTS

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: p.j.
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 12:25 PM

Who says the Mudcat gods don't have a sense of humor? :o)

Congratulations anyway, Liz-- we'll boast aboucha...

PJ

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 12:33 PM

To continue the lesson: (10) Therefore I am content with weaknessess, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities.....

Guess St Paul was a melodeon player too.......

LTS duckingandrunningforcoveragain......

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 01:45 PM

Well Shambles is the epitome of modesty. He recently completed his first full length motion picture and kept it a secret from all of us. Managed to located this flyer for it.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: GUEST, Burke
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:05 PM

I didn't read this over enough before I had to read it for the congregation. Right after (5) above was (6) "But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it ..."

I'm not normally a St. Paul basher, but this after all the in or out of the body clauses, almost cracked me up.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: TheOldMole
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:52 PM

I've always tiptoed very gingerly around the edge of the folk music community, although I like the music, and I like a lot of the people in it, because it's always struck me that there's an impenetrable snobbishness to it.

Here's a guy who says, gosh, I'd love to be your friend and hear about what you're doing...I'd love to be a little part of your world, and the answer he gets is No chance, fella. You can't be. You are too uncool.

Real friends don't tell each other what they're doing, or if anything good is happening to them? It's not that way in the rest of the world, even in the non-folk sections of New England.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: p.j.
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 03:46 PM

Easy there, Molie dear. I think Kendall's words were simply that it's "hard for me" to talk about news in which he's the star, not that Peter's uncool for wanting to know about it. He also offered to answer questions if we wanted to ask. I agree with you that friends should let each other know about good things happening to them, and one of the nice things about the friends you make here is that they'll find out how you're comfortable telling your good news, and let you do it your way.

Sometimes, because they love you, they'll also tease, goad, chide, cajole and noogie you into telling. :o) Peter's post (of pickled peppers) was a great example of that, and Kendall's response shows he's willing to be drawn out.

I know what you mean about feeling put-off by snobbishness, it's hard to approach a group of people who seem to have something in common but aren't very welcoming about new folks joining in. But I've often mistaken people for being snobbish when really they were either shy or quiet-natured, or insecure themselves about getting to know new people. That's hard to remember when the person is so obviously talented, you think all that confidence you hear in the music translates to confidence in social skills, too, but it ain't always so.

Of course there are genuine snobs, for sure. But I'd hate for you to miss out on some potentially great folk experiences because of writing off the whole community to snobbishness. You said there were some folks in it that you liked, what about them made you feel welcomed?

PJ

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Peter T.
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 04:03 PM

OldMole, I have been in the same situation -- put off by the folk aura until I luckily landed here. I think there is a strange thing about the folk scene which has something to do with the fact that there are all kinds of talent levels in "folk", and so there is this protective mix of "invite everyone in for a song" and very generous rhetoric about community, and yet within that there are natural differences based on competence. And there are people doing it professionally and others who aren't. It has exclusionary and inclusionary rules that are very complicated, based on a shifting set of elements that include ability, friendliness, extroversion, introversion, sharing, "getting the idea", etc. I have begun to handle it by looking at it sociologically or anthropologically, but I can't pretend to have the hang of it at all. Compare it with, oh I don't know, people who play the classical piano, and you can see how informal and blurry the boundaries of the folk scene are in contrast. A sense of humour seems to be the big thing (as in most things in life).

yours, Peter T.

P.S. It also helps if you play mouth music like Louis Armstrong's daughter.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: TheOldMole
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 04:12 PM

PJ - I live in Woodstock, NY, and went to Bard College as a young sprat, and so have been surrounded by folkies all my life, and I absolutely don't mean to attack, as a whole, a group among which I have many friends.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: GUEST,Wesley S at Home
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 04:43 PM

I have been totally immodist lately when I've been bragging about the twins my wife and I are expecting in February. It's not the largest audience in the world but I'll be very content with singing lullabies for two.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: p.j.
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 05:08 PM

Peter, I'm inclined to believe that the "blurry boundaries of the folk scene" that you've experienced may be a result of what sociologists refer to as "the Guiness effect". Alsa, don't sprake zarathustra about classical piany pickers, it damps my spirits and gets me all keyed up so I can't b natural. Besides, they're just cranky from hauling those concert grands around to Irish sessions, then being told to sit behind the stinkin' bodhran section. They can't make any money busking on streetcorners, cause the spare change keeps jammin' up the strings when people throw it in your box. And don't even get me started on the straps it takes to carry one of these things around your neck. You'd feel snubbed too, if you spent hours on a subway with your Steinway, then nobody will let you play even *one* little Rachmaninoff concerto, they say it's not "Irish enough". Pulezze. I think it's really just a case of pianist envy. But I digress....

Peej

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Allan C.
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 05:25 PM

I suppose it would be fair to say that I have met quite a few 'Catters. One thing that I noticed about most of them was that they were usually quite a lot more talented than anyone (who didn't already know better) would have been led to believe from their postings. But there is another side to this horn-tooting thing that is difficult to describe but which I saw first-hand.

There are 'Catters out there who have done some marvelous gigs and shared venues with some "big name" artists. But I fully believe that, while our Mudcat friends might have been personally thrilled by the experience, they honestly don't see how anyone else would be interested in hearing about it. The event becomes little more than "something that happened to me once".

Personally I would be far more likely to tell you that I shared a stage with BeauDangles than I would to tell you that I opened for Billy Ed Wheeler (the latter being a complete lie!). I really think folks might find the former more interesting. I guess my overall suspicion is that the only one who really cares about that second sort of thing are the kind of folks I would be unlikely to share it with.

I think, as Mrrzy pointed out, it would be far more interesting to be able to tell you about the time Melanie took the time to teach me the chords to "Candles In the Rain" and what a generous, sweet person she was to meet and how she let me borrow her capo when mine lost its grip (yet another fabrication for the sake of illustration). I mean, if I could give you a little insight into the PERSON rather than just add to the hype you have already read or heard - well, that would be worth repeating.

Of course, maybe this is all somewhat subjective since you 'Catters are the most famous people I have ever met. But I am not sure I could be made to feel otherwise.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Escamillo
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 11:15 PM

Yes, the Borges Centre was named after a reader who swears having read the complete works of Borges ! Could be because he wrote his best works in English. Well, I can't complain, because the only place where I write lately, is a USA forum site, in English. Could be a starting point ?

Un abrazo - Andrés

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 09:57 AM

I'll be appearing nightly on my front porch, weather permitting, in a long running engagement...thrilling audiences of squirrels and birds with my phenomenally crappy rhythm accompaniment to recorded cassettes on boom box of such legends as Hank Williams, John Prine and McCutcheon, Si Kahn, and (a new addition to my repertoire)the greatest hits of Miss Patsy Cline.

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 01:43 PM

There are 'Catters out there who have done some marvelous gigs and shared venues with some "big name" artists.

I've slept in the same bed as Martin Carthy, Sid Kipper and Les Barker - does that count??

LTS!

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 01:46 PM

LTS,

I think it would depend on whether Martin, Sid and Les were in the same bed at the same time.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: Could We Stop the Modesty Please?
From: Willie-O
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 03:20 PM

No way I'm gonna touch that one. Whaddaya call it, serial polygamy? Allan your fictitious encounter with Melanie was far more gratifying than my real one...she wandered into my wife's craft booth at Winnipeg FolkFest (after closing time) and was rather rude and dismissive of Molly's beautiful batik/silkscreen designs...her kids were nice though.

The thing is, I think reasonable modesty is one of the Cat's charms. Some of us are very highly accomplished, some like myself are experienced underachievers, some are new to the music scene. We all learn from each other, and the quality of the Mudcat is the quality of our postings, which could be formulated as a combination of knowledgeability, respect, sincerity and thoughtfulness towards others. (Except maybe Spaw who is in a category by himself but always gives me a good laugh. I hope he parodies me someday...then I'll have made it.)

I share Peter's feeling that we should feel free to speak of and promote our projects and achievements--I certainly do. But I prefer to think there are no stars here, except as we see them shining.

Know what I mean?

Willie-O
(partowner of a guitar that Paul McCartney may have played once...)