Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops

Subject: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Naemanson
Date: 10 Sep 00 - 10:11 PM

I was preparing to watch a movie when I turned on the TV. What I found there was too good to interrupt. There was Arlo Guthrie on Evening At Pops. He was at a piano playing City Of New Orleans with the orchestra backing him up. For the next piece Gil Shaham accompanied him. Then he moved over to the guitar and played I Don't Want a Pickle, Road of Glory, This Land Is Your Land, and Good night Irene.

It seemed an odd venue for a folkie but who am I to question such things. I'm a little out of touch. Maybe all of you guys are playing with your local pops orchestras backing you up. Besides, I'm not going to question any paying gig. And the audience seemed truly appreciative.

Seriously though, it was good to see and hear him again. I hadn't seen him or even a picture of him in years. His hair is still long but it has turned white. (How could he have aged? I haven't.) And when he sang This Land Is Your Land the tears flowed down my cheeks.

Does anyone know about his health? I understand there was some question about him possibly being a potential victim of the same disease that got Woody.

He had some funny things to say. He commented on the postage stamp of his dad. He said his dad spent his whole life in a battle to avoid being respectable. He said the stamp appeared to be the final defeat in that fight.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 10 Sep 00 - 10:13 PM

Arlo does not have Huntington's disease.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Sep 00 - 10:26 PM

Alright, I freely admit being a Blunderite of the first order. Karen and I try to get to an Arlo performance once a year or so if he's anywhere close. I think he's better now than ever before with a nice mix of trad/composed songs, and his long association with Seeger was beneficial to both. We both love him to death and if he never sang a word, he's still worth seeing. A very intelligent and caring man with a tremendous sense of humor and the ability to "tell a tale." Sorry folks, but Arlo is right at the top of my list.

And he does not have Huntington's Chorea although the genetic possibility was strong for it to appear. A lot of the folks on Arlonet are more pop oriented, but the man is still a folksinger.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Naemanson
Date: 10 Sep 00 - 10:48 PM

Thanks for the word on his health.

Spaw, what is a Blunderite? I can make a few guesses but would rather play stupid and ask.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 08:10 AM

The Blunderite philosophy differs in very few respects from the one the Mudcatter would have if s/he had one: "We know it's stupid - that's why we're here!"

PS: ...apologize for loving Arlo Guthrie? That man has brought more love and laughter to more people than... than... well, than anyone but Pete, but Pete has a few years on him. It is indeed a magical collaboration whenever it happens.

Dani, who misses being near Carnegie Hall at Thanksgiving time!

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: balladeer
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 08:17 AM

To Spaw: "Sorry folks, but Arlo is right at the top of my list." Why do we apologize for liking who we like? I felt I was creeping out of a closet when I spoke respectfully of Joan Baez.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Naemanson
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 08:47 AM

I understand the feeling that we should apologize for what we like when it doesn't jibe with the consensus oof the group. However there is quite a difference between feeling like we should apologize and the actual need to apologize. I am like Mbo. I will never apologize for the music I like. It may not (hell, it probably isn't,) be the same music most others don't like but that is what makes us unique.

So, if you like Joan Baez stand up and shout it! If Arlo, Pete, Hedy, or even Oasis is your thing by all means, let the world know it. You may not get a consensus of agreement but who cares?

I like Arlo but can only take Pete in small doses, though the two of them together were great. My tape and CD cases have The Morgans, Artisan, Cindy Kallett, Gordon Bok in his various incarnations, Silly Wizard, Boarding Party, Castlebay, Stan Rogers, Sally Rogers, Tanglefoot, Great Big Sea, The Rankins, Tannahill Weavers, Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention, The Clancy Brothers, Irish Rovers, John Denver, etc. I could go on and on. I only recently discovered Hedy through a yard sale purchase. Joan is one of my favorites but then I also like most of the stuff by the Moody Blues, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Crosby Stills Nash & Young.

Brett (defiantlynotapologizingforwhathelikes)

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: balladeer
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 09:31 AM

Yes, Naemanson, I support your philosophy. My question really is why do I think my liking Joan would meet with disapproval. It's not as if I've taken an explicit consensus on the matter in this or any other group.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 11:20 AM

I've always liked Arlo a lot. Like most people Alice's Restaraunt was my introduction to him. What a wonderful story. I still ocassionlly threaten to send my kids to the Group W bench.

I had another album of his that another epic funny song, "The Story of Reuben Clamso and His Strange Daughter in the Key of A." It took up an entire side, but I really enjoyed the other side which was my introduction to the Little Beggarman, and had a very nice version of "Anytime" and some other very nice stuff. I'll have to look for it and give it a listen.

I saw the Arlo/Boston Pops show and found it a bit weird that he was backed up by the Orchestra, I've always enjoyed the fact that he has made some very nice music either solo or with minimal accompaniement. But it was good to see him.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 11:38 AM

And now for a special guest appearance of Luciano Pavoratti and the Greenbriar Boys! I recently unearthed a Weavers album with a full Big Band type orchestra backing them up. It is downright weird. I much prefer Pete Seeger's banjo all by itself. But...

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Mbo
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 12:36 PM

Did it EVER occur to anyone that this was something Arlo WANTED to do, for himself, and because it was fun? He probably doesn't give a rat's ass what folk nazis think about how he chooses to perform his own music.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 01:02 PM

I really didn't mean to apologize in the sense that Arlo is not a folksinger. He meets the criteria any way you cut it. I DO know a lot of folks don't care for the style or his voice, that kind of thing. I always found it to be pleasant because I enjoy that semi-sarcastic, questioning quality in his speech and the somewhat strident but honest sound when he sings.

He's also a fantastic picker with a bit of the perfectionist from many things he's said about how he listens and revises patterns and such. No, I'll not apologize for liking Arlo myself, but I'm not going to try to foist him off on anyone else or argue that he has a great voice or whatever. I'm sure he does the symphony concerts as a real kick, just like the time at Wolftrap the band came out with "new" instruments ala a Dixieland group and had a helluva' fine time honking away.

And Reuben Clamso just cracked me up too. Always has. Arlo has never backed up to poking fun at all forms of music including folk (and shanties too). Neat guy.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Naemanson
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 01:52 PM

Actually I'm willing to bet Arlo was invited to perform by the Pops. (Is there an orchestra called the Moms?) My comment about its being an odd venue was only personal opinion based on many years of seeing folk music as coffeehouse and back-of-the-pub stuff. The Moody Blues and Rick Wakeman taught me that an orchestra can back up anything.

I think I resent being called a folk nazi.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: BDtheQB
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 02:27 PM

I have enjoyed Arlo since 197? when I first saw him in concert with Pete on their first tour together. I repeated it everytime they came around and the last time I saw him was with his son's band and they were rockin' and rollin'. (It was Who-like in it's loudness) Then he brought his Grandchild up on stage with him and talk about feeling old..He did a free concert here in St.Lou too and played rockin' folk there too.. but said that free concerts were the best kind..At least that's what his Daddy taught him. Arlo is one of the few old folkies that plays piano very well also.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: harpgirl
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 06:55 PM

...when I'm depressed I watch "Woodstock 69" or "Alice's Restaurant." Tonight it's "Alice's Restaurant." I'm going to enjoy it too!!!!! Arlo rules!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 07:57 PM

Alice's Restaurant is my alltime favourite Harpgirl. Yours, Aye. Dave (who will be singing it the next time it comes round on the guitar)

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: gillymor
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 09:46 PM

I wonder how many of us, supposing we were all musician/ entertainers of Arlo's stature, would turn down a chance to be accompanied by a world class symphony orchestra ( the Pops is the Boston Symphony with a pop/swing rhythm section added) on the grounds that it wouldn't be the folkie thing to do. And I was also at a Wolftrap concert where Arlo and his band Shennandoah picked up brass and woodwinds and blew traditional jazz while wearing hard hats with blinking red lights on top (the last may have been an hallucination).

F

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Mbo
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 09:50 PM

If Keith Lockhart asked ME to come play with the Boston Pops (or beloved Erich Kunzel & the Cincinatti Pops) I would jump so fast it would break the sound barrier. I know what all the folkies think...but have you ever sang with an orchestia behind you? It's like being transported to a higher plane of musical existence, the sweet sound is your cloud, as your voice rings forth from the orchestra with a power you never knew you had in you...

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: BDtheQB
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 10:23 PM

Just ask Nancy Griffith.. I am sure she agrees.. (g)

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Mbo
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 10:29 PM

Hey, in the Dustbowl Symphony that Nanci does, she sings "Love at The Five & Dive" with Darius Rucker! Talk about an awesome team! I've learned SO much about singing from listening to Darius! What a guy!

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 10:34 PM

Hey Frankee........I mentioned that Wolftrap gig above and I think you're right about the hats! I wasn't lucky enough to be there, but it was taped for a TV thing (on PBS I believe). Wish I had a tape of it, but that was in the days before VCR's. It was a neat performance. I think it was also the one where they did the Beatles' "Falling" as a Bluegrassy thing and "Groundhog".....great concert.

AND BD.....I just saw Griffith with the symphony thing........uh,huh. And unlike Arlo, I wish she'd just shut up between songs!!! By the time she gets to the end of whatever it is she's talking about, I have lost track of whatever it was in the first place.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Fortunato
Date: 12 Sep 00 - 11:17 AM

Hey Mbo. I'd jump at the chance to crawl across a hundred yards of broken glass to have stood on that stage and done a song with Arlo. I'd be thrilled to sing with an orchestra anywhere. regards, fortunato.

PS I've broken the 'acoustic' only rule in the land of the folkies. I still haven't lived it down. so I know where you're coming from my man.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: gillymor
Date: 12 Sep 00 - 03:36 PM

Yep Catspaw, it was a great concert and I now recall (I think) it was just the tuba player with the red light on his head.

F

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: DougR
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 01:12 AM

This example is not folk, I hastily note, but in the mid 1960s, I booked Eddy Arnold to appear with the Phoenix Symphony. I believe we were the second symphony orchestra to book him for a "Pops" concert (Dallas Symphony was first). Country fans were agahst! Eddy is country! Eddy is accompanied by steel guitar, maybe one or two fiddles, a piano, trap drums, one or two guitars, a bass fiddle; not a 90 piece symphony orchestra!

Classical music audiences were aghast too. Symphony orchestras perform Beethoven, Bach, Motzart! "Tennessee Waltz?" Never!

Before I left the orchestra, we had Eddy Arnold back three times to perform "Pop" concerts.

The performances were super! Eddy had full orchestral arrangements of all of his hits, and the orchestra members loved him.

Some folks came to the first concert expecting to hear the Tennessee Plowboy, with his usual accompaniment. Some wanted their money back when they realized he was appearing with a symphony orchestra. Those that did, I told could get their money back if they didn't enjoy the concert.

The orchestra performed the first half and did repertoire normally associated with a symphony orchestra. The pieces were a bit lighter than might be found on a regular symphony concert (Copland's Rodeo Suite, Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite, etc.) and Eddy did the second half of the program with his own musical director conducting.

No one left the concert. No one asked for their money back. Classical music lovers found that "Country" wasn't all that bad, and "Country" fans learned that listening to classical music didn't really cause warts.

So what's wrong with that? What's wrong with Arlo Guthrie trying a new medium?

The music purists, regardless of whether it is classical, pop, rock, blues, or folk, IMO, are among the most intolerant of the intolerants.

Likely, the first musician was a vocalist. Suppose, because someone criticized him/her, he/she would never have picked up a reed and made a flute? Or strung a gut string on a rudimentary fiddle of some kind, and made an instrument that could be played with a bow?

I guess all folksingers would now perform acappella!

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Rachel D
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 05:44 AM

Anyone who writes a song about sliding down bog roll deserves respect. Rachel D (whose current faves are Mick Ryan's Hard Season and Bob's Street Legal- does that make me a folk-rocker?)

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 08:24 AM

When I started this thread I wrote:
"It seemed an odd venue for a folkie but who am I to question such things. I'm a little out of touch. Maybe all of you guys are playing with your local pops orchestras backing you up. Besides, I'm not going to question any paying gig. And the audience seemed truly appreciative."

I was expressing an opinion that was not meant to be a negative opinion. In my world odd is good because it is not normal. And I made the point that questioning someone else's venue was not my role in the world.

I believe I have been misunderstood though the discussion engendered by that misunderstanding is interesting.

My opinion stands. When you take a form of music that people have gotten used to and change the way it is presented you have an odd mixture. AND THAT IS GOOD! The effort can be an adventure. It will certainly be an evolution. And as evolution works some of the offspring will not not survive. Others will prosper and grow.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: DougR
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 01:14 PM

Naemanson: I believe there will always be an audience for performers that perform only in the traditional mode. Some types of performers are better suited to appearing with large orchestras than others. No problem with volcalists as long as they have suitable arrangements. Blue Grass groups might be a bit more difficult to integrate with a full orchestra. I guess it could be done, but I doubt that (IMO) there would be as successful a blend.

I didn't read your message as being critical of Arlo Guthrie, and I think you started a damned interesting Thread.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: gillymor
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 08:46 PM

Naemanson, In my first post to this thread I wasn't criticizing you or anyone else here. I was just posing a question that I'd put to myself when considering Arlo performing with a symphony. No offence. And I agree with Doug, interesting thread.

Frankie

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 08:52 PM

No offence taken. I enjoy a good discussion. I just want to make sure my original post is understood as well as my attitude. As I said I enjoy an oddball performance. I find it good to see smeone trying something unusual.

For example Jerry Bryant has a little band playing in New England that features guitar, mandolin, banjo and tuba. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't heard it myself. It works. And you haven't lived until you've heard a tuba playing a slip jig.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: DougR
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 09:29 PM

Wow, that is odd instrumentation! But if it works!

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Lena
Date: 14 Sep 00 - 03:49 AM

Dad called me up this mornig telling me Arlo is touring Australia next march-and he'll do the sound

Happy Girl

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Naemanson
Date: 14 Sep 00 - 05:10 AM

And do you live in Australia too? If so, lucky girl! Say hi to Arlo for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: GUEST,Beadie
Date: 14 Sep 00 - 07:10 AM

The Boston Popos has always been rather iconoclastic as far as symphonic groups go. Some where in my old (and getting older) collection of vinyl LPs (remember them?) I have an album they released with one Mr. Chester Atkins as the primary soloist. . . . . great sounds!

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Sep 00 - 07:34 AM

I should have posted this earlier I guess.......Lots of info including schedules and lyrics and the like at:

ARLONET

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: GUEST,Cheryl Harrell
Date: 28 Sep 00 - 04:18 PM

I'm not afraid to admit I love Arlo Guthrie! He is great! & A dear & sweet man! I remember the year before he started doing the Symphony thing (we're friends) when he told me he was gonna do the Symphony thing & wear a tux, I thought "Huh?" But I somehow knew this was gonna work out for him. I love him on the Boston Pops show. The stuff without him in it wasn't my taste tho. I've seen that on tv & seen him do several Symphony shows & he is great with the Symphony. It's isn't traditional Symphony stuff, although the Symphony is the opening act with their symphonic stuff isn't my taste. He basically does the stuff his way with the Symphony backing him up. It's great! The reason he did it was a Symphony conductor who was a fan of his went up to him between a gig & asked him about doing gigs with the Symphony, telling him he had the idea of Arlo doing gigs with the Symphony. Arlo loves to try out new things so he said yes to the Symphony gigs & the rest is musical history. No matter whether he's with the Symphony or not you'll want to catch him in concert cuz he's great! :)

Subject: RE: BS: Arlo Guthrie And The Boston Pops
From: Cool Beans
Date: 28 Sep 00 - 04:28 PM

Arlo is performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 12. I have my tickets.