Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jul 20 - 10:34 PM

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Mar 20 - 01:22 PM

RIP Christy Cooney   17 march 2020

Subject: RE: Pat and Christy Cooney
From: GUEST,Deborah Gray
Date: 21 Feb 16 - 05:30 PM

Lots of time between the last post and this, but can't help commenting on my own connection. Often wondered if Pat and Christy were still married. They were so in love back in the late '60s when we all lived together in that rambling, old house in Sydney. I still have the wedding photo Pat sent me after I moved to Spain. We lost touch, but I was never sure why, because I tried to connect when I was in Australia on visits years ago.   

Pat and Christy, if you do check back, I've lived in various places in the States for many years, although I'm back in Australia 2-3 times a year. I was in Melbourne in September, speaking at a conference. Life takes such strange twists and turns, but I'm very happy.

Pat, just wanted you to know that I'll never forget how good you were to me, a kind and gentle soul. Hope you're doing well.
Best, Deborah

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 12:26 AM

Hi John ,, PLEASE , PLEASE , PLEASE , CAN YOU PUT ALL YOUR ALBUMS ONTO CDS ??    PLEASE , PLEASE , PLEASE ??

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Apr 13 - 08:41 AM

Reference to the Cobbers on this youtube recording of The Catalpa

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST,cobber
Date: 21 Apr 13 - 07:56 AM

John Armstrong here. Sorry folks! I haven't been here for ages and the website crashed a while back. I was working on getting it back up tonight when a link to this came out of the blue. I can be contacted on jjarmstrong47 (at) hotmail.com.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: Joybell
Date: 31 Mar 13 - 07:58 PM

Ooops sorry. Re "The Caltapa"
Just looked at the newspaper reference.
The song is not named but the chorus is given as:

"Come all you screws warders and gaolers,
Remember Perth Regatta Day:
Take care of the rest of you Fenians
Or the Yankees will take them away."

Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: Joybell
Date: 31 Mar 13 - 07:03 PM

Hello Livia. I've had trouble getting into Mucat for a while. I'll send you an email. "Trove" is an Australian site where newspapers (and more)are available online. It's there I found the information about Walter Howson and the song "The Catalpa". The newspaper doesn't give the song words or tune. Just the information that he wrote and performed the song of this name following the actual incident.
Joy

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Mar 13 - 04:18 PM

Im looking for PHOTO of Mark Blossom Brown.

I think the folk festival at Port Fairy should name an award after him.
It was partly due to the cobbers that the festival came into being.
It would be nice to honour him is this way

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 05:28 AM

Another question: is the song 'The Catalpa' as written by Walter Howson the same as in this you tube video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oxdIzA_AGg

Thank you, regards, Livia

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 05:18 AM

Joy, thank you so much for this information! I've found your earlier postings. Can I ask where / how you found this article? Is it available online somewhere? I would love this information in my ohd thesis but I need to reference every minutia in order to make it properly 'scholarly'

regards, Livia
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: Joybell
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 05:41 PM

Then maybe this needs to be given its own thread.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: Joybell
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 05:40 PM

To the guests above -- last year I found the author of the song "The Caltalpa" if this is of interest. I posted the info. here but the short version is that it was the minstrel and music hall performer Walter Howson. (Ref: Perth newspaper via Trove).
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 04:57 PM

To Bob Bolton,

Am trying to contact John Armstrong regarding some material they recorded on the Catalpa rescue mission. I'm currently working on my PhD thesis on John Devoy and his work. Can you send me a contact address to John Armstrong or tell me how to best contact him?

Thanks you in advance, this would be of great help!

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST,slivia
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 04:52 PM

Hi!

Looking for help with my PhD thesis on John Devoy and the Catalpa rescue mission. Am trying to contact John Armstrong from the band The Cobbers. Would be grateful for any sort of contact address. Thanks in advance.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST,Branno
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 06:32 PM

Hi John.
Best of luck with the digitisation/reissue project.
The tapes I have from the early Dan O'Connell days
have some sets from the Freewheelers, and possibly
your first performance as a Bush Band with Christy
and the irrepressible Blossom (I don't do Facebook BTW)
There's also enough live Colonials (the inspiration,
remember!?)for at least one CD.

Hi Christy.
How's that banjo going?

Hi Pat.
Very long time no see...

Greetings to other Mudcatter friends, grey in the beard,
long in the tooth, holes in the memories...
Live long and prosper!

Slainte,   Dave B (not averse to email at [e-mail])

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jan 11 - 07:19 PM

Hi,I do hope the thread is still going,I would like to get in touch with Christy Cooney,we were good mates back in 1969,when I came to Aussie from Ireland,one of the first good blokes I met,actually we did play a bit of Irish and American folk together.
Also lived with Him and Pat In Melbourne.
Hey man, it would be great to catch up.
I am a Grandad too.living in Sth Aussie.
So,,,Christy catch up, post an email address
Regards Tommie Brennan

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST,Doug
Date: 22 Aug 09 - 07:37 AM

Hi John great too see you here Im playing an audio cassete if you I found here can you still get bushland dreaming my tape has worn out and would love to get another copy of it if you see this John give me a call regards Doug

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: cobber
Date: 27 May 09 - 02:56 AM

For anyone who has been trying to get the old bush dancing set, we have finally got it digitised. It's available on the web site www.cobbersbushband.com
It's certainly a lot easier than doing everything with tapes.
Cheers
John

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST,Kevin- Sydney
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 06:23 AM

Hi John;
Awesome thread!! Unfortunately discovered it only now - 10 days before I leave for Bougainville on a 2 year assignment! It's a bit humid for my vinyl up there, so would be great to have digital Cobbers!
John, I'll check the website before I go and hopefully email you direct too.

Great to see bushie spirit alive and strong as ever!
Keep it up Cobbers!
Kev.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: PJC
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 10:16 AM

Hi Christy,

Congradulations on being a grandad,great to hear from you old mate do you have an e-mail address so we can chat,you can e-mail me at
[e-mail] say hi to Linda, Lindy,and James.

Paul

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST,Christy Cooney
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 05:57 AM

Hi Paul,
Good to hear from. They were good times and now I'm still playing festivals and have just become a grandad.
Keep in touch.
best wishes
Christy

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: PJC
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 02:29 PM

Hi,Pat Kaye good memories indeed glad to hear you are keeping well,I have been living in the USA for the past 25 years say Hi to Christy if you see him.

Regards,

Paul Carroll

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk
From: GUEST,Pat (ex-Cooney)
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 01:17 AM

Hi, I'm Pat Kaye.   I used to be Pat Cooney, married to Christy in the 70s.   Christy told me about this Thread and I've enjoyed reading it today. It brings back memories I'd shelved for a new life elsewhere.

Thanks John, Patrick (Polo) Lane found me via this site with Colm's help. Thanks to Linda for her assistance too.

Hi to Paul Carroll. They were good old days - magical in many ways, and the music was good.

Regards
Pat Kaye

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: GUEST,Kate Hubbard (nee Hajncl)
Date: 15 Feb 09 - 05:47 AM

Hi John,

It is great to have found this site. I hope to keep in touch. I would like to know if you know how to put the old vinyls onto compact disc.


Cheers

Kate and Colin Hubbard.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk
From: GUEST,DJB
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 04:06 AM

Hi John

Yes, I have been digitising most of Bushland Dreaming. I actually rather like the speeding up, as it makes it just that little bit "edgy" and gives it a slightly frenetic energy which, I think, works really well.

You may also be interested to know that, a few years ago now, the opportunity came up to earn extra points in a trivia night in which I was taking part by reciting one of a number of well-known Australian bush poems, including, as it happens, "How McDougall Topped the Score".

Having listened to your version on Bushland Dreaming many times in the past, I managed to astonish / mesmerise the entire audience by reciting it from memory and by adopting aspects of your phrasing, pacing, etc. It brought the house down, that's for sure!

I still love listening to your version, even now. It's a fantastic example of performance poetry at its very best.

Cheers

DJB

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 06:30 PM

not there yet - but I can wait!

I've emailed Tony Romeo

sandra (waiting patiently)

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers-Australian folk band
From: cobber
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 06:18 PM

After a month of
hair tearing
frown wearing
frequent swearing
and bloody frustration
trying to get the site to load up properly which has been hampered by computer crashes, the server going broke, inability to use the work computer due to all the bloody firewalls etc. I have finally done what I should have done in the first place and passed it over to my teenage son. It should be up (mostly) today but it might take a day or two to make sure all the links are working. I'd forgotten how much stuff I'd hoarded over thirty years so what better way to have a clean-out than put it all out to dry on the internet. If you want to see the progress go to www.cobbersbushband.com and watch the fun.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Sue in Phuket
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 12:36 AM

Hi John. Was checking through the net and chatting with son John on Skype, when I came across this thread. I still have ALL of the Cobbers records,along with most of our old one's. Just can't seem to give them up, along with my record player which is linked through my computer. Great to see others still remember..lol

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Lyne
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 06:55 PM

Oh, I'm so glad I bookmarked this thread so I could check back! I can't wait to see The Cobbers page. It's about time. :) Thanks John.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Dug
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 06:00 PM

Marvellous stuff.

John, I've sent you an email.

Cheers,

Doug

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,jen scott
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 04:07 AM

fan bloody tastic! whatever it takes to make it happen!!
xx

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: cobber
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 05:56 PM

Thanks Jen. I'll get out the old ouija board and see if we can get a reunion going.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Jen Scott
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 06:03 AM

Man!! This is in response to the cobber John! Of course it was a good bloody band!! The cobbers rocked and inspire a new generation of australian folkies!!! Their vibrance was unsurpassed - still is. May we have a new genration of aussie folkies to keep this tradition. my band "South of the Berrimah Line" will endevour this monstrous task! And you guys - do us all a favour and pick up those instruments and get back out there!!! We need you,
Cheers,
Jen

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: PJC
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 10:31 PM

Hi John,
All is well here in New Hampshire I am still singing and giging doing a lot of solo work up and down the east coast.
Are you still playing??? I guess Christy and James are living in Apollo Bay now........say hi if you see them.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: cobber
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 04:49 PM

What a thread! How are you Paul? John Armstrong here. I passed Colm's request on to Christy and he's following it up. Are you still singing? I wish I still had my Poteen tape - now that would be worth digitising. Actually John McAuslan has probably done that already but I haven't seen him since Maity's concert.
DJB, If you are digitising Bushland Dreaming put the finished file through Cool Edit or something similar and slow it down till it comes back to concert pitch. I've mentioned this before but when they cut that for the vinyl disc, they sped it up a little to make it fit onto two discs. It was a cause of a lot of bad feeling at the time as it was only necessary to safeguard against people with dodgy needles on their record players which would cause it to jump if they made the tracks too fine. Anyway, I've done it and it sounds much better to me. Cobbers web site should be up within a week and you can then download the cover artwork to go with it.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Dec 08 - 11:37 PM

Hi Colm Lane,

I was a good friend of your brother Aiden we played a lot of music and travelled a lot of miles together in the 70s I played in the Irish band "Poteen" you have another brother Polo used to live on Philip Island.

Paul Carroll

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,DJB
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 05:51 AM

Hi there

I am so glad that I have found this thread - I am literally just sitting here digitising my copy of "Bushland Dreaming - Cobbers in Concert" after having not listened to it for about 20 years - it is sounding as fresh as ever - and like Tony above I was wondering the same thing.

I am very much looking forward to the upcoming postings on the net.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: cobber
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 05:17 PM

I read that too on the link in your other post Andrez. We put out fourteen albums and a couple of them, notably Bushland Dreaming and Portraits of Australian Women sold enough to get gold but as we owned our own label and distributed though more than one major (we started at Electric Records, went to Elektra-WEA then to Festival)there were no awards for any of them. Norm has it wrong on his site though the rest is pretty right. Like most publicity people, Norm has to create a story and I think he does well by the bands that he works with. I've tried self-promotion and, for me, it didn't work. A good manager/agent/whatever will praise you to a client in ways that you would be embarrased to do yourself. That's why we have agents. I think Norm is good at what he does but like the piper, he expects to get paid for what he does. Whether it's worth it is up to you to decide for yourself.

To Colm
I remember Aiden well. They were good days. Christy and Linda post to the mudcat occasionally but I'll forward your address to them in case they miss it. Didn't Aiden road manage the Bushies first UK tour?
Cheers
John Armstrong (cobber)
ps We're putting a lot of the old cobbers stuff on the net, should be there by New Year but I'll post that when it's done

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Andrez
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 03:48 AM

Just a quick query to ask if anyone either knows or can direct me to any online info re any awards for recording or record sales that were achieved by the Cobbers in their hey day?

I have seen it claimed on a website that they had achieved a total of 13 Gold records. Would this claim even remotely correct? If so what were they for?

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Colm
Date: 15 Dec 08 - 09:14 AM

Hi Linda,

I hope i've got the right person. I was friends with a couple called Pat and Christy Cooney back in the 70s during the folk days in Melbourne. At that time, i used to see the Bushwackers play in Dan O'Connells pub and infact the bushwackers stayed in my mum's house when they toured Ireland. My brother Patrick is eagerly trying to contact Pat, as he was a close friend over 30 years ago. Assuming i've got the right people, do you know how i can contact Pat or anyone who might know of her whereabouts?

Christy may remember the Lane brothers from Ireland: Aiden, Patrick and Colm, from those early folk days in Fitzroy street, Melbourne. My personal email address is:

[e-mail]

any help appreciated

Colm.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Dec 08 - 07:37 AM

hi there
just came across this message as i try to search for a contact number for Pat or Christy cooney. I knew them in the 70/80 and like you , used to go the dan, o connells pub a lot.i was goods friends with the bushwhackers then , dave, dobe, louis mc manus, etc. the bushwhackers toured ireland and stayed in my mums house. Any contact help appreciated..small world and many happy memories caming flowing back
colm lane

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: cobber
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 01:28 AM

John Armstrong here. I missed a lot of the earlier posts as some days I actually have to get some work done. Yes I do still make the odd digital copy of what we have. We've been thinking about putting it all up on a web site but it hasn't eventuated. In the meantime, I can be contacted at [e-mail]. For those who haven't heard, another long-time Cobber, Maity Swallow also died last year. We played together on a benefit concert just before he died and there was talk about maybe getting together occasionally but as we are now spread all over the state, it's pretty hard to catch up. Thank you to all those who remember the Cobbers with such fond memories. These days it's hard to find anyone who even remembers the band, after all, Bushland Dreaming will be thirty years old next year. Makes you think doesn't it?

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Tony Romeo
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 12:08 AM

Gday John, Bob et al,

          Waddayaknow!!....Modern Technology DOES have its uses!! I came across this site while indeed "looking for the Cobbers". I've just started transferring some much loved vinyl albums to digital format and wondered what the band had been doing in more recent times. Hence the 'surfing'

I count myself one of the lucky ones in Sydney to have been to a live concert, since you stated you didn't make it all that often.......if memory serves it was at the Rose, Shamrock and Thistle - I remember it wasn't a big crowd and it was great to actually get a chance to chat to the band members in a very relaxed atmosphere. A real buzz for someone just getting into the bush music scene at that stage.

Most of the people in the audience were musos from Sydney-based bush bands - I remember someone joking that if a bomb went off in the place it would wipe out about 90% of the local bush bands!!

Sad to hear about the passing of Ron Howard......he often comes to mind when I pick up my Bindara acoustic bass. Guess it's a good thing to say that I'm STILL playing........maybe not any better but with, at least, a bigger repertoire!! :) The Cobbers were certainly responsible for some of the inspirations and aspirations - as Bob said, you set a high benchmark! Certainly one of the great bush bands.......!!

If there is a chance to get some of the digitised material I would be more than happy to cover the costs......Bob, maybe the Bush Music Club may want to get some copies for the retail stock we provide at the Bush Dances and other club functions??

all the best,

Tony

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Friday Folkie
Date: 30 Aug 08 - 09:30 AM

Great to hear about the Cobbers again after all these years.
I used to go home from Dan O'Connell's pub every Wed night with sore legs from dancing and with a bit of an Irish lilt to my voice (it's very contagious), and by the next week I'd have recovered... just to go back and do it all over again. A great band, just couldn't help dancing all night.
I still have my vinyl LPs, including From Celts to Cobbers, Cobbers and All For Me Grog. I intend to learn how to transfer all my vinyl to CD, but my good turntable has died, and I need to replace it.
I also have a broomstick, collection of beer bottle tops, etc, ready to make a lagerphone... Maybe I'll get around to it all one day. I do play guitar for fun with a group of friends each Friday, and the Catalpa is one of our repertoire. I found this thread while looking for the words for Black velvet Band, Cobbers-style. I'll have to dig out an old turntable and have another listen to those LPs.
Best wishes to Christy and the other group members, and thanks for all those fabulous performances all those years ago (P.S. Hint: Maldon Folk Festival is coming up...)

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Gra
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 06:37 PM

I am trying to get a CD of the Cobbers, can anyone help??

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Christy's Cooney's wife Linda
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 09:21 AM

Christy Cooney is the Irish vocalist who shared the stage with John Armstrong at the Texas State Fair with the Cobbers
Christy is still playing Irish and Australian traditional music and loving it. He lives in Apollo Bay now and has played the NATIONAL, aPOLLO bAy and Port Fairy Folk Festivals this year.

He would be pleased to hear from all who enjoy the Cobbers music.   He is playing on the Footy Show as I write.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 06 Jul 08 - 10:35 PM

G'day GUEST, Gerry,

Have a look at John's posting - up at

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,cobber - PM
Date: 06 Nov 01 - 06:25 AM.

At that long-past date, he had a CD-R of Bushland Dreaming and was prepared to run off a copy. Perhaps, in these technologically advanced technological days, he can run off (or have run off) multiple copies and sell them to a greying fan club!

Reagards,

Bob

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 06 Jul 08 - 02:58 PM

I bought the LP "From Celts to Cobbers" in London in '78 and have loved them since. I finally got to see The Cobbers in Melbourne in 1985, twice. It was my misfortune to be there just after Australia whipped the U.S. for America's Cup, but at least they sang "The Catalpa" for me at a bush dance. John Armstrong's rendering of "No Man's Land" is by far the best version (and most are good) of that song. I think I have most of their stuff on LP and tape (and one CD) but I'd love to get their stuff on CD if possible.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,vk3jia anthony
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:22 AM

The Cobbers Bush band disbanded a few years ago following the passing of "Big Ron" The base player. I went to their last ever concert. I am still in telephone contact with John. I interviewed him on my community radio show some 5 years ago. I have all their records. Christie Coonie lives about 5 mints from here. email me if you want to know more. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Alison
Date: 06 Apr 08 - 07:27 AM

Hi to all 'Cobbers' fans. I also remember dancing and enjoying the music of this great bush band at Dan O'Connells pub as well as other venues in the Melbourne area. I use to enjoy this with my friends at the time, Linda and Romaine, etc. Somewhere i have some great photos of us with the band.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Rowan
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 05:33 PM

Christy Coonie was at the National and in fine form, but I didn't ask about his back catalogue and can't remember where he's living.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Lyne
Date: 25 Mar 08 - 11:02 PM

Ashley, you should try second hand record stores. I'm in Melbourne and there are some great ones down here, but I imagine there would be in Sydney too.

I was just surfing around and reminiscing about nights at The Dan O'Connell, dancing like crazy with my friend Sue Beaton to our favourite band, The Cobbers. I'm really happy to see you here John and to hear that you are still playing. Sorry to hear about Big Ron. That's sad news, but not as much of a shock as when Blossom was killed though.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Ashley in Sydney
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 04:13 AM

Can anyone tell me where I can buy a copy of the Cobbers. My Dad loves them but lost his record years ago. I want to suprise him forchristmas. Can anyone help!!!! THANKS!
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 06:12 AM

Johhny's is currently a part of The John Broomhall Trio with John, & Dave de Santi

Terry, you could try contacting the Illawarra Folk Club for more info on the missing Bulli Bush Band members

sandra

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 03:05 AM

G'day Terry,

I'm not from down the Illawarra Region (Bulli is/was coal mining town down that way - and the Illawarra Folk Festival is one of the really nice 'smallish' folk festivals) - and I can't think of current links for Bert, Bob & Wayne ... but Vince Brophy has a fairly successful solo career doning a mixture of Irish and Australian material (78 'hits' on Google).

Johnny Spillane remains present and active around the Illawarra area - great whistle player / handy piper. Found in all sorts of 'floating' arrangements with members of Wongawilli Bush Band, Chloë & Jason Roweth (formerly Us not Them) and quite a few other groups.

1984 would be around the time Bruce Cawthorne was down south, working with Cobbbers (... ?).

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Terry Cole
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 01:33 AM

I have today come into possession of a 12" vynyl recording from August 1984 of the Bulli Bush Band.
The artists were Bert McKnight, Bob Lind, Wayne Lawton, Vince Brophy and Johnny Spillane.
I would be interested in hearing if any of these guys are still around.
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Rowan
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 04:11 PM

Muttley, that'd probably have been Christy Cooney. When the Colonial Dancers started (the Melbourne ones, that is) the Cobbers were always good for the dancing.

Great times.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Muttley
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 04:10 AM

I recall seeing The Cobbers at a function (from memory, in a school hall) once many years ago. Hadn't been a real 'bush / folk music fan prior but absolutely got blown away by the enthusiasm, energy and moreover the lyrics and melodies they sang.

Cannot recall the name of the singer (probably GUEST: Cobber) but I recall several songs he sang with a brilliant Irish-like lilt melded into the really bushie Aussie accent.

After moving back to the country some years after I revisited the experience through a friend and fellow teachers' Bush Band and have been a loyal "follower" since.

Great to hear that the Cobbers boys are still alive and doing their thing - though individually; Thanks for a great recollection and a chance to thank one of you for such a brilliant introduction to Aussie bush/folk sung with such pride and passion.

Muttley

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,Margaret
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 01:08 PM

It's very nice to come across this thread, though I found Denice's note more than a bit disorienting since at first I thought it was something I'd written myself and forgotten - I was at the same concert as she and was barely in time to buy the last vinyl copy of BD!

BD is one of my fave albums without a doubt. And it was sped up?? Subtly done, at least.

Reading of Big Ron's death was saddening, though - I'd hoped the Cobbers were still together. It truly *was* a great band, John. I've heard others from Oz, and the Cobbers were (imo) well out in front.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,gaelicsinger
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 08:13 PM

go raibh mile maith agat, a Séan! (Thanks a million, John) for your reply. It was a joy to read your e-mail; although, my condolences and regrets on the passing of "Big Ron".

I think it was "Bushland Dreaming" that had my memory pegged. I'd like to collect any and all of the Cobbers' releases, if possible... of course, with correct remuneration.

I look forward to future news & travels.

I hope all is well. Denice

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 06:56 AM

G'day John,

Nice story on cobber ... doesn't stand the scrutiny of the historical record ... but a nice story, nonetheless! (See above 07 - Oct - 00, for the most probable, from the linguistic record.)

I haven't seen Bruce at Illawarra festivals in recent years ... I will ask some of the locals if they know where he is these days. I first met him when I came back to Sydney in 1970, after a spell in Tasmania and the Snowy - and he was playing with the Bush Music Club Concert Party. I also photographed his wedding, around 1973/4.

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,cobber
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 05:55 AM

I knew I remembeed the name but I couldn't pick the venue. Those were good days. We never got to Sydney much, which was probably not good for record sales, let alone keeping up with people. It was actually cheaper to go to the US, or at least, more profitable and that took a major slice of the year so that when we came back, our families tried to keep us closer to home. I saw a photo of the Bulli band, way back and it looked a perfect band for Bruce. If tou see him say hello. There was a lot of talk about the word "cobber". Needless to say, we were always interested in that. The most likely explanation we found, though I can't remember the source now, was that the word dated back to the Cobb and Co coaches and the people who took the cheap seats up on the roof were known as Cobbers. I guess you had to get along with people up there as it would have been a fairly arduous way to travel. The word then went on to encompass anyone travelling together and as most of the swagmen (itinerant workers for anyone who doesn't know the word) travelled with a mate, the two words became interchangeable.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 06 Nov 01 - 08:49 AM

G'day John,

Great to hear of The Cobbers once again. I liked a lot of what you did and always felt that you walked the line between a "traditional" and a "pop" style with more balance than, say The Bushwackers. I loved the instrumental style – particularly on Bushland Dreaming and thought this effectively extended the range of what a "bush band" should be expected to do.

I helped organise the venue when you used the Glebe Town Hall for a Sydney record launch ... back in the '80s. The Bush Music Club was using the Town Hall for its regular bush dance, up to 1984 ( when we moved to the Glebe High School), so this must have been 1983 or earlier.

Bruce Cawthorne was Sydney based in the '70s and early '80s, but he moved south (relative to Sydney, anyway) down the Illawarra, where he played with The Bulli Bush Band for some time. I haven't seen him for a few years now (I bought an old concertina from him at the Illawarra Folk festival, Jamberoo, some years back).

BTW: I'm not too sure Corryong rates as "the high country" ... down there at Murray River level ... but that's from the viewpoint of working on the Snowy Hydro Scheme ... Corryong was when you got down to the bottom of the real mountains. I have a photograph, tucked away somewhere, of me looking at Jack O'Reilly's grave ... in 1966.

I was interested to hear that the recording was sped up on Bushland Dreaming. I guess that, not knowing just what it had really sounded like, we were not to notice ... but it clearly irked you all these years. I will need to take note for when (if ever) I get around to committing my old vinyl to CD ... Is it consistent throughout the double album – and what percentage does it need to be corrected by? So far, I have been concentrating on getting my unique tape archive material digitised and organised on CDs, while I have lent my good separate turntable to a friend that is concentrating on the vinyl. I figure we can share results and avoid doubling up on effort that way.

I would be interested to see the Cobbers history material you have – and tuck a copy away in the Bush Music Club archives. If you have it on MS Publisher, I have this app and can read it. I will send an e-mail to your address and discuss it.

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: GUEST,cobber
Date: 06 Nov 01 - 06:25 AM

I've been off the air for some time and missed this thread so for those who were interested before, I'd better introduce myself.My name is John Armstrong and I've been posting to mudcat on various things for a while now under the name cobber. With "Big Ron" Howard, our bass player for many years, and a couple of others, I started the band, Cobbers towards the end of 1967, although it was not called Cobbers then and we played our first paid (yes, real money rather than just beer)on the 15th Feb 1968. The band finished up in April 1998 at a festival in Corryong in tyhe High Country where the Man From Snowy River, Jack O'Reilly, came from.We got together again six months later for a reunion concert when "Big Ron" died suddenly.The concert was a benefit for his family and was a great night. We actually filmed the night but I've been so busy lately that we haven't even begun to edit the tapes. I still play with Chris, my brother, who was the guitarist in the band and Maity, our old accordionist, who works with his own band as well. He also teams up with Christy Cooney who was the Irish banjo player with us for many years. We had a web site up for a while which had a long history of the band but it's not there at present. I have it on a publisher file and could send it to anyone who was really interested.You can reach me at [e-mail] and I'll work out how to send it. For Denice, who saw us at the fair, if you read this, the album you got there has just been digitised. I'm pretty sure it would have been the "Bushland Dreaming" concert album. A friend in Louisiana digitised it recently and sent me a copy. It has allowed me to right a twenty-odd year old gripe. When we made that album it was too long to fit the double album, so rather than take off a song, the cutting engineers sped the whole thing us. I've always hated it but now, courtesy of modern technology, I have been able to bring it back to concert pitch. Get in touch with me, Denise and I'll happily burn you a copy. Meantime it's great to hear about Bruce Cawthorne again. I haven't heard from him for years. He was great fun in the band as well as adding some terrific small squeezebox work. The children's album that Bruce played on is still available from Kindergarten suppliers here in Melbourne. It may outlive all the other albums. Anyway, thanks to everyone who posted to this thread. A new generation has passed through and not many people I meet remember the Cobbers. I still believe it was a great band, but then, I would, wouldn't I.

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 07 Oct 00 - 05:23 AM

G'day again Rich,

Looks like the corn feed is the best better.

that's all right cobber (Australian dialect = Mate, friend, companion. The Oxford Concise Australian Dictionary surmises probably from Britiish dialect cob, take a liking to).

Unfortunately, no one has come up with info on the Bush Band The Cobbers. I knew some one briefly in the line up (Bruce Cawthorne, accordionist) and helped run a publicity function for their new record of circa 1985 (Tales of Australian Pioneer Women?) but have no current contact as they were based in Melbourne, 800/900 km to the south.

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: raredance
Date: 06 Oct 00 - 08:59 PM

Well Bob, I've never actually asked anyone how the "Cobbers" got their name. These few thing I do know.

1. The high school team in the same town (Moorhead, MN) is called the "Spuds"

2. There is a big corn feed every year on the concordia College campus.

3. I have never seen representations of: a)male swans; b)stocky horses; c)African migratory antelope.

Infer what you must, I imply nothing.

rich r

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 05 Oct 00 - 11:00 PM

G'day rich,

OK - So its a Minnesota college sports page ... and they have got a soccer player called Kevin Roos ... but what the dickens does cobber mean in your local dialect ... cobber?

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: raredance
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 11:25 PM

More than you wanted to know about the "Cobbers" here ;-)

http://www.cord.edu/dept/sports/index.html

rich r

Subject: RE: Help: Looking for the Cobbers
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 10:55 PM

G'day Arbidee,

I have not hear anything new from them for many years. A friend did play with them for a while in the early '80s.

try this site: Australian Folk Songs

This should have links back to other Mark Gregory sites that should help.

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: Looking for the Cobbers
From:
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 01:25 PM

In 1980 at the Texas State Fair in Dallas, I enjoyed a wonderful folk band from Australia by the name of "The Cobbers." My roomie and I went in together on a tape, but when she moved, she got the tape. I've been wondering all these years and I'm searching the web as well for news of the group. Are they still together? Are any of their recordings still available? If so, how to contact?

Anybody with any ideas? I'd be really grateful. Denice