Anyone know of Tom Yates

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Phil Banks
Date: 01 Aug 22 - 07:58 AM

I've had some inspiration and the above songs are probably about:
Nearly Saint Marie - about Buffy St Marie's throat infection and subsequent codiene addiction in 1964.
Sandpiper - the song of the sandpipers - a large family of wading birds, including curlews and snipes.
Second city spiritual - Tom's impressions of London and all its bizarre and colourful characters (manic preachers in St James's park, homeless down and outs in Soho, possibly wealthy arabs secretly buying alcohol) as contemplated from inside the peaceful environment of a cathedral / church.
I would love to have the lyrics of "the river belongs to me" if anyone has them.
Thanks.
Phil

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 10 May 22 - 05:38 PM

I was recently given a CD of Second City Spiritual by a friend who attends Prestwich Folk Club. It was given to him after a fund raising event for Ukraine.
I had never heard of Tom before, but as a big Al Stewart fan I was imprressed by Tom's great songwriting and powerful voice. A lucky discovery.
I'm trying to work out what some of the songs are about eg, Nearly saint Marie, sandpiper, and the last verse of Second City Spiritual. Any suggestions?

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Ian Fairclough
Date: 20 Mar 17 - 02:55 PM

Why haven't I come across this site before?
Playing "Second City Spiritual" for the second time (as I usually do when it comes out of the rack) and thought I'd look for contacts I made years ago when searching for info about Tom: a music journalist 'retired' to Australia, a professor of post (or was it pre) Roman history from New York and a director of a bio-tech firm in Cambridge, UK who sent me a better copy CD than the one I'd sent him.
I first came across Thomas Yates in 1973 when I was 17 and was given a reel-to-reel tape recorder by a brother in law (Japanese, 9 inch, auto reverse not cheap here at the time) and set about filling as many tapes as I could. My other brother in law had some folksy stuff, Pentangle, Fairport, Fotheringay, good stuff but Second City Spiritual ! Different league.
Off to buy the CDs of other recordings I didn't know Tom made.
Ian F

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Sep 14 - 03:11 PM

His CD SECOND CITY SPIRITUAL - has been re issued by
Michael Billington on Epona Records.
www.eponarecords.com

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Victoria B. Berringer
Date: 23 Sep 14 - 03:08 PM

His CD - SECOND CITY SPITITUAL - has been re issued by Epona records. www.emponarecords.com   
Contact Michael Billington of Epona Records

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: maeve
Date: 10 Aug 14 - 07:26 AM

Welcome to Mudcat Cafe, Guest. Thanks for your post- I always enjoy learning how one person's music can impact others.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Aug 14 - 03:24 AM

I am amazed to find so many people writing about Tom Yates, as a young teenager 40 something years ago I was introduced to second city spiritual by "big sister" and through all the years of internet I tried to find something about Tom, but never did and now it seems his records are as available as anyone elses. He was the first person to make me realize that words can be Beautiful if written in the right order.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Andy McColl
Date: 30 Jul 14 - 04:37 PM

Many thanks Kitty for the lyrics

I seem to remember a slightly different first verse, which may have been:

There was a lord (or King) in the west country (scans better)
and he had daughters, one, two and three.

Having just bought 'Song of the Shimmering Way', I was surprised and delighted to discover that Tommy set the title song to the tune of 'Lay the Bent'

Also so great to hear again 'Sunset on Fair Isle' after a hiatus of what must be a mere 44 years. That was another song I remember him singing now, but had completely forgotten about.

It has been a very emotional couple of days! And I still have the other three CDs to come. Although I do have his first two LPs on vinyl, I don't have a turntable set up and haven't played them for decades.

Some time in the very early 70s I attended a songwriting workshop that Tommy ran. It was a residential weekend in some kind of religious establishment somewhere east of London.

Many thanks to all who have contributed to this thread, enabling many important questions to be answered at last.

Andy

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 29 Jul 14 - 05:50 PM

Brian Peters' version:

There was a lady in the west
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
She had three daughters of the best
Fa la la la la la la la la la

A strange young knight came to the gate
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
He knocked loud, and he knocked late
Fa la la la la la la la la la

The eldest sister, she let him in
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
And pinned the door with a silver pin
Fa la la la la la la la la la

The second sister, she made his bed
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
Laid soft pillows under his head
Fa la la la la la la la la la

The youngest sister was bold and bright
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
She went to bed to the strange young knight
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"Young woman, since you've lain with me,"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"I'll ask you questions three times three;"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"Answer me these questions nine,"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"Or else you surely shall be mine."
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"What is higher than the tree?"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"What is deeper than the sea?"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"What is sharper than the thorn?"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"And what is louder than the horn?"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"What is whiter than the milk?"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"What is softer than the silk?"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"What is greener than the grass?"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"And what is worse than woman e'er was?"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"What is rounder than a ring?"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"Now to me your answers bring!"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"Heaven's higher than the tree,"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"Hell is deeper than the sea,"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"Hunger's sharper than the thorn,"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"Thunder's louder than the horn,"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"Snow is whiter than the milk,"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"Love is softer than the silk,"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"Poison's greener than the grass,"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"The devil is worse than woman was,"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"The world is rounder than a ring,"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"And thus to you my answers bring."
Fa la la la la la la la la la

"Now I have answered your questions nine,"
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
"So I never shall be thine!"
Fa la la la la la la la la la

He clapped his wings and aloud did cry
Lay the bent to the bonny broom
In a blazing fire away did fly
Fa la la la la la la la la la


Previous Mudcat discussion of the meaning here


Kitty

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Andy Mccoll
Date: 29 Jul 14 - 05:00 PM

Does anyone know the exact lyrics to the song 'Lay the Bent to the Bonny Broom' that Tommy used to sing so beautifully in the early 70's?

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 18 May 14 - 09:33 AM

Have I got my aged wires crossed, or did Davy Morgan write "Sunshine Superman", with which that Poseur manqué had a No 1. chart success ?

I could, of course, be chasing moonbeams (it wouldn't be the first time . . . ).

I last saw Tom in 1977 at a Steeleye Span concert, the Davenport Theatre.

Beth Mounsey - if, as I think, your parents are Louis and Lynne, I'd love to catch up - [e-mail].

Shalom, Bryn

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Beth mounsey
Date: 10 May 14 - 01:31 PM

I knew Tommy when I was a child. It's so wonderful to know that his music is still talked about. He was a friend of my mum and dad's, through Ian Jentle and the Manchester folk scene. I think Tommy's CD's are also available through epona records. I have song of the shimmering way on vinyl and dust it off now and again.

Here's to Tommy xx

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: Vin2
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 06:07 AM

Nice to 'Bide Awhile' and read these posts :-)

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Pauline Kelly
Date: 05 Jan 14 - 07:07 PM

Yes I remember Tom Yates!!!   Very fond memories of his early days, even before he moved to Disley!! In fact my elder sister was in the same class as Tom at St Patrick's school in Rochdale. However I didn't come across him till early 60's when I got into folk music & discovered what a greatsinger & a lovely guy he was. I remember well going to see him perform at the Rochdale College, the Ring o' Bells in Middleton &, many, many times at the Shakespeare in Manchester I have original vinyl copies of "Song of the Shimmering Way", "Love Comes Well Armed", Second City Spiritual", & an original vinyl single of "Rattle of A Toy" b/w/ "Long Time Gone" All still in original sleeves, the single sleeve signed by Tom If you would like copies of any of them I will do my best to put themonto discfor you, but it may take me a little while as I'm not very technically orientated, so may have to ask my Grandson to do it for me It was lovely reading through the replies to your thread, seeing how manypeople still remember & appreciate Tom's music. I also remember Davy Morgan (but not to the same extent) & somewhere in the depths I have a signed photo of Davy too   Well I hope you receive this email ok & will look forward to your reply Wishing you all the best x

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Simon Moulds
Date: 25 Sep 13 - 01:15 PM

I knew Tom from when I first met him in Disley in 1974/5 until I last saw him in either the late 80s or early 90s. Like a few people say above, he was a fine person, kind and generous, and sometimes argumentative in an intersting and discussive way. He would sometimes put me up on his settee after sessions in the White Horse (when I was in an unsuitabe state to ride home) and he'd visit my place in Chorlton-cum-Hardy. I last saw him in Stockport when we repaired to a pub for a long natter and he told me he was about to leave for Belgium.

I tried searching on the net about ten years ago but couldn't find anything about what happened to him, so it's a sad thing to find these posts here today but good to see he's well remembered. And a new record? Fabulous. I'll be calling in at King Bee next time I visit Chorlton.

By the way, the poster who used to go to Poynton Folk Club with Neil Hargreaves - I'm wondering who you might be? I was good friends with Neil, too (and Steve Ianson and Simon and Malcolm Lowe, also friends of Tom). Neil's another person I lost touch with long ago. If he's still around, I'd appreciate any news of him (or Steve or Simon too).

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 05:50 AM

Thanks Maeve.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: maeve
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 06:31 AM

That link is bad- sorry, I should have fixed it before posting.

Try this one. It works.
http://www.eponarecords.com

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: maeve
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 06:28 AM

Clickable link to the new releases:
www.eponarecords.com Mike Billington.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 13 - 06:25 AM

Good to see the interest in Tom's music above. I released a CD of 12 of Tom's unreleased songs on the album "Love is Losing ground" last November after Tom's widow had sent me the material from Antwerp.
I take delivery next week of the CD version of his 1973 LP "Love Comes Well Armed" which will be available from 1st March on the Epona label. This is being released under license from Henry Hadaway of HHO. Henry has also allowed me the license to release "Song of the Shimmering Way" and I envisage an Autumn/Winter release for this CD.
If you wish to buy copies of these CDs please see the Epona shop at www.eponarecords.com
Mike Billington.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 12 Feb 13 - 06:15 PM

This my third attempt to post a thread on this blog forum thing. I first met Tom in the early 70's when I went to Disley folk club with Neil Hargreaves he lived down the road fron Tom on Leafield road. Many a night we would go back to Toms after the gig stating up listening to his philosophy. He was a hype intelligent beautiful singer and talker. He deliberately irritated people to get them to listen and elucidate some kind of thought provoked reaction, he knew what he was doing. His music and ideas have forever inspired me. I remember one of his lines which has always haunted me Ina positive way, along the lines of " but what will happen when the wealth I have to offer meets the well constructed mind" Anyway I've been searching for references to his albums for ages, I remember going through the last two with him . I can still get in touch with his first wife Cindy if required. I shall definitely check out these CDs

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 05 Feb 13 - 01:39 PM

Just a tad of thread drift, is that Bob Jones who was a history teacherat De La Salle College. If so he is one of the few decent teachers there and nutured my love of history.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Mike Billington
Date: 05 Feb 13 - 12:19 PM

Tom's 1973 LP "Love Comes Well Armed" is to be released under license from Henry Hadaway's company HHO. The release date is 1st March 2013. Available from www.eponarecords.com
"Song of the Shimmering Way" will follow later this year.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Bob Jones
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 04:37 PM

Great that the new recordings are coming out and that there's so much interest in the musicians from then, Mary Asquith likewise. I remember Davy Morgan well, he encouraged me , taught me some things, clawhammer and hammering and got me and a school mate, Tony Jagus to play at St Pat's Youth Club in Oldham, 1962 ish.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Nov 12 - 11:35 AM

Re the above posts I can now tell you all thet Tom's fourth album "Love is Losing ground", a selection of twelve unreleased songs, has now been released on Epona Records and can be ordered on line from www.eponarecords.com.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Aug 12 - 06:28 PM

I am pleased to tell you that a new album of unpublished songs by Tom Yates is about to be released on Epona Records. www.eponarecords.com The songs have been digitally restored and remastered by John Constantine and the album, "Love is Losing Ground" is set for release on 17th September. Furthermore, talks are ongoing to re-release under license "Love Comes Well Armed" and "Song of the Shimmering Way".

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Peter Hardie
Date: 30 Aug 12 - 10:41 AM

Re 'This River belongs to me', one of his best loved songs, the chorus goes:
You can keep all your big ships and your little packets too
Your blue jacket captains and their international crew,
For this river belongs to me,
Yes, this river belongs to me.

The tune, as Mike Caine says, was subsequently used on Second City Spiritual on Nearly St Marie, which paled in comparison with the original song.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,James Bragg
Date: 30 Aug 12 - 12:54 AM

Makes me feel very sad to read all this.
On the one hand it's great to find the thread, and to realise that there are people that remember him - but somehow, I expected to find more!
I discovered Tom Yates back in 1990, through the Second City Spiritual album. I was a young singer/songwriter of 17 at the time. I remember learning Second City Spiritual, Central Station (I'm with the above poster Bryn Pugh on this one, gorgeous song) & Some Early Morning (not sure if the titles are correct).
To discover on this page that he must've been 23 when he made the album is astonishing. I'm guessing he must've been playing at Les Cousins at the time he made the album (second city spiritual) right in that melting pot of creativity - but that takes away, not at all from what he achieved.
By my early 20's, I was performing my own stuff, & these songs were no longer visited. It's funny how stuff pops into your head.
Lying in bed tonight, I found myself thinking of the lyrics to Second City Spiritual - I guess they still have relevance for me.
I reckon I can still remember them!
I'll write them out when i get a moment.
An astute observation of the Dylan phenomenon I'd say!
Dylan called Phil Ochs a journalist, I wonder what he'd have said about Tom Yates?
I'd like to think that Bob would've called him a poet!

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Dave Gower
Date: 21 Aug 12 - 02:10 PM

https://www.facebook.com/tomyates44?ref=stream

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Aug 12 - 04:32 AM

Trish, Sonja has forwarded me your message. Good to make contact. I am in touch with HHO and will be re-releasing "Love Comes Well Armed" and "Song of the Shimmering Way" under license on my EPONA label. But nore exciting, John Constantine has digitally restored and mastered a selection of Tom's unreleased songs (actually some are on the cassettes he made to sell omn gigs in Belgium) to be released on a new CD very soon. The album will be titled "Love is Losing Ground". The songs are excellent and John has done a superb job in getting then to such a good quality bearing in mind the age of the recordings and the fact that they were on cassette originally. Many thanks to Sonja for her help and blessings for this project. Another album "Sursam Corda" will follow next year and will include Tom's songs with a Christian message. For those interested in ordering these albums when they are available please follow the facebook page below.

https://www.facebook.com/tomyates44

Mike Billington.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 01:37 PM

Tom was one of the nicest guys I ever met. We spent many an afternoon looking after my children while he got from under Cindys feet and my partner was off doing his thing, late 70's - we talked for hours and played a bit of guitar and sang some,went to a couple of festivals etc, music nights out altogether - such happy days.... my life was improved simply by knowing him, he was full of wisdom. We lost touch when I moved away but we initially met when a few people were trying to set up a folk club in Stockport.... I still think of him often.

Trish x

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Walter
Date: 05 Jun 12 - 07:18 PM

As a tribute and commemoration a facebook-page has been set up 3 months ago. Find news, pictures, friends an sympathisers on http://www.facebook.com/tomyates44?ref=ts .

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 02 May 12 - 06:27 PM

Kevin Gateshead

About 15 years ago I bought Second City Spititual in a Charity shop lovely copy for a pound Great album long gone sadly I have a promo copy of Bye Bye Bohemia Charity shop again no recordplayer now though
2/5/2012

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Apr 12 - 02:56 PM

Thanks Mark for taking the time to respond.
All the best, Mike Caine.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,pete in marazion
Date: 04 Apr 12 - 02:05 PM

Thanks for all the info - I had a promo single on Pye label (I think) of Tommy Yates - Long Time Gone... can't remember the B side but I still have the tune recorded on mini disc somewhere. I could never find out anything about the guy tho' - Long Time Gone is a great song - I learned it and played it out a few times years ago. I'm assuming it's on one of the LP's mentioned ?

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Apr 12 - 12:42 PM

Hi Mike,
Sorry to say that the song you refer to is not featured on my recordings.Should you like a copy please email me.
[e-mail]
Regards

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 11:07 AM

I first heard Second City spiritual in 1967 and have tried to find it several times since.

I've found it as free mp3 downloads of all tracks on this Russian site - use Goggle translate (if necessary) and then just click through to download the tracks:

http://musicmp3spb.org/album/second_city_spiritual.html

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Feb 12 - 08:12 AM

Interesting to see this thread is still going. I knew Tom well, back in the 70s/80s. He booked my band REBEC for his club in Disley and I likewise booked him for the club I ran at The Briton's Protection in the centre of Manchester. I still have a photo that I took on the night.
His LPs are rare to come by and aren't available on CD but I am working on a way to obtain license to release, maybe on a label that I have started myself.
I'd like to track down Cindy and if anyone knows of a contact then I'd be grateful to hear.
Mike Billington.
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Mike Caine
Date: 15 Jan 12 - 02:58 PM

I knew Tommy from my time as organiser of Manchester College of Commerce Folk Club, 1966-69. He was booked a number of times, and then again at Leigh Folk Club, which I became secretary of in the early 70's.
He was truly a great singer and composer, and a good guy, not making anything of his disability. Me and my mate, also saw him at the Disley Club. We do ''Bide Awhile'' as a tribute to him. But, we've been racking our brains for years trying to remember the words to ''The River Belongs To Me,'' about his time working on Manchester Docks, ( a crane driver I believe).
I'm wondering if Mark A has this in the live recording he made in '75. We've got the tune, but Tom changed all the words and made it into a new song for Second City Spiritual, calling it 'Nearly St Marie', I think.
If Mark or anyone can help, we'll be grateful.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Dec 11 - 02:45 PM

Bob Rowley,
Tom died of Leukemie in the early morning of 10 october 1993 at 00,30 our.


Sonja Van Der Flaes
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,John Constantine
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 02:37 PM

I am happy to send copies of Toms albums to anyone who wants them.Contact me at (email) [e-mail] God Bless Tommy.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,John Constantine
Date: 03 Nov 11 - 01:55 PM

I stumbled across this site while listening to Tom's Love Comes Well Armed.I knew Tom during his residence in Disley,and we spent many a long night talking about celtic myth and philosophy.I was a young singer and song writer and Tom was always encouraging and gave me a gig at The White Horse.Ian Vesty has put all 3 LPs on CD.He borrowed the the vinyls from me.I miss Tom and wish he was still with us.It is good to know so many people remember this great guy and his extraordinary music.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,mark
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 11:42 AM

Dear J, Glad you like the cds.I am not as familiar with Duncan B work as Gary and yourself but I think that G is sending me some stuff so I am looking foward to a new musical discovery. Two other local singers who I would point you to, are Mary Asquith and George Borowski.Sadly Mary is no longer with us but her songs are frequently heard around Manchester clubs and her reputation continues to grow.George continues to produce music which both entertains and inspires. Look them up on the web, you will not be disappointed.
Regards Mark

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Jehanbosch
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 09:29 AM

Hi for the last time Mark
This is getting ridiculous.
Earlier this year we acquired 9 acetate discs of Duncan and Tom from 1969, some of unreleased songs. Details can be found on the Duncan Browne Tribute Forum:
http://insyncnet.com/dbforum
under Duncan Browne~unreleased songs.
The collaborations between Duncan and Tom are more extensive and took longer than published. In fact they started in 1967 and lasted till 1973 when Duncan left folkmusic. Their partnership produced some of Duncan's better work and Tom's best album, "Love Comes..".
Best, J.
PS. Do you have any CDs of Duncan Browne? J.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Jehanbosch
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 09:21 AM

Hi Mark
Like Hans Brinker I am trying again.
As you are probably aware I am piecing together a discography of Duncan Browne on RYM. The address is:
http://rateyourmusic.com/artist/duncan_browne
Most of the entries are mine.
There is a sadly incomplete discography of Tom Yates on Rym as well:
http://rateyourmusic.com/artist/tom_yates
J.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Jehanbosch
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 06:54 AM

Sorry Mark. This computer is impossible. Will resume tomorrow.J.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Jehanbosch
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 06:19 AM

Hi again Mark.
My antique work computer is acting up.
You are right; I came to be aware of Tom Yates through the Duncan Browne connection.
In 2005 I bought Duncan's double CD: "Journey: the Anthology 1967-1993". In its liner notes I first read about Tom Yates as there is mention of "Love Comes Well Armed"(1973) and "Resurrection Joe/Final Asylum"(1970), both collaborations of Tom and Duncan.
So I hunted for "Love Comes Well Armed" and it was most wonderful!
Then Gary, "Redsetter", found in an encyclopedia that Duncan was mentioned on Tom's 3rd Lp, "Song of the Shimmering Way". So I bought that as well.
Finally I received a download of "Second City Spiritual".
Sorry, my computer buckles again.
Will be back in a jiffy. J.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Jehanbosch
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 06:08 AM

Hi Mark
Just received the 2 CDs and thank you so much! It was great to hear Tom live, especially my favourite: "Bye bye Bohemia
Än e-mail will follow soon.
Thanks again & all the best. J.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,jehanbosch
Date: 06 Jul 11 - 09:26 AM

Hi Mark
Of course I would also love to get copies of Tom Yates playing live 1975 at City of M/C College.
As I live in the Netherlands we did better use e-mail instead.
Around 1970 our Tom and Duncan Browne operated very much as a team; that is one reason why I (and Gary) want to learn about Tom and his music as much as possible.
More details are really up to Gary; it is his work that is making this possible.
Best wishes, J.
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 02:34 PM

Dear Gary, If you can give me an addr or phone number I will gladly send you the recordings. Regards Mark
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: Redsetter
Date: 28 Jun 11 - 10:45 AM

Mark,
Please consider to send me a copy of Tom Yates playing live.
Glad to see there's some stimulating conversation of TY currently
Is there anyone who can send me a copy of TY's third LP
"Love Comes Well Armed"?
Gary

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Mark A
Date: 16 Jun 11 - 03:09 AM

Should anyone like copies of Tom playing live 1975 at City of M/C College, please let me have a phone number at [e-mail]
Together with the songs, the recordings also contain Tom explaining background etc.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 15 Jun 11 - 02:07 PM

I'd be very interested please Mark, Tom was a one off in the Manchester scene, great musician and singer and for me sadly missed.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,mark aherne
Date: 15 Jun 11 - 01:44 PM

Delighted to see so much enthusiasm for Tom, keeping his spirit alive.I have some live recordings from 1975 Manchester. Would be pleased to make copies.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 23 May 11 - 03:59 PM

Hi toms album love comes well armed is a superb album with more wit tender animated stroytelling than many an A listers album's, it ranks high among the greats as far as im concerned as it tok me as a teenager all over the world, rooster o grady was full of grizzley adams humour and stroy telling folklore, and bye bye bohemia is possibly equal to any syd barratt roy harper tune, my god why was this album never ranked amongst the greats i dont know, but as for epic's listen to "love comes well armed "track, this is a spiritual journey into the soul of purity and the essence of love this track is the foundation block all should build from, i know the album has gone £60 in collectors status and its well worth it, but should be released on cd this would,im sure gove tom the recognition he deserves. sleep well brother in christ and fellow lover of eden as we know it.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,dai tysall
Date: 01 May 11 - 03:20 PM

I got to know Tom through the New Mills connection.(Ian Gentle etc) I also had a Duncan Browne connection through the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, which i attended in the early 70's (also in three bands at the time)Tommy was very astute with the issue of bullshit,at a time when bullshit prevailed, and was personally very kind and encouraging to me . Lovely man. Dai Tysall

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Redsetter
Date: 27 Apr 11 - 05:23 PM

I am a friend of Jehanbosch.
Also in search of Tom Yates information
RAGGYTASH, would you contact me offline at:
[e-mail]
to discuss Tom's career further?

Along with Jehanbosch, I am still trying to put the pieces together
as to the connection between Tom Yates and Duncan Browne. The two writers shared many songwriting credits together...but it seems rather distant as to how the two gents originally connected.
Any one who has info, please feel free to contact me further!

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Cumbrian Folk Bob
Date: 19 Mar 11 - 01:01 PM

I remember Tommy well - late 60's Stockport, Manchester, Ashton-u-Lyne , New Mills etc, along with Ian Gentle and Tony Davis, Mary Asquith, and certainly Stan Gee and his Slipper Alley Sidewalk Stompers All Star Show Band and many others. It was a magical time for the folk scene, and Tommy was a deservingly well-loved member of the crew. Been doing Sandpiper at least once every few months for the last 23 years since I moved to Yorkshire, and every time I intoduce it by a brief description of Tommy, and then tell the audience that the song ,for me, makes the summer-holiday-sun shine no matter how dull or dark the day - so lots of people know about him, and at least one of his songs - his light may have dimmed - but it still flickers on in this part of the world. I suppose now I'll have to describe him as the 'late' Tommy Yates - but I believe that while ever his music lives - so does Tommy. Rest in peace - old friend.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Jeff
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 09:22 AM

Heartening to see a little recognition for Tommy Yates. I saw him only once, in the 60's at Les Cousins in London's Soho . . . wonderful performance and I bought his "Second City Spiritual" album soon after. Still treasure it . . . one of that decade's best, stacked with fine songs.
Only recently came across Tommy's "Song Of The Shimmering Way", courtesy of the Mysteryposter blog . . . and I've never heard "Love Comes Well Armed". Some day, maybe.
A decade or so ago, I posted a few comments/enquiries about Tommy online and received several replies over a period of time. For years I've subsequently been asked for info on the "Second City Spiritual" tracks. Simply amazing that nobody ever released it on CD.
A guy called Callum (I believe) wrote to tell me of Tommy's latter years in Holland and Belgium and told me of his sad passing. He also mentioned that Tommy's second wife had none of his recordings. Because of computer woes, I lost contact before I could send copies. If anyone's in touch with her, might be a nice gesture to send her some tracks.
Just wanted to add my two penn'orth of recognition for Tommy's great talent.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,jehanbosch
Date: 14 Jan 11 - 07:14 AM

Tom Yates made another album,"Love Comes Well Armed",released in 1973
that is even supposed to be his most popular one. The album appears on EBay and music sites fairly often. I possess a copy.
I knew about the Mysteryposter Blog because there is where I got the scans of "Second City Spiritual" LP's cover. However, "Love Comes Well Armed" is not on this blog.
The lyrics of "Here and Now" I posted on the Duncan Browne Tribute Forum but I have not got a reaction so far..
J.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jan 11 - 03:21 PM

Erratum? Bob Rowley says Tommy died arround 1996? That is possible,as Bob knew Tom far much better than I did although I saw hime pretty often after we've been playing; I got on a cassette here he died on the 10th of october 93, but this might be an error??? Anyways, it would be nice if Tom (and his work) had a dedicated website-page, it would be a pity if his work got lost... How about that?

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Edwig Claes
Date: 06 Jan 11 - 01:57 PM

By the way, his songs from the first albums can be downloaded on:
http://mysteryposter.blogspot.com/2010/02/thomas-yates.html

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Edwig Claes
Date: 06 Jan 11 - 01:50 PM

You mean probably Thomas alias Tom Yates, born in Rochdale GB 26 augustus 1944, he made about two recording-LP's : Second-City-spiritual2 1967 and Song-of-the-Shimmering/way2 1977. He came to Antwerp (belgium) in the eighties where he sang alot in the "Muziekdoos" where I used to play too. I worked on his splendid new recordings in Heist-op-den Berg, with John Swift (who died a month ago)as producer. I think he made his best work at that moment. The recordings never has been released... Later he worked on christian gospellike songs (recorded by Robin Rowley and Erwin Sampermans in Antwerp). He got cancer and he died in Antwerp in 1993 shortly after I met hime for the last time. As to those who wonder about his spirit : he was a tremendously kind guy, always smiling and had a wonderful charisma...

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: Raggytash
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 04:58 AM

I do not have a turntable anymore, if some nice person could copy a CD ......................

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Jehanbosch
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 10:51 AM

Unfortunately "Second City Spiritual" is almost impossible to find.
On EBay it made 90 pounds according to popsike!
On http://rateyourmusic.com to which I contribute no one seems to have the real thing, only downloads and CDr.
And of course it is Paul McCartney; typing error.
Cheers, J.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 07:21 AM

Tom Yates single on eBay - To be in a movie with you/Johnnie Mars the Knocker

2 available at £6.99 - also a copy of "Songs of the Shimmering Way":-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TOM-YATES-SONG-SHIMMERING-WAY-RARE-UK-FOLK-77-/190477000026?pt=Music_on_Vinyl&hash=item2c59505d5a

Ross

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: Raggytash
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 06:36 AM

Tom was one of my favourite artists of the time on the Manchester Folk scene of the 70's ( I left for Oxford in 1980)Gnomad let me have a copy of Songs of the Shimmering Way, if anyone has copies of Second City Spiritual and Love Comes well Armed I would dearly love to have copies, I've not heard either of them.

Cheers

Raggytash

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,jehanbosch
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 07:32 AM

Hi. I am making a discography of the late Duncan Browne, one of Tom's friends.
Tom Yates made 3 LPs:"Second City Spiritual"(1967),"Love Comes Well Armed"(1973) and "Song of the Shimmering Way"(1977).
David Morgan was another of Tom's and Duncan's friends and played on the first LP of Tom.
Tom and Duncan worked together on several projects, 2 of which are documented:
-1970: "Resurrection Joe/The Final Asylum", a single by Duncan Browne. While the Aside is composed by Duncan, Tom and David Morgan, the Bside is by Duncan & Tom. Neither side is truly folk, more pop in Paul McCarthy style. Both can be heard on 2 CDs of Duncan Browne.
-1973: "Love Comes Well Armed" by Tom. Two tracks are jointly made by Tom & Duncan; Duncan plays guitar on these tracks and 2 more, including "Bye bye Bohemia".
However, there is more: On "Song of the Shimmering Way"(1977)the first song, "(We're)Here and Now" is attributed to Duncan, David & Tom. It is a masterpiece of baroque pop and the original recording of 1967 by Duncan & David's group Lorel was deemed to be lost. However, it recently surfaced and is on 2 CDs by Duncan as well.
These dry data provide little human interest, I know. But a friend of mine has managed to contact a personal friend of Duncan, from circa 1970. He vividly remembers Duncan and Davy but not our Tom, yet! I am providing him with the description of Tom's physical appearance as found in the previous entries and just maybe I can treat you to some more info on Tom in the future...
By the way: the lyrics of "Here And Now" I -as jeandesylvan- have posted on the Duncan Browne Tribute Forum, http://insyncnet.com/dbforum
under Lorel. The lines are so Tom's!
Best, J

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Bob Rowley
Date: 13 May 10 - 02:48 PM

Tommy called me on the Friday, to say that if I wanted to come over to say "goodbye", I should do it now. I went straight over and he passed away late Sunday afternoon. Tommy died of bone Leukemia in Antwerp in Belgium about 13 years ago. It took him a year to die and I saw him a couple of times a week during that time. I both paid for and helped the stonemason to make his tombstone and I was one of the six men it took to lift that rough cut celtic cross and to place it on his grave. The grave is no longer there now. Flemish Belgians have seen a lot of this work in the last ninety years and so they only give a grave ten years or so to do it's job.
I would like to say to everyone that Tommy Yates did not just die, he faced the certainty of his own death with the greatest courage I have ever seen in a normal person. Tommy Yates was the bravest and also one of the funniest men I ever knew. He was also a very accurate, if sometimes wickedly comical judge of character, or the lack of it. I guess many people are still wondering about him?
For all of his friends in these pages, I can fill in some of the missing time detais about some of his movements. I first met Tom via Ian Jentle, another great folk singer of that time, two weeks before Tom got married to Cindy in London, around 1970. He invited me to the do and we got to be great frieds. Tom and Cindy moved back North to Disley a few years later when they got a nice council cottage in Bentside Road. Cindy probably still lives there? They had two children Elu and Christie. Tommy did the usual pub folk gigs and also guitar teaching to help pay the bills. He also made a couple of his albums during this period too. I was in the studio for one of them. By 1980 however, things had got on top of Tom so he decided to go on the road. He joined with a group of my friends and me and we all went out to Antwerp, where the busking was a plenty and the bars never close. I did a full seven years in that wild art and music scene before I met my now Belgian wife. Tom came to our wedding and sang a song along with all the other buskers. He was royal and well respected in that scene. By then, his first marriage to Cindy was over and Tommy had taken up with a fine Belgian girl called Sonia. He was this ugly little crippled bloke who looked and laughed like an elf, but he was always covered in beautiful women?
Anyway, he settled down a lot with Sonia and started to get into writing, politics and finally they both became devout Christians.
I used to see hime from time to time and we would go to each others gigs and sometimes drink together. Then, around 1996 he called me to say he had been diagnosed with bone marrow Lukemia. We all did what we could, but Tommy's condition continued to slowly deteriorate.
For a little fellow who could hardly walk, Tommy Yates went very far. He could not be ignored and I think that he left his mark on everyone who ever met him. He was my spiritual brother and I salute him. I still do two of his songs (Rumours & Life Ahead) when I play to a British audience. Contact me on [e-mail] if you want the words and the tunes. I did put them out on the web at one time, so if you Google my name on Myspace or YouTube, they might still be there floating around in the ether?   
-------------------------------------
I also didn't know that Mary Asquith had died. Mary looked after me when I was just starting out in the old Stockport folk scene around 1968. These days I always think of her when I sing "Cane On the Brassos". Mary taught me that song and she used to sound like my Bonneville motorbike sounds today, when she did it. Bless her memory too. Hey it's Ascension Day today, and I've been getting ghosts coming through all bloody day!

Subject: Lyr Add: JOHNNY MARS THE KNOCKER (Tom Yates)
From: gnomad
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 06:57 AM

I have the 1977 LP "Songs of the Shimmering Way" which includes the song "If I Had a Boat", I picked it out of a remainders bin in HMV Hull around 1980. Just ten songs, and an unknown (to me) artist, but a bloody good mystery buy, which I still play occasionally. I knew and liked Capstick's cover of If I Had a Boat (recorded 1978 I see) and I think that was one of my reasons for buying the TY disc.

I never saw him in the flesh, I would have liked to do so.

No time now for a big transcription job (I think I did it once for Raggytash, but I don't have the files any longer) so just time for a short one I particularly like.

JOHNNY MARS THE KNOCKER
© Tom Yates

Johnny Mars the Knocker, all his days a window-tapper,
Every working morning, in the hours before dawn,
"Eileen, arise Eileen, it's a frosty morning,
And the spinning room is spinning
And school awaits the childer."

Then off along the cobbles in his rickety-bandy walk,
Clip-clopping on his clog-runners, in his ratter's cap and cowl.
"Eileen, arise Eileen, it's a frosty morning,
And the spinning room is spinning
And school awaits the childer."

Sunrise was his hour, sunset was the time
To find him stagg'ring in the alley
With his Guinness in his hand;
Then speak of England, love of England,
Crying "Hearts of Englishmen!"
Then go dream of English women,
In solitude again.
But what Earthly use is anything?
Of what Earthly use is all this?
One slow fandango, Lancashire tango,
Give Johnny Mars a kiss.

Oh, there's coal lying in the mines,
And England's cold and wet,
But I wish there was an inch I could stand on
That I didn't have to fight to get.
"Eileen, arise Eileen, it's a frosty morning,
And the spinning room is spinning
And school awaits the childer."

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 06:27 AM

"If I had a boat like Manannan
Or the gifts? of the Da Dannan
I'd give the sword and spear to those who pray
The stone and cauldron to the poor."

The chorus went something like that. The rest I have somewhere in the pen & ink archives, ie not on the computer yet. I heard Tom Yates sing this at an after-hours campfire session at one of the Chorley Folk Festivals (another thread refers). I might have an LP somewhere too (I assume that's how I got the words). Never came across him again, though he seemed to be fairly well known around Manchester back then.

Manannan (Wikipedia)

Tuatha de Danann (Wikipedia) The article explains the sword, spear, stone and cauldron as "The Four Treasures of the De Danann".

Any more words, anybody?

Ross

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 06:18 AM

He turned up, penniless, at a benefit - I think during the first miners' strike - at an Islington pub and wanted to perform but the miserable old Stalinist taking the door money wouldn't let him in without paying. There was no "don't you know who I am?" and he even declined modestly my offer to intervene on his behalf. Jolly nice chap.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Working Radish
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 06:15 AM

Tony Capstick sang his "If I had a boat" and recorded it on Does a turn. He had an ear for a good song.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 05:42 AM

I was proud to be a friend of Tom's, as well as an appreciator of his music. I never knew him to have bad attitude or an ego problem - in fact, for a musician of his talent, he was to my knowledge a remarkably modest person.

"Central Station, Sunday Dawn" remains my favourite Tom Yates song.

Sleep in Peace, old Buddy.

Bryn

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 09:29 AM

Tommy Yates was quite well-known in London in the late 60s / early 70s when he was often at the Counsins. Maggie Holland recorded one of his songs, Bye Bye Bohemia on her CD Bones.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,cusco
Date: 29 Mar 10 - 08:55 AM

Sad to hear he's gone without much recognition. I remember seeing him at Stockport College Folk club upstairs at The Odfellows hall on Greek St and a few other places. The song I remember most is The Sandpiper. It was in the Repertoire of The Pennine Folk. I'll check if it's on one their two LP's. The first I would think.
Fantastic song. Can't remember too much of the rest of his act but at the formative time of many singers he was way in front of most of them.
I also remember a Carthy/Swarb concert at the college itself where the compere sang Sandpiper instead of one of his usual songs. We'd wondered how he was going to play it and it turned out to be the perfect choice. Can't remember his name but its always stood out in my memories.

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 07:00 PM

Tom Yates used to run a folk club in Disley, upstairs at the White Horse about 1974-5 for a few years. I used to go most weeks. One song I particularly remember was 'Johnny Mars The Knocker' about a knocker up man from Tom's youth in rochdale. I dont remember all the lyrics but some of them were "Johnny Mars the knocker, all his life a window tapper, every working morning in the hours before dawn. eileen, arise eileen it's a cold and frosty morning, the spinning room is spinning and school awaits the childer..." He recorded 2 or 3 LP's but I have not been able to track them down. He also ran a club at High Lane Conservative Club for a while after the White Horse club finished. Andy Waide

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 01:35 PM

I remember giving Tom lifts from a bus-stop in Disley several times. Better still is knowing Joe Beard is still around. The last I heard he'd joined the Conservative Party!
Ray (T)

Subject: RE: Anyone know of Tom Yates
From: GUEST,Joe Beard
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 07:30 AM

Thank you so much for the lyrics to "Bide A While" I can now put it in my set/section re.the South Manchester Folk scene memories.I knew Tom well..he had childhood polio as did my also deceased partner Trevor Crozier.
I can see Tom now in all his poses/attitudes/ his walk/ his gig-sat down pose - the grin and frailbody.
I`ll always remember him and will take great care to tell audiences about him.
This song is a classic of our area.
love peace and great memories...Tom Yates/Stan Gee/ Mary Asquith my dear departed mates
Joe Beard

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 25 Jul 01 - 01:19 PM

Hi WYSIWYG, Relatively new, can't get rid of the guest handle, email through to Mudcat but haven't had a response. I've seen your pseudonym on a few threads. What time is 12.56 anyway, or more to the point where is the clock set from! Cheers

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST, WYSIWYG
Date: 25 Jul 01 - 12:56 PM

Raggytash, are you new to Mudcat? Welcome! I hope you will join.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 24 Jul 01 - 01:49 PM

JohnB Sorry I cannot read or write music, but if you want I have it on vinyl by Bram Taylor who also played (and still does)he clubs round Manchester. I can tape it and send it acroos if you want. Cheers

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 24 Jul 01 - 01:44 PM

JohnB Sorry I cannot read or write music, but if you want I have it on vinyl by Bram Taylor who also played (and still does)he clubs round Manchester. I can tape it and send it acroos if you want. Cheers

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: JohnB
Date: 24 Jul 01 - 07:40 AM

Thanks for the offer R'tash, unfortunately for the last 24 years we have lived in Canada. I lived in Smithy Bridge Littleborough, near Hollingworth lake, for my last 6 years in England, did you ever go to the Folk Club at the Fisherman's ?. If I ever get back I will lok you up, the tune to the verse is not there any more. I almost joined Saddleworth Morris Men once, hope you had a good festival. JohnB

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 23 Jul 01 - 03:20 PM

What's that about not speaking ill of the dead, quite frankly Mike I'd rather you had kept your opinion to yourself. The Tom Yates I know/knew was not only a good performer and songwriter he was also a generous man. I took him home one saturday morning after a gig at my place and was asked to stop so he could get something for his wife and children with the proceeds of the night. So one of us is mistaken. Live well and lighten up

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,Mike Walters
Date: 23 Jul 01 - 01:38 PM

Yes I remember him,good voice and did a half decent version of Bob Dylan's "Idiot Wind".Had a gammy leg ,an attitude and a bad ego problem. Got to be a pain in the arse and then died.

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 23 Jul 01 - 01:29 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 06:53 PM

JohnB I will be at Saddleworth folk festival this weekend, stewarding at various venues. if you can find me I'll be more than glad to run through the tune with you. I'm quite easy to spot I've got a Raggytash!

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 12:43 PM

Thanks for the words Raggytash, I guess I'll have to stretch and see if I can remember the tune to the verse now. JohnB

Subject: Lyr Add: BIDE A WHILE (Tom Yates)
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 18 Jul 01 - 02:26 PM

Bide a while, great song. One which I still perform with great joy.


BIDE A WHILE
(Tom Yates)

1. The day's full end has rounded out
And ends the working light
And i would have all round about
The friendship of this night... To

CHORUS: Bide a while. Bide a while.
Sit you down by me
Bide a while, a while. Bide a while
In friendly company.

2. Abide with us an hour to pass
Before you think to part
Allow the landlord fill your glass
And friendship fill your heart... And [CHORUS]

3. Use up the time you have to spend
With kinsmen you well know
So pull aside a chair and lend
The time before you go... To [CHORUS]

4. Come one come all the parting toast
Is raised in fond refrain
No matter who should play the host
We'll bide a while again... So [CHORUS]


Hope you have much fun with it, I'm off to raise a pint for Tom, wish I'd learn the songs of Middle Earth he wrote, one's I've just snatches of like "if I had a boat like Manana, or the wings of the dadana" or that's what my dim memory tells me.

Tom must have returned from London cos he played the club I ran at The Red Lion Patricroft in 1980.

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 18 Jul 01 - 12:48 PM

Long ago and far away, I remember him, two songs in particular spring to mind. One was a Streets of Laredo thing about a "Young Dosser wrapped up in his doss bag" the other is a song he used to finish with which has often cropped up in my addled brain over the years. The song was called Bide A'while, the chorus went "bide awhile, bide a while, sit you down by meeee and bide a while, bide awhile in friendly company. If anyone knows the verses, I would appreciate them. The last I remember of him was that he went down to London in about 1967ish. JohnB

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,VIN
Date: 18 Jul 01 - 08:23 AM

YEAH I REMEMBER TOM APPEARING A FEW TIMES AT THE 'RING O BELLS' IN MIDDLETON. ALSO CAN'T REMEMBER MUCH OF HIS MATERIAL - SO LONG AGO. BUT REMEMBER HE WAS REALLY GOOD.

Subject: RE: BS: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 17 Jul 01 - 03:53 PM

Refresh

Subject: TOM YATES
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 16 Jul 01 - 02:50 PM

Does anyone know of Tom Yates who used to perform in clubs round Manchester (England) in the late 70's. He wrote some wonderful songs that old age makes me want to recall but can't. I remember one night he sang Bob Marleys No Woman no cry very gently and had even a hardened finger in the ear guy boppin' along. I would be grateful for any info or even better songs