Help: The Sick Note

Subject: RE: Help: The Sick Note
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 01 Feb 02 - 05:53 AM

Just to add a bit about Gerald Hoffnung. Besides his "Oxford Union" recording, he also produced some wonderful books of cartoons on musical subjects and one I remember on "The birds and the bees". He presented a concert at London's Royal Festival Hall which I was lucky enough to hear live (as a schoolboy I hasten to add). In it, he used his wonderful sense of humour to poke fun at classical music (which he loved). He even gave a talk on the Bass Tuba - which he played - complete with a delicate Mozart quartet all played on Tubas. There were several other "Hoffnung Festival Concerts" including a couple about 14 years ago - many years after his death. Although in most photographs he looks much older, he died tragically young aged only 34.
You can find more about Gerald Hoffnung HERE

Subject: RE: Help: The Sick Note
From: Wolfgang
Date: 01 Feb 02 - 05:42 AM

Hrothgar, good song but before you do the typing compare this old thread:

Lyr. add: Paddy's lamentation

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Help: The Sick Note
From: Hrothgar
Date: 01 Feb 02 - 05:19 AM

The "Paddy's Lamentation" I know is about an Irishman who migrated to the USA just in time to fight in their Civil War. Just did a quick search, but couldn't find it on DT (surprisingly). I'll try to find a set of words. I have a couple of versions on tape.

Subject: RE: Help: The Sick Note
From:
Date: 31 Jan 02 - 11:14 AM

Here you go, Skipper Jack. These are some of the Threads on this song/recitation:

Sick Note - Paddy's Lamentation
Sick Note - Paddy's Lamentation
Sick Note - Paddy's Lamentation

Subject: RE: Help: The Sick Note
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 31 Jan 02 - 08:34 AM

Thank you Jon,

Yes, I did think that Gerard Hoffnung wrote the original version. As you say, that piece it is a gem. I am thankful that I have his recording in my record library. Needless to say rest of the album is just as humorous.

No I hadn't checked the previous "Sick Note" thread.

I must have been off sick at the time!!

Cheers.

Dave R.

Subject: RE: Help: The Sick Note
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 31 Jan 02 - 06:53 AM

Don't know how much this helps but this is from the uk.music.folk FAQ.

The song [The Sick Note (and other titles)]was written by Pat Cooksey, who credits Gerard Hoffnung as the source. Hoffnung's version, which has thankfully been preserved for posterity by the BBC, was delivered in a speech to the Oxford Union in 1958. Hoffnung in turn claimed to have been inspired by a story in the Manchester Guardian.

Also, this question may have cropped up in one of the sick note threads here - (not sure if you checked them.)

Jon

Subject: Respected Sir!
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 31 Jan 02 - 06:39 AM

I have Gerard Hoffnung's "At The Oxford Union" recording which includes the famous bricklayer's story, "Respected Sir". You know the one? The album was recorded in December 1958.

Now, I also have musical version performed by Noel Murphy with that awful "dubbed" laughter. Which was recorded in 1987 That was entitled "Murphy & the Bricks". The lyrics it is claimed were written by P. Cooksey and the music by Noel Murphy.

Murphy & the Bricks was recorded 29 years later

I presume that P.Cooksey did write Murphy's version, but if Gerard Hoffnung wrote the original, isn't there question of copyright here?