Rick Fielding - Hero

Subject: Rick Fielding - Hero
From:
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 11:32 AM

This weekend's edition of the Vinyl Cafe (CBC Radio), mentioned that Rick was their hero. This was in the segment discussing the ukelele skills of Tiny Tim. Good work, Rick.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Little Hawk
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 12:12 PM

Rick is my hero too, for a whole lot of reasons.

I especially admire him for the immense tolerance and goodwill he displays towards people who make idiotic and ill-informed criticisms of Bob Dylan. :-) (I am not so merciful towards them.)

Rick is the folksinger's folksinger.

- LH

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Amos
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 12:23 PM

I guess his tolerance and benevolence are kind of proven out by the fact that he was even discussing Tiny Tim's ukelele skills!! Maybe he also promotes the theory of phlogiston? LOL I couldn't agree more -- Rick is Da Man. And he comes from a long line of Da Men, too!

A

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 12:27 PM

Aw geez...If I had known, I could have bought one of these instead of that guitar. (They have a solid koa Larrivee, too.)

Somebody around here said (paraphrasing) "I'll believe the uke is making a comeback when Martin starts selling them."

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 01:03 PM

Of course let's remember that Martin made a bezillion Tiples too and nobody went Tiple crazy...........

Rick is intelligent, caring, loving, giving, generous, gentle, compassionate, and thoughtful. So often the word "hero" does not necessarily include many of those qualities so it is good to know that Rick can be recognized for what he really is.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: JedMarum
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 01:23 PM

Rick is a genuine hero. A gifted and seasoned musician with a love for music and lore, he is more. Rick is a considerate, caring compassionate man who observes those around him and imparts, with wisdom his guidance, his experience and his gifts. I am thankful/blessed to call him my friend - and glad to have this opportunity to say so to the Mudcat world!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Little Hawk
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 01:40 PM

Amos - Hey, Tiny Tim was a hell of a good musician. He just got typecast into the "weird" role, that's all, but he was good.

Boy, I can just see Rick now, getting all embarrassed by this outpouring of adulation from us faithful fans...

- LH

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: fat B****rd
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 03:13 PM

AND.. Rick Fielding knows who Marvin Hart was..........

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: RichM
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 03:42 PM

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: RichM
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 03:45 PM

Fingers, don't fail me again!
...What's wrong with the phlogiston theory, anyway? ...As long as you don't phlog it to death.

Rich McCarthy

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Amos
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 04:07 PM

Well, it calls into existence factors which are not needed to explain observed phenomena, much in the way the notion of TT's Uke skills do. Hence the analogy.

A

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 05:22 PM

I have said many times on this forum that I meet heroes every day. One of the points I seek to make with this observation is that often we don't see the forest for the trees.........or the ukelele for the tiples..........or something like that. You get the drift. And so it is with our Rick. When you first meet him, you are immediately drawn to his skill as a musician. Fair enough. But if you have any intuition and depth to you, you quickly begin to notice other things. Like the people he surrounds himself with. In his friends, with every kind of quirk, talent, look, imaginable. He has friends that are shy, and outgoing. He has friends of immense talent and those that wish they did. And in every case, Rick is there doing what he can to help them with their aspirations. I once heard him describe his job as a guitar player as "doing what it takes to make the other sound good." My observation on him is that he applies that same philosopy to his everyday life. This is a man who cares.

I have spent a good deal of my life watching people, studying them. I have learned to differentiate between what we call heroes, and what constitutes true heroism. Rick is truly a hero. He might use something he loves and is good at (music) as the tool. But what he really seeks is to understand folks, empathize with them, and help them to reach for whatever it is they are reaching for. Yep.............I think that pretty well describes a hero to me.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 07:37 PM

Best thing about Rick, one of my Knights in Shining Armour, is he doesn't talk about what one should do in life, he does it, pure and simple, but with such incredible soul-depth and quiet about it. A person of much depth, subtlety and all of those other adjectives Spaw and the others said. Besides that he's so cute when he blushes; makes it fun to heap accolades on his head!*bg*

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: 53
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 07:52 PM

He's just one hell of a guitar player in my book

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 07:58 PM

Well Bob, you need to expand your book....he's a lot more than that and if he never played a note it would still make him all of the things mentioned.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 08:15 PM

Well, heroes aren't supposed to get stomach flu, and mope around the house for three days whining and complaining. Played a gig today with my on-again, off -again band and I felt like absolute fucking ratshit. Apparently a lot of people listen to "Vinyl Cafe" 'cause we got several requests for TINY TIM SONGS!!

I love the guy; he died a couple of years ago, (open to correction by those who have and need EXACT info) He was a MONSTER entertainer, and knew a HUGE amount about early recordings. He had a vocal range that Charlotte Church (or Ima Sumack) would envy and he could play his diminisheds and augmenteds on the ukelele!

Stuart Maclean tells me that the ukelele has now become the OFFICIAL instrument of the "Vinyl Cafe"!

Sell those ENRON shares, and start buyin' C.F. Martin!

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From:
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 08:20 PM

I'll start buying shares when we can buy shares in the CBC!

Humour, now, but you never really know ......

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Little Hawk
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 08:21 PM

Right on, Rick! Get well soon.

- LH

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Peter T.
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 09:02 PM

Rick is a nice guy, and I love him dearly, but he is not a hero, he has done nothing heroic -- apart from trying to teach me to play guitar. Heather, who has to put up with him, on the other hand ---. But seriously, could we cut back on the use of hero? I notice that American (and Canadian) soldiers who get shot at, or whose helicopters fall out of the sky and crash because of poor maintenance are routinely now referred to as heroes. It is getting absurd. A hero is someone who does something truly extraordinary, far beyond the call of duty or ordinary exertion. What will we call true heroes, if everyone who goes to work in the morning is a hero? (It is Sunday night, I am heroically and stoically girding myself for Monday, when I will go and heroically teach students things they probably do not want to know. Where do I get my medal?)

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: hesperis
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 09:20 PM

Maybe, just maybe, not a Hero in the strictest sense of the term... but he's definitely an all-round nice guy, who can *really* PLAY.

We all have our personal heroes. He's one of mine.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 09:24 PM

Frankly PT, that's a subject I'd love to discuss at length. I have said here before that I have very few personal heroes. I do think the word has undergone a transformation in meaning over the past 50 years. Specifically, and I hate to rain on this one, since 9/11 I think the value of the word has been diminished considerably.

Classically the hero has done that extra something that is far and above the normal course of his everyday life or job. We refer now to the heroes of 9/11 and the firefighters and other rescue personnel who died as heroes. What makes them so? They were pretty much all just people doing their job and it was a job that most loved. Firefighters are brave, courageous, and other adjectives, but that did not make them heroes that day. They were doing their job. I know that in some cases there are stories of some who would fit the classic hero mold, but in the majority they were brave people doing what they loved to do. Is there anything more heroic in that than in going about your job? Braver perhaps, but heroic?

At times, being a hero has worsened the lot in life of many as they saw themselves as people who simply did what they saw needed to be done in a critical situation.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Peter T.
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 09:46 PM

Well, it is obviously a classic subject ( the Greeks were prone to make hairsbreadth decisions about who was a hero and who wasn't, but that was because it was a central issue for them). Plutarch and Montaigne (later) assess the qualities of the hero (and the heroine). I think it is obvious that some of the firefighters on 9/11 were heroic, well beyond the call of duty, as were some of the civilians. You can read about them, or see them, and what they do gives you that awestruck feeling that the Greeks always used as their touchstone of the true hero. But as my father used to say (who would never have considered himself a hero, though he had a chestful of medals included DSO and DFC), being shot at does not make you a hero. There is a difference between a true hero and a role model, or someone you admire, even tremendously (part of the assimilation is that we admire heroes as well). I revere a number of people, but I would not consider them heroes. One of the most admirable people I ever knew had his plane shot down in 1942 and walked, crippled, from Switzerland to Spain. I once called him a hero, and he said, no, I never saved anyone, I just walked through my pain, I endured to save my own skin. He knew a hero or two, and he just shook his head when speaking of them. It is sometimes a matter of grace under fire, or being called upon to do something beyond your known capacity. For the Greeks, a hero was touched by divinity. Of course for the Greeks it had to be something public, because the hero embodied the whole society's aspirations. We now talk about unsung heroes, which is another way in which heroism is so easily attached, as a way of making a point about how hard it is to grind through every day, to people just getting through the day, nurses, doctors, janitors, etc.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 11:31 PM

There ya go, Rick, your thread is drifting on some more...*bg*

There is a distinction between what I think of as "societal" or public heroism and personal heroism. For some people just getting up and out of bed every morning is a personal act of heroism.

I do think, in the public realm, though, it has become overused and I also think this old world is in sore need of more *real* heroes to inspire. As for 911, the guys on the plane who tried to take out the terrorists acted heroically, imo; otherwise I pretty much agree with Spaw.

I also agree that most *heroes* do not set out to be so. They are just people doing what needs to be done, as they see it, usually in a moment of great import.

kat

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Mar 02 - 11:35 PM

It's late and I am rambling but...as, I recall, Greek heroes had strange or miraculous births followed by "missing" childhoods. Achilles, for example, was dipped in the river Styx by Thetis, his mother, and then sent off disguised as a girl to grow up in anonymity. Interesting that Christ followed this same pattern, a virgin birth, a miracle at Cana, and anonymity until adulthood. Anyway, for what it is worth, Rick is one of my heroes. A totally manly man with a gentle and generous soul, a wicked sense of humor, and modest to a fault. It was a rare privilege to meet him at the Getaway.
Off the pedestal now and back to the kitchen, Rick. Heather needs a hand.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Little Hawk
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 12:12 AM

Peter T. - In regards to your comments on "heros"...yes, I tend to agree with you. Adolf Galland was one of the greatest German aces of World War II, having shot down around 150 aircraft. A few years back he was asked by some interviewer at a gathering of ex-WWII pilots (from both sides) how it felt to be a real live hero of the war. Galland's curt reply was: "I never knew any heroes. Only those who survived and those who did not." He was obviously not enamoured of either the glories of war or the label of "hero".

Nonetheless, we all have our heroes on some level or another, and they change sometimes as the years go by and our ideas change. Musically speaking, Rick is one of mine, although I would not depend on him to fix my car or stain the deck! :-)

- LH

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: GUEST,hero?
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 12:15 AM

i used to think he was a hero untill i found out he defends bob dylan

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Little Hawk
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 01:16 AM

You poor, deluded soul. Adolf Galland has never expressed any opinion on Bob Dylan.

- KH

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: InOBU
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 11:59 AM

As to all who spoke of Rick as a hero... ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto etc... and a great solace when things look black, great soul, great song writer, well, ditto ditto some more... Larry

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 12:21 PM

Yeah Rick is Good, Great, all that other stuff, I totally agree. BUT can he sing as high as Tiny Tim? I heard some of the Vinyl Cafe the other day, I guess I missed the Rick part, as I was going out at the time. I was however very impressed by TT's falsetto, I had forgotten how high that guy could soar. So I sugest they have Rick on VC and have a sing off against TT's recordings. JohnB

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: JenEllen
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 12:21 PM

Why do I get the mental image of a bunch of cartoon chickens swooning "Frankeeeeeee"?

If he wasn't so set on this music thing he'd have a great career talking people off of ledges, that's for sure. Not five minutes in and you find yourself thinking, "Now, what was I worried/upset/frightened about again? Ah, no matter.." I'd never go so far as to say 'hero', but a great soul, to be sure. Good heart, good mind, and the ability to laugh. Granted, he's not the first guy I'd call in a plumbing emergency (unless it's to get Mick's number) but for a clear view of life's rich pageant? Ya couldn't do much better.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Little Hawk
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 02:08 PM

Don't even think of calling Rick if you have a plumbing emergency! Trust me. Heather will back me up on that...

All he will do is come over and play helpful songs to cheer you up, like "Down in the Flood", "Crash on the Levee", "Erie Canal", "After the Deluge", etc...

- LH

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 02:36 PM

JohnB, I believe he CAN sing as high as Tiny Tim. He just sounds like Shirly Temple meets Tom Waits on crack.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Little Hawk
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 02:57 PM

No-o-o-o-o-body can sing as high as Tiny! Nobody. But Rick probably could if he snorted some helium first. It's worth a try anyway. Let's spike his microphone with a helium dispenser at the next gig and see what happens.

- LH

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: harpgirl
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 03:05 PM

...gee Rick, I didn't know you risked your own life to rescue folks from burning guitars!!!! Cool...

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Mar 02 - 03:29 PM

Yeah, but he's played in bars.

Oh if you be the plumber, who you'd better be, I think
There was a call from me, I'm Rick, and I want you to fix my sink
And little I know of the hell that lies behind my cupboard door
I'll just pick up my guitar and play "Make Me a Puddle on Your Floor"

[switch to]

Make me a puddle on your floor
Make me a puddle on your floor
Make it deep, make it wide
And we'll sit along the side
And fish in the puddle on your floor

[switch to]

Get a line and pole, and meet me in the kitchen, honey...
(Oh jeez - stop it already! This is what happens when I get migraines.)

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 11:29 AM

Yes indeed, Rick Fielding is a hero. But to most of us in the UK an unseen hero. That will be remedied in September when he will tour over here, dates being arranged at this moment. The schedule is almost complete, but there is still space for a few more gigs,especially in Scotland. Anyone interested please pm me, or go straight to [e-mail] When the tour is fully booked the details will be posted in Mudcat. Burl.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: 53
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 10:36 PM

Rick needs to make some bumper stickers, like Rick Fielding is the Guitar God, or something like that. I heard him and Justa picker a couple weeks ago on the radio and it made me want to pack up my guitar in disgust, but i"m going to keep on playing, and maybe one day i'll learn how to play.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 11:05 PM

Oy vay! Each time this comes back up I cringe. So just a reminder...

I didn't start it.

I didn't encourage it.

It was started tongue-in-cheek because I passed some information on Tiny Tim to a friend who does a radio show. Courtesy ain't heroic, (as Peter T has so gleefully pointed out) and even that only goes to those who deserve it.

Cheers

Ricky

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 13 Mar 02 - 07:14 PM

Rick Fielding sure sounds like someone I'd like to meet! ...and hey, Martin DID make ukes. My son Peter found one in a garbage can on the street, when he was in high school (he's mid-forties now), and has it still. Lovely tone.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From:
Date: 13 Mar 02 - 09:19 PM

Well, Rick. I STILL think of you as a hero.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 14 Mar 02 - 04:45 AM

Hey, if he's such a hero, how come he can't spell ukulele? (Well, at least he knows which U.S. congressman pitched a perfect game for the Phillies in 1964...and he probably even knows which team lost the game.)

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: 53
Date: 14 Mar 02 - 11:38 PM

Tell me who pitched the perfect game and who lost . I'm a big baseball fan.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 15 Mar 02 - 12:24 AM

Jim Bunning against the Mets, Bob. June 21, 1964. I missed the game...went to see "Spartacus" instead. One of the many mistakes in my life--but hey, I was only ten. And there probably isn't a bigger baseball fan on the Mudcat than our boy Rick. Which, given that he's from the wrong side of the tracks border, is quite an achievement.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding - Hero
From: Knitpick
Date: 15 Mar 02 - 01:22 AM

Rick isn't a hero -- he's more of an open-face sandwich! And a fine man of many parts (some of which resemble guitars or hand-tooled leather straps). It's amazing how much trivial junk he knows -- he's free with his information, too, often telling you far more than you ever thought possible about way too many subjects, and would be verbose if only he didn't use so many words.


Songbob (posting from my wife's computer since mine can't seem to find the cable modem and hers can -- hers is the Mac, of course, and mine the Windoze POS)