Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: Helen
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 07:15 PM

Oooopppsss!!! I forgot to say that I play Rosbif Waltz in the key of A minor - just in case anyone reading my posting on 24 Mar 16 - 03:29 PM thinks I'm a complete fool.

My previous posting probably makes no sense whatsoever in view of the fact that the ABC notation posted by John in Brisbane on 18 Oct 04 - 08:28 AM is in the key of G minor - that key that I never play on the harp and rarely on the flute, so the TWO FLATS on the key signature just went in one brain cell and out the other.

Back to the drawing board, but I'm sure you get the idea of the up and down notes.

Helen

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: Alan Day
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 03:43 PM

Hallo Helen,
Lovely to hear from you and thank you for your warm comments.It would be a long way for a party, but very enticing.
Sorry about your bunged up tape.I do not think the CD update will ever happen, so getting back to vinyl may be the better route. The CD cover picture is well worth framing the dapper guy in the middle dancing and the two lovely girls together.The Hurdy Gurdy player on the table.Just a smashing photo.
I must start playing Rosbif Waltz again ,but many of the tunes on both records I still play.About time I sent you another recording.I will see if I can fish out your Email address and send it over.
Be good,
Al X

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: Helen
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 03:29 PM

I just found the name of the book where one of our session group members found the Rosbif Waltz.

A Country dance companion : 180 dances and 120 tunes / from the Monaro Folk Music Society's Country dance series December 1987 to November 1991 ; compiled and presented by John Garden

I am not sure if the book is still available but there are some really interesting tunes in it.

Also, I just went and converted the ABC version of Rosbif in this thread, and the first four bars of Part B don't have an interesting twiddly bit which is in the version shown in the book.

It's a long time since I tried to write ABC notation, so I don't think I can show it that way so I'll explain it.

In the first four bars of Part B the notes are quavers or eighth notes, three sets of two quavers per bar. B

ar 1 is High E, lower A, High F, lower A, high E, lower A.

Bar 2 is C, A, C, A, C, A.

Bar 3 is the same as Bar 1

Bar 4 is High D. lower E, High D. lower E, High D. lower E

So, the first of each pair of notes is the same as the 3 notes in each bar as shown in the ABC notation but the second of each pair is a note lower, so that it goes up and down, up and down, up and down, in each bar.

It's a nice feature of the second part.

Helen

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: Helen
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 02:48 PM

Hey, Will & Alan! Nice to see both of you in this thread. All we need now is for Alison to pop in and we can have a Rosbif party.

Alan, I still have the cassettes of the Rosbif band that you sent me here somewhere, but the problem is more that I don't have a cassette player now, and the cassettes might have gone bung** too.

Did the CD's ever eventuate or are you chasing up vinyl editions of the Rosbif album? I checked Roots Records yesterday and they still have a few LP's for sale. I got a nifty convert-your-vinyl-to-digital player for my birthday a couple of years ago, so I should probably just order the vinyl record.

Will, this is the second YouTube video I have seen of yours this week. The first one I ever saw of yours was your beautiful version of the Montalbano 2 theme last week, so imagine my surprise seeing you playing Rosbif Waltz with Alan Day!!

gillymor, you are now - or soon will be - a member of the Rosbif Waltz fanclub. Life will never be quite the same again. LOL I can scan a copy of the sheet music for you if you want.


** As an aside, I thought I had better explain the useful Aussie term: "gone bung"

http://www.aussie-slang.com/

Also from the Brisbane region comes the word bung meaning broken. A failed piece of equipment might be described as having bunged up or referred to as "on the bung" or "gone bung". Bung is also used to describe an individual who is pretending to be hurt; such individual is said to be "bunging it on". However, at the same time, the word bung can also be used to describe someone who actually is injured, as in "he's still got a bung leg".

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: gillymor
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 12:14 PM

I really like this tune,Helen. Thanks for the heads up on it and this excellent thread. I've taken Stewart's ABC and transposed it to Am (thanks to the ABC converter at mandolintab.net) and it lays very well on the mandolin.

Good job Alan and Will, and Alison.

BTW, it rolls into Schotische Du Stockfish quite nicely, not that it needs another tune attached to it.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: Alan Day
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 09:25 AM

Nice to hear from you Will,I am still alive and kicking in Suffolk and have fully recovered from our sell out 3 gig tour of Eastbourne.It is about time you came over for a play.
I have just contacted Graham Roots records to find out if there are still some Rosbif records available in his attic.I will let you know if he has any or he may write on here himself.
Al

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: Will Fly
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 04:25 AM

Blimey! I'd forgotten we'd put that on YouTube. Al used to pop over regularly and we'd pick one or two tunes to work on and record and/or video.

I'd also forgotten how nice the Rosbif Waltz is - Al's now living in Suffolk and I'm in Sussex, so we don't meet up as much these days. I occasionally see Mel at a local monthly French session not far from me.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: Helen
Date: 23 Mar 16 - 03:54 PM

Here is a link to a video of:

Alison Boyd playing Rosbif Waltz on her harp

Here is a link to:

Alan Day on concertina and Will Fly on guitar playing Rosbif Waltz.

Now, that has made my day!! I'm grinning from ear to ear, and weeping tears of joy. Go Mudcatters!! Woo-hoo!!

Helen

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: Helen
Date: 23 Mar 16 - 03:25 PM

I've just recommended this tune to another Mudcatter, gillymor, so I am refreshing the thread.

This thread began in 1998 and 3 years ago it was still getting unwrapped from it's tissue paper from the attic chest.

It's also a wonderful example of how the folk process works in sending a tune around the world and back again, and a testament to Mudcat for providing the forum so that people like Alan Day, one of the band members of the group called Rosbif, can come in and share his knowledge of the tune.

The tune is special, in my opinion, and still one of my all time favourites, so it deserves another airing before going back into the attic again.

There is a midi file posted by Alan of Australia, Date: 22 May 00 - 08:35 PM

There is ABC Notation in a couple of places in the thread, and there is a sound file of the lovely Alison playing it, posted by me on 03 Nov 04 - 01:05 AM

I'm wondering if the CD's were ever produced. Does anyone know?

Helen

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: Alan Day
Date: 25 Oct 13 - 01:44 PM

Back to the drawing board ?
We played it exactly as "Paris Centre" played it.Perhaps I should keep quiet about it and let everyone think it is ours.Nice to put the record straight however.
Pleased you still like it Leeneia.
Al

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 25 Oct 13 - 12:27 PM

I listened to 'Au Cafe du Canal' on YouTube, Alan, and I don't think it's the same song. It is very similar to the A part of the Rosbif Waltz, (RW) but not quite the same. And it lacks the B and C parts.

It was hard for me to play the RW in my head while listening to the similar rapid notes of Perret's song, so I can't say for certain. But I do think it lacks of the poignant measure in F which makes my husband love the Rosbif Waltz.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 25 Oct 13 - 11:15 AM

Thank you, Alan. This is one of my favorite pieces.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: Alan Day
Date: 25 Oct 13 - 08:23 AM

The full details of the tune Rosbif Waltz has now come to my attention and I thought it correct to give proper details of it's origin.
The tune was written by a famous French singer called Pierre Perret and it's correct name is
"AU CAFE DU CANAL"
Al

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rosbif Waltz
From: GUEST,Dave Rackham
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 06:47 AM

If anyone is interested in a recording of Rosbif, we (Moving Harps) have put both our albums online at iTunes, AmazonMP3, Rhapsody and a few other sites. They are 'Still Moving' and 'The Next Move'. Our version of Rosbif is track 11 on 'The Next Move'. It is a great tune and is still one of my favourites.

Our thanks to those musicians who spread it across the world to our ears.

Dave

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Seb
Date: 18 Aug 07 - 01:03 PM

Hi Mitch,
If you like french bourrées and you can handle Encore-files: I have loads of Bourrées à trois temps and deux temps mostly from the Berry.
Seb

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Mitch Gordon
Date: 22 Jun 07 - 12:51 PM

Merci!!

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Alan Day
Date: 22 Jun 07 - 04:02 AM

Hallo Mitch
These books are still available and you can obtain them from Mel direct his Email address is StevensMel@aol(dot)com
I have typed in the dot to stop Mel from getting loads of Spams.
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Mitch Gordon
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 06:23 PM

Al, since you know Mel Stevens, maybe you can tell me if the Massif Central books 1 and 2 are still available for purchase through one source or another, either in the US/Canada or Britain. It seems as though at least book 1 is now unavailable from US sellers who used to carry it, such as Lark In The Morning, Dusty Strings and The Button Box.

It would be a shame for these books to become permanently unavailable, as players of French Trad music (at least outside of France) rely on them heavily. Any hope of a new printing, or a publisher willing to take these over?

Mitch Gordon
Guerneville, California, US
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Alan Day
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 02:45 PM

Many thanks Vince (The cheque is in the post).
I am really pleased you enjoyed the records,certainly some lovely tunes,many collected by Mel Stevens at French Festivals and from many of the friends we made in France.The Hurdy Gurdy tune on Bourree a Six was the only classical tune written for that instrument at that time and I still enjoy listening to it now.Peter Rogan wrote a lot of the arrangements for the English numbers and sadly as far as I know no longer plays any of his instruments in public,a naturaly talented musician who like Mel can play any instrument to a professional standard within weeks of getting it.Mel has now joined me in GIGCB a big band mentioned by Chris Shaw and Mel plays Trombone.In the time I have known Mel he has played Blues Guitar,Melodion,Hurdy Gurdy (He made himself),Bombard,French Cabrette Bagpipes, Northumbrian Small pipes,Violin (All of these instruments made by Mel).He now has an Anglo Concertina, but when he had a go of mine I snatched it back as he was playing it too good (after ten minutes).There are a number of other instruments to add to this, but I cannot remember them at the time of writing.
I will let you know how Graham is progressing with the CDs
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Vince in West Dorset, UK
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 06:07 PM

I came upon this thread while doing my most recent search for the latest news on possible Rosbif CDs. I bought 'Traditional Dance Music from Central France' and 'Bourree a Six' as vinyl LPs many many years ago from Graham Bradshaw's Roots Records mail order service and they have been among my favourites ever since. I periodically check for Google hits which might be promising but have never found anything until now.

I was gobsmacked to see Alan Day's name in the list of posters on the thread and even more thrilled to hear that GB may be producing CD versions of the two albums.

Alan: if you read this, please encourage Graham to reissue the albums on CD - soon!

Coincidentally, a traditional music group local to this area play the waltz which they know as 'Rosbif' but weren't aware of the source. It really is a very fine tune - the MIDI file above is good but Rosbif's original arrangement for melodeon and anglo concertina beats it I think!

V

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Alan Day
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 02:08 AM

You have reminded me to chase Graham Bradshaw Roots Records to find out the progress of this Rosbif re release.He is currently working of English International 3 CD compilation so is rather busy.
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Chris Shaw
Date: 01 Jun 07 - 06:37 PM

A cracking tune and we (Rosbif) had a very nice dance to go with it too. By the way, Rosbif in French means very much the same as the Australian Pommy bastard!. GIG CB! (The George Inn Giant Ceilidh Band) will be recording it on their 3rd CD to be recorded Autumn 2007. See www.gigcb.com.

And GIG CB! are playing at the Coin Street Festival English Ceilidh at London's South Bank, near the Oxo Tower, tomorrow 2 June 2007, with Hekety and Boka Halat, and Hammersmith Morris Men 13:00 to 19:00

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 25 Jan 06 - 02:57 PM

Good news about the CD's!! Thanks!

Definitely put me down for one or more CD's. And I'll let the Newcastle folkies know that it is coming out as well. Rosbif Waltz was one of our favourite session tunes, at the Tuesday night session that I went to for 10 years. It is still going on in some form or other, as far as I know, but I haven't been to it for a few years now. I predict that there will be a few orders from them as well.

Morgana, are you the harp player from Melbourne, Oz who used to be on the email harplist? I'm from Newcastle, NSW.

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Alan Day
Date: 25 Jan 06 - 08:51 AM

I am sorry Helen that I did not reply to your posting regarding the cassettes I sent you.I am really pleased you enjoyed the music.
As Graham says there has been a big response to these old records and it has forced him to open up the bricked in wall, open many paddlocks
to re issue these as CDs. At least Graham you did not have to hire the JCB to dig up the other money.
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,GUEST, Graham Bradshaw
Date: 25 Jan 06 - 05:37 AM

You'll be pleased to know that the 2 Rosbif albums are being released on CD (as a 2 CD set). We did think of condensing them down onto 1, but that would have involved losing a few tracks, which we didn't want to do. The set will sell for the normal price of one. Bargain!
Anticipated release date is probably early March. Will post on here when we know.
One of the Rosbif tracks appears on our anglo concertina compilation, see details at Anglo International
Graham

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Morgana
Date: 25 Jan 06 - 02:47 AM

Hi all,

I'm pretty sure that Rosbif Waltz is recorded on one of the "Moving Harps" CDs (Moving Harps is Andy Rigby, Dave Rakham and Dave Allaway, although I'm sure I spent the last surname wrong :)

Cheers
Morgana

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 06:41 PM

I just want to rave about the tape of two Rosbif albums and the GIG CB (George Inn Giant Ceilidh Band) CD that Alan Day sent me so that I could finally hear the Rosbif Waltz and other tunes.

I love this music! I can't get it out of my head. The more I hear the Rosbif Waltz the more I like it and the more I know that it can magically transform itself according to the style of playing, slow, fast, danceable, lilting, etc.

I am also captivated by many of the other tunes, e.g March of the Cabrettaires, and Les Filles de Mon Pays, and Amour et Printemps, and...and...and.... well, all of them, really.

I really hope the Rosbif albums can be put out on CD because I want to play them over and over and I want other people to be able to hear them too.

Where have I been for the last couple of decades that I have never heard this music before?

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 04:16 PM

Thanks forthat, Stewart. A lovely version of it. Some slight differences in the length of some notes adds even more to the tune.

Did you listen to the midi version at Mudcat Midi Pages?      
See the posting above from Alan of Australia
Date: 22 May 00 - 08:35 PM

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Stewart
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 03:06 PM

Here's the full abc version of the midi (John in Bisbrane only did the first part in abc). I transposed this to Gminor (relative minor of Bflat major) since I prefer playing this flat key on the fiddle. Also this key allows some nice open-string double stops.

X:1
T:Rosbif Waltz
M:3/4
L:1/8
Q:1/4=100
K:Bb
z4GA|:B2GA BG|B2GA BG|A2FG AF|G2G4|B2GA BG|
B2GA BG|AG FG AF|d2d4|d2Bc dB|c2c4|B2GA BG|
A2A4|B2GA BG|BA GA BG|AG FG AF|[1G2G2GA:|[2G2G4
|:d2e2d2|B4B2|d2e2d2|c4c2|c2cA FA|c2cA FA|c4B2|G6:|
|:B3A B2|c4c2|d2f2e2|d3c B2|g3f e2|d3c B2|[1c4c2|d6:|[2c4B2|G6|]

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 06:44 PM

I'm listening to the tape again, and you're right, Al. Amour et Printemps is beautiful. I love the arrangement.

March of the Cabrettaires sounds familiar too, but I don't know where I have heard it. There are a few tunes that I have heard somewhere before. I'll have to work out what they are called from the tape (that involves trying to keep the left brain engaged enough to count the tracks and match them up with the playlist while the right brain is frolicking around and enjoying the music. :-)    )

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Alan Day
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 11:06 AM

This tune was originally collected by a lovely French guy called Phillipe Krumm.Phillipe organised many French festivals including Ris Orangis and played melodion in a band called Paris Centre.I think we have been a bit lucky here as Phillipe never recorded (as far as I know) this tune.Where he got it from I do not know.Mel wrote it down one night when we were having a session.The band specialised in music from the Auvergne area so I would not be suprised if that is where it originated.
Phillipe and I visited an event he was organising at a museum of push pull instruments which was being recorded for French TV, as at that time he had no one to demonsrate the concertina he asked me to do a spot.This worried be a bit, but not as much as a clowns concertina I picked up for the first time and was enjoying myself in a corner and the TV director said "We would like you to play that as well".My mates said I looked terrified as the camera came over my shoulder to film my playing on TV after an hours practice.
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Mo Bradshaw
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 04:37 AM

What a timely thread! We have been playing this tune, which we called 'A French Waltz' for a number of years, having learned it from the Rosbif recording, and it is one that is often requested at sessions. Only yesterday we were asked for the music, and I just happened to look at this thread today!

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 03:47 AM

Helen, was part of a conversation with Andy Rigby last Friday at the Maldon Folk Festival. Apparently he plays it (I presume on harp) but we got side-tracked. I'll give him a buzz sometime and see whether he has recorded it.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 01:05 AM

I don't think alison put her link to her mp3 file here. Definitely one of the nicest arrangements I have heard.

Alison Boyd - Sound Files

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 01:01 AM

I just e-mailed Alan to thank him for the tape and CD he sent me but I am posting my reply to him here as well because I really loved listening to the music. So I wanted to share my thoughts here.

"Hi Alan,

"This might be a postal service record, but I received the tape & CD yesterday, 2nd November. I have been busy and also working full time but I have been able to listen to one side of the tape - the one with Rosbif Waltz on it of course. I love the music. Just my kind of music. Rollicking good fun, great rhythms, and I really love the hurdy-gurdy - both the sound and rhythm of it, and the type of music which suits it.

"I also like your two tunes that you sent me via email. I've listened to them a couple of times so far. I think I like the Winkle one slightly more than the other one if I had to choose between them.

"After I have a chance to hear the other side of the tape and the CD I'll give you some more of my thoughts.

"Rosbif Waltz sounds so different from the way my sister and I play it - slower and with a more lilting feel, and from the way we played it in the music sessions. Alison at Mudcat, who also posted to this thread has put an mp3 (I think) of herself and her music duo partner playing it with harp ( I think), tin whistle and guitar. It's a lovely arrangement.

"I think that that is the major charm of the tune. It can be played in so many different ways and sounds good whatever way I hear it. Slow, fast, with drum rhythm, with accompaniment, solo, as an arrangement, etc etc.

"Thanks again for sending me the music. It really is exciting being able to track back to the roots and branches of the tune."

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Alan Day
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 06:18 PM

Very interesting Helen ,we only play the chorus part the introduction I have never heard.When you get the tape you may be interested in the bit we play.Also the A part is slightly different but your version may be the correct one and ours not.
As for royalties I will not get excited ,I think even when we were featured on the radio over here the years royalties amounted to about £3.50 and it was taxable.I am just pleased you are enjoying the tune.
If you can push the royalties up to say £3.75 it may buy a nice bacon sandwich however.
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 04:06 PM

Thanks, Al. That would be wonderful. I'll e-mail you straight away.

I only do this if the albums are not available, and I would definitely buy the CD's if they are issued, so I consider this as a sampler to induce me to buy, rather than the easy way out. Just wanted you to know that, i.e. that I am aware of royalties/copyright etc. so I appreciate your offer very much.

Is this the "Amour Et Printemps" you meant? I like it.

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Alexis
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 03:32 PM

Played a ceilidh over the weekend in a scratch band, ended up playing another lovely Rosbif tune called La FOntaine Verte. Does anyone know whether this is available on either ABC or dots anywhere ?
Cheers Alex

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 09:30 AM

For all you lovers of French Waltzes try and find
"Amour Et Printemps"it was featured on our record Bourree A six.
See if you like that one as much.I hope you do.
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Alan Day
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 03:56 AM

Hallo Helen,
If you let me have your address I will post off a tape copy of the two records for you to listen to.(no charge)
[e-mail] (dot)co(dot)uk
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 06:11 PM

Alan, I have never heard you performing Rosbif Waltz, or anything else.
I only know the tune from the book of country dances but our regular music session group started playing it a few years ago and it has become one of my all-out favourites. I did do a search on the 'net when we first discovered the tune but I couldn't find anything.

I checked out netsounds but there is no point in me ordering a vinyl record, no matter how seriously tempted I am, because my record player has remained unattached to my stereo for 6 years because I don't have room to fit it into the cabinet with the other components.

If CD's were available for both the Rosbif albums I would definitely buy them. I nearly bought the vinyls when I saw them because I have been looking for them for so long, but CD's would be a lot easier for me.

The majority of people I know who have heard Rosbif Waltz or who have played it keep coming back to it, so I know that tune has a big appeal and if other tunes on the albums are as interesting, and catchy, then I think there would be a market in the folk scene for these as CD's. The Massif Central books are obviously popular among folk musicians so I would imagine that there would be a market for the CD's. And there is definitely interest among folkies for tunes from different places.

Another bunch of tunes we started playing in our session were Swedish fiddle tunes. They were fun too, and interesting because the musical "lingo" was different - same notes but different rhythms or positioning or progression of notes compared to our regular session repertoire. It was like an insight into another musical culture, learning to play those tunes. Almost like learning a new language. So the French tunes would be fun too, but it would be even more of an experience to hear them being played close to the way they were collected to get the real feel of the music.

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 05:52 PM

This is where I bought the Massif Central books by mail order. Lovely people down in Tassie (Tasmania) in a company called Celtic Southern Cross.

I just checked that link and the books are still listed.

Mooh, I use
NoteWorthy music notation software to translate midi files into dots. Noteworthy is available for a free download, but I paid the modest sum they are asking for a full version of the software. The advantage of the NW free download is that you can print out the dots where other music notation programme downloads will block the printing capability until you buy the full version.

All I do is load the midi into NW, then print it out. But you can also transpose it, or change the arrangement, or just watch it note for note as it plays.

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Alan Day
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 05:37 PM

Hallo Alex,
I was talking to Mel Stevens about his books at the same time as letting him know about all your postings regarding the waltz.It is out of Print but Mel has a large stock of each and I think you will find other stockists still have them.
If you have problems let me know and I will pass on Mels Email address for you to contact him.He lives in Burgess Hill In Sussex.
I do not know how to extract emails of people who write on this site but if anyone wants to contact me click on my name on concertina.net and a contact email link is there.
Following requests elswhere Netsounds are investigating the re issue of the Rosbif recordings in CD format, if it happens I will let you know and of course it would depend on how many people actually wanted it.
Just out of interest has anyone actually heard us play the waltz,I must say I would find it amusing if nobody has?
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Alexis
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 03:53 PM

Massif Central books are out of print. Any one know if there are plans to print some more?
Cheers
Alex

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: leeneia
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 12:19 PM

Thanks ever so for posting the MIDI of this waltz. I love it!

BTW, "Rosbif" is, among other things, French slang for an Englishman.

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 08:03 PM

Did a further check to see if I could get a match at Richard Robinson's database of ABC (largely) dance tunes. Not surprisingly it's not too hard to get a match on a single bar, but as I extended this I got no further matches, whether French or not.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 03:36 PM

Thanks, Al. I have the dots from the Country Dance Book (or whatever the title is) but I was interested to see it from its earlier source. It was just a search for more info really, and you have given us that here so I am a happy little Vegemite now.

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Al;an Day
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 11:35 AM

I had a look Helen and checked all the un named waltzes and you are right it is not there.If I find the dots I will be in touch.
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 06:20 PM

Thanks Al.

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Alan Day
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 11:54 AM

Helen,
I see that you could not find the tune in Mel`s book but I will have a look this evening and let you know.
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 08:43 AM

Thanks Alan,

I had a quick listen to the mp3's this morning. I'll go back and check it out again when I have a bit more time. Is the Rosbif Waltz in the Massif Central books 1 or 2?

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Alan Day
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 06:02 AM

Hallo Helen
Thank you for your lovely posting.
Mel and I recorded the Waltz about 12 years ago(or longer).If you are interested
in what I am up to now have a look on my site,where there is about twenty free MP3s to download of my favourites.
www.filmsonglass.co.uk/concertina-index.htm
Take care
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 10:08 PM

Mooh or others, I extracted the melody line only and only for part of the piece. If you'd like an ABC of the whole piece - with all parts - let me know and I'll post it here in ABC format. Having said that I don't know whether Concertina.com can handle multi stave music - I'd better check.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Mooh
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 08:16 PM

Geoff...Thanks, I'll try that...er, with my kid's help as she's much better with the 'puter than her Dad. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Helen
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 05:47 PM

Alan,

Thanks very much for the information. It's lovely to hear from someone involved at the "source". My friends and I have been playing this tune ever since someone found it in the book called A Country Dance Collection (or similar title - can't remember exactly). I wanted to know more about it but couldn't seem to track it down.

I bought thetwo Massif Central tune books in the hope of finding out more about it but I couldn't find it in there.

My sister and I play Rosbif Waltz, she plays flute & I play lever harp, and it is my favourite of all the tunes we play. I will send her the link to this page so that she can read what you said, too.

Thanks. You've made my day!! (It's 7.45 am here in eastern Australia, so my day has just started.)

Helen

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Alan Day
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 05:35 PM

Since my posting for those of you interested I have found that
www.netsoundsmusic.com have both Rosbif albums in stock the Rosbif Waltz is on the first record "Traditional Dance Music from Central France"
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Dead Horse
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 02:43 PM

For what it's woth, a friend of mine, Yves Langlois, has written a cajun boogie called "Ros Bif Boogie" and he says that Boeuf is also the French colloquial word for a "jam session"....hence bif.

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 12:33 PM

Mooh - there is a very useful online conversion page which you paste the ABC into and it will convert it to MIDI and also to Printed "Dots" in downloadable PDF format.
The converter can be found at CONCERTINA.net
You need to copy the ABC from the X: to the end. Then paste it into the "Convert-A-Matic" and click onto "Submit".
Quack!!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 10:10 AM

Interesting! Does anyone have it, or a source for it, in standard notation? Thanks!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 10:09 AM

Using the ABC notation I tried an online search at Richard Robinson'e Tunebook Search site HERE . Theoretically you only need to enter a small scrap of the tune (and if a corresponding tune is in his large collection) you should be able to find a match - even if the key is different.

Unfortunately Richard's software has a glitch at the moment and won't give any results for snippets of ABC notes.

It's not a bad facility for dance tunes, but don''t expect too many songs to be in his collection.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 08:28 AM

The MIDI is a great rendition as Alan testifies. Here's an ABC version of the melody - this notation might help to find its French ancestor on the Web:

X:1
T:ROSBIF Melody
M:3/4
L:1/8
Q:1/4=100
K:C
z4AB|c2AB cA|c2AB cA|B2GA BG|A2A4|c2AB cA|
c2AB cA|BA GA BG|e2e4|e2cd ec|d2d4|
c2AB cA|B2B4|c2AB cA|cB AB cA|BA GA BG|
A2A2AB|c2AB cA|c2AB cA|B2GA BG|A2A4|
c2AB cA|c2AB cA|BA GA BG|e2e4|e2cd ec|d2d4|
c2AB cA|B2B4|c2AB cA|cB AB cA|BA GA BG|A2A4|]

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Alan Day
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 07:25 AM

I must say that after many years after Mel Stevens and I recorded this tune it is a great surprise that it has appeared on this site with a lovely midi file version.
Rosbif originated from an English Country dance band called "The biggest trio in the World".
We were performing in France at the Ris Orangis Folk Festival and when we finished at about twelve thirty another group came on stage called Fubu.They played traditional French music from Central France and we loved it and in particular a waltz played on two hurdy gurdys called The Fubu Walz.Mel a bagpipe fanatic decided he would build his own French bagpipes,we found Richard Smith a local builder and player of the Hurdy Gurdy.I was initially asked to play melodion ,a more traditional line up,but I managed to change Mels thinking to me playing concertina,which I thought blended nicely with the hurdy gurdy.Mel was at that time regularly going to French dance and folk weekends and was amazed to find that hardly any music was in print and started to write it out as he heard it.It eventually formed the basis of the two books Massif book of French dance music.To Mels embarrasment it started selling in France.
Rosbif made two records Traditional French music from Central France and Bouree a Six the waltz refered to in this discussion was on the first album with Mel on Melodion and me on CG Jeffries Anglo concertina.
Thank you all for your interest in the tune which Mel collected in France and could not find the name.I do not think it is Canadian but if anybody knows it is,I would be gratefull for the information.
Kind regards
Al

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 01:00 AM

Thanks Ptollemy for refreshing this thread - a great tune. Looking forward to seeing and hearing Andy Rigby at the Maldon (Victoria) Folk Festival at end of October - my favouritest festival.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Canadian tune: Ros bif (Rosbif Waltz)
From: GUEST,Ptollemy, Melbourne, Australia
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 12:10 AM

A fabulous version of these tune can be heard on one of the "Moving Harps" CDs - sorry, can't remember which one.

"Moving Harps" are a fantastic Australian Harp trio who play a lot of Irish and Paraguyan tunes. The trio are David Rackham, Andy Rigby and David Alleway, and I highly recommend them!

Cheers
Ptollemy

Subject: RE: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: Spider Tom
Date: 23 May 00 - 07:44 AM

Thank you all for introducing me to this tune.
It is lovely.
Spider Tom/Ken

Subject: RE: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: alison
Date: 23 May 00 - 01:29 AM

Thanks Alan

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: Alan of Australia
Date: 22 May 00 - 08:35 PM

G'day,
Thanks to Helen & alison the tune for "Rosbif Waltz" can be found here at the Mudcat MIDI site.

Cheers,
Alan

Subject: RE: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: Mbo
Date: 21 May 00 - 01:00 PM

Thanks Helen, I enjoyed playing it for you! Thanks for starting off the whole chain reaction! Folk process at it's best! YES! It's what this place is all about!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 21 May 00 - 11:48 AM

Rosbif were an English band -based down South so far as I remember- though they specialised in traditional and new music in the (European) French style.  There was at least one record, Bourré à Six, which I believe is now deleted (wish I'd bought it when I had the chance).  Mel Stevens, compiler of the two Massif Central Tune Books (published by Dragonfly Music, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, UK) currently plays with  The Drift.  I look forward to hearing the midi.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: Helen
Date: 21 May 00 - 05:23 AM

Alison,

I only sent the tune to Alan today so it hasn't been posted on his page yet

Helen

Subject: RE: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: alison
Date: 21 May 00 - 01:46 AM

I played it along with Helen at St Albans... flute and harp... lovely...

I couldn't access the site.. but I've sent a MIDI (arangement that I never mixed down properly.. but it'll give you an idea....) of it to Alan of Oz.. so hopefully it'll appear on Mudcat MIDI soon...

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: Helen
Date: 20 May 00 - 07:06 PM

I was on HearMe a couple of days ago and Mbo played Rosbif Waltz which he got from Alison. This goes back to the first personal contact I had with Alison because I sent her the sheet music back in July 1998 and she made it into a midi file. Then she played it on HearMe and sent the GIF to Mbo and then it came full circle because I heard him play it on guitar - beautiful.

So I thought it might make it easier to post it on the MIDI page rather than everyone e-mailing it around individually. I can find out the details of a book of tunes by the Rosbif band which has the waltz in it. The book is called Massif Central and is available from Celtic Southern Cross in Tasmania.

Rosbif Waltz, is by a band which I believe is called Rosbif, possibly a Canadian Band

Helen

Subject: RE: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: Helen
Date: 08 Jul 98 - 05:49 PM

Yes, it is a lovely tune. We play it here in Newcastle, australia, at our regular sessions on harp (me), accordion, mandolin, guitar & whistle. It is the favourite session tune of almost everyone in the group.

We have the music from a book called Country Dance Tunes or something - I'll see if I can track down the proper title. As far as I know (hearsay) it was composed by a folk group called "Rosbif" and they called the tune "Rosbif Waltz". I tried to find out any info on it about a year ago trough Mudcat and through internet searches but I couldn't find anything.

BTW, "Rosbif" means "roast beef" in French, and I believe it is their term for the English people - a comment on the narrow diet of the English, according to my high school French teacher.

Helen

Subject: RE: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: Martin Pearson
Date: 07 Jul 98 - 07:57 PM

I believe the tune is from the North of england. (It's "roast beef" with an accent) Sharon Doro recorded it in australia about two years ago and I have the tape here, but I don't know how that will help you. Your right its a lovrly tune, we used to play it in Brissy on harp and low D.

Subject: ?Canadian tune 'Ros bif
From: alison
Date: 07 Jul 98 - 07:17 AM

Hi,

Heard a lovely tune at a folk club on the weekend. the girl playing reckoned it was Canadian and called "Ros bif".

Anyone got the music?

Slainte

Alison