Jon Rennard - info rqd

Subject: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 04:19 AM

I have to 1970s LPs on the Tradition label by Jon Rennard. Does anyone know if he recorded anything else? Also can anyone supply any info on this singer who I believe is sadly now dead.

Thanks in advance
LL

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 04:32 AM

Jon Rennard died in a car accident in Leeds in 1972.   Shortly before that I saw him do an excellent set at the Troubadour. As far as I am aware, his only recording was the album Brimbledon Fair.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 04:40 AM

I have jusr remembered (it's a long time ago!) that there was also a tribute release of a live set called, I think, The Parting Glass.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 04:47 AM

These are to two LPs I have. ,I wondered if there was anything more he recorded.
Was he from Leeds area?

LL

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 04:52 AM

The accident happened close to his home in the Chapel Allerton district of Leeds.   With him in the car, and also killed, was his roadie Marsh, a distant relative of mine.

There were no other commercial recordings to my knowledge.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: breezy
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 07:16 AM

I knew him as he ran clubs in Ledds and he was good chap for supporting my eary attempts at performing.
I was trying to track down his song'Percy the Peeler from Poppleton' awhile back.
I was a student in Leeds at the time I met him but I left Leeds in 1967 to return south.
I will always remember him, you are lucky to have some recordings of him.
I remember turning up to a pub and he was sat in a back room, singing to 2 people in very dimmed lighting,I'ld have liked to have known him more but I moved out of the scene as work took over.
Thats why I run 2 folk clubs and a song swap session these days.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 07:22 AM

Stefan Sobell the luthier who now lives in Northumberland may know more. Possibly he'll have tapes as they occasionally worked together.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: breezy
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 08:23 AM

1st saw Stefan sing at jons venue

Golden Vanity, then Black Velvet Band

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,cusco
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 02:42 PM

You've got it right. There were only two recordings. Both on the Tradition label based in Macclesfield. I thought he was tremendous. Apart from his serious side he could be hilarious and stood up in comparison to all the other funnies at the time, Capstick, Harding, Williamson etc.

I still croak "Garners Gay" on occasions which I first heard from him. "I Live not Where I Love". Had a brilliant night once in the Bush in Hyde.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 10 Feb 04 - 04:44 AM

Thanks for the info everyone
Glad to see there are still a few others around who appreciated him the music he made.
BTW Breezy, the track "Percy...." isnt on either of his 2 LPs

LL

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,johnlilburne
Date: 24 Jan 06 - 10:28 AM

My wife and myself have the two albums - Brimbledon Fair and The Parting Glass (live).

My wife used to go out with Jon's mate, Marsh, who died in the car accident with him.

This was before my time. I came to Leeds in 1974.

JL

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: breezy
Date: 24 Jan 06 - 11:17 AM

Hello Johnlilburne

Any chance of a copy please?

I ask blatantly as I see no other option open as it will be fitting to have seeing as he gigged me and worked hard to promote.

I used to know one of Jon's friends too !!

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,motco
Date: 01 Sep 06 - 12:34 PM

I have tried in vain to get a copy of Brimbledon Fair to go with the ropey old cassette of Parting Glass I already have - a vinyl or CD of that would be good too. The master tapes are still extant I think, but the owners say they're not commercially worth publishing now. :(

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Jean
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 04:15 PM

I have both of the LPs Brimbledon Fair and The Parting Glass but would not part with them. With the right equipment you should be able to get a copy from an LP. Jon and Marsh were killed on 29th July 1971 on Halcyon Hill in Leeds.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 10:16 AM

I may be able to get a CD copy of both LPs if that is any good to you.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,carrie rennard
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 06:46 PM

yeah ace i just found out jon rennard was my grandad i hope u all liked him !!!!

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 06:47 PM

Yes, he was good.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 11:07 AM

There is a copy of the LP Brimbledon Fair for sale on ebay at the moment - if anybody is still looking.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 04:08 PM

Carrie, your grandad was a lovely character and a great musician. Yes Stefan Sobell would know, as would Bob Pegg, Dave Burland and many other denizens of the mid 60's Leeds and Barnsley scene. Remember the Prince of Wales in Swinegate.
Sorely missed.
KYBTTS

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 09:44 AM

The LP Brimbledon Fair sold on ebay for £31 plus postage - I'm just listening to my copy of it now. Somebody got good value there.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: squeezeboxhp
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 08:22 AM

i remember him well, the next night he was going to be at the Singing Jenny FC in Huddersfield. great singer

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Derby Ram
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:16 PM

Yes I remember Jon very well - in particular his version of 'The Night Visiting Song'. I remember I was at Sidmouth Folk Festival when the news broke of his death. Dave and Toni Arthur organised a collection there and then for his family....very sad. Had he lived, I believe he would have gone on to prove a significant force in the development of folk song interpretation generally and we would all have benefitied from it. A very sad and untimely loss.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: LITTLESHADY
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 07:02 AM

EANJAY 24 JANUARY 07 SAID COULD DO CD RECORDINGS OF THE TWO JON RENNARD ALBUMS. IF YOU ARE STILL OUT THERE IS THERE A POSSIBILITY OF GETTING THIS DONE I'LL PAY THE COSTS. WOULD MAKE GREAT ANNIVERSARY PRESSY FOR MY WIFE. CHEERS.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 12:42 PM

Littleshady, I have PM'd you.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: LITTLESHADY
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 05:39 AM

Thanks for prompt reply. That's a shame I will have to start thinking again now!!

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,xx
Date: 29 Jul 07 - 05:27 AM

Remembering Jon and Marsh on the 36th anniversary of their deaths.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 29 Jul 07 - 12:09 PM

I always remember them, particularly on this day each year.

It was lovely to see Jon's granddaughter's (Carrie Rennard's) post in February; perhaps we'll hear from her again.

It would be nice if the 2 Jon Rennard threads could be put together.

I've just posted to both of them.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Bob Clark
Date: 26 Nov 07 - 08:29 AM

Wow, this is weird!
Jon used to live in my spare room on Asket Hill in Leeds.
We wrote one of the instrumental tracks (Chicken Fat) on Brimbledon Fair together and recorded it in Macclesfield. My copy of the LP was loaned out and never returned eons ago. Thought I'd check the web to see if there were any copies about and ran across this thread. I could go on for months about how great Jon was. I even have a few pics around if anyone is interested. Carrie, give my love to gramma Pat.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 26 Nov 07 - 08:33 AM

I loaned my 2 LPs out years ago and I don't think I would have got them back either but I made such a fuss about it!

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,David Abrams
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 07:46 AM

I knew Jon well. Marsh sometimes took me to gigs. I have the 2 LPs and have just made them into CDs - not the best quality but it works. The night of the funeral we were all at the Irish Centre folk club and poor Tony Rose had to perform. Bizarre but this is teh first time I have listened to the LPs since his death - what a tragic loss.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 08:12 AM

I've put my 2 LPs onto CDs as well and since then I do listen to them more than I used. I'm pleased with the quality of mine (I used a Numark turntable and Audacity software). Mind you I had to do it more than once to get the quality I wanted.

I'm amazed at the good condition of my LPs. I did lend them to somebody many years ago and they "did the rounds" so to speak, so I feel lucky that they survived. I did have to "fight" to get them back!

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Mark Peers
Date: 20 Jun 08 - 08:12 PM

Great to read the tributes to Jon who was a good friend and a one off. Important to record that he also played with the Jug & Bottle Washers Jug Band for more than 3 years.

The band played most of the Folk clubs and festivals in the north of England, toured Ireland supporting Johnny McAvoy (ex Dublin City Ramblers) Jon was an enthusiastic band member playing guitar, ukalele, kazoo and vocals. The other members of the band were John Wall (leader and organiser of the famous Memphis Folk Club in Leeds where Jon sang so often) on guitar, vocals, kazoo and funnel, Jim Peers on Jug (Sadly also no longer with us)and myself (Mark Peers)on the washboard.

I have many happy memories of Jon that included an amazing busking session at Whitby Folk festival in 1968 and many fun gigs right up to his tragic death. I have one of his LP's and some treasured tape recordings of the band live and of a Radio Leeds recording of "Shine" introduced by Bob Pegg. John Wall and myself have some photos of John with the band.

After Jon's sad death Bob Clark joined the band (see his contribution (Nov 07)and we changed the name to Count Orlandos Spasm Circus and later to the KC Moaners.

God Bless Jon

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 20 Jun 08 - 08:29 PM

Jon got me a load of solo work in the Lakes when I needed it. I knew him quite well prior to his death, but didn't know Marsh that well.
I was in the Isle of Man when he was killed, together with Nick Strutt, and we couldn't make the funeral.
I never had his lps, so can't help there.
Roger Knowles

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 22 Jun 08 - 05:55 AM

I'd love to see some of the photos, if anyone is willing to put them on the internet and provide a link.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Martin Hirst
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 04:28 PM

In reply to Bob Clarke's message of last November; Good to see your name again Bob. Do you remember me ? I married Pat, flat mate of Dickie's wife Jill. Last saw you at your restaurant in Chapel Allerton. I remember John so well, especially the early days at the Peel on Boar Lane - I wrote an article about him for the YEP. I was listening to Brimbledon Fair last night in bed on my iPod - my son (Joe Hirst - Miloco Studios) copied the tracks from my copy of the album to CD as I have nothing to play vinyl these days. Are you still looking for a copy ? Let me know. Carrie, are you little John's daughter ?

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Jen and John
Date: 21 Sep 08 - 05:38 PM

We saw Jon Rennard by chance in the Lake District, first doing an impromptu gig and then at a folk club. I love his voice and guitar and wish I had seen more of him. Still have his record Brimbledon Fair and played it last week.   Has anyone put the other one on to a CD?

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 21 Sep 08 - 07:37 PM

I have put both LPs onto CD for my own personal use. Earlier in this thread I had to tell someone that I couldn't give them a CD because I wasn't sure of the legal position in respect of copyright. The LPs were recorded approximately 38 years ago. Does anybody know who owns the copyright?

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Judith
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 02:44 PM

Great to read all the messages re Jon Rennard. I was just a teenage folk fan in those far off days but our gang at The Bush folk club in Hyde just loved him and his music. Still have my copy of Brimbledon Fair LP - I have this particular tune played by Jon as my mobile phone ring tone! I downloaded this track (legally!) from iTunes I believe (or it may have been some other download website) as it's featured on a compilation album.

It's amazing that Jon's memory lives on after all these years. Until I happened on this message board I thought I was the only one with fond remembrances.

Judith

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,old folky
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 10:55 AM

Jon was a great performer,saw him many times at the Griffin in Workington.Could really get the audience going with 'MARTIN SAID TO HIS MAN'sadly missed!

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Chris Brownbridge aka Ebor_fiddler
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 05:46 PM

Percy the Peeler was from Potterton, rather than Poppleton though. I also recorded Jon at our club in York. Lovely singer and a thoroughly nice man.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Rick USA
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 07:49 PM

I discovered Jon in Leeds Record Library almost 40 years ago and left Leeds 35 years ago with both of his LP's, still have them here in the U.S.. Only problem? - no record deck any more. Never met him but it's wonderful to know that there are others who remember him.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Dave Graham
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 03:29 PM

Jon ran a folk club at the Ferrands Arms in Bingley, Yorkshire (with Jim?). It was my introduction to folk music. It was a terrific club with Jon as host and many fine acts. I particulalry remember a young Vin Garbutt. Great memories.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 04:02 PM

(with Jim?) That would be Jim Wishart.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Chris Stern
Date: 18 May 09 - 02:43 PM

I met Jon at Scarborough Folk Club in 1970. He was great both musically and personally. I was just starting out and he was very encouraging. I was lying in the bath in the summer of 71 listening to Folk on 2 when Jim Lloyd suddenly said that it was very sad that he had died. I was stunned!

Without going into details as to what happened, I resolved that night never to drink when I was gigging and I have stuck to that 100%. So Jon has stayed with me to this day.

I lost my copy of The Parting Glass in the USA. I'd LOVE to hear his songs again. Anyone got CD copies or even cassettes? My favorite, was his version of Jumbo the Elephant.


Chris

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 06:32 AM

Joe Stead singing The Sheffield Apprentice.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Brian Hull (Parlington)
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 07:42 AM

I have an LP which was produced after the death of Jon Rennard in 1971, The Parting Glass, it has ten of his songs:
Side One
The Female Drummer Boy
Banks of Sweet Primroses
The Captain's Apprentice
Holmfirth Anthem
Jumbo the Elephant

Side Two
Follow the Plough
Garners Gay
Sailor Jack McCoy
In Your Smile
The Parting Glass

The album cover features on my site here: http://www.parlington.info

I have posted this on both threads, good he is still remembered!

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Neil Devlin - Tyneside
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 05:39 PM

Met John in the late 60's when I used to perform in the folk clubs around Leeds, Harrogate and Ripon under the auspices of an old English teacher, and avid song collector, Les Pope. I used to book John in the club I ran at Washington and then go drinking with him the next day to make sure none of the booking money went south to Leeds. I do remember some classic drinking and singing sessions from a great troubadour. I still sing Johns version of the 'Bailiffs Daughter of Islington' when I drop into the traditional festivals in Scotland. Before the tragedy, Mash and his friends had just started a band called, if my memory serves me well, Threadbare Harmony? A great bunch of guys from a great time for music. I would be curious to know what became of Les Pope who got John a lot of work in the early days.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: The Sandman
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 05:41 PM

threadbare consort?

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: breezy
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 06:12 PM

Les Pope got me to sing at his 'clubs'

I recall being surprised when having to do 3 sets of songs when I was only geared up for 2. Those are far off days, I can do hundreds now.

thanks for the reminder

It was Stefan Sobell who inspired the singing of 'The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington' along with Johnny Grope, sorry Cope and lowlands Low

It was Jon R who booked him at his Leeds club[s]

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 09:16 PM

Carole Cooper

Knew Jon well. Loved him and miss him. Sang at Scarborough Folk Club often and stayed with us. Have both lp's on tape. Gave lps away couldn't listen to them for years after he died. Hope family realise what a talent he was. Anyone hear from Janie?