Jon Rennard - info rqd

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Mark Peers (JBW Jug Band)
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 04:17 AM

Recently found an old tape of Jon with the Jug Band playing and singing with gusto at 2 live gigs in the late 1960's. One at Harrogate and the other at Tony Capsticks Folk Club in Rotherham. There was also a recording of an original song Jon wrote for the band when on tour in Ireland. Great days and great memories of Jon

Mark

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 08:51 AM

Richard Quayle

For Neil Devlin, who asked after Les Pope:

My wife Lesley and I ran a folk club in Horsforth in the earky '90s. Les and his wife Isla became regulars there and on one rare Christmas occasion, Ilsa sang for us. They lived in Holt Park in Cookridge when we knew them. We got to know Les very well and he gave me several tapes of old folk club recordings from the '60s and later. They were from his old reel to reel collection and were pretty bad quality sadly. He also gave me both of Jon's LPs on tape, again poor quality. I had the pleasure of seeing Jon gigging in '71, shortly before his death. He performed in the Windmill in Deal, Kent. I especially remember his wit and banter and his wonderful rendering of Jumbo the Elephant.

Les Pope's wife Ilsa died in the mid '90s and some time later Les remarried to a long standing friend Olive. He lived his last few years with her in Otley in a new bungalow at the bottom of the Chevin, opposite the old cattle market. Les was a really smashing chap and was delighted when Lesley and I played and sang several of Jon's arrangement for him at the Horsforth club.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Chris
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 09:02 AM

Could anyone please supply me with the tracklisting for Brimbledon Fair album?
Also if anyone wants digi links to JR's albums email me at
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Grampus
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 10:19 AM

Track Listing for Brimbledon Fair:

1 Brimbledon Fair
2 The Eigerwand
3 I Live Not Where I Love
4 Regency        
5 Ballad of Joseph Myers
6 Go From My Window
7 Broom Besoms        
8 The Sheffield Apprentice        
9 Chicken Fat        
10 Bailiff's Daughter of Islington        
11 The Old Man's Lament        
12 Lullaby

Taken from my rather well worn LP.

HTH

G.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Guest, , Tish Lawson
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 03:46 PM

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Max Johnson
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 02:05 PM

I was also a good friend of both Jon and Marsh. The first time I ever sang in public was at Les Pope's old White Horse club in Ripon with Marsh's cousin, Patrick Burns, and Marsh was with us. We sang 'The White Cockade'.
Jon was a great singer and a lovely guy. I can remember so many joyous nights around Ripon, Harrogate, Knaresboro and Leeds. Writing this now, I can still recall the thudding shock when Patrick told me that they'd been killed the previous evening. I was 22, I think Marsh was younger. Too young for all that.

The Marsh in Threadbare Consort was another Marsh. Consort's album 'Wearing Thin' was dedicated to Les Pope, who encouraged us all.

RIP, guys.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 03:12 PM

Hello Max, Patrick Burns lives literally round the corner from me here in Harrogate. Roger Knowles who has posted on this thread under a guest name also lives just round the corner.

Jean

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Cestrienne
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 07:35 PM

If I remember rightly, they were on the way home from a gig at the folk club that the Union Folk ran in... I THINK it was the "Durham Ox" in Congeleton.
His last song was "The Parting Glass" that night. Won't ever forget that.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Max Johnson
Date: 08 Feb 11 - 09:06 AM

I've just remembered that the last time I saw Jon was late one night when we bumped into each other in the otherwise deserted Waiting Room at Leeds Station. Both well oiled (on pints of Yamaha), and waiting for the last train home.

Hi Jean - I know both Roger and Patrick well. I must come over for a pint soon, but I'm a bit remote these days. And Patrick - if you read this - yes, I know it wasn't The White Cockade, it was the Maid of Fife.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 08 Feb 11 - 06:08 PM

Max, why don't you become a mudcat member? It's a great site and it's free ~ I could send you a message then.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Max Johnson
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 06:58 AM

Done. I told Patrick about this thread, but I doubt if he'll post!

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 10:17 AM

Hi Max, had to send 2 messages ~ you'll see why .... lol.

You'll see the red 2 at the top of this page.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Paul Reade
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 08:11 PM

I remember Jon - he gave me my first ever booking in his club at the Peel on Boar Lane in Leeds, probably in 1965 / 66.

I seem to remember he had a son who was a baby at the time, and was also called Jon. Is he around, and is he aware of all this discussion about his dad?

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Robbie McDonald
Date: 15 May 11 - 05:23 PM

I loved Jumbo the Elephant when I was a lad - my dad Roger has the album Parting Glass - in fact it is him introducing Jon at the beginning of the live recording. I am pretty sure it was recorded at the Bate Hall in Macclesfield - at least that was where the Macdonald folk group played of which Rog was part, but could have been the Union Folk...

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,GUEST, Lilacvine
Date: 22 May 11 - 11:47 AM

Thought you might be interested to see this tribute to Jon Rennard that I put up on youtube.

JON RENNARD - BRIMBLEDON FAIR

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: The Sandman
Date: 23 May 11 - 07:54 AM

thanks lilacvine, very enjoyable

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 23 May 11 - 11:54 AM

Lilacvine ~ thank you so much for putting the video of Brimbledon Fair on YouTube. I will share it on facebook.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Lilacvine
Date: 23 May 11 - 12:25 PM

You're both very welcome! Just thought he deserved to be remembered.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 07 Jun 11 - 08:43 AM

Go From My Window

The Parting Glass

Lullaby

The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Jun 11 - 09:34 AM

lovely singing and guitar playing, thanks.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 08 Jun 11 - 06:54 AM

I Live Not Where I Love

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 08 Jun 11 - 01:55 PM

"In Your Smile" is a beautiful love song written by Jon.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 13 Jun 11 - 06:01 PM

The Sheffield Apprentice

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 14 Jun 11 - 02:29 PM

This is the wonderful Holmfirth Anthem which Jon sang so beautifully. "Where the pratty pratty flowers grow."

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 15 Jun 11 - 09:04 AM

Regency is an instrumental which Jon wrote.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 19 Jun 11 - 07:29 PM

Broom Besoms

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 21 Jun 11 - 06:40 PM

Garners Gay

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Richard Hardaker
Date: 25 Jun 11 - 05:32 AM

More thanks for posting this selection of Jon's recordings on Youtube and reminding us what a considerable talent was lost to us those years ago.
I only heard Jon perform once, at Harrogate Folk Club when it was at the Irish Club on East Parade, probably spring or early summer of 1971 not long before he was killed. On that occasion representatives of the local bench of magistrates turned up to see what these young people were getting up to with their folk music. They went away greatly impressed. If Ray Black, folk club organiser at that time follows this forum he may be able to confirm these details.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 26 Jun 11 - 07:42 AM

The Ballad of Joseph Myers ~ sung by Jon on the LP "Brimbledon Fair". The words come from Kirkstall Abbey Museum and the melody from Jon.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 29 Jun 11 - 12:12 PM

Follow The Plough ~ bawdy but not offensive :)

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 04:46 AM

A fun song Sailor Jack McCoy

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 04:09 AM

Today is the 40th anniversary of Jon's death and I have uploaded The Female Drummer Boy to my YouTube channel. Jon sang this song on the LP "The Parting Glass" which was recorded at the Bate Hall Folk Club, Macclesfield in November 1970.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 08:00 AM

I have also uploaded this video of Jon singing the Leon Rosselson song Jumbo the Elephant .

There is now a good representation of Jon's talent on these YouTube channels:

http://www.youtube.com/user/jeana1001

http://www.youtube.com/user/LilacVine

Jon was a talented and popular performer; live performances by him were magical. It is important that people can search for him online and find examples of his singing/songwriting/guitar playing as well as being able to capture some of the magic of a live performance by him; he had a great sense of humour. His death was a huge loss to folk music.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Dave G
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 01:19 PM

Remembering Jon on the 40th anniversary of his death.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 10:15 AM

Banks Of Sweet Primroses

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Gillyharvey25
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 05:07 PM

Jon played regularly in The Kennet Folk Club in Aldermaston Berkshire and was a brilliant singer and friend. My ex has copies of both Brimbledon Fair and A Parting Glass but, the way of the world, I can't get copies. If anyone could do me copies in any form I would be most grateful. I have the words of a song Jon used to sing hand written by him on headed note paper, I think it was no. 21A but definitely Methley Drive, Leeds.
Gilly

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 03:09 PM

2A Methley Drive :)

The Eigerwand is an original composition from Jon about the abortive attempt in 1936 to climb the Eiger by a team of mountaineers.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 12:51 PM

I wonder if MARK PEERS who posted to this thread would mind getting in touch with me at [e-mail], please? I can't PM you Mark, because you posted as a guest, but I'd like to talk to you about a possible interview/article for my Lost Folk Tapes website.

Cheers,

Nigel

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Ramblin Bert
Date: 24 Oct 11 - 07:36 AM

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Candy Brae
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 02:06 PM

I hear from Jane often (or Janie as you called her.) I know her very well. She is my sister.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 06:25 PM

Candy Brae, some people may not realise that Jon's beautiful song "In Your Smile" was written for your sister Jane.

In Your Smile

such a beautiful song

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Candy
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 06:13 PM

I read all of this with tears in my eyes after all these years. I still hold many kind regards for Jon. He always made me laugh. I found him so warm and funny. I so loved to hear him play. He will "NEVER" be forgotten in my heart. "In Your Smile" will always remind me of Jon and the love he held for my sister.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 26 Nov 11 - 06:49 PM

I have spent today making a video of "In Your Smile" which I have uploaded to my YouTube channel. I have included Jon's introduction to the song which is amusing and it is followed by his tender rendition of his song.

"In Your Smile" ~ a beautiful love song

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,candybrae
Date: 04 Dec 11 - 07:17 PM

I think it is better to have loved and lost...then to never have loved at all.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 21 Dec 11 - 03:25 PM

I have just uploaded The Parting Glass to YouTube. I have left in Jon's introduction to the song and I have copied the following information from the back of the LP (recorded at the Bate Hall Folk Club, Macclesfield, November 1970) cover:


"Although JON RENNARD'S first album -- "Brimbledon Fair" -- was a great success, embodying as it did immaculate performances of many of his best loved songs and ballads, it was a studio recording and inevitably lacking the 'magic' atmosphere for which he was justly renowned.

Here, in his second and last record, we salute Jon as his countless friends and followers knew and loved him -- holding a folk club audience spellbound with his renderings of tender ballads, drawing their eager participation in the chorus songs and reducing them to helpless mirth with the irreverence of his introductions. Sometimes bawdy, but never offensive, Jon's comments on his songs -- contrasting sharply with his obvious respect for them when he sang -- were part of the charm which endeared him to enthusiasts throughout the land.

This is an edited version of one evening's guest appearance at an ordinary, average FOLK CLUB. We were concerned not to embellish the occasion, making the microphones, etc. as unobtrusive as possible and the guest even received his fee! In the subsequent editing of the tapes we were faced with an overabundance of material and the most agonising part was deciding what to omit.

The result, we feel, is JON RENNARD -- "warts an' all".

And when thyself
with shining foot
Shall pass among the
Guest Star-scatter'd on the grass
And in thy joyous errand
reach the spot
where I made one-turn
down an empty Glass!

a verse from Omar Khayyám"

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Dave G
Date: 22 Dec 11 - 12:24 PM

Many thanks for that eanjay. Brings back fond memories of a fine singer and a very funny man.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Paul Denham
Date: 25 Jan 12 - 12:17 PM

As a former resident of Leeds, - I recall that heard Jon Rennard in a folk club probably in the very early 70s and really enjoyed the music he played. I was looking for a recording of the Holmfirth anthem and found Jon Rennard on You tube and thought it the best on YOU Tube so much I listened to others of the recording of Jon that have been uploaded especially the Parting Glass. thanks to all the contributors above and to enjay for the chance to hear Jon again.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 19 Apr 12 - 11:01 AM

In June last year LilacVine uploaded to YouTube a video as a personal tribute to Jon titled "Jon Rennard Tribute & Leeds Memories". The song used was "Garners Gay" from "The Parting Glass" LP. The video shows how Leeds, where Jon lived, has changed in the 40 years since his death. I posted a link to the video in this thread. I have made another video for that song and included Jon's introduction :) Sometimes bawdy, but never offensive, Jon's comments on his songs -- contrasting sharply with his obvious respect for them when he sang -- were part of the charm which endeared him to enthusiasts throughout the land.

Garners Gay

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Barbara
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 10:15 AM

Jane was one of my flatmates in Leeds in those days and Jon spent plenty of time there when we four physio students lived together in Headingley. Many happy nights were spent at Folk Clubs in and around Leeds in late sixties. Also remember well Bob Clark and his roommates at that time. Spoke to Jane on Friday.

Subject: RE: Jon Rennard - info rqd
From: GUEST,Dave Arthur
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 06:47 PM

I've only just found this Jon thread. He was a lovely guy, great fun and a fine singer. A few days before he died he spent the day with Toni and myself in our cottage in Hurst Green in Surrey at the end of a southern tour. The weather was fabulous and we lay about in the sun eating strawberries and cream and talking about music and future plans. We had no idea when we waved him goodbye as he drove off up our lane that we'd never see him again, and that the folk scene and his family would lose such a sweet person. Of all the friends that have died over the years Jon is the one who most frequently pops into my mind, and I can never hear 'The Parting Glass' without thinking of him lying on our sunny lawn, laughing and eating strawberries. Such a shame, as, of course, are the deaths of so many other lovely members of the folk music community.