Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Big Mick
Date: 28 Feb 04 - 01:29 PM

Thanks to our beloved Jeff, otherwise known as Pene Azul, the pictures taken by Tinker and I are in the photo section HERE. Thanks, Jeff for the hard work getting them up.

I have some name corrections to make, such as Goldberg instead of Golden, but I must tell you that when one describes Eve's voice the appropriate adjective would be "golden". Wonderful singer.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: black walnut
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 06:58 PM

I'm finally writing to say how much I enjoyed the 3 hour radio special! Nice to hear all those phone calls, emails and singers, and of course Heather and Rick. Lots of fun. Good music!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Arnie Naiman
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 08:42 AM

Rick's album is a good example of a performer who can deliver quality and feeling on old blues, old time , bluegrass and folk songs. Although Rick in general is not an imitator and will do his repetoire in his own way, He sings and plays with style and taste, and as a performer He has the background knowledge behing most everything He does. This is special in this day and age of folk music performance as these types of performers are dwindling for the most part from the music scene as younger audiences have more modern tastes.
Arnie

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 05:36 PM

Just got mine in the mail, Mick and you are right. This is so pure and fine; it's got the quintessential Fielding in every note...I really love it! Well done all round!

kat

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Big Mick
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 04:41 PM

I am refresing this to remind folks that this CD is available for purchase, and any serious folkie needs to add it to his/her collection. It is a wonderful collection.

Order this puppy, it will be one of your best buys.

Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 07:06 AM

My CD arrived yesterday and I played it through twice straight away and it's still in the machine. Thanks to "Curly Boy Stubbs" and all at Borealis and all concerned who helped Rick get this out.
Trouble is, there's now another couple of songs I just have to learn to... er... "sing" and I can't rememebrer most of the ones I already "know" !

RtS

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: bbc
Date: 20 Feb 04 - 10:32 PM

Thank you, Heather, for sharing that. I'm glad that Rick (& you) got a sense of our love & caring. I was very moved by the awareness of where the Internet has taken us. I think that a community like Mudcat has become is the best of what the Internet can enable. The idea that people all over the world came together in person, by phone, by email, & just by listening--all focused to express our love & support. I was ready to give that support, but it wouldn't have been possible without you, Paul, Borealis, CIUT, & others cooperating. Yes, it was a very special evening!

love from New York,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Duckboots
Date: 20 Feb 04 - 01:15 PM

I was quite overwhelmed by the how wonderful the Rick Fielding Virtual CD Release was, it was like being in a giant hug and I needed a couple of days to 'process it', as Mick said.

It was amazing event! I don't think I can express how special this was so forgive me for being a bit incoherent

It was the folk process at work. From Walking Eagle's suggestion that we have a Virtual CD Release, the idea bounced around and it got bigger and better as Paul Mills added to it, as Borealis chipped in and as CIUT came on board and as Mudcat led the cheering section.

It was all about community. I think the communities in music overlap a bit more than in some walks of life, but this was every group that Rick has been part of coming together for one special evening. It was all the smaller communities melding into one: students, friends, fans, musician, listeners all getting together for the party.

If I go on much more I'll get maudlin, but it really was an amazing evening and I think everyone will remember it it for a long time.

Rick did listen to the whole show, he was waiting up when I got home and wanted to hear all about it. He thought it was wonderful and he was very touched by the warmth and caring and love that came over the airwaves.

Thank you,

Heather

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 09:53 PM

If we could just take all of these good warm words and put them in our IV drip bags, folks like Rick and I would have cancer on the run. This is the 'cat at its' lovinest best.

That said, take a look 'below the line' now.......

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Tinker
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 09:28 PM

I sent some pictures to Jeff today. Hopefully he'll have time to get some up soon. I went through my husband's pen collection when I got home. You know I just may be able to justify that Laskin guitar in a few years if I just let him get a few more....Now I just need to prove to myself I can and will play enough to deserve it...There were so many amazing instruments there.

Tinker

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: bbc
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 06:59 PM

Bill,

That's a *wonderful* picture. As much as I love Rick, he's not easy to photograph. Kudos!

Barbara

P.S.--I got my cd today. Can't wait to listen to it. Yay!!!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Peter T.
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 06:14 PM

Bill D., that is a truly fine photo.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 04:19 PM

it's not 'attention deficit' just because you happen to shift focus a lot. Rapid Attention Shift Syndrome maybe.

or

Rapid
Attention
Shift
About
Ssubject
Syndrome

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: GUEST,Steve Latimer
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 04:09 PM

Jeri,

What's Attention Defi, Hey, nice tie.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 02:49 PM

Outstanding, BillD. thanks for posting both.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 12:37 PM

Dani- I have no problems at all with you using the photo...*smile* The young lady's name is Amanda, I believe. (There were 2 others of the lesson, but this was 'the one'.)

Just because I love it, here is one of just Rick at his mini-concert. He was playing 12-string, and the concentration and 'effort' seem almost surreal in that light.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 11:40 AM

I framed the chord diagrams Rick drew me ..... Mary Lou laughs her arse off at it. C F B7.

After the CD release party, Paul & Bev & meself were sitting having a drink and I was carping/laughing about the time Rick caught me making a 3 finger C and took me aside. He said, "Mick, you need to do that with four fingers, you look like an amateur". I said, "Rick, I am an amateur. I have been getting away with this for 25 years". He promptly went and diagramed those three chords, gave it to me and said "work on one finger a day". After Paul and Bev were done chuckling, Paul said "He's right you know". Damn ... I know he is, and I now I am trying to undo years of muscle memory. One more thing I owe Rick...........hahahahahaha. Anyway, I framed the damn thing and everytime I sit down I am going over those charts.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 11:03 AM

It's probably due to attention deficit disorder* and the fact that if he didn't say something right then and there, he would have forgotton it. For me, that spontaneity made those early guitar lessons fun. Of course, my mind works like that too. It could very well drive some people batshit.


* Named such across the board, with no thought about degree or whether or not it works for a person. If you're surrounded by folks who can either ignore you going from point A to point Y.5 for no obvious reason OR actually understand what what prompted it, it's not a 'disorder'. If you pay full attention to what you're doing, it's not 'attention deficit' just because you happen to shift focus a lot. Rapid Attention Shift Syndrome maybe.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Marion
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 10:32 AM

Sure thing.

Once last year I was over at the Fieldings - NOT for a guitar lesson, just visiting. I was chatting with Rick when the phone rang - it was a friend of his visiting Australia. While he was on the phone, I picked up a guitar and noodled with it - in the next room, with my back turned to him, and very very softly.

After a bit, I heard him say, "Hang on a minute," to his friend then he came over to me with a chord diagram that he had just written down and wanted me to try.

A few minutes later, and he again excused himself from the conversation because there was another guitar thing he needed to tell me.

I think it reveals a lot of about Rick's teaching instincts (compulsions?), that he would twice interrupt the call from Australia because what he wanted to tell me about the guitar just couldn't wait ten minutes...

Marion

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Peter T.
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 09:31 AM

Yes, we had a Mudcat breakfast in The Bagel (Toronto landmark of many years standing). Still buzzing along after two days.....

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Willie-O
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 08:58 AM

Damn, I missed so much. But I did manage to have breakfast with Mick and Peter yesterday, and Marion & I dropped in on Borealis on our way out of town, had a brief and highly positive introduction to this important nexus of Canadian music culture--met Bill G, Grit and Linda there.

Speaking of Rick and guitar lessons, Marion told me a funny story on the way home yesterday...perhaps she will share it here? (hint)


Rick, we love ya, man.

Bill C

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Dani
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 08:17 AM

I HATE that I missed this! Will look forward to the archive, and am glad you all could enjoy it together.

Good for you all (especially Rick) for carpe'ing the diem!

Bill, that photo of Rick and the guitar lesson is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. May I get permission for a print of it? I'd love to frame it for the wall of our restaurant.


Dani

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: JedMarum
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 05:57 PM

I am very sorry I missed out (stuck in New Orleans working, couldn't manage the call-in) but thanks to all for the comments in this and other threads.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: CarolC
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 05:27 PM

Our copy of the CD arrived today. I'm really enjoying it. Great job everybody! Rick, I'm so glad you did this CD.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: JenEllen
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 03:12 PM

Lovely stuff, Paul. Thanks. (oh yeah, you too Mick...) *bg*

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 02:49 PM

Juliana, click here for chords to 'Rare Old Times'.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 02:41 PM

I can see an adult children's book coming on:   Once upon a time, there was a land made of electricity, and roads of magic wires that connected everybody's hearts together. No, it wasn't Intensive-Care-Unitland; it was Internet Possibilityland. There was a Hero named Rickfielding and a powerful sorcerer named Paulmills, who could make it so those roads glowed.

And while we're talking about connections, those two one-syllable cuss words turned into one two-syllable one is something I've also picked up from him.
Finding Rick was a wondrous thing
Destiny? I call it luck!
I've learned some theory, scales and chords,
And I've learned how to say

Oops, sorry - got disconnected.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: GUEST,Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 01:56 PM

Just occurred to me:

And we all thought that "love-ins" only happened back in the 60's!

:-)

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: GUEST,Steve Latimer
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 01:34 PM

Nice clip. Mick was very nervous about following the all star cast that had been performed ahead of him. I think he did an admirable job.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 12:30 PM

Thanks Paul! Just enough of a taste.

And now it dawns on me that the chord progression Juliana requested was perhaps for that song - "Rare Old Times" ??

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 11:58 AM

Neat, Paul! Gave us all at least a little taste of having been there. Thanks again for everything!

best,

Barbara in NY

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 11:29 AM

That is wonderful, Paul. THANKS!!

Mickdarlin', you look great!!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 11:12 AM

looks pretty good from my end - Thanks Paul!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Paul Mills
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 11:03 AM

I've never done this before so I'm not sure if it will work. Please let me know.

I thought you folks might be interested in seeing a little bit of the Monday night party so I created a short (1:20) video of Big Mick performing. I've used this with his permission.

Just click here and hopefully it will work!

Cheers,

Paul

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Arnie Naiman
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 08:08 AM

We continued celebrating yesterday with our gracious hosts Paul abd Bev Mills and had a chance to play some music as well over at their home yesterday. It was great to meet and listen to Big Mick sing some nice songs. I congratulate the entire cast of technicians and musicians that made the radio CD release show happen. A combination of all their talents and hearts, and our sincere feelings for Rick as a true and musical friend in our close music community worked its magic. What a time!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: GUEST,Big Mick
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 07:41 AM

I am just leaving Toronto, after a magical 2 days. In reflecting on what happened here, I felt that I had some pieces of unfinished business.

First, Borealis Records and their staff. What wonderful people we have here. Linda and Lydia were absolutely wonderful and have an amazing grasp of the business. The simple fact is that this would not have come off anywhere near as well without them. Borealis embraced this and, quite simply, made it happen.

CIUT jumped in with both feet and were a joy to work with. They simply walked in, set up, overcame technical problems and made it work.

Grit Laskin. What a wonderful person. His enthusiasm was palpable, and he was on fire. The world knows Grit as a consumate performer, and among the finest Guitar Luthiers in the world. In addition to that you can add the Title "As Good A Friend as anyone could have". He embraced this event in the name of his friends Rick and Heather. His heart shone through and it was a joy to see.

Bill Garrett. I was privileged to finally meet this wonderful performer. I have been bouncing around the edges of this folk singing business for years, and to finally meet some of the folks that I have admired always comes with a bit of surprise. I never cease to be amazed by what I find. So it is with Bill. Like Grit, he was all over this event. And the same love of Rick and Heather was so evident. And he was the "sane voice" that lent organization to the whole thing. He had a plan, and he made it fly. I like this man a great deal, and I hope we remain in touch from time to time.

Finally... and again ..... I want to thank the Sound Engineer ...... Paul Mills.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: GUEST,Juliana
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 06:34 PM

It was great, sitting in Olympia WA, huddled over my husband's laptop - "introducing him" to the love and talent that surrounds Rick.

I've been promising him that we'd make it to TO soon to visit -- after the show we dug out my copies of Rick's other CD's and ordered a few more for our friends.

Thanks to everyone who gathered virtually and in person to honour Rick and his music and enjoy some fellowship with Heather, his wee child bride.

ps - Could someone take pity on me and post the chord progression for Ring O' Rosies?

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party (Feb 16)
From: Willie-O
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 01:22 PM

got my truck out of the shop, Toronto here I come. Better late than...
613-264-7314

there's an Irish session tonight at some pub I might go to later...

Bill

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: karen k
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 12:05 PM

I'm really sorry to have missed it. It sounds like it was one great party. Rick, congratulations on the new cd. I can't wait to get it. I'm going to DC from Thurs. this week until next Tues. partly for Kathy Westra's birthday party and partly to do some work at the Library of Congress. Mick, it won't be the same without you coming in and playing Burl Ives guitar. Anyway, I'll be ordering the cd as soon as I get back.

Rick and Heather, be well, take care and congratulations. It was a wonderful thing you all did last night.

love,
karen

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 12:01 PM

Mick,

Thank you for being there to represent us all. You are a great Mudcat ambassador!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 11:23 AM

Thanks Kat for the credit.

I'm feeling a little better today but reading through this thread, I realize that I missed the party of the century! My thanks to all who put together the tech stuff. Ain't technology great? My best to all.

I'm wondering why Art hasn't chimed in?

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: GUEST,Guest ,Tinker
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 11:23 AM

Okay, I'm not quite back to earth yet. I stood over Mick's shoulder as he posted here in the lobby of the beautiful Holiday Inn Express in Scarbourgh and decided that I wasn't ready to try and put my over tired arms and fingers to work composing.

But before I get to the sublime, in true Mudcat fashion Mick and I hopped in the car for breakfast went about 30 feet and low and behold a flat tire.... Yes, Jeri there is one more picture of Big Mick Lane sprawled next to a Jacked up car....No I did not sing rude shanties to him (I still value my life.) But we were able to eat breakfast while a local dealer mounted new tires and finally headed to Bev and Paul's to help move equipment to Borealis....

Now I know if I took the time to search, Mick has previously raved about the hospitality that embraces you when you walk into this front door... It's all true and more. These are warm gentle folks who deserve all the praise previously heaped and more... Thank You.

Yes, I was encouraged to video and sat there all night in awe that I had the privledge to record these amazing musicians on such a night. I'll be sending copy back to Paul to edit. He took some footage as well, and although the amazing transformation of the Borealis Office to a broadcast studio was not set up for visual, there too a few moments of magic were captured.

I'll send Jeff some photos when I get home tonite. I've met so many amazing people I can't even begin to name names, but it truely was an honor.

Thanks All,

Tinker

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 09:45 AM

Thanks to you whoe were there for reporting in; all that you've described came through, over the aethers and into our homes. What a miraculous time we live in.

Jeri, thank you for posting your poem.

I forgot to send them another email that we only say La Frawnz when we're putting on airs and then it's de LaFrance.**bg**

It felt like some of those wonderful old Mudcat radio days when the room was full of Elves and Mudcat Travellers. Thanks, again, to all and esp. to Walking Eagle who first had the idea. (I think I've remebered that right.)

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 09:34 AM

it was interesting to be in the chat room and the Virtual party thread and listening all at the same time...

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 09:32 AM

It took quite a bit of insight to see the possibilities in this style of release party, and make sure that people could access it through the internet. I think Paul had a good idea what would happen, but the Borealis folks who were printing out the e-mails and answering phones seemed a just a little amazed that messages were coming from places like Michigan. Colorado, Australia, the UK, and even California.

I hope they sold a load of CDs!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: Alba
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 09:24 AM

I loved every minute of the Show.
A great big Thank you to all the Live performers...you were all a true delight to listen to.
Thank you so much for a lovely evening Ciut.
I can hardly wait for my CD now:>)
Best Wishes, Blessings and Love to you Rick and Heather from the Backwoods in Maine.
Jude

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: Peter T.
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 09:23 AM

(3) Grit Laskin read out your poem, Jeri. Everyone was very moved.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: Peter T.
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 09:16 AM

It is also worth adding to Mick's remarks that the something else going on was the amazingness of the Mudcat -- I think it slowly dawned on the non-Mudcatters in the room that having listeners in Australia, the UK, the foothills of the Sierra, and elsewhere, was in part due to the weaving together of Rick and the Mudcat over the years. You could see them going -- who are all these people with their in jokes? Who are these LaFrances and Offers? Hysterical. I was proud to see Mudcat magic at work.

It was all overwhelming -- but one more tip of the hat to Paul and his crew that it all went so well.

Answers: (1) Yes, Tinker made it, she had her video camera rolling.
(2) It was all recorded -- and will make a great tape. I think the mood was set by Jason Fowler doing his guitar magic, and it never stopped. Everyone played and sang beautifully.

It is also worth pointing out that having Rick playing up a storm on CD every few minutes sure put people on their toes!


yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 09:03 AM

The bit about Tam calling from the second row was reported to us out in Radio-land. I can just imagine what went on at the time:
OST (Operator Standing By): "Hi. Would you like to place an order"
Tam: "Yes. This is Tam Kearney."
OST: "Great to hear from you...HEY! Aren't you..." (Peers over desk to row 2)
Tam: (Grins at OST and gives a dainty little finger-wiggling wave)

The night, the broadcast, the music - everything was just perfect. There must be some add-on to Murphy's Law that says something like "Everything that can go wrong, will, but sometimes, the universe smiles upon events that really need to go well."

I would have loved to have been there, but there was a certain feeling here, far outside the hub and at the end of hundreds of miles of wire, part of something that held the planet together for a time with music and love.

I can't remember who it was who read it, but he did a marvelous job.

When the chatter of an unquiet mind,
Will not give me peace,
I can listen to your music,
And those stray thoughts cease.
Voice of greenwood, oak and ash,
That tower over shadowed path,
While I shelter on the mossy earth beneath.

I'm borne away by laughing strings,
Notes that soar though time,
And weave a spell of making 'til,
The air itself's alive.
Here there are no sorrows,
But waterfalls and flights of sparrows,
And while you play, I call their freedom mine

Fingers faster than the wind,
Notes like drops of rain,
And songs that tie me to the past,
With a simple, warm refrain.
And the joy a song can bring,
When it's got that fearless swing,
Played with skill and love together, unrestrained.

Records, though we love 'em,
Unfortunately lack,
Those licks of wisdom I have swiped
And I will not give back.
Teacher, mentor, my best friend,
I think it's time my poem should end -
I love you - now, let's hear another track!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding Release Party, Now!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 05:57 AM

I'll catch the archive if I can, but Jeri, could you post the poem?
Allison