Rick Fielding's influence

Subject: Rick Fielding's musical influence
From: Arnie Naiman
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 01:01 PM

On the heels of Rick's new CD I realised that He has musically and personally influenced many people in a lot of ways. I thought it would be nice to agknowledge some of these in public on the Mudcat. I hope we can all join in.
here are some of mine:
- I flunked a personal audition with him many years ago to be part of his traditional music band
- Later complimented me and Kathy Reid's performance of tradtional material at a "Ragged But Right" concert and we became reaquainted. Encouraged us to play traditional music in performance.
-Advised me and Chris Coole to make our first recording into a commercial CD intead of an informal banjo music tape - good advise. But He warned me that only extreme banjo nerds would care about it which turned out to be partially correct.
-Crafted a beautiful "Ragged But Right" sign in leather (which I should photograph and post) and came over and hung it up on the wall at one of our concerts as a surprise. Many hours of labour went into that piece of work.
-Conducted brilliant guitar extravaganza events with other local elite players at our weekly venue.
-Lent me "Truth is Stranger Than Publicity" Delmores autobiography after finding out we were both great fans of their music.
-Would pop in from time to time and sit in with us or do free guest spots because He cared about the music and the local folk music community.
-Gave us numerous spots on his radio program and used one of our CD cuts as his opening theme music for quite some time.
Thats starters- I'm sure there's more.
Arnie

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Peter T.
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 02:38 PM

Totally transformed my life. Where to begin?

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: InOBU
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 02:47 PM

A continuing influence and inspiration, Cheers Larry

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 04:06 PM

What a subject. I am glad you started this Arnie. One of the ways knowing Rick has influenced me was that it gave me a chance to sit next to you. What a man with the old clawhammer!! Anyway, this thread gives me a chance to communicate this in the way I know best. I saw Rick on Tuesday following the release, but it was a bit edgy. He didn't feel very well, and I was uncomfortable because I felt like I was making him uncomfortable .... one more reason to hate this feckin' disease. I love this man like a brother, so let me tell you why.

First off, he offered his friendship without reservation. This is a big one. You see, I have lots of acquaintances who are nice, we get along, I look forward to seeing them from time to time, they always compliment your music. But in one's life, if you meet a handful of folks that you have a mutual comfort level that is so profound, that happens so quickly, that they jump in with advice, comfort ... the whole thing. That is how Rick is. He took an interest in me. Here is this artist, widely respected for his playing, his judgement, knows all the best players/artists, and they respect his opinion ... and he freely offers it all up. His recordings inspire me, but his advice inspires me more. But most inspirational is his unqualified friendship. And that friendship causes him to give constructive criticism, and tips, that are invaluable.

His songs have influenced my performances and my mission in this leg of the trip. I am a Union Organizer and political activist. I have searched for my "voice" when it comes to singing about plain folks, the problems they face, the intractable nature of some of these problems, and solutions. Never had a problem singing the songs of my people, hell, I was raised with those. But finding my voice as it relates to my mission in this life ... let's just say I struggled to get outside of the usual Gutherie songs. Then I heard "Voices of Struggle" and "Pitman Blues". And I understood how it is that you craft a lyric designed to whet folks appetite to know more about problems, instead of trying to give them a lifetime of education in a four minute song. The more I listened to Rick's CD's, stories of Angus Frazier, Flat pickin' Jesus, etc. the more I understood some of his magic.

His singing style has influenced me in profound ways. His style taught me how to take a song, strip it of its pretensions, embrace what is left and then take the audience along for the ride. I always had a knack for turning a phrase, but Rick's style of singing gave me tips on how to let the audience in there with you. It's one thing to know where you are headed, quite another to present it so the audience (beyond the super perceptive) get it too. Rick's style, over the years, developed an authenticity that is scarey good. And it has influenced me in mighty ways. I expect this new CD will do more of the same. Could anyone arrange and perform a more perfect version of "High on a Mountain" than Rick and Paul did? I have listened to that whole CD several times a day since Monday, and am now into the dissection phase.   And what I am discovering about instrumentation and delivery could fill a book. Mighty influences, these.

Rick really is responsible for introducing me to the influences of the Canadian singer-songwriters, and Canadian culture. And that is a major influence. These folkies, East, West, and middle, are a revelation to me. On this last ramble, someone asked me what it was about this community and its music that I love so much. Aside from the nature of the Canadians, their lifestyle, sensibilities, mosaic, and the talent I see, I love the way much of Canadian music is tied to the place and the history. I think of Glen Reid and his wonderful music. Bill Gallaher and his tales of the West. And on and on. Rick's influence introduced me to Arnie Naiman, Ken Whitely, Jason Fowler. Rick introduced me to Paul & Bev Mills, Grit Laskin, Mose Scarlett, and indirectly to Bill Garrett. And this is only the start, I have so many more to get into, that it may end up a lifes work. Through his introduction I have met so many of the folkies in Toronto that it is hard to remember them all. And I have been able to sing with them and soak up as much knowledge as I could in their presence. And as it concerns Paul and Bev, become good friends. How could one have more influence on anothers life than that.

I remember watching Rick and Michael Kay flatpick together, and being absolutely inspired by that.

I could go on and on, but it is enough to say that if I lived another 100 years, I could never repay Rick for all the influences he has had on me, or had a hand in influencing me with. But if I had to try and sum it up, I would say that Rick's biggest influence on all of us that know and love him and Heather, it is in his absolute desire to bring us all together. Rick is an example of absolute and pure love of friends. He is an example of true caring for others. He calls himself an agnostic, but I know better. I know many Christians, and other "Godly people" whose lives don't reflect true Christian values anywhere near as well as Rick's. He can call himself what he wants, I know him to be a Godly man. Not in language, not in showy "going to church" ways, but in the only real way one can be Godly. He simply lives it, walks it, does it by example. He simply cares enough about others to influence them, and introduce them to influences. It is one of the blessings of my life that he has decided to influence it. I will spend a long time trying to emulate the example.

Now .... I wish he would sit down with me on "Pitman Blues" and teach those feckin' runs..........

Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Allan C.
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 04:56 PM

I have had the good fortune to cross paths with Rick twice. At some point between those two times, I consulted with him about a chord pattern I was trying to decipher from an Arlo Guthrie recording. I guess that since Rick had already seen me play guitar, he knew it was not something he could explain to me by way of an email or on the phone. Thus, it was not until he attended the Getaway that he took a few moments to show me how to play the progression and to explain how it fit into the overall scheme of music. I now feel certain that Rick knew in that moment that I had only the slightest grasp of what he tried to impart. I also think he knew that he had planted the seeds for further learning.

Now, I'm not going to tell you that I have since learned to zip through that progression. It just isn't so. But what I learned in that moment with Rick was that not only is there plenty more for me to discover about playing guitar, but also, (and much more importantly,) that one of the very best guitarists anywhere believes that I have what it takes to learn some of it. I cannot explain to you how empowering that is for me. I can only tell you that echoes of the few moments Rick spent with me will continue to resonate throughout whatever guitar playing I do.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 05:32 PM

Rick's been a terrible influence on me-- for one thing, the honesty. Rick has a taste for it, in fact to the point of tasteless truth. The hell of it is, he keeps on loving ya while being truthful.... it's an awful model, and I fear to say I have picked up the habit from him.

But the worst thing his influence has caused is this ridiculaous and expensive idea that I can try to learn any instrument I fancy, and that no question (about music) is too small to answer clearly. On my every merest whim he has provided a concise and devilishly simple, brief (couple of paragraphs at most) method of starting out on every instrument I have mentioned to him. Not only is this playing hell with our budget, but I've seemed to pass this attitude along to others, until there are all kinds of things littering people's living rooms.

Because of Rick's influence-- and yes, I will blame him for it entirely-- there's now so much music in these wretched hills, you can hardly find a place to sit and have a moment's quiet, even at the dump.

Damn him!

~Susan

PS, did I mention his infectiously twisted sense of humor? Yeah, that's caused me a mite o' trouble, too.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 05:42 PM

I feel I haven't paid the dues yet to chime in here so early, but oh well.

His threads give me humor. Something that I sometimes don't have enough of. What he and I fight will claim us, this I know, but I have a feeling that he will be far more at peace with death through his humor than I will. I'll try to be a better student of your humor Rick!

I've always said that I haven't met a Canadian that I didn't like and Rick has kept my batting average at 100. We down here don't know enough of our friends to the north. What we Americans could learn from you Canadians would probably humble us.

Mostly, Rick has taught me what it is like to love music and ALL who play it.

WaDo DoNaDo,
Julie

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Arnie Naiman
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 05:54 PM

Peter,
I know you were there many Monday evenings for his radio show. Why don't you let us in on how He transformed your life.
Arnie

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Peter T.
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 06:04 PM

I promised myself not to contribute further to this thread, for I would not know where to stop, but WYSIWYG reminded me that one of Rick's great contributions to those who are learners is a kind of courage to try anything, to make a fool of oneself in the pursuit of music for the hell of it, to abandon the purist pursuit and the fear -- oh, I could never do that, or as well as X, or be part of this..... It is the trying that matters -- one symbol of this is the many instruments of varying kinds that people end up tackling, even just once, thanks to him. What the hell am I doing with this accordion/dulcimer/harmonica/guitar/in my hands? It is his giving of that courage to students tentatively hovering at the wings that is one of his great qualities as a teacher, a quality worth reflecting on, at such a time.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Arnie Naiman
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 06:19 PM

Talking about the pursuit of music - Rick visited my place a few years back and was going through my record collection and came across a recording of Tenessee fiddler Ralph Blizzard. Rick had never heard of him , and I immediately said you gotta hear him, and we played a few cuts off the record. I knew He'd like him because his playing is similar to Arthur Smith's - real bluesy and raggy. He plays fiddle like Rick plays guitar. Rick knew He discovered something good. A short time later Rick called Ralph Blizzard up on the phone, and then went down to visit and play music with him in Tenessee. I was certainly impressed.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 07:43 PM

I've never had the good fortune to meet you, Rick, but have been blessed with your kindness over the years. There have been a few instances when I posted a problem- often non-music-related, sometimes quite trivial, and you made one of the truly kindest and most sincere posts. As little as we know one another, I think of you as one of my "Mudcat friends"!
I'm rooting for you- and hope to see you here again sometime soon!

Love,
Allison

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: alanabit
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 05:22 AM

I only know Rick from the threads here and a very fine album which he kindly sent me. I have always enjoyed that waspish sense of humour. It doesn't spare anything - but there is not an iota of spite in it. It can make you laugh at yourself and the craziness of this world. I hope we have Rick back here soon starting more daft threads. I hope we don't embabrrass him too much here, but here's to a talented, intelligent and generous man.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: MMario
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 08:28 AM

I've met Rick - face to face and here at the 'cat. I don't think I can claim him as "friend" - in anything other then a "we know each other and aren't antagonistic" manner - but wow, has he had an influence on my life.

Some is direct - because his posting are ALWAYS worth reading - much is indirect - as he has had such an influence over so many people I respect and admire.

And the respect and admiration he draws from people is in itself a lesson in living and how to present oneself to the world.

And just watching him practice for one of the mini concerts at a Getaway weekend was an incredible experience.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: kendall
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 08:53 AM

I was impressed the first time I met Rick, and every other time I have seen him. An outstanding musician, and a friendly modest one to boot.Well, it's to be expected, after all, he's Canadian, eh?

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Annie
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 09:02 AM

I had only a few words with Rick at the Getaway, but was a moth around his musical flame. I was irrevocably attracted by his example as a musician and his service-through-sharing-and-honesty, which I thought was damn-near spiritual in nature (I respect the agnostic - it takes humility admitting you cannot understand the inexplicable.....and I think they make great teachers.)

The first Getaway I attended, he played a small bodied, old Martin - I'm going to guess it was a 00-18. I marched right out and bought the best 00 I could afford. It's size fit me perfectly and made me love playing the guitar every time I picked it up. He helped lead a workshop on song writing and I learned the value of the bridge in holding your audience's interest in your song. He also helped lead a workshop on jamming during which he explained the importance of variety. This was all new to me and I'm grateful he passed it on.

Like Mick said, we can never repay the teacher.....but we can Pay It Forward.

Thanks for starting this thread. I cried when I read it ... I think because it tries to put feelings into words with dignity, which is very hard.

Love to Rick, Heather and all, Annie

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Willie-O
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 09:56 AM

(Annie, Rick would immediately let you know that the guitar you mention is a single-ought O-18, late 40's vintage).

Well for starters, he sold me one of his all-time favourite guitars, on easy credit terms and at a kind of ridiculous price, after knowing me for one day. Mostly I think because he knew that I would play it a lot.

When I met Rick, it was weird because we had a lot of parallel influences and preferences. (Although I don't claim to approach his depth of knowledge of musical styles, technique, or ability to impart these to others). We were both Ontario roots-style players, with Martin O-18's, an affinity for Wade Hemsworth and some of the no-longer-well-known Canadian folk revivalists like Tom Kines and Alan Mills. He has a Glen Reid octave mandolin; I have an old Regal Octophone, which was the model Glen patterned that instrument after. (These instrumental coincidences came in handy when I booked Rick for a concert and needed a poster; my in-house graphic artist just took pictures of my instruments and made a collage with an actual Rick pic!)

Peter T, who was there, noted of that first meeting "Willie-O arrives, and he and Rick are deep into a discussion of Martin-eana within about 1/33rd of a second." Chuckle. Guilty.

But to get back to Rick, as a radio-show guy he was straightforward enough to tell me, "I like your music but it deserves better than that CD of yours. All the level changes drive me crazy." This kind of information is what you need to hear; my relatives and friends like the CD anyway, but the next one will be better (i.e. professionally mastered) thanks to Rick.

Rick, I'm glad to know you, Heather, and the wonderful musical community around you. You have enriched my life.

love
Bill

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: balladeer
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 10:03 AM

Hello,Mudcat:

I haven't checked in for a long time, but the Rick threads have brought me back. I was visiting with Rick the day he decided to get involved with the Mudcat, and I have been aware that it has given him much in the way of friends and fun in the years since.

About 1980, after a long time away from music, I asked Chick Roberts who was a good guitar teacher. He said there was no one better than Rick. So I went to Rick, but he didn't teach me. He said,"You've been playing that way all these years, why change now?" And it wasn't teaching I needed, but mental stimulation re the music, and that I got from Rick in a big way. He read to me from his wonderful notebooks, his highly detailed (and wryly funny) reminiscences of the Toronto folk scene in the sixties, and that plunged me into my own memories of working in those same clubs and hanging with those same people of whom Rick wrote with such loving acuity.

It was Rick who pointed me towards the Toronto song circle and the Woods music and dance camp, and later encouraged me to brave the recording studio. "Making a CD isn't as hard as you think," he said.
He was right.

Rick's new CD, Acoustic Workshop, is a brilliant addition to a remarkable musical legacy. Of course, so much of his musical legacy lives in the people he has taught and encouraged and befriended.

Happy trails to him.

Joanne Crabtree

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 10:28 AM

That release party had an influence on me to the point that I have yet to write anything about it and I'm not sure when I will. I think I will have some testing done first to check for residue and trace amounts of pharmaceuticals left over from my younger "daze" that may be interacting today.

As far as Rick's influence goes though, I will gladly say a few things if for no other reason than to balance out some of the crappola already mentioned. Most of you seem to be off on tangents already extolling the virtues of the man and you have skipped what is the core, the center, the very heart of Rick Fielding and without acknowledging the base, all your wonderful flights of fancy have no root, no foundation in bedrock.

Stripped of all else and left with nothing but the central cortex, Rick is a weirdo. He's an experienced weirdo, an Admiral of Weirdocity, a real weirdo's weirdo......a weirdo for all seasons. We came to the 'Cat at about the same time in '98 and soon were PMing each other. Probably because we were both so inexperienced on the net we began sharing a lot of intimate details and soon realized that the other was a damn weirdo. Regardless of what each wrote on the threads, the other would often point out in a PM what he knew he meant! Weirdos all share a common trait. They are and can be very passionate about one or a hundred subjects but in 3D are often pleasant enough folks happy to share. It's only when through questions or additional expressed interest that they "go off" and all of a sudden you realize just how in-depth their knowledge is and you question why the hell anyone would invest so much time in the pursuit of "whatever." There are many factors that make up the weirdo. Rick has them all.

Allowing for that made me realize that I was very susceptible to his nutso ideas even when they intruded. The best example of this comes from the Reg Boys. I had been trying to explain Cletus, Paw, and Buford, to the denizens of Mudcat and hoping to get some help in taking them off my hands as my life had been hell ever since they showed up. Rick had never mentioned them at all and one day did the true weirdo thing to do. He deftly and briefly told of his three half brothers, all named Reg and then immediately sent them my way where they have been ever since, refusing to leave. I now have 6 dimbulb motherfuckers instead of 3 hanging around most of the time and this has been going on for 4 years. It takes a real weirdo to screw up another weirdo's weirdness to such a degree.

So before you go off singing and picking his praises, remember this fucker is a weirdo......a real weirdo......I know......I'm not lying about this.........he's friggin' weird..........Got it?

Oh yeah........A real weirdo always needs an extremely sweet and pleasant companion capable of ignoring the weirdo completely if needed

Spaw

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Amos
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 10:32 AM

Spaw, that is truly touching, and rings true. But he's OUR weirdo. One of them, anyway! :>)


A

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Jeri
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 10:40 AM

Willie-O, it was a 00-18 named 'Woody'.

For me, there's just too much. I may find the words eventually. I think if Rick reads this, he won't know whether to be embarrassed or honored. He's the best friend I have and probably ever will have; the brother of my spirit. He knows this, but you, perhaps, do not.

Here's the short version. I guess I have to look at this with a very wide lens. He made certain predictions about where my life would lead and who I'd become. I knew at the time some of these weren't likely to happen, but Rick doesn't care much for being right. Those 'predictions' made me see possibilities and they made me believe in myself. It's as if he looked at me and saw this long shimmering road leading from where I stood into the distant land of 'could be'. What's really remarkable was that he made me believe that road was there too.

He once told me that if I was gonna make a mistake, I should make it LOUD! Every time the wimp part of me starts whispering "you're on unfamiliar ground - try to hide in the background," the Rick part of me, the true conscience, just gives me one of those looks.

Now, ask me if I'm talking about music.

Oh yeah - I also combine Bad Words. I'm working on some variations, but they don't work as well as Rick's favorite. I figure if I make frequent loud mistakes and travel enough, this ought to be a standard American phrase in 5 years or so. Perhaps one day, it will make it into Webster's.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 11:10 AM

One measure that keeps coming through is Rick's generosity with his music. I remember Rick stumbling onto the Mudcat as eager to seek information as to offer it.

I met Rick at his FSGW Concert at the Washington Ethical Society. I introduced myself before the concert. In the middle of the concert, Rick asked me to come up and accompany his autoharp tune with some chords on his Larrivee. Now, Rick had never seen me with a guitar in my hands and only knew that I claimed to play, yet he invited me into his performance.

This was incredibly generous and trusting.

I am proud to say I played in the correct key.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 12:35 PM

Thank God that Spaw turned up. I know we are all busy laying about, but we needed a dose of razor sharp analysis. Pat always provides it.

BBBRRRRRAAAAAAWWWWWWWWUUUUUUMMMMMPPPPHHHH.

I feel much better, anyone got some t paper??

Mick
Founding Partner
Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan
Layabouts at Large and for hire

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Willie-O
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 01:52 PM

OK, OK, DOUBLE-oh 18.

I know better than to argue with Jeri. (And my apologies to Annie for doubting her word. Might as well eat all the crow at once)

Another thing about Rick, he's owned more Martins then anyone else who ain't the heir to a bluegrass fortune....

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 02:25 PM

My favorite picture of Rick is at the Getaway helping a young woman who had just started playing guitar. The two of them got such pleasure out of her ability to get it right. A beautiful, gentle, talented and wonderful man. Sorry Spaw.

Next is watching him sing his own song about quitting school. A riot!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: CarolC
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 03:13 PM

My experience of Rick (and Heather, too) in the context of my six week stay in Ontario a few years ago was so vivid, every time I hear Rick sing and play, I feel like I'm back in Ontario, if only for a little while. This is important to me because that six week experience was one of the better ones of my life (prior to meeting JtS, that is). Beyond that, when I reflect on Rick and Heather, I experience the warmth that comes with knowing good people and counting them as friends.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: CarolC
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 03:28 PM

Here are some of my entries from the Mudcat diary I kept of my experiences on that trip:

Rick plays the Corner Coffee House

Rick and Little Hawk on stage

Rick's radio show

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: GUEST,chinmusic
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 04:27 PM

Besides music, Rick and I also share a great passion for baseball. When we've been in each other's company over the years, some of the time has been spent playing and talking about music, but usually, we wind up in a baseball trivia contest. I have always respected the fact that, on his radio show, he's welcomed both professional and amateur musicians as his guests. Not many radio hosts, in any market, are this daring or generous to do so. I find his opinions on various topics to always be refreshingly candid, even when I do not agree with some of them. In short, he's one of the most honest people that I know. Rick is blunt and straightforward, but without having a mean bone in his body. As Howard Cosell used to say, "he tells it like it is." You run with Rick's compliments, but also take heed of his constructive critism and advice, on what he thinks will make you a better musician. One of the qualities that I most admire in a person, is a great sense of humour. His wit, and quickness of mind is legendary, and right up there with the likes of Grit Laskin and Tam Kearney, two of my favourite people. Finally, his influence in our community, such as husband, musician, teacher, and all around great guy, who continues to have such a positive effect on all of us who are lucky enough to have not only made his acquaintance, but better yet, call him friend.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 10:14 PM

do a search on Rick's name, and see the amazing variety of threads he has started...and contributed to. And the man is 'almost' as fine a leather worker as he is a guitar player! He has one guitar case he made for himself that just blows me away! Anyone have a picture of it? I somehow missed it.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 10:44 PM

Some pics of Rick's leather work

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 12:08 AM

Rick is one of the original Knights in Shining Armour on whom I called through PM and email when I first came to Mudcat and needed help. It is difficult for me to put into words how much his "virtual" friendship has meant to me, as well as its influence. Maybe I will be able to later. For now, I have to say it is one of my deepest regrets that I have never made it to Toronto or the Getaway to meet him and Heather.

One thing I do know, every time I look at a picture of Banjo Bonnie aka Little Neophyte playing her banjo and singing on stage, by herself, for the first time, I remember it was Rick who taught her how and who helped her bring forth the person she was longing to be. Watching that happen for one friend, through the help of another friend, is something which sticks with one for a lifetime. It fills the heart and makes one feel blessed. (When she gets back from trekking the tip of Chile, or wherever she is now, I hope she gets to come in here to say so, too.:-)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Justa Picker
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 12:56 AM

I'm mildly fond of him. :-)

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Vixen
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 08:43 AM

Well, you all know the saying:

Teachers touch infinity.

Rick is an excellent teacher, in the truest sense of the word, and his influence will surely reach the infinite.

V

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Tinker
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 11:18 AM

Okay, I came to mudcat as a 40 something campfire guitar player, and although my skill level has slowly improved some,it's clearly due to Rick that I've now got callouses on my pinkie...
And it's all because of threads like this What the F is going on at Mudcat

There's another story that deserves telling here. A few months after 9/11 I found myself doing a workshop on Everyday Spirituality here in Northern New Jersey. I knew that my previous outlines needed to reflect and pay heed to a new reality, but I wasn't very comfortable and even the clergy I had talked to were still struggling. I finally pulled two songs off of Rick's CD's and worked them into the presentation. ( Handful of Songs and Sing with the Angels) He and Jerry Rasmusssen graciously gave me permission to hand out lyric sheets and with very little discussion, we simply sang together.

Afterward, several people came up to me with tear shining eyes to say thank you, and one woman looked down at her song sheet and said,
"Does Rick Fielding do a lot of Christian music?"

I began to laugh( all I could do was picture an appalled expression on Rick's face)but without thinking I replied " Rick's my favorite Agnostic Theologian, he often opens a window or sets you down on a new road, but he'd never presume to tell you where you should be going." His new CD does the same thing.

Kathy

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: MAG
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 05:30 PM

I will second re. the above "What the F..." thread, and the other similar threads, besides that Rick is a consummate musician of the kind we like, and a helluva nice guy.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Big Mick
Date: 29 Feb 04 - 11:38 AM

Want to see a wonderful picture? THIS PICTURE is from the trip that started it all with Rick, myself, p.j. and Dave Swann. I came to know my wonderful friend Peter T. at this, Banjo Bonnie, Tony Burns, and Willie O. And of course, our Rick and Heather. I was introduced to the wonders of that wonderful Eden of Heather's creation known as the backyard. It was here that I (a card carrying journeyman carpenter) saw the very first structure that I had ever seen that had been built with a Dremel tool. And it was here that I managed to sink into the lush loam of the backyard which caused Peter T to wax poetic about falling "gracefully as only a big man can". LOL. This was a magical beginning to a magical friendship. It has led me, musically, down many paths. It has caused me to become friends with some astounding musicians.

The thread that tells of the events leading up to and including the day is HERE


Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: JedMarum
Date: 01 Mar 04 - 11:55 AM

This is a very personal subject for me. When I first met Rick, he took his time to study, made some analysis (as he always does) and then he set aside some time to deliver a message to me that I believed right away. Not only did I believe it, but I acted on it. It was a life changing moment, and a gift to me.

While Rick's influence to all of us, may be the kind of thing he would do for anyone, and in fact it may be that Rick is simply doing what he thinks is right, and what he would do for anyone - his influence is deeply personal to each of us. It is more then I can say.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Mar 04 - 04:04 PM

... well, I guess I learned this from Rick... when you have a choice whether to look at shit or listen to (or make) good music-- go with the music.... when you have a choice whether to sit around all sunk inside yourself, and feel bad, or to jump out and do what you you know you are made to do-- get moving and do it. Not only is life itself short-- so is each and every moment IN it, and you can only really use each moment one way, so you must choose.

Each year as Lent comes around, someone's need seems to move into my heart somehow for that season. I never know who it is going to be; I just accept it as a sacred use of my spirit.

So... I've let a lot of less important things slide this last month. But I am archiving every song I've ever saved, and as the CDs pile up like good fruit stowed down cellar, each one is a thought and a prayer for Rick and Heather.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Willie-O
Date: 09 Mar 04 - 04:39 PM

Thanks for posting that pic, Mick! Wonderful memory. You can see how blissed-out we all are. I had forgotten that was the first time you and Rick met???

And y'know, just as an afterthought, when I picked up the guitar, Rick gave me a leather tote-bag he had made, claiming he was trying to "clean out the shed". Fine tool-carrier it is, both artistic and sturdy.


Bill

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Mar 04 - 04:57 PM

yeah, Bill, it does bring back memories of that wonderful trip, eh? I think Tony Burns took the picture. Too bad he wasn't in the picture as well.

Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 09 Mar 04 - 10:46 PM

FWIW, I spoke to Rick today and he was having a pretty good day.

Having said that, Rick has done nothng but cost me money. I tune into his radio show and hear something great by someone like The Lonesome Chicken Farmin' Cowboys from the 1870's, it's great and I end up buying the CD. Having said that, I enjoy every one of them.

My ears have always been opn, Rick has just pointed me in the right direction many times.

There have been some life lessons too. I'll get back to them.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Willie-O
Date: 10 Mar 04 - 06:16 AM

Hey, when The Lonesome Chicken Farmin' Cowboys get around to puttin out a new wax cylinder, it's worth yer hard earned shekels.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Glen Reid
Date: 10 Mar 04 - 10:25 AM

I was just a kid, fresh off the farm in 68 when I first felt his influence.To a hayseed from the wilds of North Ontario, he seemed so "big city hip" and musically I knew I had met my mentor.
He even arranged my first gig on Young St. (Steels Tavern)
Through out the years we remained close and he never hesitated to share his gift and knowledge with me.
Even after my battle with the bottle,he was there to help me pick up the pieces and try again.
We havent always agreed on everything, but musically he's still my mentor, emotionally, my big brother and best of all, I'm proud to call him friend.
Glen

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Mar 04 - 02:47 PM

Taught me just how effective inserting a super-glue coated quarter can be in silencing an annoying jukebox in an otherwise folk-friendly venue.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: JenEllen
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 11:45 AM

Rick? If I had to choose, I'd say he's somewhere between "the big brother I never wanted" and "the nicest guy I've never met".

Musically, he's introduced me to a lot of new sounds and interesting folks like Creaking Tree, Arnie, Chris, Susan (list could go on forever), as well as always being available to listen to my 'screaming fit of the day' and help out with any technical problems. It's a godsend, but I don't think that is his true gift.

I think Rick's true gift is that he can play people just as well as he can play any instrument. I don't mean it to sound catty, it is simply that Rick can coax good things and sweet sounds out of damn near anybody. The strangest things, and the strangest people, come off with a charm that is all their own. Over the past few years, I can remember a lot of unnecessary (from his perspective at least!) phone calls and PMs about everything from baseball, to boys, to bar chords, to bad jobs (I still tip my hat to Professor Banjo), to bad 'pauvre nous' chemo days, and always ending with the same: "Hang tough you, Love, Rick".

Whenever two curse words fight to escape my mouth at the same time, I think of Rick.
~JE (la Troyienne)

An example of that bad influence ...sheesh....

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 06:33 PM

RAOTFLMAO ....... GAWDAMN, JenEllen, I needed that. I am whipped already, just came in from two day gigs, and two more tonight, and you hit me with this. I will be chuckling all night. Folks, hit the link and read the thread. It is a HOOT, if you will excuse the pun.

Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: GUEST,Wavy Dave
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 02:28 PM

Rick Fielding's influence...well, he taught me not to swing at an inside pitch unless I was looking to pull the ball. He showed me how to play titanic in C, then in D, and, I think, A.

He proved to me that you can still get good food after midnight while heading west, not east, on Danforth. He encouraged me to listen to a dozen musicians who I had never heard of, who have become huge influences, and he encouraged me to listen to ideas and arguments before forming opinions (I'm still working on that one.) He encouraged me to play music for the love of it, rather than for the acceptance of any audience, either real or imagined. He personally showed me how to play the Easy F. Oh, and he introduced me to my wife, so I guess there's some influence there as well.

Sounds like a fair piece, but a personal regret of mine is how much of the last 15 years or so I've spent not being influenced by Rick.


David Haines

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 02:47 PM

LOL, LeeJ, I'll rmeember that!

Jendarlin'...you hit the nail on the head!**bg**

luvya'llkat

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 09:32 PM

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 02:57 PM

He's had no influence on me whatsoever. I've never met the man.
But having spoken to him on the phone a few times, I wish to God I had.
So he's a baseball trivia expert, eh? (That's my little tip of the cap to his Canadianness)
OK, Mr Rick Baseball Trivia Fielding...
Did you know that Bucky Dent, Bill Buckner and Aaron Boone have the same middle name?












Fucking!

Seamus

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's influence
From: el ted
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 09:14 AM

never heard of him!