Review: The Rod Shearman Songbook

Subject: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 06:13 PM

It arrived in my post this morning, the long awaited Rod Shearman Song Book and it was worth the wait! It costs £12 + £1 p&p and is worth every penny.

Dave and Anni have created a wonderful record of not only Rod's work, but his life in pictures as well. The notation is very clear, a single melody line that is easy to follow and not overburdened with fancy directions or chords. The text for the verses could have done with being a little bigger, but there are so many songs (46) that would not have fit if it were so. The songs are a mixture of chorus and narrative, each written with the simplicity and "singability" that was Rods' trademark.

The preface gives a very personal and sensitive introduction to the book, and says so much more than its content. In the rest of the book, there are no remarks, no footnotes, no histories or fripperies, just the tunes and the lyrics and the authors life.

Interspersed throughout the text are pictures of Rod and his friends and family. Many of these will be familiar to those who attended his memorial in Cecil Sharp House, where they were piled high on a table and everyone was invited to look through them. They have been placed with great care and thoughtfulness to the text, ranging from the shy grin of a small boy in uniform to the dashing seaman 'off to sea again'. A strange, cleanshaven and dapper young sailor looks out from 'the land of long white cloud' and the bespectacled, hairy gentleman that I got to know is surrounded by his friends.

If you have any of Rod's CDs, then the book is a welcome addition. If you are learning them to sing and share (which is, after all, why he wrote them) then the clarity and page layouts are perfect (no awkward page turns). If you have never heard of him before, then all I can say is, this is a great book to start off with.

I've experienced a little difficulty trying to contact Old and New Tradtion (Dave and Anni's company) as the website is still under construction, but an Email to [e-mail] should make it.

LTS

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 07:52 PM

I have no doubt this will be available from Dave and Annie at Maidenhead this coming Thursday - 18th march 2004.

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: Cats
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 03:41 PM

Mine arrived too. If it wasn't for Uncle Rod, I wouldn't be singing now. I'll tell you the story of the song on the tape I found in my car many, many years ago whilst the navy were playing boats on the Tamar River one day... and how that tape cost me at least one single malt every time we met!

An outstanding book and a perfect tribute to an outstanding and lovely man.

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: Noreen
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 04:35 PM

Old and New Tradition website seems fine to me, apart from the unfinished biographies page.

No mention of the Songbook on the site though- I'll post here when I get a reply from them.

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: GUEST,Anni Fentiman
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 05:32 PM

I heard you were talking about Rod's book, we are really delighted that it pleases so many of his friends.

The book is available from Old and New Tradition, Grove Lodge, Ironworks Road, Tow Law Co Durham DL13 4AJ £12 + £1 P&P. We also can supply his CDs for a similar price. Email [e-mail].

We will also take the book to all our bookings and it will be available at the National & Lancaster Festivals.

I have let Rod's sisters know that the book is so welcomed and they are truly delighted.

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: Noreen
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 05:33 PM

Yep- Anni replied straight away:

Send a cheque to the address below and I'll post one out. Make the cheques payable to Dave Webber.

Dave Webber & Anni Fentiman
[e-mail]
http://freespace.virgin.net/daveandanni.music/
Grove Lodge
Ironworks Road
Tow Law
Co Durham
DL13 4AJ

Tel [phone]
07976 521788

(Postal address is as on website.)

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: Noreen
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 05:35 PM

Oops! :0)

Thanks Anni- see you at the National.

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 06:07 PM

I said that *I* couldn't get onto the site, I didn't say that no-one could. When you get a page of paragraphs all saying 'This site is under construction' in a repetative, Stephen King "Shining" sort of way, then you may have a hint...

LTS

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: KathWestra
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 11:13 AM

This is great news!!! Hey Anni, can you send a copy of the book and CD back over the pond with Judy and Dennis? I (and probably others in the Silver Spring folk ghetto) would love to have both! Thanks for issuing these. I love Rod's music, and am eager to have what sounds like a very beautifully produced book (not a surprise, given the producers...) XO Kathy Westra

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: Dave Earl
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 09:06 AM

Yep our copy arrived the other day.

Wonderful stuff!!

See you at Lancaster and The National
Dave

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: Lorraine
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 08:29 AM

Mudcat is amazing. I 've been learning a wonderful song-Song of the Sea- (thanks to Dave and Annie's CD) just learned who wrote it and what other wonderful songs he's responsible for and BillD mentioned that there's a thread on Mudcat. Some special timing! I may just wait to see if Judy and Dennis do bring a copy back to the states but it sounds wonderful. But thank you every one for reviews and info. Lorraine

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: GUEST,MCP
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 09:03 AM

Lorraine - you should get them to bring copies of Rod's 2 CDs too. The Song Of The Sea was one of my favourite tracks on the first, Here's To Friends - just Rod accompanied by a sympathetic guitarist whose name I'm too modest to mention.

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 10:27 AM

Ohh what a great idea. Maybe I won't wait.   Thanks
Lorraine

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: The Admiral
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 02:04 AM

In case you don't get round to ordering copies direct from Dave and Anni, Pearl and I will be carrying copies with us on our round of the festivals. Come and talk to us!

Tony

Subject: RE: Review: The Rod Shearman Song book
From: GUEST,hen harrier
Date: 12 Jan 06 - 11:06 PM

refresh