Ritchie, Robertson, Cameron, Barry!

Subject: Ritchie, Robertson, Cameron, Barry!
From: Peter T.
Date: 04 Apr 04 - 11:46 AM

Listening to the Alan Lomax album of Margaret Barry, there is a snippet from what must be one of the great folk events of all time -- a song swap in Alan Lomax' apartment among Margaret Barry, Jeannie Robertson, Isla Cameron, and Jean Ritchie, in the early 50's. It would be worth knowing if the whole event was recorded -- the head aches just thinking about it. Should probably send a note to Jean to see if she has any other recollections.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Ritchie, Robertson, Cameron, Barry!
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 03:27 PM

Peter- As I didn't keep good notes, nor a diary, during my longago residence in The Isles, I'm now not too clear in my memory- dates and details- of all those wonderful parties, festivals and visits. I do remember such a gathering, and may even have a recording of my own in our dusty basement- will have to take a look. We need to sort and label all that stuff anyway- again, I might say. They have been "organized" many times over the years, but always get mis-filed again. The occasion may have taken place when we were all in London for a festival (the one at Royal Albert Hall, maybe?). Alan, Isla and us were all hosting the out-of-towners at our flats, and often met to have meals and visits together. I'll ask George and we'll do our best to "remember it up" for you.    Best, Jean

Subject: RE: Ritchie, Robertson, Cameron, Barry!
From: Peter T.
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 03:41 PM

Much appreciated, Jean. It would be amazing if a whole tape surfaces! Although there must be some of it, since it does appear, as I said, on the Margaret Barry CD. On the Margaret Barry CD you are swapping songs that begin "As I was going to church/mass...." (or similar, don't have the album here)-- You point out that as a Protestant, you would have sung "church" not mass. I think there would be a market for the whole event!!

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Ritchie, Robertson, Cameron, Barry!
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 03:47 PM

Peter, the emergence of such a tape is, indeed, almost to much to hope for. Can you imagine?

Jean, I hope all is well for you and George and that you are keeping warm this "spring" ..... hhahaa.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Ritchie, Robertson, Cameron, Barry!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 05 Apr 04 - 04:26 PM

I always loved the LP with Isla and Ewan alternating songs. I still have a bad cassette recording of it that I dub too often to make sure it stays as relatively "fresh" as is possible.

I think Peggy was there to play banjo for some/most of it. Them times must've been complex.

Art