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Subject: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: Dave Swan Date: 10 Feb 05 - 06:15 PM Peter Kasin and Richard Adrianowicz have recorded and produced Boldly From Westward (HM CD 100, 2005), a CD featuring 18 chanteys and forebitters. Joining Peter and Richard are Bay Area traditional music stalwarts Dick Holdstock, Shay Black, Dennis Franklin, Richard Mandel and Riggy Rackin. In this august company it's Peter and Richard's friendship which shines through. The liner notes say "Our love of sea music, and our frinedhsip, led us to the musical collaboration we have today. We hope you enjoy this CD, and learn some songs in the process." The listener is caught quickly enough by the songs and is singing along before the end of many cuts. In addition to a cappella chanteys, forebitters featuring whistle, fiddle, guitar and concertina can be heard on this recording. A particular treat is The Sailor Laddie, followed by a march composed by Peter. This is an album of muscle and heart and brain. When the singers belt, there's not a strain nor a shout or a false note. Work songs are sung as though these men know what it's like to put in a days' work for little thanks. Instrumental arrangements are clean and spare. This CD has a place in the collection of anyone who enjoys traditional music. It is not necessary to be a sea music afficianado to enjoy this recording and to recommend it to friends. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: Joe Offer Date: 10 Feb 05 - 08:51 PM I've been waiting for this CD to come out. Peter and Richard are toward the top of my list of favorite people, just for being good guys. They've been singing together regularly for over a year now, and they really sound good. Their research is solid and their singing is great - so their work is a real contribution to the world of sea music. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: GUEST,DHL Date: 11 Feb 05 - 12:44 PM Peter Kasin and Richard Adrianowicz along with Celeste Bernardo will be appearing at the 26th Annual Sea Music Festival at Mystic Seaport June 9,10,11,12. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: GUEST,MMario Date: 11 Feb 05 - 12:54 PM AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHH! I was tempted to skip Mystic this year... guess I won't after all. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: Charley Noble Date: 11 Feb 05 - 01:03 PM I was delighted to receive an advance copy of this CD and have been listening to it for the last day or two. It's very well done. My favorite song has to be the last one entitled "Sundown Below" which is described as "a cargo loading shanty." Richard provides a wild lead which the chorus balances with rich harmony. Richard has more extensive notes on each of the songs he leads and is happy to share. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: Big Mick Date: 11 Feb 05 - 05:25 PM One look at the names, let alone the recommendation from my buddy El Swanno, and I know I have to have this. I will have to check with Camsco and/or Folk Legacy and see if they carry it. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: radriano Date: 11 Feb 05 - 06:01 PM Hi Big Mick, Our recording was just released and neither Camsco or Folk Legacy have it yet. CD Baby will have it in a few days. We are still in the process of contacting sellers. Of course, you can always get it from us directly. Send a PM to radriano for details. We have yet to work out pricing so I hesitate to make a formal announcement at this point. radriano (Richard Adrianowicz) |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: radriano Date: 11 Feb 05 - 06:31 PM By the way, the correct title is "Boldly from the Westward" And just to clarify things, Dick Holdstock, Shay Black, and Denis Franklin form our chorus for four of the shanties; Richard Mandel provides guitar accompaniment for the jig set; and Riggy Rackin plays concertina on two of the sea songs. For those of you who have not figured it out already, Peter Kasin is chanteyranger - you can also PM him for details. Our new website (www.handspikes.com) is still under construction but once it's up and running you'll be able to download detailed liner notes with lyrics there for "Boldly from the Westward." As long as I'm posting this message, here's a track list: 1. Ten Stone (cargo loading shanty) 2. Hard Times in Old Virginia (cargo loading shanty) 3. Heave Her Up and Bust Her (capstan from Great Lakes in America) 4. Down Trinidad (cargo loading shanty from Barbados) 5. Goodbye, My Lover, Goodbye (capstan from Great Lakes in America) 6. Scarborough Fishermen (Richard Grainger) 7. Mobile Bay (pumping shanty) 8. Hills of Isle au Haut (Gordon Bok) 9. The Twenty-Third of March (whaling song) 10. Jigs: Connie the Sailor / The Rolling Wave 11. Swing Your Tail (capstan) 12. Morlaix Bridge (hauling shanty from Brittany) 13. Homeward Bound (capstan) 14. The Sailor Laddie / Song & March (song trad, march by Peter Kasin) 15. Two Jolly Fishermen (fishing song) 16. Pull Down Below (halyard/towing) 17. Yankee John, Stormalong (West Indian) 18. Sundown Below (cargo loading) |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: Dave Swan Date: 11 Feb 05 - 09:18 PM Sorry, Richard. I had the cover right in front of me, too. Boldly From THE Westward it is. Great graphics, bad eyes. D |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: Peace Date: 11 Feb 05 - 10:48 PM Congratulations to you. I am looking forward to hearing it--next week hopefully. I am very excited for you both. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: Peter Kasin Date: 11 Feb 05 - 11:14 PM Thank you for your generous comments! Richard and I had a great time recording it over the summer and fall. Graphic design was done by Sara Glaser, whom we heartily recommend to anyone recording a CD. www.saraglaser.com Check out her portfolio on her website. She is topnotch. Barry Finn, thank you for making the song "Hard Times In Old Virginia" known to me and for pointing me to the book "Slave Songs Of The Georgia Sea Islands," collected by Lydia Parrish. We're really excited about going to Mystic and singing with Celeste! She's a powerhouse singer and a great friend. Chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: sixtieschick Date: 11 Feb 05 - 11:31 PM Obviously I'm not objective about this, but I offer my warmest congrats to Radriano and Chanteyranger. They gave two performances in Santa Barbara last year to packed houses, and knocked the socks off everyone. Their knowledge of sea chanteys and their histories is breathtaking. They spent many months working on the CD, pouring heart and soul into every detail. The songs are varied and wonderful, and the cover design is spectacular. All the best, guys. You deserve massive success. (In chanteyranger's case, I hope it's in the genes.) |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: Peter Kasin Date: 12 Feb 05 - 01:02 AM I hope it's in the jeans. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Boldly from Westward, Songs of the Sea From: Peter Kasin Date: 12 Feb 05 - 09:03 AM Whoa, what am I saying. I had visions of hundreds of screaming women pawing at us while we are on stage. ...in my dreams. Richard, we're in the wrong business. I told you we should've made a heavy metal album. Thank you, sixtieschick! We are, though, offering to replace anyone's socks we made off with, and are sorry for any inconvenience. Chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: Charley Noble Date: 12 Feb 05 - 06:40 PM In my opinion you both showed great good judgment in rejecting all the vile names that were suggested for your duo. However, maybe you should at least consider "The Sock Trawlers" for your next CD. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: Barry Finn Date: 12 Feb 05 - 06:42 PM You're most welcome Peter, my pleasure. I love the listing, the material you guys chose to record is in great taste & I already know how fine your vocals (& chorus) will be. Hope to be able to make Mystic this year it's been to long. If you & Richard are performing at Mystic bring a good bunch of all your CDs & make sure that you get all the sales/buiness stuff in line way ahead of time. The people that cater to the sales of the performer's CDs is not always on top of things. Good luck with it all. Barry |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: sharyn Date: 12 Feb 05 - 10:15 PM I have listened to this CD A LOT (in bed with a nasty cold, unrelated). It has good sound, good balance, lots of interesting songs -- and even a song I don't care for has been arranged so well that I listen to it anyway. Really. Richard and Peter's vocal blend is particularly good -- they have been known to switch parts on occasion. For those of you who don't know me, I am notoriously picky. And I applaud this album. Good job, guys. And send me those expanded notes and lyrics when you can. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: GUEST,Charley Noble Date: 13 Feb 05 - 10:58 AM I have to agree that the choice of songs on Boldly from the Westward appeals to me. With the exception of Gordon Bok's "Hills of Isle au Haut" they are songs that have not been often recorded. Thus this CD makes a major contribution to the sea music community. I also think that Richard, Peter, and their backup crew do a good job of presenting the songs in a "traditional style." No, not as slow as the shanties would have been traditionally performed by a work crew, but certainly not the overly elaborate arrangements that some sea music groups do. "Sundown Below" remains my overall favorite and I encourage Richard to post his lyrics and extended notes here for that one. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: GUEST,Guest Dick Shay Date: 13 Feb 05 - 01:57 PM I would like to know how I can obtain this CD prior to the Mystic Sea Music Festival. I can't wait that long! All the reviews sound good. Please let me know how to get my very own copy. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: Peter Kasin Date: 13 Feb 05 - 02:50 PM Thank you, Sharyn! Glad you're enjoying it. I know you have a critical and knowledgeable ear, so your comments are doubly appreciated. Dick Shay, thanks for your interest. We will let folks know when it's available online, and we hope it's soon. We're just starting to get it out there. For the time being, if you'd like to send me a PM (don't know if you're a cookieless member. If not, it's easy, and free, to join Mudcat) I will get you the address and ordering info. Chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: open mike Date: 13 Feb 05 - 03:41 PM so is handspikes the new name for the band?? congrats!! I wish you luck in all your endeavors. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: Peter Kasin Date: 13 Feb 05 - 05:16 PM We just go by our names, "Peter Kasin and Richard Adrianowicz," but we did make a long list of tongue-in-cheek band names, including "The Whaleboners," "Floating Seamen," "Schooner Or Later," and "After Berth." Yeah...we'll just go by our names. ...and thanks for your good wishes, open mike. |
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Subject: ADD: Sundown Below From: radriano Date: 14 Feb 05 - 12:16 PM Sharyn, thanks so much for the kind words. It's always a thrill when fellow singers praise your work. Our detailed liner notes are not complete, Charley, but Sundown Below is: Track 18 - SUNDOWN BELOW Lead: Richard Chorus: Peter, Dick Holdstock, Denis Franklin, Shay Black. A cargo loading shanty taken from F.P. Harlow's Chanteying Aboard American Ships, 1962. Harlow says "Sun Down Below, Mobile Bay, Way Sing Sally, and Hilo, My Ranzo Way, are purely West Indian Negro chanteys sung while hoisting cargo from the hold of ships and seldom if ever sung by sailors at the halliards." They may have been sung more frequently than Harlow suggests. Stan Hugill, in Shanties from the Seven Seas, says that Mobile Bay was sung by sailors aboard ship at the halyards and at the capstan and pumps. This song is also mentioned in Lydia Parrish's book, Slave Songs of the Georgia Sea Islands, 1942. Parrish says "This tune was sung at the end of the day as a hint to the captain, when the hold was too dark for the stevedores to see what they were doing." Verses three and four come from the Lydia Parrish book. LYRICS: SUNDOWN BELOW Six o'clock I hear 'em say Chorus: Sun down, sun down below Six o'clock I hear 'em say Chorus: Sun down, sun down below Aye-a-a-a-a Aye-a-a-a-a The day's been hot, you all do say Time to quit and go away Aye-a-a-a-a Aye-a-a-a-a Sun is down an' I must go Sun is down in the hole below Aye-a-a-a-a Aye-a-a-a-a I hear my captain say Sun is down and I must go Aye-a-a-a-a Aye-a-a-a-a Pack our duds and dinna' pail Come back sure befo' you sail Aye-a-a-a-a Aye-a-a-a-a |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 14 Feb 05 - 02:18 PM Some of my personal favorites from our list of suggested duo names: Horny Handed Heavers The Jolly Pumpers Slimy Joe and the Squarehead Man Sniggering Milk-Sop Jimmy Twitchers Spume and Brine Depleted Seamen The Unfathomables The Windbreakers |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: Peter Kasin Date: 14 Feb 05 - 02:31 PM A 'catter who shall remain anonymous suggested we perform in Alaska as "Frozen Seamen." |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: sixtieschick Date: 14 Feb 05 - 09:36 PM You haven't forgotten the "Seamen Gobs," have you bro'? That's my vote for the most revolting name you came up with, in a manner of speaking. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: sixtieschick Date: 14 Feb 05 - 09:40 PM Yeah, I know: put a sock on it. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 15 Feb 05 - 05:42 PM This just in: CD Baby has received a supply of "Boldly from the Westward." However, they still need 5-10 days to get all the digitizing, editing, scanning, and page-making done. There will be partial sound-files for all the tracks for your sampling pleasure. Radriano |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: GUEST,Melani Date: 15 Feb 05 - 07:55 PM My favorite name is still "Blue Peter and Spotted Dick." I agree about "Sailor Laddie"--it's my favorite track. Since I work with Chanteyranger, I have the luxury of hearing these guys frequently--eat your hearts out, East Coasters! You all better go to Mystic--and for those who can't, the magic of digital technology. Nice work, guys, and worth waiting for. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 16 Feb 05 - 07:59 PM refresh, please |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: RiGGy Date: 17 Feb 05 - 01:12 PM I like this record a LOT ! Riggy |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: GUEST,Charley Noble Date: 17 Feb 05 - 01:33 PM Riggy- And you've done some nice subtle concertina accompaniment on it as well. The songs that are now sticking in my mind include: "Hard Times in Old Virginia" "Down Trinidad" "Mobile Bay" "Swing Your Tail" "Pull Down Below" I think the old shantymen would have bought you boys a round after they heard you sing these. And, who knows, you might have woken up hours later on a 3-skys'l hooker bound for Cape Horn. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 18 Feb 05 - 01:55 PM Refresh, please. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 18 Feb 05 - 06:19 PM News flash! The CD Baby site is all set up and ready to go. To view the new album on the site click on the link provided below: Boldly from the Westward Sound bites are available for all the tracks. Radriano |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: Charley Noble Date: 18 Feb 05 - 10:37 PM Looks like you lads are in business! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: Charley Noble Date: 22 Feb 05 - 01:45 PM "Scarborough Fishermen" by Richard Grainger on your CD seems to share tune and spirit with "Grimbsy Lads" by John Connoly and Bill Meek. Any clue which came first? I know you lads sing both of these. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 22 Feb 05 - 02:30 PM Hi Charley, I believe "The Grimsby Lads" came first although I need to verify that. Will get back to you. Richard |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 22 Feb 05 - 03:44 PM What a great CD!!! I played Homeward Bound on my show this past weekend. Brilliant! I highly recommend it. If you are planning to be in the NYC area around your trip to Mystic, let me know - I would love to have you in our studios in Teaneck, NJ! |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 22 Feb 05 - 04:31 PM Ron, Thanks for the invite! I'm not sure at this point how much leeway we'll have timewise around Mystic. Our schedules will become clearer as Mystic approaches and we will let you know. Charley, I originally learned "The Grimsby Lads" out of Roy Palmer's book, "The Oxford Book of Sea Songs," 1976. The book was reprinted last year, I believe, under the title "Boxing the Compass." I know I have a recording of Bill Meek and John Conolly singing it - perhaps there will be a composer's date on that. Richard |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: DADGBE Date: 23 Feb 05 - 01:37 AM It's playing now and a great treat! Everything about this work is top notch. Fine cover design, (I love the whale hiding behind the CD) good scholarship, best of all - great music. My hat's off to you both. Best, Ray |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 23 Feb 05 - 04:03 PM Ray, you don't wear a hat. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: DADGBE Date: 23 Feb 05 - 04:23 PM And it's getting damned cold in here. Can I turn off the CD and put my hat back on now? |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 24 Feb 05 - 11:54 AM Hey Charley, I unearthed a letter I received from John Conolly (3/19/01) giving me permission to record "Here's to the Grimsby Lads" (that's the official title). Included with the letter was a lyric sheet for the song. At the bottom of the page was this: "This is one of the first songs we [John Conolly and Bill Meek] ever wrote together ... and it is more popular in 1998 than it was over thirty years ago! We have recently received recordings of it from Holland, Germany, Denmark and Poland. It is a simple tribute to the men who did the toughest job in the world ... the deep-sea trawlermen whose triumphs and disasters were an integral part of our growing up, and whose lives we have tried to chronicle in many of our songs." So that would suggest the song was written around 1968. Both Conolly and Meek often re-write verses and phrases as time passes. In the original version of "Here's to the Grimsby Lads" the second line of the last verse read: "To the fisherman's prayer the breeze sings the 'Amen'" Later this was changed to: "Another trip's over, another day's done" Similarly, the phrase at the end of the first line in the last verse was changed from "... the new sun in gleaming" to "... the new sun is beaming." |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: GUEST,Charley Noble Date: 24 Feb 05 - 12:42 PM Richard- Thanks for the update. Songwriters do change their songs after singing them over a period of time. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 25 Feb 05 - 01:55 PM Our website is just about ready. It should be up and running in about a week. Here's a clickable link: Handspikes.com Radriano |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: JudyB Date: 25 Feb 05 - 07:22 PM The future is now - how time flies when you're having fun! JudyB |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 25 Feb 05 - 07:23 PM Correction, the link to Handspikes.com in my previous post is now active! |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: Noreen Date: 28 Feb 05 - 07:53 AM Sounds wonderful! Looking forward to hearing this. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: radriano Date: 28 Feb 05 - 11:15 AM Our deepest gratitude to Judy Barrows for setting up our website! Judy, you are amazing. We'll be adding on features to our site in due time. For my part, I will be adding a page about my former band "Out of the Rain" - we disbanded quite a number of years ago but there's still a lively interest in our recordings. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chanteyranger and Radriano's new CD From: Peter Kasin Date: 28 Feb 05 - 04:12 PM Thanks, Judy! CAMSCO will be carrying them soon, as we've just made arrangements with Dick Greenhaus. I'll post when Dick gives the word when they're ready for sale. Chanteyranger |
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