Cadences=modern shanties?

Subject: Cadences=modern shanties?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 05:21 AM

I believe I am using the right word here - are the rhytmic chants of sergeants giving rhythm to marchin soldiers not called "cadences"? Plese correct me if I am wrong. In any case, assuming this is the right word...

...it strikes me that cadences are kind of working songs too, like the shanties (chanteys) of old. Sort of latter-day shanties.

Why not collect some of them (and I bet there are some real gems out there!) and even try them out in clubs?

Looking towards our American brethren mostly for inspiration, though I believe the UK armed forces use them too.

-"All you with a twisted mind..."
-"Let's all hear what you can find!"

Subject: RE: Cadences=modern shanties?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 05:24 AM

Not in the British Army, just an NCO whose mother and father weren't married bawling the timing at you.


eric

Subject: RE: Cadences=modern shanties?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 05:34 AM

I see eric - sort of
-"Mum and Dad were just good friends..."
-"...so I shout to make amends!"

Subject: RE: Cadences=modern shanties?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 06:32 AM

Th US army I believe does use rhuthmic chants for marching and drill.

eric

Subject: RE: Cadences=modern shanties?
From: Susan of DT
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 06:55 AM

See the thread on "Military Jodies?"

Subject: RE: Cadences=modern shanties?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 08:10 AM

UK military just sing bawdy songs to the required march tune ;-)

twenty one
never been done
queen of all the virgins
Nellie the cripple
had only one nipple   
to feed the b**tard on
aint it a pity
she'd only one titty
etc

Subject: RE: Cadences=modern shanties?
From: Lighter
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 09:08 AM

Miltary "cadences," used mostly in training, are unofficially known as "jodies." Do a google search and you'll find plenty. The practice seems to have developed in the latter part of World War II, very probably among (segregated) black units.

Most of the cadences go to one monotonous tune. The more songlike go to simple, familiar melodies like "Sipping Cider througha Straw."

Subject: RE: Cadences=modern shanties?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 10:24 AM

To the best of my knowledge this is NOT the norm in the British Army
And certainly wasnt happening when I was in the R.A.F. It would weem to be a predominantly American Forces practice !

Subject: RE: Cadences=modern shanties?
From: Lighter
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 10:31 AM

Nobody seems to have noticed previously (ahem!) that the classic "jody" tune is essentially that of "The Marrowbone Itch," an odd little song collected by the Lomaxes from Mike Brock (guitar acc. by Farmer Collett) at Middle Fork, Leslie Co., Ky., in 1937. It's in John A. Lomax & Alan Lomax, Our Singing Country (N.Y.: Macmillan, 1940), pp. 110-11. The tune is also used for "Hambone," in Wayne Erbsen's booklet "Front Porch Favorites," p.22.

Subject: RE: Cadences=modern shanties?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 12:52 PM

Leadfingers,

were you in the RAF? I thought you'd been in the Royal Flying Corps;-)