Elvis is alive and well

Subject: Elvis is alive and well
From: burntstump
Date: 18 May 05 - 12:36 PM

The new 12 track acoustic cd by Jack Hudson is now available, the title track, Elvis is alive and well, will delight those Elvis fans out there who still believe he never died!
All 12 tracks are penned by Jack Hudson and there is not a bad song on the whole cd.
This long awaited recording highlights the true talent of one of the UKs best singer songwriters, the acoustic sessions were recorded over the last 6 months with the final master being completed on the 17th May 2005.
Fans of Jack Hudson have long expressed their desire for an acoustic cd and believe me it as well been worth the wait.
Further details later.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 May 05 - 12:50 PM

Proof
G...

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST,Botanophile
Date: 18 May 05 - 01:39 PM

Amazing. I have been looking for a good botanary (botanical dictionary) with plant pronunciations and meaning and I found John's link (to Dave's Garden) in an obscure, unrelated thread.

Goes to show it pays to at least scan the BS section.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST
Date: 18 May 05 - 01:41 PM

Whoops! Wasn't in the BS Section.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: burntstump
Date: 19 May 05 - 12:34 PM

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST,Sidewinder.
Date: 19 May 05 - 05:50 PM

Can you give us a rundown of the lyrics?

Regards.

Sidewinder.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST,Clive Elwes.
Date: 19 May 05 - 07:10 PM

Having never heard of Mr. Hudson, I can only assume that you are the man himself, or a close friend.
ONE OF THE UK.S BEST SINGER SONGWRITERS seems a bit over the top compared to those we know.
Having said that, good luck to Jack Hudson, and his friends.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 May 05 - 07:33 PM

Jack Hudson is the best singer of Americana England has ever produced.
His voice is deep and resonant and has a classic quality that makes every other singer in the room very jealous - I have noticed, something that does not work to his advantage in the hothouse atmosphere of English folk clubs where every Tom, Dick and Harry takes his harp to the party. Too many Dicks in many cases.

His guitar picking is of a very high order and of a highly original nature. There are no books telling you how to be original - it only comes with the hours of work he has devoted to his craft.

Several of his songs should have been major hits. Unfortunately there are too many wallies in the English folk dj business - they have discriminated very unfairly against a major artist, because he makes no pretence of trying to sound like an 18th century mill worker or shepherd. Jack has remained true to his muse over nearly forty years playing the English folk scene - and that is why you have never heard him.

Burntstump merely speaks the truth about a genuinely great artist. He is telling it like it is.

all the best

Big Al Whittle

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 May 05 - 08:39 PM

PS I hope your stump isn't really burnt.

It it is, try to keep a brave face. There is always someone worse off than yourself and there are wonderful lotions on the market nowadays. I feel sure medical science will not be long in coming to grips with your unusual condition

You seem to be like a man of mature years. Try to be more discriminating where you put your stump. as Judy Durham of the Seekers sang, the joys of love are fleeting.....

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST,Graham, Leeds.
Date: 19 May 05 - 10:28 PM

Have to agree with earlier poster. Is this guy better than john Ren bourne, Bert janch, Ralph Mctell, et all, I doubt it. If mr. hudson, over forty years has produced such a a galaxy of hits, perhaps we should be aware of a least one, forty years seems a very long time to be discrimunated against by the English inteligensia. On an earler thread I have seen reviews of gigs by Jach Hudson, how many people turned up, not many think. This in itself say's something for the artist you represent, Judy Durham of the Seekers is perhaps beeing polite. Good luck anyway.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 May 05 - 11:07 PM

Well I love the work of Ralph McTell - went to see him twice last month. i think I own every cd. Waters of Dreams was playing this afternoon as radioactive stuff swirled round my heart and they took pictures.
Revere the originality of Bert Jansch - the late roger Brooks (another unheralded genius now no longer with us) used to practise, jam or whatever alongside of him and he said Bert would just leave him at some point - he just phrased and played so imaginatively, so unpredictably - a sort of Alex Higgins amongst guitarists - riffs other guitarist just didn't have - musical thoughts of total magic and origiality.
Renbourn I've seen a few times. He's good.

However without being in the slightest way disrespectful to these gentlemen - as a singer ( maybe not as a songwriter and guitarist - although personally I prefer his work as a songwriter to jansch or Renbourn) -singer Jack Hudson can piss rings round all of them.

The problem lies in a profound and bitter disagreement that took place in the early 1970's. Look at all those three guys and you will see dutiful nods in the direction of English Traditional music. And I think (and I speak as devoted Ralph McTell fan) the anglicisms in ralph's work are probably what has cost him the mass audience - which maybe he never wanted, but which he must surely have contemplated at various times in his career. such obeisance is missing in Jack Hudson. also unlike those three chaps, Jack's never had a hit record - and take my word as someone who has had a hit record - that really is a matter of pure luck.

anyway its not a beauty pageant. they're all class acts and Jack Hudson richly deserves to be considered as such.

Pour scorn on my views if you like. Miss out on Jack Hudson like you did on Roger Brooks, and that will be two of the greats you missed out on.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 May 05 - 11:17 PM

PS Personally i believe that one day If We Could Only Fly will one day be a hit in every country in the world - probably given the sullen and resentful nature of the English to their geniuses it will be after Jack's death.

But then again I didn't think gary Glitter and Suzi Quatro were were the greatest hits of the 70's - so what do I know.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: alanabit
Date: 20 May 05 - 01:57 AM

My hands are up and I'm coming out quietly. Any more threats of Gary Glitter and Suzi Quatro and I'm simply leaving the field!

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: burntstump
Date: 20 May 05 - 06:29 AM

Elvis his alive and well
copyright jack hudson


"He's not a tourist the sun's bleached his hair
his beards turned grey, he don't look like he cares
Clothes don't have labels, there's nothing he needs to prove."




If you want the rest buy the cd.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: An Englishman Abroad
Date: 20 May 05 - 08:51 AM

If it is the Jack Hudson I remember from the early 70s he was one of the people who started me playing and getting into folk music. The song the got to me was his version of Early Morning Rain. From then on I was hooked. I agree he deserves more recognition but does he want it.

He was playing at the old Bromsgrove club in Lydiate Ash. It was run by Mad Jocks and Englishmen. They are still going strong after all these years.

I would recomend anyone who has not seen a performance of Jack Hudson to go. Treat yourself.

all the best          John

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST,Sidewinder
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:12 PM

C'mon give us a little more than a first verse -he ain't Bob Dylan yet no matter how good you think he is!

Regards

Sidewinder.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST,Chester Charlie
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:25 PM

Just another old fogey trying to ride on the wings of the King.Mention Elvis and people take notice being the rationale.It isn't even clever it's been done to death.Just record a cover of Jailhouse Rock like Shakin Stevens and be done with it.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: burntstump
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:36 PM

I could go along with your comments if you had heard the song, but like so many others you want to have a knock, just for the sake of having a knock.
I bet you knocked Walking in Memphis, even after you had heard it.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: 14fret
Date: 20 May 05 - 07:46 PM

I have known Jack and his good friend for many years and agree with 'Burntstump'… up to a point.
I have the advantage of loving music but not being involved in the 'business'. This gives me distance from the petty parochial preciousness and myopic tastes, having been witness to quite a lot on my visits to 'folk' clubs etc.
I do know on the business side there's always 'the luck of the draw', who you know and kissing ass. The latter was never Jack's style.

Has he got 'great' songs? Some of them, in my opinion, yes.
Has he got a great voice? That's subjective….. a lot of people think Kylie Minogue is great... for Christ' sake.
A quote from the publishing arm of The Atlantic Music Group about Jack's material, and they are Pro's!
"Your songs remind us of our personal favourites, Guy Clark, Jimmy Webb, Jerry Jeff and Ed Bruce".

There's no such thing as the best. If you think the cream always rises to the top, take a good look at who and what has made money. If that's the measure you're going to use…. You're *"~#ed!

I do know Jack does not rate himself as a 'guitarist'. He and I listen to many who truly are. He has said on many occasions, private and public, he can accompany himself well and sometimes pretty damn good.

What makes me despair is that he has been denied making a decent living by the self appointed arbiters of taste. You'll know them on sight, they're the ones with their head stuck up their ass.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST,Chester Charlie
Date: 21 May 05 - 02:52 AM

Walking In Memphis is not strictly speaking a song about Elvis and does not mention him in the title.I would not bracket such a good song with the likes of "Elvis Is Everywhere","I'll Remember Elvis Presley", and "There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis" etc.I am sure yer' mans' song will fit in well with these novelty ditties that pale into insignificance when compared with tributes such as "Viva Las Vegas" by ZZ Top and "Class of 55" by Jerry Lee Lewis and "Real Good Looking Boy" by The Who etc.Anyway I have just written a song called "Jack who?" and I think it's a corker so thanks for the inspiration.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: burntstump
Date: 21 May 05 - 03:28 AM

I should have guessed by your name that you are nothing but a clown

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: burntstump
Date: 22 May 05 - 08:23 AM

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 22 May 05 - 01:32 PM

Anyway - he's doing Spondon Folk Club near derby very soon and the folk club organiser will make money on the night cos a lot of his fans will be there including me and they are all nice people - ithink we can afford to be without some of the sons of bitches on this thread.

seriously great music.

i suppose I could bandy words with these louts, or support a lesser musician, but as Dave Van Ronk said, I'd rather be boiled in skunk piss.

best wishes to all genteel souls

Big Al Whittle

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 22 May 05 - 02:47 PM

A suggestion. Buy the CD. Listen to it carefully, without bias, with generosity of spirit. If you don't like it, fine - Jack's a big guy and can take constuctive criticism, give your criticism constructively. But for Christ's sake don't slag a the guy off before you've heard him, and on the basis of comparisons with other performers whom he himself acknowledges as being amonst The Greats. And I'll guarantee you that when you've heard him, unless you've got cloth ears or are afflicted by the incurable bias that afflicts a certain section of the folk-community in the UK, you'll recognise his talent.
S:0)

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: burntstump
Date: 22 May 05 - 03:32 PM

See you at Spondon

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST,Sidewinder.
Date: 23 May 05 - 12:40 PM

Still waiting for more of the lyrics to be posted so I can chip in with my honest opinion on the subject.Although, I have to admit that the first verse has got me interested enough to enquire further.I may just pop along to Spondon and hear for myself.

Regards.

Sidewinder.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 May 05 - 09:56 PM

May 31st

Your chance to cast a clout in complete safety

Okay from memory a JH lyric:-

On the other side of midnight
is when your thoughts begin to clear.
And the other side of forty
is when you start to lose your fears.
Good guitars and broken hearts,
get better with the years.
You learn to know what's worth the love
and what ain't worth tears.

copywright owned by Jack Hudson (shamefully neglected singer/songwriter/ guitarist). One day the world will be sorry it missed out on this man - mainly through mean spirited predjudice.

all the best

big Al Whittle

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: 14fret
Date: 24 May 05 - 05:38 AM

Hello Sidewinder,
Assuming you're a performer (?) why not bring along your instrument of choice and give us a treat?

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 24 May 05 - 08:15 AM

For a moment I read that as 'threat'.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST,Sidewinder.
Date: 24 May 05 - 09:32 AM

Many Thanks, I will try to get along I play several mean Beatles covers and the odd John Prine and have been known to profer "This Train Is Bound For Glory" on occasion.

Regards.

Sidewinder.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 May 05 - 10:08 AM

Great club - one of the best!

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: burntstump
Date: 25 May 05 - 03:33 AM

New cd will be on sale at Spondon

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: burntstump
Date: 26 May 05 - 07:49 AM

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: burntstump
Date: 02 Jun 05 - 09:31 AM

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 13 Mar 06 - 12:14 PM

Just as an update.
Anyone wishing to know just how great a singer Jack is can click here .
Cheers
LL

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Mar 06 - 01:38 PM

Jack at Spondon this year as well - sometime soon! See him - he's great!

Subject: Elvis never left us (If I Can Dream)
From: Genie
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 03:59 PM

Elvis allegedly "left us" 31 years ago today - but some of us know better! ; D

(We saw him sing with Celine Dion LIVE on the TV machine just last year!

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: skarpi
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 04:26 PM

he has been with me ever since I med him :>)


ATB Skarpi

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 06:51 AM

But Jack Hudson (the real subject of this thread) is alive and well, and still one of the best, and absolutely THE most ignored and ill-treated, performers in the UK.

None are so deaf as they who will not hear.

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: Capo da Monty
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 07:13 AM

I'll emphatically second that John!
Jack is on Youtube. Search for jackhudsonvideo and see what we mean.

Cheers
CdM

Subject: RE: Elvis is alive and well
From: GUEST,Hitspinner
Date: 05 Sep 18 - 11:50 PM

Jack Hudson is in a state of continuous musical magic, His picking is something few guitarists ever reach and his voice is a mellifluous cascade of warm honey-butter. How the hell the Brits did not push this musical genius up and out as a global aesthetic export of the UK is too absurd to fathom. Somebody dropped the ball... sadly.