The Halliard - any memories of this group?

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 19 Nov 05 - 04:36 AM

Found the "Blue Book" and found Nigel in it! Just to prove it, I discovered that he even went to the Prep School!

I'm going to search my vinyl for the Halliard album (and the Alex Campbell single that someone else wants) after Buntingford.

Alan

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 18 Nov 05 - 10:52 AM

How about: "Mudfriends" ?!

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 08:01 PM

Nigel

I was only at Brentwood for two years (JR and 2A) with Nic in the same form (must look you up in the "Blue Book" I have somewhere). My father was a policeman, and we moved to Brightlingsea in the summer of 1960 and I transferred to Colchester Grammar, thus avoiding the dreaded boaters. Talking of the "Blue Book", do you remember the companion volume "Memoranda"? It contained a number of folk songs, most memorably for me "The Wife of Ushers Well" - my introduction to Child Ballads.

I now run Blackmore FC, and I've heard that story about Paul Simon, but have always dismissed it as apocryphal. I will enquire of the old stagers there to verify or disprove the story. Simon lived in Brentwood for a time, I remember that when we booked him at the University of Essex FC (for something like £25!)he was going back there after the gig.

It was only after we'd all left school that I met up with Nic and Geoff again.

Is this Mudcat or Friends Reunited?

Alan

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 05:47 PM

Dick Greenhaus, you said in your recent post: "Well, The Halliard has been re-released as a CD so you can hear what all the talk is about. CAMSCO, of course, carries it."
       I've searched CAMSCO from top to bottom & can find no listings for ANY Halliard recordings (nor Nic Jones either). Do the honourable thing, contact Mollie Music & order some stock.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 04:22 AM

Jeanie, very good to hear from a member of the "60s Elite Group"!! The Castle Folk Club was originally going to be run by myself, but it became obvious rather quickly that "club organiser" was a badge I couldn't wear with any degree of certainty! That & the breakup of the group in '68, gave Nic an opportunity he was not about to refuse.
       I haven't heard the Paul Simon/Blackmore Club story, but knowing Essex as well as I do, it sounds perfectly possible!
       The Essex Record Office info is very interesting...are they still based in Chelmsford? Think I should pay them a visit.
       No, I haven't been back to Brentwood School & yes, I DID have to wear a boater! I've driven past many times & seen the physical changes, but never ventured through the gate...too many painful memories. Perhaps I should go back & show them I've survived, despite their best efforts!
                  Very Best,
                            Nigel Paterson.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Jeanie
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 03:46 AM

Nigel, I bought the re-issue Halliard/Jolly Machine CD a couple of years ago, and it brought back a lot of memories for me of my introduction to this music with such a distinctive sound at the club held at the "Castle" in the Ongar Road, Brentwood. I only started venturing in there, as a rather scared under-age drinker, in 1968 the year the Halliard broke up, but I'm sure I heard the three of you all together. Nic Jones was there very regularly - I would say pretty much every week. You also mention Geoff Harris (who had been in your original group)who was also always there. They were wonderful times, that back room was always packed out and it was the best introduction to folk music that anyone could have.

As regards Paul Simon, I've heard a story that he was the only "booked" singer that Blackmore Folk Club ever had. Apparently, there was such a small turn-out that the club decided never to book anyone again. Whether this is true, I don't know - Lanfranc may be able to help with this.

You may be interested to know that the Essex Record Office holds archives of some folk club sessions from the 60s and 70s.

I don't know whether you ever go to Brentwood, but your old school has seen a lot of changes ! I imagine you were there at the time when you had to wear boaters ??

All good wishes,
- jeanie

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 11:17 AM

Alan, re. Brentwood School, yes, guilty as charged! Do you remember the school folk club that Geoff & I ran? Did you go to the free concert I organised after I'd left when Paul Simon was the guest? I did a quick "warm-up" spot & then Paul came on & sang for well over an hour, all for free!! What an afternoon that was!!
                                                    Nigel P.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 04:58 AM

Chris Rohmann turned up at St Albans Folk Club a couple of years ago in company with Melanie Harrold (aka Joanna Carlin aka Irma Cetas). I have his album on vinyl (the one with the cover a cross between a Rambo advert and one of Phil Ochs' covers).

Nigel, was it you who was at Brentwood School at the same time as Nic and myself (ie 1958 on)?

Alan

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 04:12 AM

Dick Greenhaus....which "Halliard" album do you have in stock please?

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 15 Nov 05 - 04:55 PM

Liz the Squeak....your reminescence of Nic at Wadebridge all that time ago, makes me realise just how much progress he has made over the intervening years, supported & encouraged by Julia, his wife. Can you imagine how we all felt when he decided he could sing on "Broadside Songs"? And as for Joseph's guitar playing.....well!

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 11:39 AM

Fossil in NZ, brilliant to hear that "Broadside Ballads" has travelled from Belgium, all the way to NZ. This puts you in Dave Moran's hemisphere...he lives in Tasmania! Hope the book & CD keep those 60s folk memories alive,
                            Very Best,
                                     Nigel Paterson.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,harvey andrews
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 06:52 PM

My very best wishes to Dave. Please forward me his address via my website www.harveyandrews.com. Feedback. I'll drop him a line.
Chris succeeded and avoided the draft. Eventually returned to England and wrote "Funky Moped" a big hit for Jasper Carrott. He returned to the States and recently had a book, compendium of the world's beliefs, published and given the status of book of the month.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 05:16 PM

Some messages:
             JOE, best way to find out more about "The Halliard" to get you started, look out for the December edition of Dirty Linen. Steve Winick will have an extended review of "Broadside Songs" in the Dirty Linen Classics series. If that whets your appetite, I'll be pleased to sign you up for the advanced immersion course!

            HARVEY, good to hear from you after all this time. I remember your gigs at Chelmsford Folk Club very well. Dave's not too well at the moment, I'll pass on your kind words...sure to cheer him. I remember meeting Chris Rohmann too...how did he fare with the draft?

            ERIC the RED, as you missed me in Halifax, have a look at the fledgling Halliard website: www.thehalliard.com There are a couple of very moody B/W photos which might bring back a memory or two.

            ALAN, yes, we played at Colchester, but can't remember whether we played Clacton or St.Osyth or even both! Look out for that Halliard vinyl. Both of our original albums come up on ebay from time to time....you should see what they change hands for....wish we still got the PRS!!

            PETER, remember Redditch FC clearly, great participation! Very pleased to hear you have "Broadside Ballads". The album release next year should prove to be a celebration of "The Halliard" in their prime. It sounds fresh & full of vitality...still can't believe it's almost thirty eight years since we recorded it!

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 01:47 PM

I remember the Halliard, but only vaguely (it was the 60s after all!). I'd been at school with Nic and knew Geoff (and Penny). I have a recollection of at least one gig at Colchester Folk Club back in the days when it was held in a pub up by the barracks and also I'm pretty sure you played either at Clacton or St Osyth College Folk Clubs round '66 or '67. Somewhere in my stack of vinyl I have an album - must seek it out!

Alan

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Peterr
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 12:01 PM

Last message was me - cookie went walkabout

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 11:32 AM

Got the CD and book - brings back great memories of my introduction to folk via Dick Brice at Redditch FC.. Nigel - good to hear that there will more to come next year.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 08:32 AM

One of the best bands I've ever seen anyway, also I've got the Banddogs record, this really ought to be available on CD, I'll pester Pete Coe when I see him.

eric

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 07:54 AM

Hello eric, you probably missed me in the crush, I'm only 5ft 3, Dave or Nic must have been standing in front of me! More seriously, if you saw The Halliard in the autumn of '68, after the official breakup, it's just possible that Dave & Nic did a few tail-end gigs without me. By that time I'd started at Teacher Training College.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 02:58 AM

I remember going to see The Halliard at the Grass Roots Folk Club in Halifax [ Yorkshire ] in the sixties, Nic and Dave were there but where were you Nigel ?

eric

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Fossil in NZ
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 01:07 AM

One of the last things I did music-wise before leaving Belgium for the other side of the world was order (and receive) the Halliard re-release CD, which comes with a super book with history, music, chords 'n all. Just to make it better, it was signed individually by the band members, too. Brilliant. There's a thread about it somewhere on the 'cat. Highly recommended....

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 08:24 PM

Well, "The Halliard" has been re-released as a CD, so you can hear what all the talk is about. CAMSCO, of course, carries it.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,harvey andrews
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 06:49 PM

Great memories of the Halliard and their club. Dave Moran took me under his wing in that part of the country and helped me a lot. It was there at a club night that I first met Chris Rohmann with whom I later teamed up until he was called to America to fight his draft to Vietnam.I always remember being so impressed with the solo work of Nic Jones and again with the general energy of the three of you.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 04:51 PM

Hi John,
       I do remember the Boat Club & cantankerous Fred, but sadly, not the "assumed names" set...what a great gag! The club stays in my memory as one of the friendliest, most enthusiastic places we ever played at. I really CAN see the beers stacked up on the tables. Always seemed to sleep well after those gigs....can't imagine why..?!
       The Irish album was called "It's the Irish in Me", & you're right, a budget job. Saga wanted to cash in on the success of "The Dubliners" & Seven Drunken Nights. Against our better judgement, persuaded by cash in hand & a huge amount of beer in the studio, we recorded the whole thing in an afternoon. We hated it at the time, but when I listen to it now, it really isn't so dire! Have a look on ebay & see how much money it changes hands for these days!!
       Our "Broadside Songs" book/CD was released in July, this year & sometime next year we are releasing an album of broadsides, recorded back in 1968, never released, master-tapes recently re-discovered, songs never before heard..."The Halliard" at their best & a tantalising glimpse of the emerging talent of one Nic Jones.
       Thanks very much for getting in touch John,
       All the Very Best,
                        Nigel Paterson (mandolin,"The Halliard")

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Anglo
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 02:49 PM

Well Nigel, back in the early-mid 60s when I wasn't away at uni I was a regular at the Boat Club in Stourport-on-Severn, above the rowing shell boathouse, which you may or may not remember. The club started at around 9pm, last call was 10:30 but there was no drink-up time, so everyone got in 3 or 4 pints and stacked them on the tables, and the festivities continued till 11:30 or 12. One of the regulars there was a cantankerous fellow named Fred Raybould, who was vociferously critical of many, including Dave Moran. I remember you all coming in anonymously one night, doing a guest set under assumed names, and generally taking the piss out of Fred. Wonderful evening.

I used to have your old cheap-label recording (Saga, was it?) of Irish rebel songs, and do have a copy of the CD Mike Raven put out. I still sing Calico Printer's Clerk with your tune.

I've been Stateside since 1968 with only occasional visits "home," but let me confirm that you are indeed remembered. Welcome to Mudcat.

John Roberts

Subject: RE: BACK IN BUSINESS!!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 02:05 PM

As requested, I combined these two threads. I hope the title is acceptable, Nigel. I'd like to hear more about "The Halliard."
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BACK IN BUSINESS!!
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 05:42 AM

Hello Joe, could you remove this entry please, it duplicates "TRYING AGAIN"...was under the impression that "BACK IN BUSINESS" hadn't made it on, clearly I was wrong. I hope my future associations with Mudcat go more smoothly. Just to check, I have the following cookies enabled:
session, persistent & third party. Mobile code is enabled. I've also told IE to allow mudcat.org. Is there anything else I need to do?
(Firewall: ZoneAlarm Pro v.6)
                            Very Best,
                                     Nigel Paterson.

Subject: RE: TRYING AGAIN!!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 04:47 AM

Your other post 'Back in business' made it on to the forum, so you might want to consider asking a JoeClone or Mudelf to close one of them to avoid confusion.

I have no 'Halliard' memories, but we may have a recording somewhere.... and I have an abiding memory of Nic Jones at Wadebridge Folk Festival (early 1980s', not too long after his accident) having his memory jogged by Tony Rose for the 'Bonny Light Horseman'. It was there that I heard my first Les Barker composition too, and remember that once Nic had twigged it wasn't the original, he was most appreciative.

LTS

Subject: TRYING AGAIN!!
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 04:38 AM

After many failed attempts at logging-in last month, tried again today & so far, so good! Had a browse through Lyrics & Knowledge & came across some very old posts regarding "The Calico Printers Clerk". Fascinating reading & an error that needs correcting. In one post it said that Mike Raven was a member of "The Halliard". Mike, his brother John & their father were closely involved with "The Halliard" in the last few months of their career. Father Raven recorded the Halliard's farewell album (1968) in one afternoon, in his house, on one microphone, using a domestic Brennel tape machine. In 1997, Mike Raven coupled this album with "The Jolly Machine" & re-issued both on one CD (MR 77). So Mike Raven was closely involved, but a member of "The Halliard", no. The line-up of the professional group was: Dave Moran, Nic Jones & Nigel Paterson. Geoff Harris was in the original group, but left when the decision was made to turn professional. His place was filled by Nic Jones.
             Be really good to hear from anyone who has any "Halliard" memories,
                      Very Best,
                                 Nigel Paterson (mandolin,"The Halliard")