The Halliard - any memories of this group?

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: howbe on
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 04:10 PM

Dave, I am now stuck with a mental image of The Halliard reforming as sellers of fine confectionary for the EFDSS. Any chance of singing something as well?
The Gibson I remember may well have belonged to a guitarist from the group that I cant name, if indeed they are not a figment of my imagination. I'm still in contact with Dave Brown ( and Sue ) of the Riggers so I'll ask him. His memories better than mine.
Dom

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Dave Moran
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 03:11 PM

Dom,
I reckon Im certainly gonna get the ice cream franchise and Nigel will probably be selling nuts & raisins!! Bit tough to play the mandolin and sell a bag of nuts .... but you never know'.De old memory aint what it used to be- who else were our residents??
Help anyone? Your memory outstrips mine I dont remember the Talisman's pre war Gibson- though a moderate guitar player I always lusted after Gibsons. The loveliest Gibson I ever heard at Chelmsford was Alex Campbell's. He was lovely whether sober and witty or slightly enebriated but still very funny- remember he used to blame the Gibson for a bum note- Aw you're drunk Woman- Come on !
Folk Scene Magazine did his little autobiography- 'Frae Glasga Toon' with many songs and anecdotes- bit of a rarity now is the little book- he also did a great song on the Folk Scene LP called the Chicago Fire Tragedy with I think the late John Pearse on 2nd guitar. Ive got 1 copy and Julia Jones has 2- some great stuff on that. Anyone else got a copy???It has a picture of people at the early pre Saracens Head folk Club and liner notes by Transatlantic Records Nat Joseph
Its now very very rare.
Roger the Skiffler, Thanks for the info on Spider John and I would urge anyone in the UK to go see him he is a special special guy and great boots!. He had a great harmonica player on the Blues Rags LP called Tony 'Little Sun' Glover and he wrote a hilarious article for Folk Scene about the American Folk festival Scene about 1966/7.
Dave Moran

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 12:07 PM

Spider John is in Reading in July (3rd Thursday). Not getting too excited in case he pulls out, after being disappointed when the Braithwaite Whiteley tour was cut short last year before Reading due to illness.

RtS

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 12:03 PM

Fans of Spider John (sorry about the thread creep) will be interested to know he is appearing at Reading South Street monthly blues club this year so presumably is touring elsewhere. I've put the dates up on my regular thread on stuff in this area (Ascot UK).

RtS

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: howbe on
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 11:43 AM

Great to hear about the planned Cecil Sharp House Concert as I'd love to attend if there are tickets. Keep us informed Dave. Also be good to see you singing or selling ice creams,perhaps both at the same time if you can multi-task.
I remember Spider John at Chelmsford, mainly for the size of his feet as you mentioned, but also his very fluid and free style of playing. A very good night at the club. Lucky to have seen him then as I seem to remember that he is now not allowed entry into the UK
for some reason.
Funnily enough I was going to ask you and Nigel about what became of the Talismen. I dont remember them that well, but a couple of songs spring to mind " Dark as a Dungeon" and " Slightly Faded " . Also was it one of the group that had a pre-war Gibson guitar, looked like something out of a skip but sounded absolutely fantastic.
Was there also another group that did the residency at Chelmsford around that time?
Anyway all the best
Dom

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Dave Moran
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 08:05 AM

Worth an early mention that Nic is to be awarded a Gold Medal or Badge(no less) by the English Folk Dance & Song Society on 22nd September next at Cecil Sharp House in London and I think all will be welcome( of course you have to buy a ticket) and so please ask your friends to attend Very early days but a concert is envisaged with Items including a short film, (which is the promo for a l-hr documentary Nic & his music, which is a work in progress); the citation and presentation of the Gold Badge; interspersed with musical interludes by famous names from his folk music past etc. I will be allowed to sell ice creams in the interval I suspect. Joking apart should be a goodie so as they say watch this space!!!Look out Dom I could sing!!!
Meanwhile does anyone remember the visit of American blues legend, Spider John Koerner to Chelmsford, he of Blues Rags & Hollers fame - he had extremely large feet and boots that fitted and played a 7 string National Guitar( 2 bottom Es) and was his own foot stompin rythm section and did a great version of Good time Charlie's Back in Town Again- he has a few youtubes and is still doing it . Finally has anyone any news of the Talismen?
Dave.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 03:38 PM

good to see how highly his work is regarded by the younger crop of singers today ( quite rightly too )

I'm newer (been doing this stuff for four or five years) but not exactly younger - I'm old enough to have been into Nic the first time round, although in fact I missed out completely (something to do with punk, I think). I discovered Nic in about 2008, and oh my. I read somewhere that some people don't get the recognition they deserve, not because their influence is too small but because it's too big - it's like living under the shadow of a mountain, when you look out of the window you don't even see it. I've been trying to get out from under Nic's influence - in the nicest possible way - ever since I first heard him. I don't think I've managed it yet!

After Nic

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: howbe on
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 03:18 PM

Hi All
Nigel, I thought your recorder was exotic, even though it was only a tenor. Must have been the way you played it.

Dave, although as you said, I was refering to Ernie the singing busman, you wer'nt far out with The Singing Postman because in all the times I heard Ernie he only seemed to have four songs, two of which were Allan Smethurst songs including Have You Got A Light Boy.
Also you mentioned the sad passing of Trevor Moore of the Riggers.
I hadent see Trev for a long time but fortunately a friend let me know so I was able to attend his funeral, the first time I'd been to Chelmsford in about 30 years. We shared some very good times together and it was a pleasure to have known him. Amazing to think its over three years ago now.

Howard,your right it was Dave Galiher at Blackmore. Dont remember Chelmsford clubs " disco period " very well though. I do seem to remember you were one of Mr Delderfields merry men in Blackmore Morris as well.

Pavane,I remember a Lesley from that period so I assume that was your sister. Also remember Foggy Duo,and singing Fire and Rain.
Still rate James Taylor very highly.

Jeanie, nice to hear from you. I did actually know about the Essex Folk Archives because I stayed the night at John Durrants house having attended Trev's funeral.Great to think that those recording have been preserved for posterity but a bit alarming to wonder what peaple might think of them in another 30-40 years. I certainly think The Riggers offerings should come with a disclaimer like ( to paraphrase The Fast Show ) " of course we were very very drunk at the time " . But as you say those days were the best of times.


Great news about Nic Jones doing a couple of festival dates this year and particually good to see how highly his work is regarded by the younger crop of singers today ( quite rightly too ) and not just this ageing duffer. What about a Halliard reun..., well perhaps not, but it would be fun.

All the best
Dominic Patten

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 07:24 AM

pavane, if you'd made it to The White Hart in Chelmsford, there'd have been a warm welcome awaiting, that's for sure. Good Music...Good Ale & the audience, when given half a chance, sang all the verses as well as the choruses!
                              Many Happy Memories,
                                                                Nigel.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: pavane
Date: 21 Feb 12 - 02:48 PM

Something I will always regret - but at least I saw Nic. It's a shame that I didn't venture as far as Chelmsford at that time.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 Feb 12 - 12:19 PM

Dominic, First of all, great to hear from you after all this time...stirred up some memories alright! The recorder I played on 'Bold Nelson' was a Tenor...nothing half so exotic as a Bass!

And Howard, you attended my Evening Class for Guitar? I do hope I managed to teach you something of value!

pavane, you say you never saw The Halliard. You missed a treat, or so people with very long memories tell me!
                           Very Best,
                                        Nigel Paterson, Mandolin, The Halliard.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Dave Moran
Date: 21 Feb 12 - 07:47 AM

Olde age is getting me confused of course- Dominic talked about
Ernie the singing busman and immediately thought..... oh yeah Allan Smethurst( The Singing Postman!)Sorry about that, though still and all Hev Yew Gotta Loight Boy did cause a tiny stir in the late 60's and gave me a bit of a laugh.
dave

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Feb 12 - 09:23 AM

Gee I thought the Arlo Guthrie memory might stir a few memories but not Ernie the Singing Postman! Who also played the Saracens Head( Chelmsford Folk Club) for us too. Raphael Tuck I think was his managers name- had launched The Singing Postman and he advertised his LP and single called Hev Ya Got a Loight Boy! in Folk Scene on the back page and we were fascinated by the idea of him. We booked him and met him over at Ashputtel.He duly arrived all smart in a suit and then when he got to the club he needed to change into his postman's uniform- which he did in the Gents, the only performer who ever changed for his performance. He actually went down very well with his broad Suffolk accent(I think) and light amiable songs.
Dont think he ever made a 2nd LP but was enjoyed that night and clearly elsewhere on the Essex and Suffolk border. Hev You Got a Loight was his biggie I think.
We did used to try out the new material at Chelmsford and its amazing how many of the songs are still sung.By the way Nic and I ( & Nigel) dont charge for nicking our stuff we are just thrilled its still happening- even as far away as Australia especially Calico and Boys of Bedlam and also Ladies (Go A Thieving)
Finally lovely to hear from the Rigger's Dominic as Trevor and I were long time old friends before even the advent of the Riggers- from when Trev worked in the mens shop in the main street almost opp the Queens Head( our 1st club venue). I was very sorry to hear what happened from Julia (Jones) recently.
Dave Moran

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: pavane
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 12:47 PM

Dominic,
Yes I remember you very well, might still have you on cassette somewhere (When Foggy Duo guested). I remember you singing Dandelion Blues, and was it Fire & Rain as well? I expect you knew my sister better though (Lesley Jennings). I remember the singing postman at Blackmore, (I still have the ?Folkweave recording) and Jim's guitar, too. And Bill singing Ladies dont go thieving. Didn't you get to park Disley's car?

But I moved to Wales and lost touch - lovely to hear from you again.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 07:02 AM

Hello Dominic! I also remember you from those days, and Ernie and Jim too. Blackmore and Brentwood were the first folk clubs I went to - Blackmore was run by Dave Geliher and Simon Thorndycraft back then. I also went to Chelmsford, in the Saracen's and later when it moved into a night club, on the disco's night off (!) As you say, the local folk scene was very strong at the time, with plenty of clubs and lots of very good local performers, as well as bringing in guests. I was very much a novice myself but there were a lot of good people to learn from (I even went to Nigel's guitar evening class for a while).

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Jeanie
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 06:39 AM

How lovely to read your post, Dominic ! I have many happy memories of hearing you and The Riggers playing on Sunday nights at the King's Head, Hornchurch, and all the great guest performers, as well as venturing on the bus out to The Castle in Brentwood on Fridays and to Upminster: I think at The Bridge pub and then later at The Windmill Hall.   As you say, the late 60s/early 70s were a wonderful time for folk music in the area.

You and the others on this thread may not know that there is a vast collection of recordings from the folk clubs of this time that is now held in the archives of the Essex Record Office in Chelmsford. It is the collection made by John Durrant, and you can find the catalogue here: Essex Folk Archives You and The Riggers feature very prominently in the list, along with many other familiar names from those times.

As far as early live recordings of Nic Jones are concerned, I *think* the live recording of "I'm going in a field"(on "Nic Jones Unearthed") must have been recorded at Brentwood Folk Club ca. 1970-71, and maybe some of the other songs on that album, too. A guitar string broke during the song & Nic carried on regardless, and prior to that some of us (including me !) had got a note wrong in the chorus and we were kindly "reminded" to get it right by Nic - it's all on the recording.

With very best wishes. As you say, "nostalgia can be habit forming" - but I count myself very lucky to have so many happy memories.

- jeanie

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: howbe on
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 06:56 PM

Pleased I found this thread, well better late than never.
I have very fond memories of the Halliard and Chelmsford Folk Club and indeed the Essex folk scene in general from the mid 1960's to the mid 1970's when I left the area.

I dont know if you will remember me but I used to play guitar with
The Riggers who, you will remember I'm sure , were one of the resident groups at Chelmsford, mainly when the club was at the Saracens Head. Consequently I saw the Halliard many times or at least when you wer'nt away on tours yourselves.I seem to remember you often tried out your new material at the club so I remember song like "Frost, Jones and Williams", "Bold Nelson "( did you play bass recorder on that Nigel ) "Ten Thousend Miles Away" and "Bold Nevison".
My favorite song was always "Ladies Dont Go Thieving" which I appropriated myself and sang for many year.The cheques in the post.
The song that used to make me smile was The Workhouse Boy, not because of the story line which is of course pretty grim, but because when Dave sang " we all of us say it, and we say it with sneers" he seemed to have the ability not just to sneer with his face but with his entire body. It was a great pleasure for me to play at the same venue as you guys. Not only were you an entertaining group and musically very strong but you were also very inventive in adapting the old Boadside ballards and giving them a new lease of life which I cant remember other singers doing at the time.
I first went to the Chelmsford club when it was at the White Hart but most of my memories are from the Saracens Head period. What a great club it was. Aside from the Halliard I was able to see some top guest singers there. There were many nights when Patsy on the door had to turn lots of people away because we just could'ent fit any more in.Another important element of the club was that as well as the known guests the Halliard would often bring in singers from other areas of the country. This may not appear a very radical idea today but in the late 60's clubs tended to book guests from their own part of the country. This meant that we were able to see for the first time in Essex singers like Dave Burland, Tony Capstick, Harvey Andrews, Jon and Mike Raven, The Yetties and the Farriers and no doubt many others that I cant bring to mind at this moment.

The Essex/ East London folk scene was very strong at this time and it was possible to go to a folk club on every night of the week and even have a choice of several on Friday and Sundays. Several of them which Dave Moran was involved with I think
I used to go to the singers club at the Bull in Blackmoor on a Monday night when it was run by a couple of guys called Chris and Dave ( I think ). I understand it's still going though sadly not at the Bull anymore. Amongst the many singers who appeared there I always had a soft spot for the the inimitable Ernie the singing busman ( anybody else remember him) and Jim Garett and his rocket shaped guitar, a very clever songwriter.

Better stop now as nostalgia can be habit forming, but thanks to Nigel,Dave and Nic for the great memories of the golden decade of folk clubs.
All the best
Dominic Patten.

P.S Just noticed the post from Pavane. We proberbly met as I used to do the residents job at Hornchurch Folk Club. Best of luck with your book

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: pavane
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 06:21 AM

I am about to publish my first book (a biography). Maybe a collaboration? I don't remember ever seeing Halliard, but I did go to clubs in the Romford and Hornchurch areas in the late 1960's, and am a long-term folk enthusiast (ex-Morris, too).

I have already passed to (via Ralphie) Nic & Julia a recording I made of Nic at Pontardawe in 1973 - maybe one of the earliest live recordings of him?

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 16 Feb 12 - 01:44 PM

Long overdue, imho!

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Julia Jones
Date: 30 Jan 12 - 08:34 AM

I've told you before Dave, with your mental cupboard full of stories and knowledge of those early days, there is an anecdotal book to be written! xx

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Dave Moran
Date: 20 Jan 12 - 11:44 AM

Nige, I am having a 2 month sojourn in the warmth of Syracusa Sicily. Back in Ireland in March. Sorry to hear of the family sickness. This might bring back a funny memory.
As this is a memories thread can I offer one of my favourite Halliard/Chelmsford stories. We had booked Arlo Guthrie for Chelmsford and he stayed in Woodham Walter overnight at Stu Wallaces place(where we published Folk Scene mag) He picked up a few readers letters and jumped on one from a State Penitentiary in the USA. He loved all the rules and 'cant does' at the top and picked up his guitar and turned it into a talking blues- 'You cannot write blasphemous words nor insult the governor etc.' We laughed a lot at his ability and thought nothing of it.
That night 1/2 way through his performance he said. 'I was a sitting there in Ashputtel, in Woodham Walter with Dave at the Folk Scenen Magazine and we came across this here penitentiary letter and I looked at that letter and read the words and said to meself this here makes a damn fine talkin blues and so I set it to the music an it goes somethin like this........ he sang the damn thing word for word and brought the audience to the verge of hysterical laughter. He had read it once composed it once and only ever sung it once- truly magic time! He also sang Goodnight Little Arlo by dad Woody! Great times
at lovely Chelmsford.
P.s Sorry to hear of the death of dear Johnny Silvo a fine & good man.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 18 Jan 12 - 05:57 AM

Dave, you old rat-bag. It was the 'via Sicily' that threw me! Where the hell in the world are you? I'm doing ok...working hard to promote & maintain my website & my Music Channel: NIGELPATERSONMUSIC on YouTube. At the moment we're all rather preoccupied with my wife's eldest daughter who is seriously ill. Grandchildren to look after, visits, arrangements...you know the score.
             Any helpful comments would be most welcome...on any topic!
             Love to Pat.
             A Happy New Year to you too!
                                                          Kindest Regards,
                                                                                    Nigel.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Dave in Ireland( via Sicily)
Date: 16 Jan 12 - 01:27 PM

Gosh NIGEL, I thought you would know. Im afraid I sang with you and Nic-o in the Halliard and whilst hiding my light under the proverbial bush was always my way I guess I must now confirm I am that Dave Moran....How ya doin Nige?.... keep up the good work and occasionally perhaps I can add a helpful comment. Take care and a Happy New Year to all.
Dave Moran

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 16 Jan 12 - 11:14 AM

Good to hear from you, Dave. I love it when a thread has been dormant for some time & then along comes someone like you & off we go again. You say: "...it was a real pleasure playing for you." Are you willing to reveal to the world the name you performed under at Chelmsford Folk Club? If not, then send me a PM & I promise to respect your privacy.
                                           Kind Regards,
                                                                Nigel Paterson.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Dave in Ireland( via Sicily)
Date: 16 Jan 12 - 10:51 AM

Hello Nigel and all the folks offering up their memories of The Halliard and also Chelmsford club.I hadnt realised you all had such fond memories of those times and fair to say-it was a real pleasure playing for you.
To Sue Barfield. I found this about Piers( he lives in NZ)
Singer-songwriter Piers Hayman gave up the violin and bought his first guitar at art school when he became caught up in the UK folk music revival in the late 1950s. As a duo with Peter Cox, he performed at folk clubs all over the UK. In 1973 Piers moved to Holland and joined up with Dutch guitarist John Kuiper for the next nine years as a successful folk duo, recording three albums. He came to New Zealand in 1983, and has lived here, on and off, ever since, working as an author and illustrator. 2011 finds him "back in the clubs and back on the road" with a varied mix of contemporary and traditional material written and gathered during more than fifty years as a singer/songwriter.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 08:08 AM

Mervyn & Sue...very good to hear from both of you. I/we have many happy memories of time spent in the Midlands & Essex...well run clubs...responsive audiences who really appreciated what we were doing with the Broadside Ballad. Specific events fade in the mists of time, although the Tom Jones' spoof I remember well. Mervyn, do any of those reel to reel recordings still exist? Do get in touch if they do...there is very little 'documentary' material of The Halliard.
                   Kind Regards,
                                        Nigel Paterson.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 03:21 PM

I remember the spoof the Halliard did on Tom Jones' Green Green Grass of home. Chelmsford folk club met on Sunday evening at the White Hart in Tindal Street then at the Saracens Head in the High Street. I have a recording I made of Peers Hayman and Peter Cox who did their farewell "gig" there on June 16th 1968. I only remember the date because it is my birthday. I have the recordings on a CD now as the orignal was getting stretched.In spite of my best efforts I can't find out anything about this duo. They did know I was recording them (on a Phillips Cassette recorder.) because I was sitting in the front row. I remember lots of banter between them and Dave Moran. Such happy times, not been to a proper folk club in years. Sue Barfield

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Mervyn Stone Walsall West-Mids
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 05:20 PM

Outstanding nothing better i remember the very first time i saw this fantastic group at The M.E.B.Folk Club Walsall and they have left a lasting impression on me. My friends and my self never missed them when they were in area saw them many times.My mate even taped several of their gigs on a reel to reel recorder.We would get our cases of Newcastle Brown Ale sit in the front row and just listen to these 3
guy's just great i still listen to their songs today.Yes those were
the day's finishing up at Nellie Burns pub till 4 in the morning the Halliard even joined us on a couple of times,do you remember Nigel those were good day's

Regards Mervyn Stone

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 31 May 11 - 06:09 AM

Lynda & Jacqui, good to hear from both of you. Nic's concert certainly was a very special evening. Afterwards, when Nic was signing CDs, I got to sign a few too...really made my night! Interesting that you both mention 'It's the Irish In Me'. As a first album, it really didn't represent what we were trying to achieve in the folk clubs, but it gave us a 'foot on the ladder', & four decades later, it still sounds fresh & full of life...I have a great fondness for it.
                  Very Best Wishes to you both,
                                                                      Nigel Paterson.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 31 May 11 - 01:38 AM

... and moreover, the name is always spelt with an -h-, &, until the advent of Mr Jones on to the Scene, has always been abbrevd with a final -k. What made the Jones family {from year 0 you say; so it was obviously a parental not a personal decision} depart from this template?

I ask, not truculently, but with genuine curiosity. Like Arthur Clennam, the hero of Little Dorrit, it is just a thing of mine that "I want to know, you know".

~Mic~

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 31 May 11 - 12:53 AM

So, then, why did Nic add a 'k' when signing for Jacqui? To accord with what the record sleeve said, or ...?

Don't forget to drop me an e-mail, Julia - see other thread which I have refreshed.

mgmyer[at]keme.co.uk

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Julia
Date: 30 May 11 - 05:32 PM

Nic was always Nic from age 0 - his full name being Nicolas didn't require a K in place of the H when shortening, and only strangers insisted on adding a K. He doesn't remember when the K got tacked on, possibly on joining the Halliard when his name went into print.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 30 May 11 - 02:30 PM

Thank you, Jacqui. When did Nick drop the 'k', I wonder? Before he started recording for Trailer, certainly.

~Michael~

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Jacqui
Date: 30 May 11 - 02:28 PM

I first heard the Halliard at Bolton Folk Club held at the Balmoral
on Bradshawgate. There was a repeat booking as your first visit was a terrific night and collected a host of new fans. I also cherish
my saga signed copy of It's the Irish in me, incidently it's been signed Nick Jones just to verify with Michael - spelt at the time.

Thanks for the memories.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Lynda
Date: 30 May 11 - 07:35 AM

Have just returned from a weekend in London where we attended the "In search of Nic Jones" concert at QEH - a very enjoyable and emotional evening. My husband and I were regulars at the Chelmsford Folk Club in the 60s and 70s (indeed it is where we met) when it was above the White Hart and later in the Saracen's Head. I was at Chelmsford High School for Girls when I started going and was thrilled when Dave Moran came and gave us a talk on folk music at school! We still have our copy of It's the Irish in Me too.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 May 11 - 12:48 PM

After 41 years I'm amazed & impressed that you can lay your hands on the cutting so readily. Yes, it has arrived safely in my inbox & has been swiftly transferred to my Halliard folder. And all this in less than one day...ain't technology a wonderful thing!
         As to where the time goes, I'm just as mystified as you, but go it does, but it's moments like this that make time's passing just that little bit easier to cope with,
                                             I wish you Well,
                                                                        Nigel.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 May 11 - 06:58 AM

Anyhow, my filing system can't be that bad, eh! Have emailed it to you & hope will arrive safely.

~M~

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 May 11 - 06:51 AM

Sufficiently long memories indeed, Nigel. Have just realised that review appeared 41 years ago! more than half of my long life.

Where does the time go?

~M~

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 May 11 - 06:42 AM

Remember you to Nic & Julia & anyone else with sufficiently long memories, I certainly will! And sincere thanks for the PM,
                                                      Kind Regards,
                                                                              Nigel.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 May 11 - 05:14 AM

Many thanks for above post, Nigel. I have PM'd you in reply.

Regret am engaged on 28 May so shan't be able to go to what sounds like a fascinating occasion on S Bank; but do please remember me to Nic & anyone else around who might remember me from all those years ago!

All best

~Michael~

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 May 11 - 04:12 AM

Dear Michael,
                      In response to your first post, you're correct in almost every detail. The album cover was essentially white with a monochrome collage of some broadside ballads. As to the spelling of Nic(k)'s name,in all subsequent references to the album I can find (I don't have an original copy either!) it is spelt correctly without the 'k'. The vinyl album was released in 1968 on the Broadside label (BRO 106) with, as you say, the tracks shared between The Halliard & Jon Raven, but again, as you state correctly, Jon did not sing with us. A modified version of the album entitled: 'The Halliard:Jon Raven/The Jolly Machine' was issued on CD in 1997 (Mike Raven MR 77). This link will provide you with a little more detail:
http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/~zierke/nic.jones/records/thehalliard.html

Is there any chance that you still have a copy of the TES review you wrote all those years ago? I have a small Halliard archive, but reviews, good or bad, are very rare items. It would make a valuable addition.
                      Nic & Julia do indeed now live in Devon, Dave is currently in Ireland & I'm in sunny East London. Are you aware that on the 28th May at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, on London's South Bank, there will be a concert entitled: 'In Search of Nic Jones'? Nic will be making an appearance, surrounded by a coterie of musician friends...should be a truly memorable & emotional evening.
                      Fascinating to read your posts,
                                                                            Very Best Wishes,
                                                                                                          Nigel Paterson.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 20 May 11 - 01:30 PM

Further to above post: it was obviously before Nic went solo and made a big impact with his Trailer label records. That was when I met him. He & Julia, & their children, subsequently became friends of Valerie's & mine as we lived in N Cambs villages only about 12 miles apart & became on drop-in terms. Then he had the accident. I remember we went on visiting while he was convalescent, until they moved to Yorkshire and subsequently, I believe, to Devon. Those delightful children will be grown up now. I so remember Helen, then about 6, exclaiming in delighted tones "That's my Daddy" as Nic was singing at Cambridge FF, & being carried about by me (can't quite remember why) at Norwich, maybe a year later ~ it was while the Bellamys still lived there, as I recall my, & Fred Woods, editor of Folk review, all somehow being accommodated in their charming but minute house opposite the Norwich & Norfolk Hospital for Alex Atterson's festival which I was reviewing, I think for The Guardian that year.

Sorry for drift ~ but all Jones-relevant, maybe?

~M~

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 20 May 11 - 01:13 PM

I never had the pleasure of hearing The HALLIARD live; but some time in early to mid-70s Jon Raven sent me a vinyl 33 rpm album, on his own label whose name I fear I have forgotten, called "The Halliard & Jon Raven", which I reviewed very favourably in The Times Educational Supplement, whose folk critic I was at that time. I have just looked, but the Lincoln Imp [whom we blame for all such catastrophes in our house, as he resides on my desk at the end of a paper-knife] seems to have eaten this album! So what I write here is from memory.

It had a white sleeve. It did not consist of JR and the Halliard singing together, as the name might suggest, but of half the trax by Jon & half by the group. The lineup was definitely Dave Moran, Nigel Paterson, & Nick Jones ~ whose name, I distinctly remember, was spelt thus at that time; or, anyhow that was how it appeared on the sleeve.

Is my memory correct on these matters, Nigel? And could you remind me what the label was called, please?

~Michael~

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Paul Richardson
Date: 20 May 11 - 12:48 PM

I first saw The Halliard at The Boat Inn, Matlock, Derbyshire in 1968. I'd previously been in a semi-pro rock band, ended up in a folk group called Saga. Consequently booked Nic Jones at a couple of folk clubs I was involved with up until around 1980. Taped a few of the sessions also. Rate him up there alongside Martin Carthy.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 09:22 AM

Barbara, forgot to ask...your old tape recorder may be defunct, but do you still have any of the recordings you made with Dave?
                                                                Nigel.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 27 Mar 11 - 07:23 AM

Hello Barbara,
                        Very good to hear about your fond memories & read your kind words. Dave is alive & well & currently living in Ireland. He has just celebrated one of those landmark birthdays...I daren't reveal which one, he'd probably kill me! Nic lives in the south west of England & I reside in east London. We're all retired, but Music in one form or another, is never far away
                        So glad you got in touch after all these years,
                                                                                                       Nigel (mandolin) The Halliard

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 01:01 PM

Barbara Thompson ( Barbara Astley)
I was a resident singer at a folk group near Cannock, Staffordshire from 1967 - 1971 and The Halliard were guest singers there on one occasion.
   Dave spent a day with me and taught me such a lot. For a long time I had recordings of the songs he and I sang together on my old tape recorder but that has unfortunately been defunct for many years. I have often wondered what happened to him as we lost touch. They were a fantastic group.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 08 Feb 11 - 02:13 AM

Phil, you certainly haven't upset THIS 'purist'! When we recorded 'ITIIM', it was felt to be a means to an end, a way of getting our feet on the recording ladder. Saga, who released the album, wanted to capitalise on the popularity of Irish Folk Song, particularly the success enjoyed by The Dubliners with 'Seven Drunken Nights". We still included one or two Irish songs in our gigs, so recording an 'Irish' album wasn't too much of an artistic trauma! After we had established our Broadside repertoire, there was a feeling in the group that 'ITIIM' didn't represent the 'true spirit' of The Halliard, so we tended to dismiss the album as a sort of 'one off necessary evil'. Now, more than forty years on, I agree with you, it really isn't such a bad album at all. I can't speak for Nic & Dave, but I certainly view it with nostalgic affection & if I'm really honest, there's a bit of pride mixed in too. You never forget your first album!
                                     Nigel.

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: GUEST,Phil Curtis
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 03:52 PM

Many happy memories of The Halliard -- recall having spent many evenings seeing them in folk clubs around S E England. Will probably upset the purists by saying I think "It's the Irish in me" is rather good. I purchased a copy in Guildford (1969?), cost me 19 shillings, still play it

Subject: RE: The Halliard - any memories of this group?
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 11:52 AM

Chris, really enjoyed reading your reminiscences, although the 'Moran jibe' does wear a little thin after all these years! Dave was the driving force behind The Halliard. Most of the research into the Broadside Ballads that became the bulk of our repertoire was guided by Dave's knowledge of where the originals were housed, coupled with his ability to vocally improvise melodies which supported the words so skilfully. True, Nic & I further developed these tunes, but the essence of the melody was often Dave's alone.
            Sending you Season's Greetings & wishing you a happy & peaceful New Year,
                                  Nigel P.