Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room

Subject: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 10 Dec 05 - 02:26 PM

The monthly session for December will take place next Saturday, 17 December, at the Press Room, 77 Daniel Street, Portsmouth NH.

We're expecting Roll & Go from Maine as well as that hearty crew from Gloucester MA. Will we be graced byt the Portland Ladies also?

For comments and reflections on last month's session , go to the end of   this thread.

See you next week -- Tom

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Dec 05 - 10:54 PM

No other commitments so I will be there.

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Dec 05 - 11:09 AM

We have confirmations from most of the Roll & Go crew and we're certainly looking forward to a great session.

Cherrily,
Charley Noble, temporarily in NYC

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 07:56 AM

Do the words "queen of Galilee" make "Cherry Tree Carol" fair game for the session? Probably traveling over hedges and stiles isn't appropriate. Sigh.

Linn

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 09:24 AM

I was thinking of reviving Robert Louis Stevenson's "Christmas at Sea" myself, cheer everyone up! Heed well "Th' Impervious horrors of the leeward shore!"

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, still adrift in NYC

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 04:19 PM

It being Yuletide, some seasonal songs might not be out of order, especially if they have travelled here from across the sea - Tom

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Dec 05 - 09:39 AM

You don't suppose there would be any shortage of parking in downtown Portsmouth on a Saturday this close to Christmas? Maybe we'll just drop our singing crew off at the Press Room and have the driver park back on the other side of the river.

Looks like glorious weather.

I should have an ample supply of my new CD, MORE UNCOMMON SAILOR SONGS. They make excellent coasters although some folks prefer to hang them from their trees as holiday decorations. Check out the updated website for more info and MP3 samples: Click here!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, safely back in Maine

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 15 Dec 05 - 01:42 PM

A most astute observation, Charley. Parking is free during the holiday season, but they get very touchy about the two hour limit; the parking crimps are all armed with chalkers.

An alternative would be to proceed down Daniel Street into Market Square and seek out the parking garage sign on your right. The garage won't give you post-6:00 free time, but will allow you a ticket free experience.

See you Saturday. Anone else?

-- Tom

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 15 Dec 05 - 03:13 PM

Seen a GREAT use fer yer CDs. String 'em from some marline and hang 'em over the decks. Keeps the seagulls off the 'ol barge!

Had a great session at Schooner's last night. "Three Sheets (to the wind)" is really starting to come together and we may be putting our own compilation CD together real soon! I don't think we're going to have a "full compliment" this Saturday but four or five of us are planning to make the trek. Too close to the holidays for some, ya know.

I had one of the best times of my life last month at the Press Room! It was almost as exhilarating as the time we mis-read the tides at St. John's NB. and hit the Reversing Falls at the wrong time. Ain't much can compare to whitewater rafting down those falls in a 55 foot schooner! But hearing Barry Finn beltin' it out was close.

I'm looking forward to when we can mirror your Shanty Saturday down here in Gloucester. We can put it on at the first Saturday of each month and you'se can trek down here! To be honest, it took me almost two weeks for my voice to recoup from hammering out those seventy-some-odd songs last month!

By the way, I noted a mike a-top the piano last month. Anything ever come from that? If so, I'd love a copy.

See you'se on Saturday!

Gardi

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: adventure
Date: 15 Dec 05 - 05:41 PM

Hey Gardi,

Glad to see you on the slate. Yes, last night at Schooner's was a good rip....No instruments most of the night ...just lots songs and shanties. Trying to pry a few more of the crew loose for the Saturday trip to the PR. The boys are right..we need to watch out for the chalk cops. How does black chalk sound? Must be a full moon...the Athen's Queen cow noises last night were really great. I think we should make that a key part of this song...it mooooves me.Tom and Linn and crew...Saturday...trying to get my friend Pete Marston to join us if he can break free. It would be good to see him at the wheel of a few songs. We will see you on Saturday and thanks again for hosting. Hope to reciprocate if we can find a spot.....but it is a long way for a lot of the folks from Maine to trek to Gloucester. We'll see ya' soon. Need anything let me know.
The doryman.

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Dec 05 - 06:02 PM

Gardi and Doryman-

It will be a real treat to have you and your friends gracing the Press Room again. And see what you can do to make it easy to find your shanty swap at the Gloucester end. Of course I already travel 1.5 hours to reach the Press Room and I'm a little dubious about making the run in the winter but that should not be a problem for the resident Press Room regulars.

Anyone know if Barry will be coming this time around? He usually needs a ride. I haven't seen or heard Jeff Warner for a long time, other than on his new CD. And there used to be a couple of fellas by the names of Bruce and Dave but they're probably retired.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Barry Finn
Date: 16 Dec 05 - 01:55 AM

Hi Charlie, I'm up in the air at the moment. If anyone's passing near Derry on their way there I'd be ever so greatful to be hitching up but I'm in a land locked area so it's a slim chance I'll be seeing ya. Have a good session & thanks to you Cape Ann folk for the nice words. You guys mentioned Schooners 'last night', so where is it & is it every Wed eve or monthly or bi-weekly (I know you already gave me the low down but forgot, sorry)? If I get chances I take 'em given it's a safe thing to do.

Barry

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 16 Dec 05 - 06:20 AM

I haven't talked to Jeff since he got back from CA, but if he doesn't have a gig, he'll probably be by, as wil Dave if he's not out of town. Bruce has a full social calendar this weekend, but plans to make some time to join us. I'll know more tonight, if this foul weather doesn't keep us from tonight's session, again - Tom

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: JudyB
Date: 17 Dec 05 - 10:08 AM

Sun is shining and Charlie's out with an ice pick looking for the cars - I think he should have them chipped out by noon or thereabouts....

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 17 Dec 05 - 10:09 AM

Barry,

We get together every Wednesday PM at the Schooner's pub. It's across Roger's street from the Gloucester house, towards the west end. Everyone seems to congregate around 9: pm, a little late for my liking so I usually try to get there around 7: ish and warm up. It would a pleasure and an honor to have you grace us with your voice and insights any time. I'm sure transportation could be had any time you need it.

Gardi

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Dec 05 - 01:31 PM

My car is warning me of engine troubles. Just spent $500+ last week! Don't count on seeing me. AAARRRGGGHHHH!

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Dec 05 - 11:21 PM

and?????

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 09:40 AM

Another grand session! (What's with the car, Sins?!?)

We drowned out the raucus party upstairs and had a lovely time singing.

The group size was fairly large and stable, though some people had to leave early and some people came in late.

Surprised some new listeners who say they will be back.

Let's see, roll call --

Tom and I, Lynne Cullen, Jeri, Charley Noble and Judy, Nor and Eli and Jeff, also from Roll and Go. Bruce made an appearance, but had to leave early. Dave Hallowell came in for a song after Bruce left. Carol Coronis managed to drop in for a song, too, before her ride whisked her back to Nottingham. Jeff Warner showed up towards the end. And the crew from Gloucester -- Pete & Joanne, Gardi (Pirate), Tim, Pete & Suzanne Marston, Roger and his wife (whose name I didn't catch), Dillon (sp?) and her gentleman. Forgive me for not knowing names!

Who'd I forget? I'm sure I forgot someone.

Linn

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 09:55 AM

"Stable" is questionable. "Not COMPLETELY off its rockers" is more like it. There were moments...

I got there late because I parked in the garage, and I have to walk past the bead store to get to the Press Room, and, well...
you know...

And I opened the door and was warmly embraced by Wall of Chorus. good session, even if my voice doesn't like winter.

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 09:56 AM

The sessions just keep getting better and better! There were about two dozen folks attending. Gloucester was well represented as was Maine. The resident crowd included Tom and Linn, Jeri, Bruce, Dave, Carol, Alan, Lynn, and Jeff. Not everyone was able to stay the entire time but there was some glorious singing.

I would dearly like to get the words of "Don't Sail on the Emma" which one of the Gloucester women was leading; there's a reference to Freemantle in the song which is suggestive of its origin but I haven't a clue whether it is old or new.

Jeff Logan from Roll & Go made his first appearance at the Press Room and did a fine job of leading C. Fox Smith's poem "Outward Bound." The other highlight from Roll & Go was Nor leading Bob Watson's "Mollymauk" backed up by Jeff and Eli. Jeri gets credit for introducing us to this fine song. Both of these songs are on our forthcoming ROLLING DOWN TO SAILORTOWN recording.

I enjoyed reviving Robert Louis Stevenson's "Christmas at Sea" and trying out for the first time "Pacific Coast", C. Fox Smith's nostalgic song about her stay in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1900's which fits well to the traditional tune "Rolling Home." I also got to lead the "Snow Shanty", the winter parody of "South Australia."

I've been looking at the "Schooner Adventure" website, the rebuilding project that the Gloucester crew is involved with and I'm very impressed. Come spring I must take a run down there and raise a song or two in her honor.

I'm still doing badly attaching names to faces with regard to the Gloucester folks. Can anyone assist?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 09:58 AM

Sinsull-

How's that for simultaneous response!

We even wake up at the same time!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 10:26 AM

Yeah, Charley, I need to get the words to "Don't Sail On the Emma" from Joanne, too. (Her husband is Pete Souza -- they 're   officially with Gloucester Adventure, Inc. -- the schooner Adventure.)

Right now I've got to email the words to "Plum Island National Anthem" by Richard Johnson to Tim -- then I have to head in to work and bash out ads.

Later!
Linn

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 11:07 AM

Thanks. I missed another good one.
Car goes BACK in on Monday. SIgh, sigh, sigh.

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 01:41 PM

Wow! Thanks Jeri and Tom for hosting us at the Press Room! Another great time had by all! It was great to see Pete Marston show up and to hear our own Tom belt a great one with that deep baritone voice of his, good on ya!

Just for those interested, I've started a thread for our own group, "Three Sheets (to the Wind)" to help ourselves better communicate what's going on internally. Hope you'se (Gloucester-ism) check it out.

Anyway, looking forward to seeing all in January!

Gardi

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 03:53 PM

Uh, Gardi, that's LINN and Tom -- Jeri's a really good friend, but . . . (she was the curly-headed one sitting in front of you).

Linn

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 04:18 PM

Maybe next time we could have little balloons with our names floating above us, maybe even our real names! Strange, I can learn new songs quite quickly but I find it very difficult to learn new names.

Then you have people who plunk into "other" people's seats, or lead "other" people's songs. Where will it all end? There's no end to confusion.

Let me see, Gardi's the big feller sitting next to one of the Petes, and Tim is the tall feller with the deep baritone voice, and Pete (but which Pete?) and Joanne's the one who led "Emma" and someone is Roger... Who was the feller that was leading songs near my end of the table who played banjo? Then there was the other big feller who showed up later who knew Tom Hall from way back, what was his name?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 04:22 PM

Okay, sorry. My talent at remembering names is notoriously disgusting! I even called my own mother "Doris" the other night. Her name's Nancy... I think. It's just like remembering words to songs. Even with that PDA I still get it wrong most of the time! Work in progress! And the guy with us who sang with the deep voice, his name is Tim, not Tom. Don't ask me his last name! Even on the way home we were discussing some of my relatives that Pete (got that one right) knows and I was getting them all mixed up! So, there's my laundry. I'll do my best.

G

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 04:40 PM

Well, I was there and you get points for spelling my name right.

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: GUEST,Adventure
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 05:51 PM

Well...now that the name thing is underwater...Joanne and I(the tall Peter with the darker beard...no, that doesn't sound right either)
Thanks for hosting another great evening of song, friendship, grog and grub. It was again another spectacular shanty session. Tom and Linn...we really appreciate your kindness, hospitality and opening another avenue up for all of us to learn more great shanties and sea songs. That 45 minute trip is worth more than you can imagine for a lot of us folks who enjoy the music and good company. FYI...Joanne did "Don't Sail on the Emma" last night...this was my Newfie grandmother's name and it's really a cool song. I would like to hear someone do "The Banks of Newfoundland" if anyone knows it next month. Really a cool song....we'll scrape her and we'll scub her, etc. Hope to get a few more of the crew up to the PR next month from Gloucester. We had a really good turnout for the weekend before Christmas. Barry Finn was absolutely right....as you enter the door or go to the end of the room....them sound is WOW!!! Back to reality with work and Adventure. Hope the full crew from Portsmouth or whereever can make a trip this summer to see our progress.
Thanks to each and all.
The darkest day is almost here and gone...daylight will creep mildly back into our dimly lit world. It is the turning of winter.
Happy Christmas, peace and good health to all!!!
The doryman....and his mate

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 07:56 PM

I hope we can get down there -- and maybe have an opportunity to raise the rafters in son, too -- sometime before ice out.

(Remember, I'm in total denial about winter -- other than getting depressed about the days still shortening. Ach! (That's the German in me coming out.)

All I can say is you Gloucester girls (combs or otherwise) and guys are helping MY head a lot!!In the bleak midwinter, we need ALL the help we can get! And music does it best!

I am SOOOOOOOOO glad Gloucester and Portsmouth have made contact. Surely we have more in common that we each have with the rest of our states (or commonweaths). And music is the tie that binds!

Linn

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 08:10 PM

Not "son" -- should be "SONG" !!!

Linn

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 08:48 PM

We could ask Bruce to lead "The Banks of Newfoundland", given his experience in dealing with financial institutions.;~)

Of course Tom Hall and I grew up with A.L. Lloyd and Ewan MacColl's BLOW BOYS BLOW recording (now available as a CD from Tradition TCD-1024) and that is one of the featured songs. It would be interesting to compare our current versions with the original and see how far we have strayed. We both sings songs that are inspired by that fine recording. Come to think of it "Do Me Ama" is also found on that recording and was very like what was sung last night.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 19 Dec 05 - 03:27 PM

Wow Linn! That was an awesome sentiment!

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: MMario
Date: 19 Dec 05 - 03:43 PM

hmmmm -- glouchester might be more "do-able" next fall when I out near B*st*n

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Dec 05 - 05:18 PM

Leo - you are outing yourself near Boston? Please explain?

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: MMario
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 09:00 AM

I usually make several trips east in the fall. Glouchester takes a wee bit less travel time then portland.

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 02:23 PM

Hey, do youse with Roll & Go up there in Portland have a web site or a mudcat thread or anything? Do youse meet regularly? Where? One more question, Anyone know Sonny (Norman, but don't call 'em that) Sargent who lived on Peak's Island but last I heard (some years ago) lives in So. Portland on Mall Rd? He was a sea scout skipper back in the day and he loved the sea! Became an AB on tankers on the west coast. I'd bet that he'd have a song or two a rollin' around in his noggin'!

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 05:12 PM

Gardi-

Here's the Roll & Go website: Click here for a good time!

We meet regularly for practice every week but there is no open sea music session that we're aware of in the Portland area. When we do a concert or other special event we generally anounce it on Mudcat. Sinsull generally does a musical gathering at her home in South Portland every month and you might want to try that out if you're in the area. Do give us a heads up if you're rolling up the coast.

I'm not familiar with Sonny Sargent but we might be able to track him down.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 11:30 AM

Charley

Wow! Great web site! Bring along a copy of your CD next time and I'll buy it. I'd love to hear how you're doing some of those songs. What did you use for a studio situation? Pro? I'd love to hear of your recording experience and get some suggestions!

G

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: JudyB
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 08:47 PM

Hi Gardi -

Roll & Go also has a new CD "Rolling Down to Sailortown" that should be out in final form after the first of the year. I'm hoping to get info on that on their website by early January - not sure when the CD will be officially released as it does take some time for printing, and there's one song they might decide to re-record.

R&G does use a professional sound engineer to record and master the songs - there are 5 people with up to 4 instruments at a time, which is a bit overwhelming for amateur folks like me! They did the recording for both CDs in a local church - the sound engineer was willing to travel, and it was cheaper to bring him to Maine than to put the group up in the Boston area.

Charley and I do record his personal CDs in our home studio (his web site with snippets of the songs is at http://home.gwi.net/~ipbar/), recording direct to computer and doing the mastering using Cool Edit Pro (which has been bought out by Adobe and become Adobe Audition - which is quite similar, but I'm comfortable with the older program so I rarely use the new one).

If you have any specific questions, we'd be happy to try to answer them - but it is a busy time of year, so if you don't get an answer in a timely fashion, please remind us.

Thanks!
JudyB

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: adventure
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 06:35 AM

Good morning,
Looks like a nice day on the horizon.
Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a healthy, happy and safe New Year.
Wouldn't it be nice if the rest of the world could just once, for only a day, simulate one of Tom and Linn's shanty sessions. It would be a start to something better for the world than what is presently going down.
Our sincerest wishes to each and everyone of the Press Room crew for a great holiday season and our thanks for opening your doors to us new arrivals. You're the best.
Hard work and a good crew will get you a lot of miles when there's that common bond....cheers and shanty heartily into the night.
Hope to see you all soon.
FYI to Adventure fans....we have started the transom rebuild and have fitted many large support frames in place during the past two weeks. I'll have an update posted on our website within the next several weeks if anyone is interested. www.schooner-adventure.org

The doryman and his mate.

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 10:00 AM

Adventure Crew et al-

And fair winds and following seas to you as well!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 10:55 AM

The Song Circle is New Year's Eve this month. PM me or let Charlie know if you plan to be here. Sit down dinner this time and music all night. There are beds available. Breakfast in the AM.

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: adventure
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 11:06 AM

Hope all you Press Room mates had a great Christmas and are having a good holiday season. It sure is nice to have a few long weekends back to back to get a bit of downtime and fun.Lotsa good cholesterol has been packed into the pipes this past week, but it was soooo good! Have a great time New Year's eve....we'll be thinking of you. Sittin' here with our Siberian and Maine Coon sharing Finnish Nisu bread....these guys are disgusting.....thay have their own napkins in front of them. See you all soon.Happy New Year.
Peter & Joanne
The doryman and his mate.

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 12:57 PM

We have indeed be enjoying a fine Yuletide and plan to contunue it    here!We'll drink your health and wellbeing at the stroke of 12 - Tom

BTW, thanks for that new batch of great photos.

Subject: RE: Dec. Shanty Session at the Press Room
From: adventure
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 07:49 PM

We'll be in church.....singing that is....until 12 a.m.

Pete Marston does First Night in Rockport. We are going to join him and a few others as we did last year.

Have two....it's the dorymate's better half's birthday.

Turning 26 again!