Three Sheets (to the Wind)

Subject: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 01:16 PM

Through all of the success of the Press Rom threads, I thought it would be all right to have our own discussion thread. This way we can all share our views and thoughts.


As you probably know, some of us made the trek to the Press Room Saturday. We sang along side of them and members of a group from South Portland called Roll & Go. I believe that we sang every bit as good as our counterparts! It's my fondest wish that we may be able to emulate some of what is happening in the Portsmouth Sea Shanty scene here in Gloucester and that Three Sheets may become a "mover and shaker" in this area of the music world.

Above any genera of music, I truly love sea music, shanties and foc'sel songs the best. This was the music that kept the ship's crew's morals up over the long trips at sea, and it drove up the adrenaline and kept them in time as they did their work driving the great sailing ships over the oceans of the world. Some song's words teach of histories people and events and may have constituted some sailor's entire education! And who would question the worldly sailor's knowledge?      


This coming Wednesday night is looking to be interesting, to say the least. We're going to try to record some stuff. I'm bringing my computer and a three track sound board. Barry O'Brian is bringing two room microphones and a "shotgun" mic and he's going to run the board for us. Personally, I doubt that we'll capture anything of publishable quality, but I'm hopeful that we can produce something so that we can at least hear where we stand and know what we need to do to get better. Personally, I've never heard myself singing. For all I know, I'm lousy! In light of all of the failed recording attempts we've made so far, I'm hopeful of an acceptable outcome this time. So, keep in mind that there will be wires and electronics all over the place. I'm planning to get there around seven and get started on setting up.

See you there

Gardi

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 01:34 PM

Best of luck mate ! I can remember how bad I thought I sounded , first time some one recorded me bellowing a song ! It hasnt stopped me singing though (AND getting paid for it some of the time )

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 01:38 PM

Gardi-

Good luck with your gathering. We certainly enjoyed your singing but making a Wednesday is generally out of the question for Roll & Go members; that's when we usually get together in Portland and practice. But maybe in the spring we'll consider a field trip!

I'd be very much interested in the lyrics of the song Joanne was leading, "Don't Go on the Emma." Is it really from western Australia, and who did she get it from?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 02:14 PM

Sorry I missed you guys. If you are free New Year's Eve, there's a dinner and song circle at my house in South Portland with beds available for anyone needing one. Next month. Dammit! Any CDs in the offing?
SINS

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Dec 05 - 08:08 PM

Hey Pirate of Cape Ann!

Really looking forward to what you get!

Linn

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: GUEST,Blowzabella at work
Date: 19 Dec 05 - 06:02 AM

Hi - best of luck to you all - sea shanties are right at the heart of my favourites too - just thought you might be interested to know there is a UK group called Three Sheets to the Wind too, who also specialise in Maritime material

http://www.folktalk.co.uk/talk4.htm#sheets

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Dec 05 - 08:54 AM

It's a rough tough life full of toil and strife to name a "Shanty Crew,"
For "Three Sheets" is gone, as is "Stormalong," and so is "Short Sheets" too,
"The Boarding Party," "The Roaring Forties," and "Blow Ye Winds High-Ho,"
There's nothing left, your crew's bereft, you can only "Roll & Go!"

Cheerily,
Charley Ignoble

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 09:21 AM

Refresh for general appreciation!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: kendall
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 01:10 PM

Considering that a sheet is a line, not a sail, what is the origin of the saying "Three sheets to the wind."?The sheet is on the leeward side and the tack is to windward.

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: MMario
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 01:13 PM

so if the sheets were on the windward side the ship would be out of control, yes?

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 01:41 PM

Good question. I'm not an authority on this but I suspect that in the days of the early schooners that had three sails, a mainsail, foresail and one jib (See the sail plan of the pinky schooner "Fame" or the schooner yacht "America"), if the sheets (the lines controlling the sails) were not tended, or left flying in the wind, the vessel would lie usually "beam to" and wallow out of control in a seaway, much like a drunkard staggering down the street.

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Blowzabella
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 01:52 PM

I don't think it's necessarily that the ship is out of control, but the ropes have basically gone over the side and out of reach - it will make it very difficult to catch them again to alter the sail - normally, even though the sheets are slack, and not 'doing anything', they are still tied off to something on the deck, so that when you need to haul in, you've got it easily to hand.

Could be wrong, of course.....

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 02:07 PM

Kendall:

If you make a trip to Gloucester next spring I'd be honored to take you and anyone else involved in this music, for a sail and give you a little lesson in sail nomenclature!

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: MMario
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 02:10 PM

uh-oh.

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: kendall
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 08:17 AM

If the sheets are lost overside, they are going to be to loo'ard, not windward.

Pirate, you trying to start something?

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 10:52 AM

There was a young lady from Bangor,
Who fell asleep while her ship lay at anchor;
She awoke with dismay,
When she heard the mate say,
"Boys, hoist up the top sheet and spanker!"

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 11:23 AM

Kendall

No, no, no!

In your last you said that "The sheet is on the leeward side and the tack is to windward." On a fore, and aft rig, the "Tack" of the sail is the bottom corner against the mast and could not be "to windward" as it stays "Tacked" in the center of the boat, As for the sheets, which control the position of the "Clew" of the sail (because one needs to have a "clue" as to where to put it) there are two, the unused one, on the windward side of the boat is referred to as the "Lazy Sheet"

And as for sailing, I am serious about my offer. I own and live aboard a 28-foot L. F. Herreshoff designed sloop. The Jesse Boyce is based on his Solitaire, design No. 76, but she was built much stronger then L.F.H. had intended as the builder was considering a circumnavigation. She was launched in Ipswich in 1984. and I bought her in '91 and still, I wouldn't hesitate to take her anywhere, any time!

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: open mike
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 01:44 PM

i think this portland is neithr of the ones we have stateside..
isn't Gloucester on the other side of the pond?
is the press rom some sort of gypsy deal?

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: kendall
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 02:48 PM

Ok, gottcha. I was talking about a square rigger.
A Herreshoff, eh? Nice boats. My friend, Chuck Romanoff of Schooner Fare had a nice little cat boat made by Herreshoff. We spent many happy hours in that little jewel.

I haven't been in Gloucester in close to 30 years, but who knows? Thanks for the invitation.

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 22 Dec 05 - 11:29 PM

It was an awesome night at Schooner's last night! Barry O'Brian supplied the recording equipment and we recorded quite a few songs on two cassette tapes! Pete and Joann Sousa currently have the masters and are going to copy them as they can. When I get a copy, I'll try to digitize it and burn some CDs for those that would like that format better. I got a chance to listen to a couple of verses through Barry's headphones and I'll tell ya' it didn't sound half bad!

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 04:49 PM

Hi Open Mike

The Portland they're talking about here would be on the coast of Maine south of that is the Press Room located in the town Portsmouth New Hampshire & farther south again is the Cape Ann area of Essex & Gloucester which is just a little north of Boston Mass. As you can see a lot of our towns & cities here in New England were names of places in Old England. Barry

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 08:09 PM

Gardi-

My wife JudyB may give you some pointers on recording and editing after the holidays. She is a dedicated techie and is primarily responsible for the producing the CD's I been pointing out. I'll certainly bring a set for show and tell for the next Press Room shanty sing in January.

And I'd certainly love to join you some weekend for a sail.

By the way, you probably know Daisy Nell and Capt. Stan. I've been listening to their new CD, Heartbeat from the Sea, and note that they sing a song Daisy composed about the Adventure.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 28 Dec 05 - 04:40 PM

Just got a VM from Pete S. He told me that he had given the tapes back to Barry O. and Barry burnt CDs! We should be getting those tonight! Upon review Pete said that it didn't sound too bad but we're not going to get any better recordings from the Schooner's Pub environment and that we need to discuss the next step. We'll be talking to the Roll & Go people in So. Portland, I'm sure! Your suggestions so far have set the ball rolling, thanks! See youse on the 21st!

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 01:30 AM

Don't know about the 21st but here's hoping to see you this Friday at the Press Room, Justine will be there, our New Year's treat.
Barry

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 08:05 PM

Barry and Justine-

Virtual hugs and kisses to you both!

Charley and Judy

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: JudyB
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 11:30 AM

And a Happy New Year! to the whole gang in Gloucester!

Judy & Charley

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 12:11 PM

A Happy New Year to you all! I hope that this new year brings a strong resurgence in the general public's wish for good Sea Shanty and Foc'sel music and that we ALL are on the forefront of the supply!   2005 has been most wonderful for me in finding so many new friends and reacquainting with some old that truly love this music, both here in Gloucester as well as "over the bridge" I hope to see you all at Shanty Saturday next month at Press Room. Barry, let us know if you need a ride!

Gardi

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: curmudgeon
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 12:53 PM

And a glorious New Year to all from the NH side; will hoist a pint to you this very evening - Tom

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 01:28 PM

Members of Three Sheets had the honor of backing up Peter Marston & Friends at the New Years celebration festivities in Rockport at the Congregational Church Hall. We had great audience attendance and all was well received. We preformed two forty-five minute sets. We would like to thank Peter Marston for his offer to include us on stage and Pete and Joann Sousa for supplying enough mikes and stands in anticipation! It was great fun and we look forward to singing with Peter again!

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 04:15 PM

Thanks Gardi for the offer of a ride. I'd gladly except but I won't. I don't think you relize how far out of your way you'd be going. I'd think that for you heading up to Portsmouth it'd be a hell of a lot easier to head right up the coast or to travel RT95. Coming from the Cape Ann area (I'm assuming that that's where you are) to me (Derry) is probably close to an hour for you which is most likely longer than it would take you to get to the Press Room direct. From my place to the Press Room would be an additional 50 minutes. I really do appricate your offer but it's way out of the way. Thanks so much for the offer though. Maybe something else will come up.

You'll have to fill me in on Rockport's New Years fest, is it partly or all sea related? Would have been a good catch hearing all of you. Never heard a thing about it but we wouldn't've kept a weather eye opened for a New Years 1st night type of thing. Gotten a little Jaded to them over the yrs. Boston had a pretty nice one to start with (preformed in their 2nd one) but over the yrs it became a drunk fest & we stopped going ot a place for the kids. It's probably 20 or so yrs back so I shouldn't still be that jaded not knowing what they're like now. Just thinking that given Rockport's proximity to the sea & it's history & it's quint push to be quint I figured after reading your above post that they might sport an interesting First Night but I haven't a clue, so do tell. Hopefully I'll be seeing & hearing you soon.

Barry

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 04:17 PM

Oh, forgot to ask who are the all members of Three Sheets?
Barry, again

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 05 Jan 06 - 05:32 PM

Last night's session was a bit more somber then usual. In honor of the lost coal miners in West Virginia we pulled out just about every collier song we knew. The people of Gloucester are no stranger to the losses that those families are facing and through our prayers, we're standing beside them.   

"And it's all shift together, boys,
we're colliers all!"

Subject: RE: Three Sheets (to the Wind)
From: Pirate of Cape Ann
Date: 05 Jan 06 - 08:48 PM

Barry:

Not since my Mother have I heard a voice as yours. I grew up with a woman whose voice was far and away better then most of those that are recorded. Hers was pure as crystal and clean as a cold Blue Ridge mountain stream! Her control was amazing! She regularly yodeled at the third level but I'd listen to her at night, practicing in her room controlling 4th level with ease. I believe the reason that my Mother was so good is that she truly loved the music. It was her salvation. Sadly, she was never "discovered".

Only one who truly loves the music would put so much of themselves into it like you do. Going out of my way wouldn't be any burden, it would be an honor! I'm sure that others appreciate your contributions too and we all can figure a way to get you there and back home again. It's part of the camaraderie that we have through this music.

The Rockport thing was one town's way of saying that they could keep the home-folk happy without traveling to Boston for "First Night". There were many shows and entertainment venues and they dropped a "ball" from a fire-truck at midnight!

We were one show, well, it was supposed to be Peter Marston & Friends but a few of our group felt that we should be included and sort of, well… Peter Marston was very generous to allow us all up to join him and the rest of who we consider to be members of the "Three Sheets (to the Wind)". I think we did no harm and all had a good time!

At one point Peter orchestrated an impromptu medley of sea shanties, having me go right into "Bonnie" as soon as Pete Sousa finished one then George Thompson rolled right into one followed by George's son, Alexander. It was sort of neat! Brian Dunn did Stan Rogers' Athens Queen during which we incorporate certain "appropriately placed embellishments". It really irks Brian when we do that but that's half the fun! Peter Sousa's wife Joann was up there too and she was celebrating her 30th birthday, for the umpteenth time!

I'm not very good remembering names but that accounts for about half of the Gloucester group. There's Tim, Roger & Carol, my wife Carol, and a Martha to name a few and there some that I just can't remember their names!   Basically "Three Sheets" is the name we've given to those who show up and sing on a somewhat regular basis to our "practice sessions" on Wednesday nights.

Happy New Year and I hope to see you soon!

Gardi