George Papavergeris?

Subject: George Papavergeris?
From: GUEST,John P
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 08:39 AM

Anybody heard of him?

He's been booked at a club that Igo to. I was wondering if he is any good.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 08:41 AM

Fine singer songwriter.
Enjoy.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 08:43 AM

Judge for yourself. Listen to the MP3s on here, and remember that they are the ones that didn't make it on to CD. Then go listen to a fine singer songwriter, and enjoy a great evening.
Giok

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: GUEST,Cats
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 08:46 AM

Don't miss him. He's really good.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Scrump
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 08:46 AM

I concur - George is IMO one of the best songwriters around, and a great performer and entertainer too. Not only that but he's a really nice bloke :-)

Highly recommended!

Scrump

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 08:47 AM

This sounds like a bit of a wind up (one of Georges mates posting - as if :-)), but just in case it isn't.

I can thoroughly recommend George. You will miss a real treat if you don't go.

He writes some brilliant songs and sings them with feeling.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Big Mick
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 08:52 AM

Here's a recommendation from the other side of the pond. Do not miss this man. His songcraft is as good as it gets, and he hits the issues in a very real way. A brilliant songwriter,IMO, and a wonderful human being. Miss his performance and you will regret it.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: breezy
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:06 AM

hello george, hows the voice?

It was great to hear him sing 'Countryside' and 'Heart of a Sailor Boy' again last night

His song 'Miracle of Life' is being sung by Christine Connolley and theres a singer at Windward who does a fine version od 'Your the Biggest Part of Me' along with a few other songs from the pen of the BFG

'Here's to the por of song'

His Christmas song about his mother-in-law is a reet tear jerker this time of year

'Glory Gone' is a real folk-song

yep , hes got some great songs there, you'll need to do some catch up guest or get left behind.

A breath of fresh air has breezed onto the folk scene

and thanks George for maintaining the Windward Folk Club web site

John Breeze

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: GUEST,John P
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:08 AM

No not a wind up Mr Villam. It was posted on the folkmob guestbook
that he has been booked there. So I was just curious, I knew that mudcats would know him!

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:11 AM

He is a Mudcatter too and often posts on here.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Suffet
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:13 AM

Greetings:

Here's another recommendation from America. I only heard George once, and that was when I showed up at singers' night the Herga Folk Club this past summer. From that one encounter I found that he is a talented singer, an interesting song writer, a good song leader, and fine gentleman. What more do you want? Go hear him!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:14 AM

Empty Handed - try this for size!

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:14 AM

There is a danger that if you hear him, you may spend all available money purchasing his CD's. But that's a small price to pay for quality and who needs to eat or pay rent?

Cheerily,
CXharley Noble

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Moses
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:17 AM

Vin Garbutt & Roy Bailey (among others) have certainly heard of him as they are singing his songs.

I think this thread is, as The Villan said, a bit of a wind up - publicity for John P's club's gig - but if it isn't and just in case there is anyone who has not heard of The Big Fat Greek (his own words), he's more than big in girth. He's big in heart and in stature. He writes powerful, thought-provoking, sometimes funny and always good songs.

Don't miss this opportunity to get to meet and hear the man himself.

Christine

(Windward and Herga Folk Clubs)

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:20 AM

Just wondered John P. :-)

Let me say that I booked George at my folk club 2 years ago and he is appearing at my club again in 2007. If I didn't beleive in him, I wouldn't re book him.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: JennyO
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:25 AM

I knew that mudcats would know him!

We certainly do, GUEST, John P. As well as being a wonderful songwriter, delightful performer and all-round nice guy, he's a regular Mudcatter - see George's posting history here. (By the way you spell his surname Papavgeris.)

He came out here to Oz earlier this year to perform at the National Folk Festival, and he also performed with Cloudstreet at my folk club. Go and see him - you'll be a convert too!

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: breezy
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:26 AM

He sang at the Tudor barn at Dave Bryant's celebration , he was one of my backing singers, its why the stage tilted to the right.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: breezy
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 09:28 AM

he has nifty footwork too!

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 10:22 AM

We were fortunate to have him come over to the USA and be part of the fun at the FSGW Getaway in '04 & '05. He fit right in...(and wasn't the largest attendee..*grin*)

A delightful singer and all-around good guy to meet.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 10:30 AM

When the guy stops blushing from all of this praise maybe he'll visit the thread and say a word or two himself!

SRS

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 10:38 AM

A quick "Google" Finds George P's official site
www.folk4all.net

And what a site.


Ob

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Ross
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 10:47 AM

I went to see Martin Carthy at the Windward Folk Club in St Albans a couple of years ago

His words on stage - 'George is something special'

Sums it up nicely

Don't mention the 2004 European Football Championships though

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: vectis
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 10:52 AM

He's a lovely man and a very good performer. You will kick yourself if you miss him.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 11:27 AM

I too thought it was a friendly windup (I suspected Breezy) but John P, you speak the truth, Sir - I checked your post on the folkmob website.

No surprise you haven't heard of me, as in the UK I have focused more on the out-of-London scene, despite living 30 miles from London and having Herga & St Albans as my home clubs. I did guest at Walthamstow last summer, however, and on 7th Jan 2007 you can see me at Twickenham folk club - and on the 9th at Dartford folk club. Take your pick and come to either, make yourself known and I'll buy you a beer.

As for the rest of you lot: Thanks, folks! I owe you. But then, I always did.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: The PA
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 11:36 AM

I've seen George in Bromsgrove (Avoncroft) and Redditch, he's totally BRILL !!!

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Willa
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 11:44 AM

You can aalso listen to an interview with George on radio britfolk http://www.radiobritfolkhome.co.uk/

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 12:01 PM

I was surprised to note that nobody mentioned George's other Mudcat name - El Greko - if you want to look up his posts.

One of the folk scene's all round good guys. AND one of the best cuddles on the scene too (please, George).

Nessie, his better half, is a wonderful woman too. A great singer - get her on her feet to give you a couple of songs if you can.

George and Vanessa: When are you going to come and visit again?

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 12:48 PM

Just one of the reasons why I am very glad to have found Mudcat. Don't miss the gig.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: GUEST,Stevie B.
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 12:56 PM

Must admit that when I saw him at Sidmouth I found the songs cloyingly sentimental and on the wrong side of tedious. Does this mean he's crap? Course not, just not to my taste. Check him out for yourself.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 01:28 PM

One of the folk scene's all round good guys.

Well put.

Check him out, indeed. If he's not to your taste, maybe you might want to check your taste?

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 01:30 PM

Does his erstwhile ignorance make Guest John P a Papavvirgin? (LOL)

Seriously - I too suspected a Breezy-style windup, but no!

George is indeed one of the Good Guys. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to know George and to be granted the permission to sing his songs. Long may the muse continue to grace him with her presence...

Good on ya George; live long and prosper!

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 01:58 PM

Alas, El Greko is no more. Perhaps because nobody knew whether to spell him Greko or Grecko or Gecko, he changed his Mudcat User Name to George Papavgeris, which is ever so much easier to spell....
But he's a good guy and a good singer and songwriter, despite the spelling issues. Still, I got to know him as El Greko, and I miss that personna. When he changed his name, it changed on all of his old posts, so El Greko is no more.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 02:14 PM

El Greko gone to his grave RIP M8

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 02:20 PM

My favourite of his songs is "Friends like these"...what beautiful sentiment and thought provoking words.
Love your songs George. When are you coming to Gainsborough again friend?

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 03:19 PM

He will be at Market Rasen on May the 4th 2007 Mike.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 03:25 PM

He is also one of the 'Harmony Sluts'. In '05 he and AlaskaMike flanked KT on stage and sang KT's Changin' of the Seasons. Most impressive.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 03:30 PM

George a Slut - never :>-)

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 03:49 PM

Oh by the way Many Happy returns Ebbie :-)

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 03:49 PM

Harmony slut = Anybody's for a note (but coins will do too); that's me, sorry to disillusion you, Les.

Ebbie, given Mike's size and mine, "flanked" is the operative word here.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: breezy
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 03:53 PM

Its not sentimental, its soul, life and love.

Songs immersed in reality.


'Lowestoft Rock' is a folk song.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 04:03 PM

Another vote from across the pond. I love his singing and songwriting. Definitely make the effort to see him if he is performing in your area.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: bobad
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 04:08 PM

"El Greko is no more."

He lives on in "Profiles".

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: breezy
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 04:17 PM

The BF El Greko

Wheres all the mystique gone?

I shall have words

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 04:18 PM

George, that is one of my favorite images! I'd love to hear the three of you do more.

And 'harmony sluts' is a GOOD term.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 04:28 PM

He was wearing his El Greko Mudcat badge at Bedworth though!

JohnP - it's definitely worth experiencing English words to Greek arrangements....

There is nothing cloyingly sentimental about Empty Handed or Anytown.

Kitty (a fan)

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 05:16 PM

If you havn't heard George then follow the link further up the threads...listen, then listen again....when your hair starts to stand on end and you start to tingle, that's when you know what makes the "big fat greek" so special.
See you at Miskin george.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 06:05 PM

I first saw George performing in 2004 in Watford at an Eric Bogle concert. He definitely blew me away - the songs are powerful and his stagecraft is great.

Don't miss him - I wish that I could get to one of his concerts again!

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: JennyO
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 08:48 PM

I can't wait to have him and Nessie back here in Oz again. Any plans, George? Next time you're at the National, the Italian Chocolate drinks are on me!

(BTW Joe, I linked to George's posts way further up the thread, at 9.25am;-))

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Cllr
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 11:12 PM

I booked him in the past and would book him again if I had a folk club, I would reccomend him to anybody, either to a hardcore folkie or people who were going to a folk club for the first time.
Cllr

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 12:21 AM

G'day JennyO,

Yikes ... I hope you don't try scoffing more than one half of the Canberra Coffee Cart's "cioccolato tradizionale"!

They should bear a Weapons of Diet Destruction" warning - and be strictly policed under the Geneva Convention.

Regard(les)s,

Bob

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: JennyO
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 04:13 AM

Quite true, Bob - it's wicked stuff. Still it's only once a year. That's my story and I'm sticking to it :-)

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Nessie
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 07:04 AM

Ah, JennyO, I still dream of that chocolate drink!!

(No plans as yet, getting twitchy to see the grandchildren again though...)

Nessie

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: billybob's son
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 09:21 AM

Well I thought he was so good i booked him and you can come and see him In Bungay Suffolk on the 8th of December at the Fisher Theatre

AND.....   Just because i've just joined up and it's taken me a while to get to post myself on here if you book and say you are from Mudcat you can save yourself a couple of quid and get a ticket for £4. Call [phone] to book a ticket.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: billybob
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 09:06 AM

Hello son xx

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: breezy
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 11:25 AM

so this thread 'bobbed up' to the top

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: GUEST,Jimbob
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 01:21 PM

Do I hear "Duelling Banjos"????????????

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 05:06 PM

Jimbob - on 12 string guitar?

Kitty

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Pistachio
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 05:42 PM

I first heard/met El Greko and Nessie at the Yorkshire Mudgather in 2003 (I believe) and I could listen to his songs endlessly - I admit I sometimes need a box of tissues on hand.
The thoughts that are revealed in his songs and the stories that he puts to his particularly unique musical delivery are wonderful. I'm sure there are better words I could use than those - but do go, listen and enjoy. He's a gem.
I'd be interested to hear/read your comments once you do experience what we're recommending to you.
H.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 06:56 PM

John P., if you're still here somewhere--if you pay attention to words & emotional content, when you go to see/hear George have a hanky supply at hand. Some of his songs will make you cry, and be glad to do it. From laughter, anger, or pain.            Tw

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 06:18 PM

In my opinion, there's only a few singer/songwriters worth more than the ink they write with. In George you've got a national treasure, wish he'd be making a US tour soon we'd certinaly nationalize him & Nessie in a New York minute. Then you'd be begging for him back again & not asking if he's just worth seeing & hearing. John P, do post your thoughts after you've experienced him, I'd like to see if you'll love him as much as we do.

Barry

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: GUEST,John P
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 09:04 PM

Yep!, I'll do that.

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: Suffet
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 10:32 PM

Greetings:

George knows (but this will remind him) that if he ever comes to New York, Marilyn and I would put him up in one of our guest rooms.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: George Papavergeris?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 08:12 PM

" I owe you. "

Thanks George - I'm waiting by the mail box now....