Subject: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 27 Jan 07 - 08:40 AM Ron Trueman Border, singer songwriter is arguably the best singer songwriter in the business. I enjoy listening to him and play a few of his songs myself. I just wondered what other people thought of him. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 27 Jan 07 - 09:34 AM Good in parts, though I'd argue with you about him being "the best s/s in the business". Better live than recorded, I feel. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Rasener Date: 27 Jan 07 - 12:43 PM Ron did a main Guest for me at Market Rasen Folk Club. he was excellent and we had a full house. This man really knew how to please the audience. A must to go and see. Incidentally we knew nothing about him when we booked him, but I can tell you there was a full village hall of converts. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Girl Friday Date: 27 Jan 07 - 07:06 PM It's surprising what you find when cruising the waters of the Good Ship Mudcat. RTB has been a resident at my Folk Club ever since he displayed his considerable talents, one quiet night in August 199?. Although his success takes him away from home an awful lot, we are justly proud of "Our Ron". Success hasn't changed him one bit. His club nickname is "Prolific", and, when he can, he comes down and tries out as many new songs on us as he can. Ron's Home Club |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: The Barden of England Date: 28 Jan 07 - 02:59 AM A truly gifted singer/songwriter and a nice bloke too. I love his stuff and sing the odd one or two myself. To anybody who hasn't seen him the try and do so the next time he's in your area. Not to be missed. John Barden |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Lizzie Cornish Date: 28 Jan 07 - 06:58 AM There we go: Ron's site: http://www.rontruemanborder.co.uk/pre_home.htm I agree, he's a superb songwriter. He should have a Myspace page as well and start spreading his songs right out around the world...Could someone whisper in his ear next time they see him please! ;0) Lizzie :0) |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Moses Date: 28 Jan 07 - 01:19 PM I first saw Ron at Orpington and then at the St Albans Windward club when it was at the Hing Harry. He's well worth going to see. A good performer of well crafted songs. Christine |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST,Wayne Date: 28 Jan 07 - 01:54 PM If you're ever in the environs of Sheffield, Paul Pearson, the Steel Town Troubadour, does excellent versions of a number of RTB songs. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST,Wayne Date: 28 Jan 07 - 02:04 PM Forgot to mention that you can see Paul in concert at the Doncaster folk weekend 9-11 Feb. (I think it's at the Ukranian Club). |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Rasener Date: 28 Jan 07 - 02:17 PM Paul is also doing a floorspot at Faldingworth Live (used to be Market Rasen Folk Club) soon. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Girl Friday Date: 28 Jan 07 - 04:54 PM Paul is a lovely bloke too. Has come down to Orpington twice, to see Ron on home ground. We've yet to hear him doing any of Ron's songs though. Ron wouuld love to get a myspace sight. He doesn't know how to. He could ask Andy Smythe, but can anyone else help him ? |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 28 Jan 07 - 05:00 PM Hev aah not been singing this man's praises for years??? Aah've been very fortunate in recording a trio of Ron's songs and have had the pleasure of performing his songs with him (along with my daughters too) IMHO he's up there with Richard T an' aall them - Forst class songs, supremely crafted. Gan and see and hear him on www.ezfolk.com |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Spot Date: 29 Jan 07 - 02:09 PM Allo everybody Hmmmm....RTB....hmmm...is he an Englishman? Hmmmm....If he is then I'm afraid I have a prob with his "American" accent...I confess to not having seen the man live but, after listening to his on-site mp3s, to me, he's another one of a million wannabee's. I don't doubt for a minute he's a talented wordsmith but,again, for me, if you English, you sing English ( or try anyways!!) I have no axe to grind with the guy at all...but.... I have heard it said that the TB bit stands for "truly boring" Absolutely no offence intended Mr TB - just a few observations...And, if you play where I can get to see you, I will... Regards to all, Spot :-) |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Rasener Date: 29 Jan 07 - 02:16 PM If you haven't seen him Spot, I don't think you are in a position to criticise him. Have a look at my post above. I don't make comments like that unless I feel they are justified. In fact I was dubious about putting Ron on at my club, but took the gamble and I am so glad I did. He got 10 out of 10 from my audience which happened to be a sell out. Don't judge him on the mp3's. Go and see him and then come back and do a review on him. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Spot Date: 29 Jan 07 - 02:21 PM Allo everybody... Fair comment, Mr Villan, but surely his mp3s are there to judge whether one would like his stuff or not.... His stuff doesnt immediately appeal to me....but as I said, I'm quite happy to see him live ..... Regards to all.... Spot :-) |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Mick Tems Date: 29 Jan 07 - 04:23 PM Ron is guesting on March 16 at the Valley Folk Club in the Ivy Bush Inn, Pontardawe. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 30 Jan 07 - 09:30 AM I reckon RTB startring this thread !!!! ha! Ha! Jo jo |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Spot Date: 30 Jan 07 - 10:43 AM Allo everybody... Hell aye - ya could be right.... :-) Come on Mr RTB...own up - if its you!!! Regards to all.... Spot |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 30 Jan 07 - 12:43 PM If ye knew the man ye'd knaah that he dizzent gan in for this sort of self promotion. Aah dee but trust me Ron's far too shy to push himself this way. He has The Lovely Suzi te dee that forrim and that leaves him te gerron and write the songs. From a performer's point of view his songs are gold-dust - Aall reet his delivery on CD might not get the feeling across, but see the lad LIVE! and ye cannot but be impressed by the passion. The songs stand up for themselves but, like Dylan & Cohen, ye hev te listen to the person who felt the emotion that caused the song deliver it with THAT emotion. Aah hate te draw comparisons but there's been many singer/songwriters who have depended on others te carry their songs but still had a career as a genius. Ron doesn't hev te hev other people te sing his songs - But there's loads of us who can't get enough of his songs te sing. There's a concert of Ron's in Kent, in March. There's rock bands, Folk bands, and aall sorts of singers etc coming from aall ower the country to tek part and dee his songs. Ye cannit pigeonhole him and ye certainly cannot dismiss him coz sometimes he sings with a yank accent (God help us if Shakespeare's plays had aall been performed in his aahn Midlands accent - "Boot soft! Whart loight frum yoder weendaow brikes" Aah'll admit it! Aah'm a mate of his as well as a fan but the 'fanship' came before the friendship - Draw what conclusions ye like from the recorded works but divvent mek your choice till ye've seen him on stage - It's worth the door fee! Aah promise!! |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Scrump Date: 30 Jan 07 - 12:57 PM He sounds good to me, from his mp3s, but I take the point made about his American accent. That doesn't make him bad though. I certainly wouldn't mind seeing him - sadly, looking at his gig list I recently missed him when he appeared nearby, but I was out at another gig that night anyway. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Spot Date: 30 Jan 07 - 02:15 PM Ok, everybody... I've looked on his site and found a gig I may be able to make...will do my best...!! I dont believe I said he was "bad" because he sings in American accent....I will say, though, that, for me, this scenario is an instant turn off....Maybe its cos I played in a band where the lead singer did it too much..... I used to cringe....!! Each to his own on this one. ************** Right...Just listened to all 9 MP3's. Very sorry... he does a good job if you like the genre - but I cant get by the accent.... Regards to all... Spot :-) |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 30 Jan 07 - 02:52 PM A powerful presence as a performer, an ability to handle, with delicacy and sympathy, subjects that most would shy away from, and a generosity of spirit in allowing, nay encouraging, others to perform his material makes Ron a very special person in my estimation. One of his songs resides on my own CD, and very proud I am to have been able to record it. I feel that mention should also be made of Ron's band, "Perfect Strangers", an amalgamation of some of the best local musical talent to be found in the county, mayhap in the country. If you can get to one of their gigs, you're in for a treat. Incidentally, don't worry too much about Ron's accent, which is not often American, but when a man writes a seriously empathetic song about life behind US prison bars, it's gonna sound a bit odd in Cockney or Geordie, woudn't you say? Don T. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 30 Jan 07 - 03:14 PM I think the songs on his website are a bit 'out of date' - none of his newer ones are on there. I think that to see Ron in his true colours then you need to see him play live. * Mysterious starter of thread * |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 30 Jan 07 - 03:43 PM you cant help the way a man speaks or sings. He has an excellent voice and if it sounds american, then thats the way it is. There isnt anything wrong with that anyway. Whatever floats your boat. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Rasener Date: 30 Jan 07 - 04:18 PM Bit like Bruce Springsteen |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 30 Jan 07 - 04:50 PM Now yez are taalkin'!! Springsteen should've recorded 'Rosie On A Sunday' Divvent worry Scrump! He'll be back your way afore ower lang - He's a busy lad!! |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: growler Date: 30 Jan 07 - 04:57 PM 'Rosie on a Sunday', Eat your heart out Springsteen |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 31 Jan 07 - 12:35 PM Excellent guitarist and singer, i feel. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Nemesis Date: 31 Jan 07 - 12:47 PM Ron .. lovely bloke, entertaining personality ... I've seen him whupping a disparate bunch of musicians into presenting a good rousing finale-big-number. Tunes good and hummable ... which says something ... but, personally, I find them anodyne and derivative - sort of popular MOR .... personally, I resisted enjoinders to put him on at the club as, well, we used to try putting on slightly more cutting edge stuff than Ron (and the audience would have been somewhat puzzled) .. then again, he was always packing 'em out at a very near-neighbouring club anyway! |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Richard Bridge Date: 31 Jan 07 - 03:12 PM Ooh - saucer of cream? |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST,Slightly interested party ..girl Date: 31 Jan 07 - 06:46 PM For anyone that may be interested....Ron does have a MySpace address..also there are some up to date MP3's on Folk Alley..which are changed and added to on a regular basis ....and some can also be found on ezFolk...unfortunatley the ones on his official web-site cannot be altered....hope that's helpful ...happy RTB song-hunting xx |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: woodsie Date: 31 Jan 07 - 09:23 PM Great performer, great bloke - deserves recognition as a songwriter. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Girl Friday Date: 31 Jan 07 - 10:02 PM I've never listened to these mp3's. My computer doesn't have the technology. I would advise NOBODY to judge ANYBODY by recordings anyway. Then again, I don't have to. What the hell does it matter what accent he sings in (is this a new line in criticism?)it's the songs and the delivery that count. And that Truly Boring tag... not heard so much nowadays,and was never applied to his song writing talents. Can't say it applies to his stage prescence either. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Spot Date: 01 Feb 07 - 03:27 AM G Friday This "accent" thing is not meant to be a criticism of the guy - you'll have read my post that states 'These are a few observations'....Only my personal observations, too. It's obvious that Mr TB is very popular- fair enough - I'm happy for anybody that is. Have I criticised his songwriting capabilities? Not at all.The reverse, methinks. They're just not my type of songs, thats all. You say 'what the hell does it matter what accent he sings in' - It doesn't to most folk, but does to me. Incidentally I'm a fan of bluegrass music and the accent doesn't get more authentic than that - I just have a prob with what I (rightly or wrongly) class as phoney... :-) I'm still looking forward to catching him live but I don't think I'll feel any different. Regards to all....Spot |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Rasener Date: 01 Feb 07 - 04:09 AM Spot I think when you see him, you will change your opinion about phoney American accent. However go with as many negative things you can think of for RTB and then get pleasantly surprised. Always works for me if I have not seen anybody before :-) |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Scrump Date: 01 Feb 07 - 04:16 AM Well, "mysterious starter of thread", it seems to have worked! ;-) I shall certainly look out for RTB now I've heard about him, and hope to catch one of his gigs. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Spot Date: 01 Feb 07 - 07:29 AM Hey up.. :-) I'm not out to negate RTB in any shape or form... I just don't care for"American"accents in what I feel is the wrong situation... (would be nice if you right, Villan!!) I'm still going to see him live... I wish I could play like wot he does... I can't see Vin Garbutt altering his accent for anything, Death Row songs or whatever (perish the thought!!) Try as I might , I can't think of anything else which may be construed as negative... Roll on the gig... I wonder if he's aware of this lot goin on? Mr TB..Ya'd better be good!!!! ;-) Regards to all.... Spot |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 01 Feb 07 - 12:36 PM The ones on folk alley are actually some of his better ones so try them. *mysterious starter of thread* |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 01 Feb 07 - 12:39 PM Its just a shame theres no lyrics ;) |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 01 Feb 07 - 12:46 PM Solo or with his band? Which is better? *mysterious starter of thread* |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST,Slightly interseted etc Date: 01 Feb 07 - 02:14 PM Poking my head in the door again ..in reply to Guest ref lyrics ..on Ron's official web-site www.rontruemanborder.co.uk ..there are lyrics AND chord sheets ..for those who would like to play the songs ..also on ezFolk ..there are lyrics attached to the songs....I'll see what I can do about the ones on Folk Alley ....xxs |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 02 Feb 07 - 10:46 AM I hesitated before writing this post because I don't feel it is my place to criticise someone who is obviously well liked and well respected by many others, but am offering the following opinion in the hope that it will be helpful rather than hurtful. Ron played at my local club a year or two back but did not go down very well and talking to people afterwards I found that enthusiasm was very muted. But Ron had been highly recommended by another performer who is a good friend of the club, and I was also familiar with two or three of his songs through other singers and so was looking foward to the night, rather than approaching it with any negative expectations. I had no propblem with his accent. His 'singing' accent seemed entirely natural to him and suited both his appearance, personality and material, but I found the songs rather repetitive. The first couple went down well, but by the end of the first half I was finding the tunes all too similar to be memorable and that the words had begun to feel like an overdose of cliches. Ron is very good at taking familiar phrases and setting them into songs in a natural and rhythmic way, but after a while you can easily predict which phrases are going to crop up where and, because the lines are so familiar, they sort of wash over you without the meaning behind them troubling you too much. Eventually I found I was day-dreaming rather than concentrating. I felt that in the second half Ron knew he was not receiving the attention he had hoped for. He seems like a really nice bloke and tried his best to make contact, but without a change in material he was largely unsuccessful. The shame was, I am sure that some of the songs were really very good ... but there was just too many of them for a sitting. What I have written sounds very unfair, but it is an honest opinion. Having reflected on the evening, my suspicion is that had Ron interspersed his own material with a few traditional or familiar songs, it would have served to give us the opportunity to listen to each of his self penned songs as a peice in its own right, rather than absorbing a whole 40 minute spot as a continuous, unfamiliar offering. personally I would have benefitted from this and I think I might have left the club with good memories of some exciting new songs, rather than with a case of musical indigestion. I'm sure both Ron and his songs deserve wider recognition and speak only with the intention of offering my own perspective on an evening with a new-to-Ron audience. I hope he will not take offence at anything I've said. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Scrump Date: 02 Feb 07 - 11:14 AM Interesting comments, GUEST, and although I've not seen RTB yet, I can fully understand what you mean, not with him, but other artists I've seen. There seem to be quite a few artists around who write all their own material, and I'm impressed with this because I don't do this (or probably, can't). This sometimes does make for a lack of variety in the songs and style of presentation, leading to potential boredom for the audience. As you say, it would be better if some artists included more covers, to provide a bit of variety for the audience. Maybe these people take pride in not covering other people's songs, or something? Or maybe they need more honest feedback from people who care about them. Me, I'm the opposite, because I don't write songs myself (or at least, not enough to fill a set) and I pinch songs I like from a variety of sources, ranging from traditional songs to songs written very recently. The only criteria are that I like the song and feel it would suit my style, and that I can actually sing it. I'm the opposite extreme to the likes of RTB (as described by GUEST), and I would like to be able to write more of my own songs to include with the ones I've nicked from other folk. They are in the enviable position of being able to do what I would do if I was able, so why don't they? Before I get jumped on by "Mysterious starter of thread" and other RTB fans, remember I'm not talking about him as I haven't yet seen him. But there are plenty of other singers who fit the profile given by GUEST above. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 02 Feb 07 - 01:59 PM I can understand (and im sure Ron would) what the guest said. However, I think that the similarity between some of his songs is purely because he has found several styles which suit his voice and go down well. I do see what you mean. But the thing is, he has written enough songs that it doesnt matter and when he is doing a set he usually makes it so that the songs which are similar are as far away from each other as possible, or just doesnt have two similar songs in a set. *mysterious starter of thread* |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 02 Feb 07 - 06:49 PM Just a thought ....I was wondering... if Richard Thompson,Bob Dylan,Ralph McTell,Paul MaCartney or Leonard Cohen ..just to name drop a few....would do any covers at a concert...? |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Girl Friday Date: 02 Feb 07 - 10:15 PM In reply to GUEST ? The one who'd had booked Ron on reccomendation,(this is what is confusing Mudmatters,folks - too many "Guests"). You have stated your oppinions very clearly, and objectively. Yes, a lot of Ron's songs are reminiscent of others,yes, he does have favourite phrases, and yes, he does only perform his own songs. This is possibly due to the fact that he is not a folk singer, and doesn't claim to be. I have booked sonngwriters who intersperse a few traditional/other writer's songs, and it does work - people will always join in with stuff they know. However, RTB's songs often have a very singable chorus. Several years ago, I went to one of his folk club gigs- a very traditional club. All the floor singers were either unaccompanied, or played a traditional instrument. I thought he would go down like a lead baloon. Not so, by song number 2, he had them in the palm of his hand! If you're asked to book him again- go for it. You may be surprised at how many of your members remember the songs. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 03 Feb 07 - 06:04 PM Richard Thompson has aalwez performed 'other people's songs' and still does - Leonard Cohen & Dylan hev an' aall, but not often Aah imagine Ron used te sing other people's songs but he's such a prolific writer that, aah suppose, he cannit fit them in noo. Aah love the guy to bits but there are lots of his songs that divvent turn uz on. But there are mair that do! Ye cannit please aall of the people aall of the time but give the lad a hearing! Remember Horses for courses!! AND..... aah find mesel' daydreamin' on many occasions - Folk Clubs, Rock Concerts, when Mrs P is taalin' tiv uz - it's me age not because aah'm bored (apart from when Mrs P... well ye knaah) and aa'hve nivvor concentrated on a whole set by someone (Even Richard T) withoot 'wanderin' off' |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: GUEST Date: 05 Feb 07 - 02:13 PM I had ron at my club once- he was great! I reccommend him to anyone. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Scrump Date: 05 Feb 07 - 03:12 PM I wish you GUESTs would number yourselves (if you can't be bothered to give a handle), e.g. GUEST 1, GUEST 2 or whatever. It makes it difficult for the rest of us to understand the discussion. |
Subject: RE: Ron Trueman Border From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 05 Feb 07 - 05:12 PM There's a pub (does rock & blues mainly) doon here in Southampton that booked Ron once (a fortneet ago) and were that impressed that they are now running a 'once a month' folk(ish) night and have booked Ron for the first FOUR months as guest He cannit be aall bad then!! |
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