2007/11: Norma Waterson unwell?

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 26 Mar 12 - 07:13 AM

Just wish to know how Norma is now, anyone any news?

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 21 Oct 11 - 11:37 PM

Wonderful news. I'd been thinking that no news was good news, but this good news is better!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Barb'ry
Date: 21 Oct 11 - 02:24 PM

It's been a while since anyone posted an update about Norma. I hope her recovery is progressing well and wondered if anyone knows how she is? Still sending best wishes over the ether!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: JohnB
Date: 21 Apr 11 - 05:31 PM

Brilliant! the get well card worked it's strange primal majic then.
JohnB.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Your mates in Shropshire
Date: 21 Apr 11 - 04:38 PM

Great news, all the best to you all x

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Doc Rowe
Date: 21 Apr 11 - 03:39 PM

Even more good news! Norma is home - at last. After a cursory visit yesterday... she was finally 'released' this afternoon.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Bernard
Date: 20 Apr 11 - 04:39 PM

I'm delighted to be able to say that's a picture I didn't really expect to see!! Terrific news!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Guest: Christine in Canada
Date: 20 Apr 11 - 04:15 PM

Phew - someone was reading my mind. Ta very much for the update. Norma .. you look great!!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 20 Apr 11 - 11:09 AM

This is most encouraging news indeed.
All very best wishes to Norma and the rest of the clan.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Little Robyn
Date: 20 Apr 11 - 06:35 AM

Lovely photo.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: davyr
Date: 20 Apr 11 - 05:22 AM

And further confirmation from Martin in this interview:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/apr/17/martin-carthy-interview-ed-vulliamy

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 20 Apr 11 - 05:18 AM

Good to hear.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Vic Smith
Date: 20 Apr 11 - 05:15 AM

Doc Rowe posts the following really good news yesterday on Facebook :-

"Conscious that there hasn't been any news of late - so thought people would be delighted to hear that we spent this afternoon with Norma in Whitby Hospital and she walked unaided to the 'little girl's room' [at least that's where we left her, anyway!]. Yes, albeit aided by a frame, the lovely lass is on her feet. She is returning home... briefly [... hopefully tomorrow] to check that she is able to cope with her normal surroundings ... to be reorientated with them, no doubt, for it's been a long while. Then it's back to the hospital for a short while and then back home - probably next week! This is such fantastic news. She's looking great, sounding great ... our Norma's back!! She is so very grateful for all the letters, cards and messages of support that peoples have sent - quite overwhelmed by them and it clearly has meant a great deal. So thanks everyone on her behalf. Watch this space! Hooray."

....And he backs this up with s delightful photo that he has taken of her. See it by clicking here.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 02:48 PM

Recently posted by Rod Stradling on the Musical Traditions website:

Many readers will be aware that Norma Waterson has been critically ill in hospital for the past three months. Last November, towards the end of the brilliant 'Gift' tour, Norma got an infection in her knee. She went to the closest hospital, Warrington, where they prescribed strong antibiotics, to be taken as an in-patient. Two days later she was on dialysis and a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit. Our dear Norma had been in the ICU for 11 weeks! with Martin by her side, loving her and making sure she is getting all the necessary attention.

She has at last been moved to an ordinary ward, but the journey back to normality will be a long climb; of course if she could climb there'd be no problem, but after 12 weeks in bed there's not much of her body that has any muscle power at all. And having had a tracheostomy in her throat for most of that time, she's not even talking or eating normally yet.

As well as an appalling physical and emotional situation for the family, there is the little matter of finance when the breadwinners are unable to work (Martin has only been able to do 3 or 4 gigs in all that time!). Some of their friends in music - being able now to think about the future rather than just the present - have realised what an awful extra burden this has/will consitute, and are organising benefit events. Keep your eyes and your purses open, and please consider the possiblities for your club or organisation. We will try to liaise with all such organisers, and with Alan Bearman, their Agent, to see that things go smoothly, and don't clash with each other. If you do consider organising some kind of benefit event, please let us know.

Rod and Danny Stradling - 3.2.11
[e-mail] or [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: JohnB
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 04:38 PM

The card is in the mail, honest!
JohnB

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,oldtimer
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 04:34 PM

Our beloved friend, Jenny Hicks (Troubador Club,London,196ty splash) has,for many weeks, by phone, gently kept us briefed on Normas hospitalisation & illness.Thanky Jenny.!   Norma, Martin & family,you are in our thoughts ,candles & celestial invocations .We wish for you , a full recovery, with all of our spiritual support & strength.With buckets of good wishes to dear self,,Martin & your family
From all the Bolger Boys & Girls @ Ma Flannerys Folk ,Tullamore.    Gra, agus beannachti Dhia oraibh go leir, Louis & Lucy

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,David
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 10:44 AM

Best wishes for a speedy recovery from all the Waterson/Carthy friends and fans from Mystic Seaport in Mystic,CT USA.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Yvonne
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 07:52 AM

Norma has evidently been very poorly indeed.

What a worry for them all.

Thank goodness she is on the mend.

Yvonne

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 07:02 AM

Some excellent news from Eliza's website; not merely has she finished recording the tracks for her own new CD while nursing baby Isabella in thr studio, but Norma has now regained her speaking voice, and is sitting up for short periods.

Best wishes to Norma and family, and thanks to Eliza for passing on the news via her Twitter account at twitter.com/elizacarthy.

Matthew

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jan 11 - 11:49 AM

Good wishes from us in South Shropshire. Get well soon Norma. x

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Enniskillen
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 06:55 PM

thinking of you Norma at this time, God speed to a full recovery, praying for an improvement soon, regards: Mark

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Fran Weetman
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 04:37 PM

Having gone to folk clubs since the 60's, the Waterson's have always been part of my life and epitomised (to me) all that is folk. Their voices (Norma, Lal and Mike) always sent shivers down my spine. And of course Martin Carthy always was (is) a folk hero.   A generation later, we have had the sad loss of Lal but also the great delight of Liza (what a pedigree!).

I has the great fortune to see Norma, Liz, Martin(and others) not too long ago (The Gift) and I cannot believe that after all these years (when my Waterson LPs are looking as frayed as me), Norma's voice still sends shivers down my spine.

Hope you are up and about again soon Normax.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 04:25 PM

It's good news to hear that Norma is getting better. I have to say that the address for the hospital "Lovely Lane" seemed rather appropriate!
All best wishes from Me and Sheena down in sunny Watford.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 03:59 PM

Kev from Brandywine Music.

Shocked to hear this, but delighted that the news is good and that Norma seems to be turning the corner and is on the mend.

I met Norma for the first time in October'10 when we promoted her and Eliza and The Gift Band in Dartford, Kent. What a nice lady!!!!

All the best to Norma and the rest of her family. A speedy recovery please!!!

Regards

Kevin, Keith, Guy, Val and Gill at Brandywine Music

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 03:27 PM

I wish Norma a speedy recovery and send best regards to her family. Her version of 'Black Muddy River' is one of my favourites.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 03:21 PM

Excellent news!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: andymac
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 10:57 AM

Here's hoping it's a fast road to recovery. Thanks for keeping us updated Derek.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Smedley
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 08:44 AM

That IS good news, Derek.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 07:43 AM

Just to endorse Ruth Archer's comments, and also to say that the hospital address is given as a place to send cards, not for personal visits, or for phone calls (Martin had difficulty getting through to the ward on the phone this weekend prior to his daily visit).
The good news is that Norma is on the road to recovery.
Derek

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: JennyO
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 07:17 AM

We saw Norma and Eliza and The Gift band at Bridgwater Arts Centre on the 6th November. Norma was assisted on and off the stage by Martin, and sat to perform. She also announced that they 'don't do encores', because she didn't want to be getting up and down. All I knew for sure at that stage was that she had problems with her legs and had not been well for some time.

In spite of all that, she was in brilliant singing form - she and the heavily pregnant Eliza both were - and it was a wonderful show. She is such a brave lady!

We bought the CD, The Gift, and it is brilliant too.

I really hope she pulls through this - it would be an enormous loss to everyone if she didn't.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Old Traddie
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 06:55 AM

I'm strongly in agreement with that Mrs Archer. It would be wrong to pass out people's home address and certainly would be an intrusion of privacy. I would ask Dick not to do so either, even by PM. Sending cards to the hospital is fine and would really be appreciated.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 06:51 AM

Dick, I'm not sure giving their home address to people is a particularly good idea, even by PM - it is a potential invasion of privacy, and if the family wants to share that information, I am sure they will. The address for the hospital posted previously ought to really be sufficient.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: The Sandman
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 06:22 AM

I have their adress and postcode, IF YOU PM ME I CAN SEND IT ON FOR PEOPLE WHO WISH TO SEND CARDS. Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,buspassed
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 06:17 AM

The following address for Norma was posted by Ian Anderson on the fRoots forum in November

Mrs. N. Carthy
Warrington General Hospital
Lovely Lane
Warrington
WA5 1QG

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 05:24 AM

I just tweeted Eliza asking if there was an address to send get well cards. I pasted a link to this thread in the tweet.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 03:19 AM

A vague indication of the hospital the ICU is located in would be useful at this juncture..

Best wishes from one whose occasional table bears the marks of a Waterson/Carthy performance from Saffron Walden.

LTS

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Little Robyn
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 12:42 AM

This was posted on FolkDJ earlier today.
Robyn
...............................................

Norma Waterson has been dangerously, severely ill since early November.
She had an abcess on her lower leg which turned into septicemia, and has been in ICU for these past two months.

She has regained consciousness, but is still on a ventilator, getting
blood transfusions, and unable to sit up for any length of time. She is understandably very weak and discouraged, and could use any cheering up that people can give. Cards would be a great help.
Paul

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 11:03 PM

I'd heard about her being ill but I'd no idea matters were so bad. Let's hope Derek's info is correct and that her recovery will be steady and speedy. All the best, Norma!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 04:23 PM

According to a post on another forum Norma is indeed seriously ill and has spent the last 2 months in an Intensive Care Unit.

If it's not too upsetting perhaps Eliza who is on here frequently could give us an update and pm people with an appropriate address for cards. I know where the house is but I haven't actually got the postal address.

Our love, sympathy and best wishes from the Hull and Goole mob go out to all the family.

Steve

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Ginny Hawker and Tracy Schwarz
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 02:57 PM

Best wishes to Norma from West Virginia!
Love, Ginny and Tracy

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: JohnB
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 11:31 AM

Get well soon Norma Luv!
JohnB

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 11:11 AM

With all good wishes to Norma, Martin, Eliza -- and the latest member of the family!
As a Scottish Mudcatter, I didn't get to see these wonderful performers as often as I would have liked but I have an abiding memory of seeing Norma mesmerising an audience (sorry - can't remember where), and trust that I will be so privileged in the future.

Guid folk are scarce!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: ClaireBear
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 11:05 AM

Norma's voice has given me much energy and inspiration over the years...it's a big reason that I have energy to send now in hopes of speeding her return to vigorous good health. Bright blessings!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 10:27 AM

All best wishes to Norma and family!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 09:57 AM

My best wishes for a speedy and thorough recovery.

Jeri, New Hampshire, USA

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: mikesamwild
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 07:19 AM

All good wishes to Norma, Mike and the family

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 04:23 AM

Thinking of her and the family, and sending best wishes

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 03:54 AM

Thank you for the update, Derek.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 07 Jan 11 - 07:33 PM

Norma has been in hospital since November - she has been seriously ill (gravely ill is perhaps an exaggeration of her current state) but is improving day by day. I am sure we all wish her well, and send best wishes to Martin (who has been with her throughout, but still travelling to gigs) and Eliza. I am sure Norma is desperate to spend time with her new grand-daughter!
Derek

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Will Fly
Date: 07 Jan 11 - 06:55 PM

When Martin was doing his guitar workshop in Lewes recently, I asked him how Norma was - and the reply was that she was having a "bit of a dip". Given that, I was very impressed - and I'm sure we were all impressed - with his determination to do the workshop, and his equal determination to get straight up to Warrington immediately after the workshop.

We sent our best wishes to Norma with him - and I repeat those wishes here.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Jan 11 - 06:19 PM

I am Sorry. repeat above post and send healing thoughts.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Jan 11 - 05:44 PM

oh my..... sending thoughts and prayers of healing for Norma, strength to her family, and power to the doctors and nurses treating her.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,trad singer
Date: 07 Jan 11 - 05:22 PM

The last thing I heard was that Norma was seriously ill. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Smedley
Date: 07 Jan 11 - 05:05 PM

She was in hospital a few weeks ago, it was discussed here. Tonight a British website (Sound of the World) has one post saying she is currently "gravely ill". Let's hope this is wrong.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Jan 11 - 03:33 PM

how is she?is she ill at the present time?

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Big Tim
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 01:47 AM

Norma's 'Strabane' melody is pretty similar to Margaret Barry's. She does though make some rather annoying changes to the lyrics (nothing major, just pointless).

Bride Gallagher also does a lovely 'Strabane'.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Zhenya
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 01:28 AM

Tonight I was at a World Music Institute (WMI) concert in NY, and I have tickets for Waterson Carthy at the same venue tomorrow night.

An announcement was made at tonight's concert that Norma Waterson wouldn't be there tomorrow due to an ankle injury. This was the first I'd heard of it, as I must have missed this thread.

I just took a look at the WMI site to see if they had further information. It was really odd - they handled this issue by completely taking out any mention of Norma Waterson at all and (literally) cutting her out of the picture. The photo now shows a trio and they're the only ones mentioned in the description. I still have an earlier brochure announcing the concert, with a different photo with all four of them, and mentioning Norma Waterson as well. Personally, I would have found it more tasteful to leave that as is, and just add an update explaining that she wouldn't be performing at this concert. Here's the link:

WMI


At any rate, I'm sorry to hear of her medical problems and hope that with time off she will recover. I saw the whole group about a year and a half ago, and all of them were incredible. I'm glad to hear a favorable review of the trio's concert from Ken J. above, so I'm looking forward to that tomorrow night, and will hopefully get to hear Norma Waterson perform again at a future date.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: folk_radio_uk
Date: 01 Mar 07 - 07:14 AM

That's a shame to hear, I hope she recovers soon. I've got tickets to see them in June in Taunton at the Brewhouse. This will be a first for me so I'm looking forward to it.

I saw mention of Tim Van Eyken in this thread. I went to see him other week (solo) at Milverton Music Club and he was great. He got two standing ovations, it was a great night and he also played Whistle. Apparently it was a prototype designed by an Australian that he had given to him as gift.

I interviewed Tim a short while ago. The interview is here if anyone is interested.

Tim Van Eyken Interview

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Mitch Greenhill
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 10:09 PM

Norma has broken the ankle several times over the years. By now it plain doesn't work. She cannot put any weight on it, and is in a lot of pain. Some serious surgery is probably in the offing.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Ken J
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 08:01 PM

I saw Waterson:Carthy's show in Ann Arbor last night. Even with Norma having to stay home for this tour, it was a great show. Tim Van Eyken is a revelation. I mean, Martin Carthy is an old friend for three decades, and Eliza's a star, but we'd never seen Tim Van Eyken before -- my friends who don't listen to the BBC radio shows had never heard of him -- and he made a spectacular impression on both vocals and accordion.   "How did such a skinny kid get such a commanding voice?" asked a friend.

Eliza and Tim didn't bring any solo CDs to sell, so I had to run out to get copies this evening from Elderly Instruments.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Chris Murray
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 01:43 PM

I think it's Eliza who has asthma. We went to a WC concert once and she wasn't there because she was in hospital with asthma. The rest of the family, Norma especially, had stinking colds. It wasn't the best I've seen them play!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Greg B
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 12:53 PM

Give Martin a Hoover, he'll promptly find a new tuning for
it and half a dozen songs and tunes that sound like they
were made just for it.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 12:26 PM

Eliza could do the cooking, the dusting and the hoovering for a start :-) LOL
Never seen them do any of that on stage before!!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Scrump
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 08:13 AM

Well, old git, Eliza could do the cooking, the dusting and the hoovering for a start :-)

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 07:32 AM

er...danensis...as Liza is already in the group how could she substitute for her mum?

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Scrump
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 05:27 AM

BTW - I haven't seen anything anywhere else that suggested that Norma had a broken ankle.

Sorry, Surreysinger, I was simply quoting from Charlie Baum above.

I didn't know about her other health problems, so maybe it's understandable that she's pulled out of these gigs.

Anyway, I can only echo Trevor and wish her all the best and hope she recovers soon.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 05:03 AM

Suffers from asthma too, doesn't she?

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 04:44 PM

"I prefer to stand when singing myself as I think it improves my performance (I seem to be able to breathe more easily)."

Absolutely Scrump - you need what has been described to me as "a straight column of air" in order to breathe properly - so standing up (or indeed lying down) are the best positions for singing in! Sitting down - unless you are adopting the best Alexander Technique postural position - encourages a scrunching up of the torso - not conducive to good singing technique!

"Yes, I agree it wouldn't be easy getting about with a broken ankle. Just thought I'd ask - if the alternative would be cancelling gigs, I'd probably try to go ahead with it myself in similar circs."

Possibly - but when you have other problems as well, and are in a lot of pain, you're hardly likely to be giving of your best. As somebody has already posted, I believe Norma was (to put it mildly)not in a lot of comfort doing the Christmas gigs, but went ahead anyway. I'd rather that an artist cancelled a gig rather than perform in pain - wouldn't make me feel too comfortable if I knew that somebody was forcing themselves to perform if they weren't really up to it just because I had paid to see them.

BTW - I haven't seen anything anywhere else that suggested that Norma had a broken ankle.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Greg B
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 03:57 PM

I always suspected that that voice started somewhere down around
her toes.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: danensis
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 02:46 PM

Liza Carthy is getting more and more like her mum - perhaps she could substitute?

John

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Crystal
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 11:18 AM

I'm glad it is nothing dangerous, but I hope she gets well soon, anything wrong to do with the feet is painful.

I saw WC at Towersey a couple of years back, a wonderful experience!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Trevor
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 10:36 AM

Norma had a bad ankle when she came and performed at Hope a couple of years ago. I think she'd had an op or something. Anyway, get well soon Norma, if you're reading this!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,Chris Murray
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 10:31 AM

We went to see the WC/Devil's Interval tour at Christmas. Norma was in pain then and couldn't stand for very long. I always believed it was arthritis.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 08:03 AM

Went to see Martin and Norma with Peggy Seegar a couple of years back and Norma was poorly then as well. Mike Waterson was the replacement and in all honesty I probably enjoyed the concert all the more for that. I like Norma OK but I always enjoyed Mike more. Can't help wonder why most of his songs have the word 'bum', or reference to other covered body parts, in them;-)

Cheers

D.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Scrump
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 07:38 AM

Well, Surreysinger, I agree that singing sitting down doesn't suit everybody. I prefer to stand when singing myself as I think it improves my performance (I seem to be able to breathe more easily).

Yes, I agree it wouldn't be easy getting about with a broken ankle. Just thought I'd ask - if the alternative would be cancelling gigs, I'd probably try to go ahead with it myself in similar circs.

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 06:38 AM

"Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill recorded "Martha,..." on her Donal Lunny-produced album "No Dowry" (Shanachie, 1999). A brilliant record!"
Hereby seconded, Michael! I remember seeing Maighread in action quite some years ago at the National Folk Music Festival in Sutton Bonington, and being totally mesmerised by her singing - couldn't understand much of what she was singing, but the way she was delivering it was spellbinding. As a result I rushed out to order the CD as soon as I got home, and didn't regret it!

Scrump - while it's possible to sing sitting down, you don't get best results that way - and anyway Norma literally throws herself into what she does when she's singing - can't see that sitting would actually suit her best. Add to that, no doubt that it's difficult actually getting around with a broken ankle, not to mention painful/uncomfortable !!

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Scrump
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 05:23 AM

The great John McCormack also recorded 'Flower of Sweet Strabane' - that's the version I first heard, long before Norma's. Not saying it's better, just providing the info. Bridie Gallagher also recorded it. I don't know the dates of the recordings though (but McCormack died in 1945 when Norma was 6 years old. Maybe she learnt it from his version?

As far as her injury is concerned - I'm sorry to hear that. Would she not be able to perform sitting down? Not sure if she could or not, just asking. It doesn't sound like it should stop her being able to sing?

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 04:29 AM

Also listen to:-
Paddy Tunney - Topic 12T139
De Danaan - Decca SKL R5287
David Hammond - Greenhays 702
Geordie Hanna - Fisher's Cott CD (no number)

Subject: RE: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: michaelr
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 08:21 PM

Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill recorded "Martha,..." on her Donal Lunny-produced album "No Dowry" (Shanachie, 1999). A brilliant record!

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 05:03 PM

Margaret Barry also recorded The Flower of Sweet Strabane - maybe not "beautiful" but a powerful performance nevertheless

discography

Best wishes Norma for a speedy recovery

Subject: RE: BS: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Desdemona
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 05:03 PM

Charie,

Thanks very much for the info; while I'm sorry to hear about Norma's accident, I'm glad to hear it's something so emminently fixable. I can't recall who it was that said hearing Norma sing is like having honey poured in your ears, but it's very apt, such a voice!

~D

Subject: RE: BS: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,marley
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 04:55 PM

oops.. correction to the last post: I mean't the only version that I have heard...

Subject: RE: BS: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: GUEST,marley
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 04:53 PM

Speaking of Norma Waterson, I believe hers
is the only version of "Martha, Flower of ... Strabane".
Such a beautiful performance, how similar is her version
of the melody to the traditional version ?

Subject: RE: BS: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 04:48 PM

According to her US agent, Norma Waterson has broken her ankle. She will therefore (literally) have to sit this tour out.

--Charlie Baum, with the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, which will sponsor the trio of Waterson:Carthy in Rockville, MD, near Washington, DC, on Friday, March 2. Details at http://ceimd.com/php/public.php?Org=fsgw&ProgramID=4&EventID=2081&NoTitle=1 for anyone interested.

Subject: BS: Norma Waterson unwell?
From: Desdemona
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 04:29 PM

Unsure if this should be under "music" or not...anyway, we have tickets to see Waterson:Carthy in March, and I received an e-mail today from the distributor/ticket-dealer/whatever that due to illness, Norma won't be appearing. Aside from our obvious disappointment as long-time fans, we were concerned by this news since the concert is about a month away. Does anyone know anything? I'm just hoping that it's not anything serious.

~D