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BS: Thanks Roll and Go

27 May 01 - 12:44 PM (#471335)
Subject: Thanks Roll and Go
From: GUEST,Brían

I just wanted to say what a grat time was had at The China Sea Marine Trading Company last night. As our congenial host mentioned, It's rare to get a group of shantymen/women together without even a fight or breaking anything. It was also great to put faces to some of the 'catters I haven't had the pleasure to meet. I still have Kendall's voice ringing Patrick Spenser in my ears(or is it the various ship bells we were ringing during Strike the Bell? Edmund, I'd love the words and music to that french song if you would like to post them.

27 May 01 - 12:46 PM (#471336)
Subject: RE: BS: Thanks Roll and Go
From: Peg

sorry I missed it; maybe next time!

Peg

27 May 01 - 01:14 PM (#471343)
Subject: RE: BS: Thanks Roll and Go
From: katlaughing

For those of us who are not familiar with the venue and don't know who was there, would you please post more? It sounds like it was a lot of fun!

Thanks,

kat

27 May 01 - 03:58 PM (#471410)
Subject: RE: BS: Thanks Roll and Go
From: GUEST,Brían

Look at the Portland, ME chantey sing threads for more info. Sorry, I shoulda added to those threads to avoid confusion.

Brían

27 May 01 - 03:59 PM (#471411)
Subject: RE: BS: Thanks Roll and Go
From: katlaughing

Oh, that's okay. Thank you, I will do. Hadn't been watching them as I am too far away to partake.:-(

27 May 01 - 05:08 PM (#471438)
Subject: RE: BS: Thanks Roll and Go
From: Uncle Jaque

Aye; A jolly good time was had by all!

We got a fair space on deck cleared out by about 4PM Saturday (05/26) and sea chests, massive rigging blocks (heavy, wer't they?) etc. arraged for folks to sit on in a roughly oval pattern amidst piles of rope (or is that "line"?), oars, flotation rings, binnacles, gun carriages, and about any sort of nautical bric-a-brac you could imagine. Festooned from the ceiling rafters were bos'un's seats, lanterns, ship's bells (which as Brian relates, we put to good use)etc. while saucy figureheads winked at us from the "masts", and buxtom, nubile mermaids of various sizes were to be spotted in abundance. In cases along the walls are a museum-like assortment of muskets, cutlasses, and memoribilia from the World over.

In this setting gathered about 20 or so (at one count) participants, a majority of us, I think, being Mudcatters. Of those I recognized or was introduced to, these included:
Kendall, Brian, Naemanson, "Darlin'" (one we don't hear from much, but who lurks around the 'Cat & keeps up on things - and surely sings/leads a bully chantey!)... "Jets", Charlie Noble, the Roll & Go Crew, and yes; our Beloved SINSULL made it all the way up from ye "Big Apple" with her precious cargo of Sacramental Mudcat Bourbon-Balls!!! We considered composing a song especially for her and this peculiar form of abrosia, but then... well... we sort of thought better of it. I guess Naemanson, who went to pick her up at the airport, was going around asking all women there who even remotely looked like they might be a Folk Singer : "Excuse me, but I'm looking for a woman I don't know...". This was made even more amusing by Naem's great, imposing bearish size and stature. Much to our relief, now that they have become aquainted, this scene won't be repeated any time soon!
There was the nice couple who came all the way from Ottowa Canada to share a few tunes with us... gee, I never knew they made such funny-looking guitars up there! But it sounded pretty good. And Brian kept smirking as Edmund sang that French ditty; kind of made me wish that I had a better comprehension of the language!
Shortly after we started, along came a jolly sport with a both Fisherman's cap and red beard (I used to have one of those), and eyes all a-twinkle. It turns out that this was none other than the instigator (or "excuse") for having this event here in May, "Great Lakes Tim". His fine Tenor voice contributed greatly, and Roll-&-Go led us all in a rousing rendition of "Fresh-Water Whaling" in his honor. I did a rather unrehearsed rendition of a song I wrote some time ago (and had pretty much forgotten) "The Old Morning Star" by his request - and he even brought a copy of the lyrics so I couldn't beg off on account of my forgetfullness! By the way, Jeri; I seem to recall posting those lyr. here some time ago; if ye cannae find 'em on a search, advise & I can post here or PM to ye.
I forgot the name/"handle" of the nice Lady sitting between "A'nt Mahtha" (My Wife Susan) and Kendall, but she was at the last one & I'm pretty sure is a 'Catter.
There was, actually, one "Mystery Guest" occasional contributor to this forum (who wishes to remain anonymous) in our circle for a little while, sharing in a song or two. Nope; my lips are sealed... but it was rather difficult containing my mirth when I observed who he was sitting next to for about a half - hour ! {8>}0~

No doubt I have overlooked some of the participants; my appologies in advance, and we hope that my neglect will be corrected shortly and that the roster will be duly completed.

A couple of Chanteymen (real ones, even!) who were conspicuous by their absence - and missed - included "Cranky Yankee" (wherefore art thou, CY?), Barry Finn (doing fine we are told, but a bit sung-out following a previous Sing and keeping to port until his rigging gets tightened up and squared a touch).
The much-anticipated appearance of the somewhat reclusive "Great One", Gordon BOK, did not materialize despite our fondest hopes. Making the best of this, Naemanson did a song of his that he would never have attempted in the presence of the fabled Down-East Chanty-Maestro himself. Naem' also rendered a most evocative recitation of a nautical poem at one point, which stimulated a conversation about that mystical bond between a Sailor and his Ship - especially the first one. Cpt. Steve, thoughtfully chewing on his clay pipe, shook his head slowly and remarked how "there wasn't a damn one of 'em he wasn't really glad to get the hell off of...." except perhaps one particular windjammer, for which he seems to retain a fond sentiment or two.

Brian, besides filling the position of 2nd Mate temporarily during "Strike The Bell", shared a couple of traditional Irish songs in Gaelic. That is such a pretty language; despite not understanding a lick of it, we do love hearing it spoken or sung.

Pizza was sent for, delivered, and consumed with great relish about midway along. Beverages appropriate for the occasion were enjoyed in moderation; I had been saving my last Guiness (pricey, eh?!) for the occasion, and it was well invested!

We broke up around 9:30, many there having many a mile to travel toward home port. Appologies to those I didn't get a chance to properly tender our farewell to. Perhaps there would have been more had this not been a Holiday weekend... but who knows.

C. Ipcar of Roll-&-Go advises that the 4th Sunday(??? - better confirm that with Charlie) of Summer Months starting in June, they will be hosting Chanty-Sings at the historical Munjoy Hill Observatory - which I certainly look forward to. Hope to see a full crew of "Catters there!

27 May 01 - 10:56 PM (#471580)
Subject: RE: BS: Thanks Roll and Go
From: GUEST,Brían

Uncle Jaque didn't miss much in that report. I did not partake of the bourbon balls, but I did notice Naem' was keeping them under very close very close supervision.

Wasn't Bobbies broken-token ballad a jewel? I'll never look at a piano the same way ever again.

If you want to spread rumors about my mastery of many languages that's fine with me. I profess to know enough french to be dangerous. What Edmund was singing sounded like a french language version of the Night Visit I.E.:

Who are you my pretty fair maid, who are you my darling?(2X)

She answered me quite modestly, "I am me daddy's darling"
With me too rye ah, fol the diddle dah
Fol the diddle all the diddle derry oh.
I will admit to missing the part about getting stuck with the pin, but I could see where the song was going.
Those french songs are full of innuendos.
Nothing like those chanteys with references to tops'ls coming down and powder being all spent.

Brían

29 May 01 - 05:15 PM (#472551)
Subject: RE: BS: Thanks Roll and Go
From: GUEST,MEJ

Thanks to all for a wonderful sing! I usually hear shantys sung in "folk club" style, and hearing them sung with such strength of voice, energy and drive was a real treat! (It was also very educational. Although I grew up in Wisconsin, I was - until Saturday - totally ignorant of the Noble tradition of Great Lakes whaling.) Being a ballad enthusiast, I especially enjoyed Kendall's and Cptn. Bunker's renditions of Sir Patric Spens.

A special thanks to Naemanson for his valiant struggle to get both Sinsull and myself to the party in spite of our respective transit companies' determination to prevent our arrival.

I hope to see you all again.

Mary