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26 Nov 01 - 10:37 PM (#598185) Subject: Kitty and Arlo From: Jon Freeman Transferred from the Annexe - Jon
SINSULL
Posted - 11/25/2001 5:54:01 AM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I enjoyed Arlo. His St. James Infirmery was brilliant but the audience preferred his staples - Good Morning America, etc. Some of his choices were pretty daring - after going through a shaggy dog story that eventually involved Bob Dylan, he sang "The Hour That The Ship Comes In". I have never heard anyone but Dylan do it and that only on an LP. A funny story involving Pete Seeger led to his singing "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You", an Elvis Presley hit. He then got the entire audience to sing along. Funny stuff. Same with Irene, Goodnight as a tribute to the Weavers. Last song before encores was "This Land Is Your Land" with some special verses made up for him by his Dad. He was accompanied by his son and daughter. Kitty West sang her song about the Mississippi floods. She won the spot through an ebay auction and was supported by Mudcat. She mentioned Mudcat twice with profuse thank yous. Her piece has all the makings of a folk song. Guthrie's entire show was backed by a full orchestra. So to help her out, Ivan B orchestrated her song. Unfortunately, there was not enough rehearsal time to make it work so she did it with guitar and harmonica and Arlo Guthrie strummed along. Neat song. People around me were singing along on the chorus and the audience applauded so enthusiastically that her little speech afterwards was drowned out. Kitty has a beautiful voice and a "presence" that held the audience - she should be happy. Several "Wows" from the balcony. And no one believed she could be a grandmother. From the balcony, she looked about 25. It went very well. Amergin
Posted - 11/25/2001 6:09:19 AM Tweed
Posted - 11/25/2001 12:41:42 PM HippieChick
Posted - 11/25/2001 2:44:23 PM May we always meet to sing again, till the last note fades away. - Si Kahn kat
Posted - 11/25/2001 3:06:02 PM Sorry about Ivan's arrangement not being used, but I can understand about the rehearsal time, etc. Good for you, Kitty!! kat Big Mick
Posted - 11/25/2001 8:10:59 PM Congrats to Kitty on her performance. Mick Sorcha
Posted - 11/25/2001 8:20:43 PM
SINSULL
Posted - 11/25/2001 9:12:08 PM |
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26 Nov 01 - 11:57 PM (#598231) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: catspaw49 Great news huh? I've been following along over at Tweed's place and Kitty also went to the Dave Van Ronk benefit concert the following night! Thanks for the first hand report Sins. Spaw |
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27 Nov 01 - 12:33 AM (#598249) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: catspaw49 Here's an initial report back from Kitty on the Van Ronk tribute from Kitty, posted over at Tweed's: I was at the show for Dave Van Ronk...had a lot of fun with Mary Travers husband...he took my music with me..was offered a spot in a world achivement award show for Odetta..she was there too...Tim Robbins...can't wait to tell you all about this..and all the funny spots..Have to go..this is a rented computer and we still have to take the train This was really an exciting thing and Ivan's efforts were heroic in simply making the attempt to score a song he'd never heard before, from halfway across the country, in an impossible time frame. The group at Tweed's and the 'Catters involved were really kinda' wired waiting to see how things went. Spaw |
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27 Nov 01 - 01:32 AM (#598273) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: Rolfyboy6 Thanks from the Tweedsters to all the Mudcat help and support, especially Ivan for the orchestration, and to Sorcha and Catspaw who kept the drive alive and coordinated efforts between boards. Ivan, tho' Kitty didn't have time slots to rehearse your orchestration, the musicians and the conductor were impressed per Kitty's posts. Only lack of rehersal time kept her from doing your arrangements with the orchestra. I think it made a big difference for her to have the music, it really gave her bona fides with the right people. She's getting exposure with a good group. |
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27 Nov 01 - 06:54 AM (#598374) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: Tweed Here's a *blue clicky* to the Tweedboard if any of you want to read some more of Kitty's adventures. She's been popping in and out with news blurbs whenever she can. Ivan, I'm astonished that professional symphonic musicians were unable to get it together enough to perform a simple folk song. Reinforces my determination to not read notes and make up my tunes on the fly. Good job Buddy. I thinking there's a chance that this song's story isn't quite over yet and your good works may yet be heard. High Regards, Tweed |
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27 Nov 01 - 07:39 AM (#598381) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: nutty Tweed ..... don't be put off learning to read music If you know the Alphabet from A to G and understand basic fractions (whole, half,quarter,eighth,sixteenth) Then you can read music. If you can do that - then you can write/copy music into a programme like Noteworthy Composer which will play it for you. |
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27 Nov 01 - 09:20 AM (#598433) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: GUEST,Tweed..cookieless at work... Thanks nutty. I can play okay and figure out tunes on almost anything with strings (with exception of fiddles), just can't read and play at the same time... or chew gum and walk, for that matter.. Just seemed odd that they couldn't improvise something up there. Maybe that works differently with trained musicians. Walking in half-light and veering off the thread a bit.. Tweed |
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27 Nov 01 - 11:04 AM (#598493) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: GUEST,Fiver The more people you have involved in something, the more complicated it becomes--the reason orchestras work with music in the first place is because otherwise, it would be an awful mess getting thirty or forty people to work something out on their own. Anyway, Kitty, with song and guitar, was all that was needed to wow the crowd. Congratulations to everybody who made this happen. IvanB, if you are still around, tell us, step by step, how you worked up your arrangement, it will be a good thing to know about-- |
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27 Nov 01 - 12:50 PM (#598556) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: SINSULL Have to admit, I would have preferred an evening of Arlo with his guitar and minus the orchestra. It worked for Copland but not for "This Land Is Your Land". Mary, ready to take the flak. |
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27 Nov 01 - 12:56 PM (#598561) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: Amergin Sins...I agree with youl...some how This Land Is Your Land does not equate to orchestral music...at least not to me....neither do any of the other songs he sang...(some one at the arlo site posted a song list....) |
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27 Nov 01 - 01:00 PM (#598566) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: catspaw49 Hey Sins....I would tend to agree, but it's just another Arlo phase...try this, try that....and always have fun. St. James Infirmary......Click Here for the page over at Arlonet where you can hear it done live in Ocean City. Also check out Sarah doing "Pack Up Your Sorrows".......BTW, did Sarah perform the other night? Spaw |
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27 Nov 01 - 02:48 PM (#598647) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: SINSULL Sarah was onstage for "This Land Is Your Land" and "Irene, Goodnight". Sang harmony. |
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27 Nov 01 - 04:39 PM (#598750) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: IvanB Fiver, I went about arranging Kitty's song by first transcribing the melody from her MP3. That was probably the hardest part of the whole thing because the dots and other musical symbols are usually just not adequate to convey all the nuances of an individual's performance style. That done, I had Kitty send me the lyrics for one verse along with her chord progression and the progression for the walkdown. I'd decided due to the time constraint to only score for strings and woodwinds, so I simply gave the violins and cellos a chordal arrangement with just a bit of counterpoint to the vocal melody, had the flutes and oboes enter on the second verse with a 'tweedle-dee-dee' sort of ornamentation, then they just doubled the strings for the rest of the song. Kitty mentioned in her first post after the concert that the arrangement needed some 'tweaking,' for which there wasn't enough time. That doesn't surprise me. And, whereas tweaking for a folk group may mean just learning a new riff or changing a phrasing here and there, for an orchestra it means rewriting and reproducing all the parts again. So it didn't really surprise me that the arrangement wasn't used. Frankly, I tend to agree with those that prefer folk music with limited accompaniment. In fact, I emphasized that, if the arrangement was used, it was to be played VERY softly by the orchestra in order to let the song shine on its own. I'm sure it sounded just great without the orchestra. My main reason for doing this in the first place was that it had been requested in a Mudcat thread. I learned a lot from the experience and, another time, would probably not take on such a task without the time to pass ideas back and forth with the performer. Please don't infer any implied criticism of Kitty from my last statement. She's a super lady and a fine performer. It's just that time was our enemy in this instance and, in the end, it won out. |
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28 Nov 01 - 10:30 AM (#599354) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: catspaw49 Ivan, you still deserve the Legion of Merit for even trying!!! An unbelievable challenge and an impossible time frame. Kitty is back home and she's sorting out her thoughts and her notes, but made this initial post at Tweed's Blues: Sitting here at my computer, back in North Carolina. Got back late last night and went straight to bed. I have to play in Ocracoke tonight and have lots of unpacking to do so I can find clothes to wear, etc. I lost my harp and holder atCarnegie so I also have to hit the music store before I go and get replacements... I have a lot of notes to untangle and will try to get it all done in the next day or so. Although photographing and recording anything inside Carnegie is STRICKLY FORBIDDEN, I have it on reliable sources that some renegade in attendance had some high tech equipment camaflaged and managed to get photos and a recording. I "hear" that the contraband is being sent to me...when I get it I'll pass it on. I got programs from the Dave Van Ronk benefit to send everyone...I'll get that done when I gethome tomorrow. I am still reeling from the whole experience. I took notes though, because I knew I'd be in a fog when I got home. I'm home and yes, it's foggy. I will try to wakeup a little more and post some specifics in a bit. I've asked her to post some to us here when she gets it sorted out. Spaw
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28 Nov 01 - 10:47 AM (#599361) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: GUEST,Fiver Honestly, because of the time thing, it sounded like an impossible task from the beginning. I haven't ever worked up an orchestral backing for anything, but I have had some experience creating and recording backing tracks for singer/songwriters, and there is a lot of shoehorning--they do it there way, and you have to follow, and add something good without changing what is there-- Must have been a great learning experience! What's your next project? |
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28 Nov 01 - 11:38 AM (#599398) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: mzkitty First of all, let me say this ...Ivan, the directors and the orchestra were very impressed with your arrangement and almost every one of them took the time to encourage me (us) to go ahead and work on this piece. I shared the whole story with them in the dressing room and they were so enthused by your amazing effort. After rehersal, we all had a great conversation about how it sounded when the strings kicked in...it was a moment I will never forget. Arlo and I looked at each other with huge grins and we both had tears in our eyes. I mentioned to Arlo that "firsts" get a little harder to come by when a person is 51 years old...the look on his face said it all...we both knew that your effort was extraordinary...EXTRAordinary!! The executive director said to me that you did a good job and they had all taken it very seriously. ..saying "..you never know...this song could be the next 'This Land...' " And she meant it. We all spoke of how the first time it was ever tried in public, it was onstage at Carnegie Hall with the Metropolitan Orchestra...no small deal. So please, understand that this is just the beginning and I would very much like for you and I to continue working on the arrangement...the symphony directors both suggested that we might very well do it another time...they thought you did a miraculous job considering you had only HOURS to work with...I think that too....let's keep working on this, ok? |
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28 Nov 01 - 11:41 AM (#599402) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: mzkitty I'll copy my Tweed posts here too... Wow...what a nice "review"...thank you to Sinsull for my first Carnegie Hall Review!! And thank you Spaw for passing it on...yes, I'll make sure to include both Tweed's and MudCatters as I defragment my New York City experiences! Also Folkie Folks ... and if I get around to it I may even post on my own website... I've wondered this next thought before and I'm gonna wonder it again...do you guys realize how very far reaching this multi-board effort has been? From the beginning idea down to the official concert review, this has been an honest to goodness grass roots movement...ordinary people making a huge difference. Think about it...this is something pretty big. I repeated this story to Peter Paul and Mary, Arlo, Arlo's kids, The executive director of The River Fund, Harold Leventhal, Tom Paxton, Kathy Swekel (the executive director of the Metropolital Symphony)...and on and on. People who are normally out of reach for us ordinary folks were genuinely and happily moved by the way this came to be! They want the full story and I am hoping that all the posts are still available so I can put them into a book form to send to them...including Bobert's first call for pledges, the various Banners, etc. When I put it all together I'll send a copy to everyone involved as well as the "Top of the Rung" guys who requested it... |
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28 Nov 01 - 11:45 AM (#599407) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: mzkitty Another thing that I want to mention right off the bat is that I'm pretty sure that whoever sent $$$ or donated services (as Ivan did..)can get a recipt for tax purposes since this money went to a charity...I'll get that all straightened out with The River Fund people. I can't imagine that someone might not want to be included in this write up...but you never know...so make sure you tell me if you are in hiding and don't want your name mentioned. |
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28 Nov 01 - 03:10 PM (#599561) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: GUEST,Fiver So! The orchestra actually played the arrangement through at rehearsal! Very good--what were the snags? If they were serious about doing the arrangement in another setting-- don't forget to follow up--and Bobert--not too late to make publicity calls--the concert is not the story! |
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28 Nov 01 - 10:59 PM (#599890) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: Big Mick Kitty, I am so damn pleased and proud of you. This is a wonderful story, and demonstrates again what a wonderful village this is. And apparently we now have a neighboring community in Tweed's place. I guess I better stop over for a jar of the vile, dark stuff. As far as IvanB goes............I am not surprised. He is a talent to be reckoned with and a genuinely fine human being. The first time I met him, I like him. That he would go out of his way is no surprise to me. Good for you, my friend. Your willingness to help is one of the great things in this world. I am proud to know you. Now get yer arses to work on that score. I can't wait to hear it. All the best, Big Mick |
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28 Nov 01 - 11:06 PM (#599897) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: rangeroger Mick, when you go to Tweed's place be careful where you step. They didn't have any litter boxes set up and we Mudcatters made a bit of a mess. You might take some sort of breathing apparatus also as it got a bit gaseous. rr |
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28 Nov 01 - 11:12 PM (#599900) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: catspaw49 Yeah Mick, it's kinda' my fault bro....I sent Cletus over to check it out and the peckerwood stayed! So then I had to go look for im and damned if there wasn't this really fine group over there and then rangeroger showed up and the place began to go downhill.........Tweed's Blues But we too have a few of them posting here and joining the fracas.....Tweed, Rolfy, Bobert, Hippie Chick, Mz.Kitty.........great folks all! Spaw |
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29 Nov 01 - 07:14 AM (#600082) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: Tweed HAW Spaw, So you say! I have the evidence right here showing how the place started going to hell! Please be careful, as they've got vegemite (I hope that's all it is) smeared everywhere..... My apologies to Kitty and perhaps it would be better for her career to omit any mention of my place at this critical point in time...;~) The Chronicles of CLETUS |
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29 Nov 01 - 03:32 PM (#600442) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: mzkitty Hello all you fine people...I just got back in after doing a show on Ocracoke Island (The NC Outer Banks) last night.... Still daydreaming of sleep.... Tweed....any connection with you and the boarding house over there is an HONOR...ditto for MudCat and Folkie Folks...It's so refreshing and inspiring to be a part of this interactive group, working activelly together in positive, productive ways....gas or no gas, heehee.... Gonna come back later to tell you more about the " behind the scenes" adventure in New York...but first I must unpack a few things...
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30 Nov 01 - 05:55 PM (#601217) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: GUEST,Dave Taylor When Kitty got home and emailed this link I didn't have time to check it out immediately. Just beaming with pride over "our" Kitty playing in the big city. Us locals in coastal NC have had the pleasure of enjoying Kitty's music for years. We've often wondered why she never got hooked up with the "big time". Not only is she a great player/singer she's a good ole gal too! Now that the "Kitty's out of the bag" maybe she'll get some of the respect and admiration for which she's already paid the dues!! Love ya Kitty!! So glad this dream came to be. |
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30 Nov 01 - 06:07 PM (#601223) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: mzkitty Oh...THANK YOU DAVE!! Dave....meet everybody......everybody...meet Dave! I had the honor of playing music for his wedding and reception a few full moons ago...what a magical night! Dave's wedding, Carnegie...what's next!!?? |
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30 Nov 01 - 06:11 PM (#601229) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: Amergin Kitty, I told my mom and a few other folks about this...and their eyes began to water...the support you have gotten from three different message boards is just plain amazing.... |
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30 Nov 01 - 06:26 PM (#601242) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: mzkitty yes, Amergin, this has been a real heart opener. I've repeated myself over and over to people, saying that I don't know if folks have any idea how far reaching this has been....the unity of spirit of all these good people! Right before I walked onto the Carnegie stage, I sat quietly in thankful meditation, calling out to all who have been involved. I could really FEEL everybody there with me. A few people backstage asked me if I was nervous...I just smiled and said "Maybe I should be nervous because I'm NOT nervous!!" But the fact is, I felt so surrounded by loving, caring people that I only felt joy. I still feel joy. Like "fiver" said..."...the concert is not the story..." |
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30 Nov 01 - 06:29 PM (#601245) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: catspaw49 Dave, welcome to the 'Cat. We have a lot of fantastic artists here much like Kitty who have paid a lot of dues and are sadly only known in the small pond of the folk world so it's always wonderful when one of them gets at least a piece of the recognition they deserve. Although the legendary Jean Ritchie is a poster and member here (goes by "kytrad") we also have the wonderful Art Thieme, Rick Fielding, Dan Milner, Seamus Kennedy, Jed Marum, and a host of others who have certainly made their mark and paid their dues and yet are not well known outside of the folk circle. Sandy and Caroline Paton are even somewhat legendary as collectors and the owners of Folk-Legacy Records and yet aren't nearly as well known as they should be outside the folk world. But you know the real beauty of all of them, including Kitty? Like us, they love the music...... and they wouldn't be doing anything else! It's the thing that binds the 'Cat together. Spaw |
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02 Dec 01 - 02:31 PM (#602212) Subject: RE: Kitty and Arlo From: mzkitty You know spaw, the longer I'm alive and participating in the world of music, the more I'm blown away by the high levels of talent and committment of musicians all around us. Every town in the world has their own special players who keep the joy of music alive. I tend to think that these musicians are most responsible for sowing the seeds of musical passion and interest among the masses. Although most players never become revered "names", sought after by the various press, they are truely the foundation of the contuing evolution of song. Community level musicians are a magnificent natural resorce. I think also, that there is much more freedom of expression and comradity at the community level. I have always loved being close to the people...something that becomes almost impossible on a "national star" level. Here's to the ordinary musicians....the true keepers of the dream...! And in afterthought, here's a toast also to the national level musicians and artists (like Arlo) who continue to make themselves available to us "ordinary" players... taking notice of our efforts and encourage us to keep on keeping on!
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