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05 Nov 04 - 07:50 AM (#1317558) Subject: Robb Johnson From: GUEST,Davinci I went to Bedford Folk Club last night to see Robb Johnson and would recommend him to all , Having no previous knowledge of him or his work I was completely entertained by some great tunes and thought provocing lyrics. |
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05 Nov 04 - 08:07 AM (#1317571) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Steve Parkes I was there too, and I agree with you. I'd looked at his website and wondered if he might be a bit dreary or wearing if all his material was "political" -- and wasn't I wrong! I'm glad I reserved my judgment. Robb's lyrics are thoughtful, thought-provoking (as you say), witty, well-crafted ... and show an original and intelligent way of seeing things. His tunes and his guitar-playing are ... well, it gets harder to describe them. I think he could keep his mouth shut and make a living as a jazzman if he wanted. Subtle, understated, graceful ... I could go on for ever. His performance is confident but not brash, entertaining without detracting from the humour and the seriousness and sincerity of the lyrics. And (as said to him of someone else) I'd hate him if he wasn't such a nice chap! Go and see him! Steve |
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05 Nov 04 - 08:13 AM (#1317576) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Robb is considered to be one of England's greatest current songwriters and also the greatest English exponent of English chanson - another facet of his writing that even fans of his don't know. Many of his songs are sung by singers in clubs without realising that they are Robb's (a good example is "It's cold in the trenches", which I have heard announced as a traditional WWI song...). Many "stars", not least Roy Bailey, sing several of his numbers. Robb has three distinct personas: Straight folk, folk-(punk)rock with his band The Irregulars, and English chanson. He is also a great supporter of new songwriters. Davinci, I suggest you go to Stripes again tonight, where the first tour concert of the UNLaBELLED bunch takes place, with three great new acts. UNLaBELLED was set up by Robb under his own Irregular Label precisely to support such up-and-coming talent. I'll certainly be there with Robb to cheer them on. |
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05 Nov 04 - 08:47 AM (#1317609) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Steve Parkes Were your ears burning, George? I didn't know he was fond of Chanson till I saw it on his website (just before I read El Greko's post). It's an interest of mine too. I shall have to request one of his Jacques Brel translations next time I see him. |
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05 Nov 04 - 10:17 AM (#1317697) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Well, I couldn't keep away from such a thread, Steve, could I? Robb's "Gentlemen" double CD with himself plus Roy Bailey singing (and a Belgian lady whose name I just forgot) is his best, in my book - and in my top three albums of all times. Listen to it, and I dare you not to think, cry and laugh all in the same song. And above all, he has taken such care in the writing of the music and lyrics...as the story unfolds from the 1910s to the 1970s and today, the language and music reflect the period at every step of the way. A masterpiece. |
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05 Nov 04 - 11:20 AM (#1317792) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy and he'll be at the St Albans folk club on Friday 12th Nov at the Duke of Marlborough, Holywell Hill doors open 7.36 reservations are going well plus El G |
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05 Nov 04 - 12:29 PM (#1317897) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: The Shambles A fine performer, writer and a thoughly nice chap. |
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05 Nov 04 - 01:17 PM (#1317969) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Cllr Robb is one the finest lrycist lyrist lryistts songwriters I have ever heard. I have known him and his work from when he was still putting stuff out on vinyl (small town world) we regularly argue over politics and I think his social observational songs are superb. He was also the resident at one of the folk clubs I ran In the early ninties BOOK this man or go and see him when ever possible. Thanks for the heads up breezy I hope to come to your club on the 12 with Carol. Cllr |
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05 Nov 04 - 07:53 PM (#1318386) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy more reservations taken tonight either catch me in the Street or at the Spotlight at The legion in St Albans on Sunday or at the Staines Folk Club at the Three Tuns, High Road Staines on Monday where I am the main attraction with George Papavgeris, moses, the ref, and Guru as my band members Friday 12th Nov an evening with Robb Johnson in St Albans at the Duke of Marlborough |
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06 Nov 04 - 06:45 PM (#1319107) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy its all happening in St Albans folks |
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07 Nov 04 - 03:54 AM (#1319370) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: The Unicorn Man Don't forget "The Acoustic Dudes" when they are together sing "Be Reasonable and Demarned the Impossible Now" What better credit can a singer song writer have than that? |
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07 Nov 04 - 06:23 AM (#1319423) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Piers Absolutely Dude! |
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07 Nov 04 - 07:25 AM (#1319454) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: GUEST,cllr Breezy can you reserve four tickets for me please we are definatlly coming with a couple of friends cllr |
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07 Nov 04 - 08:01 AM (#1319470) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: GUEST,Lizzie in Sidmouth Robb Johnson! Now this is Seiously Spooky! Just the other day I mentioned him over on the Radio 2 F&A site, 'Protest Songs' title. I only found him recently. He's great! Love his lyrics! Got 'Tony Blair, My Part In His Downfall' (YEEYYYYYY!) and was singing away to my heart's content! Never used to be a rebel, but boy! have I changed and this CD really helps! Haven't heard his 'Mrs. Thatcher My Part in Her Downfall' one yet, but I'll bet I'd be singing along to that too! And now....here he is again! Can I vote for him?! Please! Robb Johnson for Prime Minister!!!!! Lizzie :-) |
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07 Nov 04 - 08:18 AM (#1319480) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris I have not mentioned the most important thing about Robb (to which Cllr already alluded, but it's worth stating explicitly): The guy does not just write great songs full of compassion and true concern for the world and ist people - he walks his talk and lives his life precisely as his songs suggest. No armchair revolutionary, he! In the folk world where already most of the performers/artists are people full of integrity, Robb stands out; which is why even his political adversaries admire him. Except for the BNP of course, but hey, would you want THEIR admiration? |
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07 Nov 04 - 09:26 AM (#1319512) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy Thank you cllr, your request has been noted, please send cheques to my home addrress so as not to get crushed in the rush, then your seats will be reserved. How can we get Kerry Pollard there and our mayor Gordon Myland, hey cllr he's in your team |
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07 Nov 04 - 12:12 PM (#1319604) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Cllr I dont have a cheque book breezy Im waiting for it to arrive if you cant save me tickets I shall have to wait untill I book him for my club or perhaps turn up and risk you being sold out. I shall ask the others if they want to send you a cheque - you can pm me your adress. Have a good night at Staines, it was the first club to give me a solo booking. The guy doing the MC'ing was Tony Warren a former bass player in one of Robbs earlier band lineups. cllr |
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07 Nov 04 - 02:50 PM (#1319737) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Leadfingers I've had the good fortune to know Robb for mopre than twenty years . That goes back to Ministry of Humour days , And am familiar with some of the Grobb Street stuff from before that . Someone I have been known to travel to see perform !! |
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07 Nov 04 - 04:43 PM (#1319846) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: GUEST,cllr It was grubb street leadfingers :-) |
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07 Nov 04 - 06:49 PM (#1319957) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Leadfingers OOps Should check before hitting enter !!That was a Typo !! |
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07 Nov 04 - 07:45 PM (#1319998) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy tickets put aside for the honourable gentleman from Ampthill who has been so good as to book me. Looks like there is going to be a goodly set of supporters. Leadfingers , sorry you wont be there tomorrow at Staines. |
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08 Nov 04 - 03:26 AM (#1320186) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Honourable? Gentleman? I guess you mean Cllr...sorry Mike ;-) I shall be there with Vanessa and also Mary and treewind - we haven't heard them for some time, perhaps a spot should be booked for them? |
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08 Nov 04 - 06:35 AM (#1320265) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy I think Friday could be an O K night |
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08 Nov 04 - 09:36 AM (#1320403) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: GUEST,Davinci To those who stayed on topic I thank you , I enjoyed your thoughts on this excellent artist. To those who seem to use every thread to advertise their own agenda I suggest you sod off |
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08 Nov 04 - 10:40 AM (#1320464) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Davinci, cool down. Nobody strayed. The fact is, Robb is guesting this Friday in St Albans, and the organisers quite legitimately advertised the fact, and a few friends (Cllr, breezy, me, Martin etc) communicated about getting seats reserved for Robb's gig. You got our comments about the guy anyway - in an open forum, why grumble about us also discussing arrangements for his next gig? A little thread creep in there, I agree, but hardly meriting a "soding off". Anyway - go out and buy his "Gentlemen" album, you won't regret it. You may have to hunt for it though, I don't believe he distributes it himself (it was done as a benefit for the Passchendale Museum). |
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08 Nov 04 - 11:14 AM (#1320506) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: The Unicorn Man Martin? What do you mean Martin? I have not miss used this thread. Now I am in such a cuffle there is only four hours left for the Bram Taylor, Fire Works, and Baked Potatoes with New Roots Night at The Bull in Barton le Clay Beds. I don't know what I am going to do. Dude. |
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08 Nov 04 - 03:52 PM (#1320642) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Cllr there aren't any post to this thread which don't relate to Robb, The post about "be reasonable demand the impossible now" is form one of robb's songs and if you really like Robb's stuff why not come along to Snorbans with the rest of us? Cllr |
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08 Nov 04 - 07:08 PM (#1320837) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Herga Kitty I was in Poperinge at the (Flanders experience) weekend, and was treated to good food at "De Ranke", formerly the Officers' Quarters La Poupee. So I sang "Trenches" in the Cafe de la Paix, before going on to the Menin Gate ceremony. There is now a museum attached to Talbot House which includes a photo of Ginger, from La Poupee. |
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08 Nov 04 - 07:29 PM (#1320867) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy another 4 booked tonight for Friday Its looking good. |
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09 Nov 04 - 01:27 PM (#1321654) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Zorg Greetings Breezy. Save me a place, I'll be there |
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09 Nov 04 - 03:00 PM (#1321760) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy Thank you 'Z' consider it done. |
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09 Nov 04 - 03:02 PM (#1321763) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Should be an effing good night Or as Robb might have said, a fkucing good night Looking forward to it. |
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10 Nov 04 - 12:39 PM (#1322498) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy remember its a family show too. Any of that and it will be a night to remember. Les Sullivan will perform. 31 seats reserved |
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10 Nov 04 - 12:45 PM (#1322509) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Flippin' good night then! If it's a family show, will you promise not to wear shorts? Some things should not be seen... |
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10 Nov 04 - 03:29 PM (#1322693) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy jealousy will get you nowhere, still got a tan too, up to 39 seats now |
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11 Nov 04 - 12:47 PM (#1323412) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Cllr just to make sure breezy that is four tickets you have reserved for me isnt it? Thanks very much look forward to seeing you all tomorrow Cllr |
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11 Nov 04 - 12:53 PM (#1323417) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: chris nightbird childs I must admit I've never heard of him. At first I thought you meant Robert Johnson... if you saw him play you're better than the rest of us my friend. |
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11 Nov 04 - 03:19 PM (#1323628) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy the lyrical content of Robb Johnson's songs is in a far higher league than the one you thought of, and until you've heard him you cant compare so stick your head back where it was. That sounds a bit tough,ever so sorry, no offence, bet your a nice chap really, its just your knowledge of writers exposes you, please do a search for Robb's web site. Behave breezy O K 39 reservations now taken Thanks cllr, 4 4 u |
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11 Nov 04 - 03:41 PM (#1323663) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Cllr I think robb would be complewmented on being compared to such a great blues man Cllr |
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11 Nov 04 - 07:22 PM (#1323968) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy Isnt Robb a more powerful communicator and relevant writer of our life and times in today's world and his ability with the written word somewhat more in substance than R J bluesman ? I would certainly like to think so. |
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11 Nov 04 - 08:30 PM (#1324044) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Different country, different times. Should not compare singwriters - I know! |
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12 Nov 04 - 04:15 AM (#1324335) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Ross Hi JB - Sorry I won't be able to make tonight with Robb - have a good one - Don't forget to be political I've also double booked myself on the 26th so won't be able to come along and see you then either (how's that for a double negative) See you soon - keep well all - even grumpy davinci Robb always wears nice tee shirts |
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12 Nov 04 - 04:26 AM (#1324339) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy On the 26th there will be sets by Woodworx - nearly wrote woodrot - and Pamela Ward, have agood evening, I trust we will. How many turned up to Benny's to hear life and times? |
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12 Nov 04 - 04:45 AM (#1324353) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: The Unicorn Man Ooh how did you hear about that. We were keeping that quiet. |
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12 Nov 04 - 06:05 AM (#1324393) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Singing Referee Wot, from Breezy? You must be joking! |
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12 Nov 04 - 09:34 AM (#1324510) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy 40 now Hoping for an early start and to put Robb on before 8.30 for a 50 minute set He'll be precede by that incredible jazz/blues man Chris Flegg who'll be appearing on Sunday. To start the evening I hope Anahata and Mary will play us in. still room , come along , it'll be well worth the experience. |
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12 Nov 04 - 10:52 AM (#1324596) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: GUEST,Davinci Hope you all have a great time tonight listening to a top act. Wont be there myself as I have another Chapel Ceiling to paint. |
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12 Nov 04 - 11:23 AM (#1324634) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: The Borchester Echo Don't you mean cooking your Last Supper? |
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12 Nov 04 - 01:51 PM (#1324791) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Spoke with Robb earlier - he's planning to do a slimmed-down version of Gentle Men in the first half, what with Red Poppy Day yesterday etc, and Blair/Bush will get theirs in the second half. Leaving in 5 mins. |
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13 Nov 04 - 04:56 AM (#1325460) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: The Unicorn Man Well! How did it go? Dudes. |
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13 Nov 04 - 06:06 AM (#1325476) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Big Al Whittle Like Chris , i thought it was going to be about Robert Johnson. Still this guy sounds very good , I will look out forhim. Robert Johnson is relevant to all human beings, like Picasso and Shakespeare. |
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13 Nov 04 - 06:30 AM (#1325497) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Cracking evening once more at St Albans Windward. Breezy opened the proceedings with "Swallowed wing", then Chris Flegg gave us a taste of "Pete's Socks" and "You gotta, friend" including a sizzling guitar break. Then Robb Da Man came on, opening with "Have you got a licence for that song?" - the best opening song I can think of, for any evening, swiftly followed by a Feltham Fairytale ("Mary said - Jesus Christ, I'm pregnant!"), leading to a first set of such quality and pace that at the break (50 mins later) the queue to look at Robb's CDs was 3-deep. "Supporting Chumbawamba at Whitehaven civic hall" was the favourite of the set for many of the Robb-virgins on the night, from what I heard, and the closing song of the set, "The day we all said stop the war", was lustily belted out by all present (yes, Cllr, I turned round and spotted you singing yourself hoarse). After the break Breezy Les Sullivan followed the mood with his lovely "Natasha" and "Butterflies and Bows", and you could see the walls drinking the harmonies. I was given the traditional 2-seconds warning to do one, so as Cllr had previously said he liked it, I did "Empty Headed" and the Singing Ref with Moses gave us one of their newer hits - the harmony-inducing "Love can build a bridge", after which the Windward Residents (Breezy, Moses, El Greko and Singing Ref) all crowded at the front for "Working Man" & "Last Keeper". Then it was over to Robb again for the rest of the evening. Starting with "Gentle Men" he followed with more songs from the eponymous album ("Soldier on", "When Harry took me to Ypres", "Tell me my enemy") and then branched out to "Breakfast at Kempnitz", "Toffs nil, Brenda one" (Ladies' Day at Ascot), oh, I don't remember them all, but the second set was if anything more compelling than the first. Once again, his song of apology to his baby son had me in uncontrollable tears - the bastard. His first encore, very appropriately, was the touching "Father Christmas at Hounslow High Street", rounding off with the chorus of the first song of the Feltham Trilogy - "you deserve better". And for his second encore - (only Marilyn Middleton has ever had one at St Albans before) - he called me up for one of my favourites: "Be reasonable, demand the impossible NOW". When I left he was still hemmed in by people bying his CDs. Yes, you could say he done good. Bloody good. |
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13 Nov 04 - 06:36 AM (#1325504) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: GUEST,Davinci Sounds like a great evening Lizzard man. Wish I could have made it. I told you he was good Hugs to you Davinci |
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13 Nov 04 - 08:53 AM (#1325581) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Cllr empty headed is right elgrecko it wasn't me singing along you must have been mistaken in fact im not sure i was actually there, |
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13 Nov 04 - 09:51 AM (#1325608) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy That was O K. Next Week QuickSilver |
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13 Nov 04 - 10:01 AM (#1325614) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy wot the geek forgot to mention was that as people arrived Anahata and Mary played them to their seats and again during the interval before Mary sang a song in Welsh then demonstrated her lust for hanging. Draw your own conclusions Anyone own any cottages? Next Week QuickSilver |
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13 Nov 04 - 11:43 AM (#1325674) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Goes to show why I am not a reviewer - forgot Mary and Anahata altogether! Big Whoops! Not only did they "play us in", but Mary's version of the the Pricklie Bush was a joy to behold and to sing along to. PLUS a first airing at the club of a really lovely Welsh love song, sung - among other languages - in Patagonian ;-) My excuse was that I was still suffering from the night before's liquid libations whjen I wrote the last post... But I am sure I saw you singing along, Mike! |
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13 Nov 04 - 03:33 PM (#1325892) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: Mary Humphreys I heard him singing 'Stop the War' -in Patagonian..... |
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13 Nov 04 - 03:37 PM (#1325897) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy Shame it wasnt in Patagonia:-] there goes me gig in Ampthill agin N/w Hg btw who is Jed Grimes?? |
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13 Nov 04 - 05:04 PM (#1325950) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: George Papavgeris Mrs Grimes' son? |
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13 Nov 04 - 05:15 PM (#1325959) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: GUEST,MCP He was in Hedgehog Pie and later played with The Doonan Band (IIRC). Currently in The Hush. Check out his homepage: Jed Grimes Mick |
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14 Nov 04 - 11:46 AM (#1326433) Subject: RE: Robb Johnson From: breezy Ta Mick, dunnit last neet. fleggy tooneet at the spotleet, all reet!!! |