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Web Digest week 28 (08.03.98, MV746 - 796) begins | index | prev | next |
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From: Cary <email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 17:13:57 +0000
Subject: MV746 Re: MV745: Thanking all for advice re Buxton venture
Well, that was a letter with a sting in it's tail! I'm sure all
those, like me, who planned to be at Buxton will be disappointed if it
doesn't go ahead. Pete doesn't seem to get "up north" very often so
it was nice to have another chance to see him within easy travelling
distance. As for the Sunday night - well, with that much notice I
don't think taking Monday off would have been too much of a problem.
However, Steve and Carole have so much to consider it must be
difficult keeping all the balls in the air. I'm sure, whatever the
decision someone won't be happy !! But ... nothing can take away all
the achievements of Steve's over the past year or so. Whatever the
outcome over Buxton I know that Steve will continue to enjoy all the
Voices support.Good luck Steve and Carole with your deliberations
over Buxton - I'm sure it will be a very hard decision for you.
PS - Pete Atkin CD sighted in Andy's Records in Meadowhall .... the
revival marches on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ROCK FOLLIES - The Classic 1970's TV Drama starring
Julie Covington, Charlotte Cornwell and Rula Lenska.
Online at:- http://members.xoom.com/Follies
Pictures,sounds and much more (unofficial site)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Regards - Cary (like Mary with a 'C' for cat)
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 19:27:00 +0000
To: midnight.voices<email address>
From: Dave Bondy <email address>
Subject: MV747: Folk Roots - March 1998
On page 73 of the latest edition I noticed a small, well tiny really,
micro-review of the recent CD reissue. I couldn't find it on their web
page so, at the risk of having to sue myself for copyright violation I
will quote it here (It is prefaced by their "thumbs up" sign indicating
that it is "good"):
"Pete Atkin, Beware of the Beautiful Stranger / Driving Through Mythical
America (See for Miles C5HCD 664) Quirky, intelligent, articulate early
'70s songwriting from Atkins (sic) with lyricist Clive James (yes, that
one). Sounds variously like Jake Thakeray and Lindisfarne, with a dash
of ZZ Top! Odd, intriguing and very English"
The above review is copyright (c)1998 Folk Roots Magazine.
Hmm!
-- Dave
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 08 Mar 1998 20:28:35 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: Leslie Moss <email address>
Subject: MV748 Re: MV745: Thanking all for advice re Buxton venture
Steve, that was a heartfelt posting and you and Carole have my (and I'm sure
all of our) support in whatever decision you make. Of course Buxton would be
magic if it came off - a "proper" indoor venue with good acoustics and
facilities would enable Pete and hopefully friends to top Monyash,
especially after a further year of Pete getting himself geared up for the
continuing revival - new songs perhaps, or new arrangements of familiar
ones. If Pete is to "break" this time around it's exactly these sort of
occasions rather than folk clubs/festivals that are needed to put him in the
public eye.
And yet .. 750 seats to fill. Midnight Voices has a membership of 120 odd of
whom several are abroad. Publicity is bound to be limited outside the
immediate area so that those former PA fans who are not on the Net may miss
out completely. Sunday night seems to be proving unpopular. Unless, echoing
Mike Powell, we the Voices are prepared to guarantee say 400 of these seats
(and that means cash up front) there must be a real risk that the turnout
would be below Monyash, with its "first" cachet. I have friends who were
fans of Pete's the first time around and would certainly try them (one was
away during Monyash) but it will I suspect be tricky to get them to commit
to a Sunday in Buxton unless they are real fanatics and twenty odd years on
this is by no means certain.
It seems to me that we cannot let you and Carole take all the risks whether
they be financial or ones of credibility. You've done far more already than
anyone could reasonably be expected to do. It may be too late to do much
for this year (and on the basis of what I've read in Voices I would cancel
if I were you) but can we not make a concerted effort to make a 1999 event
fly. I would suggest that those of us who have any time and/or relevant
expertise pool our resources in some form of steering group with the aim of
at least doubling the Monyash turnout for a Saturday night in Buxton.
Meanwhile for 1998 the agenda should be:
- if you haven't already bought the Monyash and double-album CDs, then do,
and encourage as many others as possible to do so! They're both brilliant
value for money and we want the rest of the canon released as soon as possible.
- recruit another 100 Voices by spreading the word amongst net-aware friends
- support Pete wherever he appears live (any plans?)
- investigate the possibility of other artists recording the songs
- encourage a record company to release new stuff, which would be a perfect
scene-set for Buxton
If I'm totally unrealistic, we will simply continue to be a small and
gradually fading bunch of true believers keeping the flame alight instead
of the vanguard of a true revival of this sublime songwriter.
Yours deeply disappointed at the prospect of missing out on Buxton 1998.
Leslie
==============================================================================
From: <email address>(Simon Reap)
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Subject: MV749 Re: MV742; MV741; MV735: Buxton etc
Date: Sun, 08 Mar 1998 22:01:35 GMT
On Fri, 06 Mar 1998 15:27:43 +0000, you wrote:
>>> My point, I suppose, is that, rather than expressing Cassandra-like
>>> expressions of doom, we should put the effort into making Buxton a
>>> success.
[snip]
>I'd agree (even speaking as someone who doesn't yet know whether he'd be
>able to drag anyone along to the concert).
My only concern with Buxton is the scale of the place (I've not been
there, just seen the pictures on the Web site). At the concerts PA
gave at school, he was within a very few feet of, and at the same
level as, the front row of the audience. This gave a real sense of
immediacy and intimacy which it would be a shame to lose.
Otherwise, Buxton is handily placed on my way home from a Terry
Pratchett convention being held in Liverpool that weekend. I fully
intend not to miss Pete's gig this year.
Simon
--
Simon Reap - <email address>
- http://www.pipemedia.net/~sar
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 08 Mar 1998 00:12:03
To: midnight.voices<email address>
From: Richard Ross <email address>
Subject: MV750: The Gig List / re MV745: Buxton
I've just been looking through the gig list on the web site. I remember
seeing Pete at Leeds, supporting Al Stewart - and I'm sure the gig was at
Leeds *University*, not the Poly. In fact I'm almost certain it was in the
Riley-Smith hall in the University Union - I was at Leeds University from
70-76. So this one seems to be missing from the list. Unfortunately my
memory doesn't extend to exactly *when* this was, I'd guess 71 or 72, but I
do remember the PA misbehaving through Pete's set, resulting in him having
to do most of it without amplification. To his credit, he filled the hall
nonetheless. Of course, said PA performed faultlessly for Al Stewart...
Another one I'm certain I went to was at the Boggery Folk Club in Solihull.
This was the club run by Jasper Carrott when he was still a folk singer
(sic) ;-) I've just had a look in the vaults and dug out a poster
advertising that gig; it was on July 3rd 1972, and Pete is billed as
support to Rosemary Hardman. I don't remember much about the gig I'm
afraid... Other luminaries at the Boggery in July 72 included the
Sutherland Bros and the Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra. I was a regular
visitor to the Boggery when not at University as I lived in Solihull at
that time - it was a great club, always packed, and with Carrott at the
helm you could be sure of plenty of laughs as well as music. Any other
Voices remember it?
With regard to Buxton, I would be sorry if it doesn't go ahead, but I can
quite understand the difficulties a Sunday night poses to many of us.
Having said that, there does seem to be a gathering momentum and it would
be a shame not to take advantage of that before it fades. Perhaps I should
say "in case it fades". If Buxton does go ahead, I shall certainly support
it. There's plenty of time for people to organise a long weekend, surely,
and Buxton's close to the heart of one of our National Parks so it's not as
though there's nothing else to do!
Cheers
Richard
==============================================================================
From: IChippett <email address>
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 01:15:27 EST
To: midnight.voices<email address>
Subject: MV751 Re : MV747: Folk Roots - March 1998
Why do people compare Pete and Jake T? My mum said "Sounds like JT!" when I
played her the live CDs but apart from liking both, their relative obscuroty
and their both playing guitars, I can't see any resemblance.
Ian C
==============================================================================
From: Mark Roberts <email address>
To: 'Midnight Voices' <email address>
Subject: MV752 RE: MV744; MV743; MV734; MV733: Monyash CDs
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 09:30:40 -0000
>To lurch back to Pete, it would be interesting to hear if he feels he has
>picked up any other influences since the mid-70s. He mentioned Steely
>Dan recently, one of the few 'mainstream' artists besides himself who
>work in the outer reaches of harmony on a routine basis.
Pete mentioned at Monyash that he liked the Crash Test Dummies. Must
give them a listen sometime.
Regards,
Mark Roberts
Mondex International Limited
<postal address>
Registered No: 3122085, England
Telephone No: <phone number>
Web Site: http://www.mondex.com
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 08:08:53 -0700 (MST)
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: Jeff Moss <email address>
Subject: MV753 Re: Pete's Fave's
>Pete mentioned at Monyash that he liked the Crash Test Dummies. Must
>give them a listen sometime.
He also mentioned at Monyash that he liked the Canadian group "The Barenaked
Ladies". They sing a traditional folk style that is popular here, although
not really my taste.
Jeff Moss
==============================================================================
From: Dave Jones <email address>
To: 'Midnight Voices' <email address>
Subject: MV754: History, Geography and Literature
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 17:50:32 -0500
Dear all,
Fellow Voice and chordmonger Ian Chippett asked me in
passing about this line from History and Geography.
"For I am all the daughters of my father's house, and all the brothers too."
Well, we know Clive's proclivities by now. Sure enough, a search of the
Web, from which none can escape, revealed that it is spoken by Viola
in Act II Scene IV of Twelfth Night. You can see the whole scene
at http://www.litrix.com/12thnite/12thn010.htm and other fine purveyors
of public domain literature.
It is indeed an odd thing even for Viola to say, since (s)he is in male
mufti at the time and discussing (at a remove, so to speak) her own feelings
for Orsino with that very person. Saying that sentence would seem to be
an admission that (s)he is the sister of whom (s)he speaks. Orsino, for
his part, seems to miss the clue. Maybe this is some mode of expression
that us moderns are not familiar with.
As to how this fits into the song, I offer no opinion. Have fun.
Dave Jones,
Brushing up his Shakespeare in Rochester NY.
==============================================================================
From: "Martin Nail" <email address>
To: "Midnight Voices" <email address>
Subject: MV755 Re: MV751; MV747: Folk Roots - March 1998
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 23:44:10 -0000
----------
> From: IChippett <email address>
> Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 01:15:27 EST
> To: midnight.voices<email address>
> Subject: Re : MV747: Folk Roots - March 1998
>
> Why do people compare Pete and Jake T? My mum said "Sounds like JT!" when I
> played her the live CDs but apart from liking both, their relative obscuroty
> and their both playing guitars, I can't see any resemblance.
>
> Ian C
I agree there's not a lot of musical similarity, but they both sing songs
it's worth listening to the words of. This puts them it the same (unusual)
category as far as a most popular music goes.
Martin Nail
<email address>
Internet resources on English folk and traditional music:
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/martin.nail/Folkmus.htm
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 13:32:55 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: S J Birkill <email address>
Subject: MV756: Buxton: on
Buxton is ON. September 20th. With Pete and Clive.
-- Steve
==============================================================================
From: Neil Lovelock <email address>
To: PeteAtkinMailingList <email address>
Subject: MV757: Buxton
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 09:10:00 -0500
Congratulations, I wish I could afford to be there, but I guess I will have
to wait until 1999!!!! PA FOREVER!!!
==============================================================================
From: "Coles, S. (Stephen)" <email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Subject: MV758 RE: MV756: Buxton: on
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 09:07:07 -0500
Excellent news - congratulations - I'll move heaven, earth and anything else
to be there
-----Original Message-----
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 13:32:55 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: S J Birkill <email address>
Subject: Buxton: on
Buxton is ON. September 20th. With Pete and Clive.
-- Steve
==============================================================================
From: Dave Jones <email address>
To: 'Midnight Voices' <email address>
Subject: MV759 RE: MV756: Buxton: on
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 09:26:50 -0500
Congratulations. Good Luck, break a leg (or something). I'm sensing this
as real determination from Pete and Clive, a "we're going to do this,
no matter what". That's great.
May I make a suggestion ? Assuming the intent is to video this, and
assuming the equipment will be of the same calibre as at Monyash,
it would make sense to get hold of as many 8mm and VHS camcorders
as possible - a call for volunteers from the Voices would surely be
answered - and park them onstage as well as in the audience.
I don't know what the running time of a UK standard camcorder is,
but over here you can leave one running for two hours. Imagine if,
at Monyash, a small camcorder had been looking down on the
keyboard from about 5 feet away, at a height of 5 to 6 feet (sorry,
about 1 metre). I know, all the more footage to edit and sync up.
I'm just trying to break the conventional POV model here. Camcorders
are now so cheap and plentiful that you can park them all over the
place. You also don't need an operator if you get them in the right
place and use a wide-angle zoom. Just let 'em run (or use the remote
control socket and a long cable to turn them on and off from offstage).
Of course, if the plan is to bring in the video pros, all the better.
Dave Jones,
Checking angles in Rochester NY.
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 14:54:11 +0000
From: john <email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Subject: MV760 Re: MV756: Buxton: on
That's wonderful, Steve - and, if there is a momentum to
these things, it's the only way to go. Sunday or not, there's
enough notice for most of us to make arrangements.
If there's only a scattering of bodies in the hall it still
has the potential to make a great evening, and there's
months for us all to make as much noise as we can
to get the other seats filled with potential friends.
Can we be a Kaleidoscope feature? Can we hit the local
radio/TV/paper news a couple of weeks before the event?
I'm getting excited already.
John.
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 14:44:59 +0000
From: Mary <email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Subject: MV761 Re: MV756: Buxton: on
> Buxton is ON. September 20th. With Pete and Clive.
Wonderful! We fully intend to be there. Thank you for making it happen.
Mary Shipway
Bitspace Ltd <phone number>
==============================================================================
From: "David G Turner" <email address>
To: "Midnight Voices" <email address>
Subject: MV762 Re: MV Digest Week 27
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 15:56:09 -0000
Yet another previously unspoken MV reader prompted by Steve's threat of
withdrawing the Buxton Concert - please don't, I'm sure there is a silent
majority lurking behind screen and keyboard.
Credentials - All of 6 of PAs LP's including the Fontana BOBS and Phillips
DTMA to which like most of us I have added the much played Monyash CDs (and
video) and the CD BOBS & DTMA - the latter thankfully replacing my treasured
but badly worn copies resulting from living in a flat in the early 70's with
only an old tin box to play them on - Tubular Bells is totally unplayable.
Sadly I picked up on the Web site too late for Monyash 97 but I will be at
Buxton and promise to bring a friend (willingly or otherwise).
Last October I drove over 200 miles to see Bob Dylan at Cardiff on a Sunday
night (despite his current spate of annual UK visits) and slept in a lay-by
on the way home in my little Peugeot 106 - would I do less for the more
elusive Pete Atkin in a good venue - Not a chance.
Like other MV mailers this is more than mere nostalgia - current playlist
includes the unique Bjork, Radiohead, The Verve, and the much missed Crowded
House. Apart from the odd dated reference Pete and Clive's songs stimulate
the musical and literary senses just as much as they did then, hence the
much repeated playing of the old but new to me 'History & Geography',
'Search & Destroy' and 'Canoe'. But there were always dated references -
after The Road of Silk LP and 'Perfect Moments' who could resist searching
for a copy of 'Charlie Parker playing My Old Flame'.
Dave Turner
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 12:12:53 -0500
From: Alun Lewis <email address>
Subject: MV763 Re: MV756: Buxton: on
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Wonderful news. I saw the two perform together once in the mid-70s in
Bristol post- Live Libel release - I think I'll leave the clogs and flares
at home this time though.......
Thanks to all concerned for organising this. I finally managed to lay my
hands on the 'Beware' re-release and - even after filtering out all the
nostalgia/evocations of long forgotten partners and times - found many of
the songs remained as strong and true as when I first heard them. That
might say something about me and it might say something about the songs,
but who cares.
Regards to all
Alun Lewis
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 16:11:35 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: Ian Sorensen <email address>
Subject: MV764 Re: MV756: Buxton: on
Hooray for Steve! Let's hope Buxton is ready for us. No doubt you'll let us
know when the "golden tickets" go on sale.
Now all I have to do is practise driving through the night for 300
miles.... Anyone got a Nash Ambassador Saloon?
Ian Sorensen
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 18:26:15 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: S J Birkill <email address>
Subject: MV765 Re: MV753 Re: Pete's Fave's; MV752
In a note entitled "Music for folk" Pete writes:
Sorry to take issue with someone of such proven good taste and
discrimination as Jeff Moss, but the Barenaked Ladies traditional folk?
That must put me somewhere between Gregorian chant and Bessie Smith!.
I've never been sure if what I myself listen to and like is of relevance to
anyone who happens to like what I do, but then again I've several times
been introduced to some great stuff I've never heard before by those
best-thing-I've-heard-all-year features that Mojo runs. I've never
listened much to music radio, so I tend always to have picked up on popular
things late after everyone else (Steely Dan was a good example - Pretzel
Logic was where I came in). Otherwise I've mostly come upon things either
by recommendations from people whose opinions I trust or whose work I
admire, or by following up on connections, which is something I've always
done (learned from a lot of jazz listening, no doubt, where a sideman's
work can often send you off to investigate their solo recordings, etc).
So, for what it's worth, here's a highly selective list of stuff I've
listened to and enjoyed for different reasons in the past twenty years,
since my last recordings. I seem to think I've given some indication of
some of these before, but what the hell. No guarantees that any MVs will
go for any of them at all, and I'm not sure what if any conclusions can be
drawn from any of them about my own intentions, but there you go. As I've
said before, serious admiration of something can often indicate a path NOT
to be followed. Oh, and absence from the list doesn't necessarily mean I
don't like something. In non-chronological, non-judgmental alphabetical
order....
Terry Allen
Marcia Ball
Barenaked Ladies
Ry Cooder
Dr John
Donald Fagen
Georgie Fame (GoJazz & Three Line Whip)
Ben Folds Five
Little Feat
Nanci Griffith
John Hiatt
Bruce Hornsby
Hue & Cry
Los Lobos
Lyle Lovett
Moxy Fruvous
The Roches
Boz Scaggs (Silk Degrees and then since Some Change)
Richard Thompson
Tom Waits
Wendy Waldman
Jesse Winchester
Zap Mama
That, of course, is to ignore jazz and so-called classical music, of which
I listen to pretty much equal amounts. The most exciting concert I've
been to in the past couple of years, for instance, was by the Steve
Martland Band - truly and gloriously unclassifiable music. When it was
over I just wanted them to do it all over again. I actually wrote him a
fan letter afterwards.
==============================================================================
From: Dave Jones <email address>
To: 'Midnight Voices' <email address>
Subject: MV766 RE: MV754: History, Geography and Literature
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 15:15:51 -0500
Just to reply to myself, another line from "History and
Geography" caught my eye:
And from the Heights of Arrogance across the steps that later I regretted
I bet Clive originally wrote "Steppes" in that line. This oughta be
corrected in the songbook - after all, Pete has already noted
that he always sings "Biro" as "biro", so I'm sure he's equally
careful to sing "steps" as "Steppes".
Dave Jones
Seeking plain truths in Rochester NY.
==============================================================================
From: Cary <email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 06:31:01 +0000
Subject: MV767: Buxton & Pete's Fave's;
Buxton - way to go - or something!! Great news Steve and Carole -
thank you.
I think I must have quite an unusual music collection for a Midnight
Voice - judging from Pete's list and mentions other Voices have
made. 90% of my collection would be recognised by 90% of the
population. I'm afraid Pete is as obscure as I get (sorry, Pete)
though mentions of 'Stiff Little Fingers' do have friends asking me
if it's a disease.
Re one group I hadn't heard of before, Stackridge, which was
mentioned when the Voice mail first started - I've discovered that
two of the musicians in Rock Follies were connected with Stackridge.
And there is a Stackridge Home Page - address on the links page of my
Rock Follies Web Site.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ROCK FOLLIES - The Classic 1970's TV Drama starring
Julie Covington, Charlotte Cornwell and Rula Lenska.
Online at:- http://members.xoom.com/Follies
Pictures,sounds and much more (unofficial site)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Regards - Cary (like Mary with a 'C' for cat)
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 23:01:26 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: Leslie Moss <email address>
Subject: MV768 Re: MV765; MV753 Re: Pete's Fave's; MV752
Thanks to Pete for his list of likes/influences. I confess to not having
heard of a good number of them, but can heartily endorse four of them -
Donald Fagen, Little Feat, Bruce Hornsby and Richard Thompson, who count
amongst my own personal favourites. Donald Fagen's album The NightFly is a
brilliant successor to his work with Steely Dan and I never tire of
listening to it, although I confess to less enthusiasm for the later
Karmakiriad. Lowell George was a great songwriter and Dixie Chicken a great
album.
I only discovered Bruce Hornsby this year when I was driven mad by a track
that I'd heard on and off for years and finally pinned it down as The Way It
Is from a midi file downloaded from the Web. I'm now in the process of
catching up on around eight albums.
Richard Thompson has been a favourite of mine from his Fairport Convention
days - I have fond memories of seeing them perform at the Cambridge Corn
Exchange in '72 or '73. I love his solo albums but the most-listened to is I
Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight with his then wife Linda, which I
believe Julie Covington also recorded.
I'm now inspired to investigate some of the other names on Pete's list.
Leslie
==============================================================================
From: B & J Cotterill <email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Subject: MV769 Re: MV756: Buxton: on
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 18:01:39 -0000
Thanks Steve - EXCELLENT!
----------
> Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 13:32:55 +0000
> To: Midnight Voices <email address>
> From: S J Birkill <email address>
> Subject: Buxton: on
>
> Buxton is ON. September 20th. With Pete and Clive.
>
> -- Steve
>
>[sorry, weekly members, but thought you might like to hear this soonest - SJB]
>
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 00:25:54 -0800
From: m.powell<email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Subject: MV770 Re: MV756: Buxton: on
> Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 13:32:55 +0000
> To: Midnight Voices <email address>
> From: S J Birkill <email address>
> Subject: Buxton: on
>
> Buxton is ON. September 20th. With Pete and Clive.
>
A clear decision then. Good. Book two tickets for us and we'll be
there unless the unforeseen circumstances intervene. Cheque will follow
by return of post.
This is a challenge to the group to get stuck in and make Buxton work.
Start up by buying the Monyash stuff if you haven't already done so
(thanks Leslie - we needed some moral support). Then order tickets and
pay up front asap. Then get anybody you can who doesn't know the songs
to start investigating - even if they can't listen to the music they can
surely browse around the excellent website. Check if they will fit into
the boot of your car for a one way ride to Buxton if they won't agree to
come voluntarily. There MUST BE enough intelligent untapped listeners
out there to make this roll.
We still think the prerequisite to make all of this hard work stick long
term is to get the rereleased CDs as widely sold as possible. A big hit
at Buxton would surely boost this enormously. Say thank you to CJ as
well for agreeing in advance to turn out.
Now then - who can help market the CDs more aggressively (is this word
acceptable in this context?).
Mike & Mel Powell
==============================================================================
From: "Murray Francis McGlew" <email address>
To: midnight.voices<email address>
Subject: MV771: Folk, Buxton etc.
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 12:36:36 +0800
Great to hear of the show going ahead. Unfortunately I am a non-starter
unless I win Lotto (does that translate? - the Australian national lottery
anyway.)
I actually had a ticket to go and see Clive in Perth, Western Aust. a few
years ago. He was doing a sort of a lecture tour, which was well received
at the time. Consisted of a two hour talk about many and varied subjects,
which does not sound too great in theory but was apparently really good in
practise.
I couldn't get down to the city in the end, so my mother reaped the benefit
of my misfortune.
Re: Pete's list of favourites, I too hadn't heard of most of them. Like
him, I tend to miss a lot on the radio, so I tended to get onto a lot of my
preferred artists when I saw a pub band cover them. If I liked the song I
would ask people until someone could tell me who did it first.
Still listening to the CD (the re-release one), and the family have quickly
become hooked. The kids - youngish - like The Honky Tonk Train, BOTBS and
Master of the Revels. The wife like quites a lot of them, as do I. Because
a lot of my previous listening tended to be rock, I liked the Driving
Through Mythical America track immediately, but have progressed on to
enjoying most of them.
I must admit, I do not connect Pete's music to folk in particular, but I
could see how he would fit into a folk setting. Something about his line of
self-deprecating humour, combined with a thoughtful and knowledgable
outlook.
Is it just the artists I have heard, or do folk and humour go together?
It's typical to find a folk group front-man who could easily double as a
stand-up comic. Perhaps a lot of them do. Someone mentioned recently a Tony
Capstick. I've only heard one track of his on the radio about 15 years ago
and I remember it as being very funny. A monologue along the line of "Four
Yorkshiremen" if I remember correctly. There's an American called - I think
- Louden Wainwright the Third who is also good for a laugh.
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 09:18:45 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: Carole Birkill <email address>
Subject: MV772 Re: MV770; MV756: Buxton: on
>
>A clear decision then. Good. Book two tickets for us and we'll be
>there unless the unforeseen circumstances intervene. Cheque will follow
>by return of post.
>
Just must make it clear that the tickets for Buxton will be on sale
directly from the Opera House and not from us. We are going there tomorrow
to discuss details, price of tickets and start of booking, and we should be
able to let you have more info after that meeting. We will look into the
possibilty of organising priority booking for MV's.
The general opinion is that we will now have no difficulty in selling out.
Clive did a book signing at the Royal Northern College of Music in
Manchester, seats 450ish, about 18 months ago. It was organised by
Waterstones with tickets only sold by them and it completely sold out. We
only need to tap into their mailing list! So when tickets are available,
book quickly.
Carole.
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 10:44:59 +0000
To: midnight.voices<email address>
From: Stephen Payne <email address>
Subject: MV773: Misc
As one of the once-busy but recently-quiet voices, I suddenly feel the urge
to post a note.
I'm delighted that "Buxton is go" and will try hard to make it.
It was really interesting to get Pete's hit list. As I've mentioned on
previous postings, I'm a bit of "man who walked towards the music" in that
I love the stuff but can't really do it (I've been seriously considering
following Clive's lead and taking singing lessons - if there's one gift I
yearn for it's that one). Being so musically untalented even makes me feel
a bit insecure about my taste - so I find it kind of reassuring somehow to
discover I like some of the same stuff as Pete: Ry Cooder, Lyle Lovett,
Richard Thompson and Boz Scaggs. Especially pleased to hear Pete liked
Silk Degrees, as I loved it but wondered privately if it mightn't be
considered naff by more expert ears. I'll definitely be checking out some
of the other recommendations.
I'm looking forward to Mel's next essays. Meantime, is anyone willing to
offer a history lesson that makes sense of all the references in The Last
Hill That Shows You All the Valley. I still remember first reading that
song title as I came away from the record shop and find it extremely
evocative. I was very surprised when it seemed, on the face of it, to be a
much less personal song than I'd expected.
Also looking forward eagerly to the next chord transcriptions......
S
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 11:52:24 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: S J Birkill <email address>
Subject: MV774: More from Pete: Steps/Biro/Faves
Pete Atkin writes:
I see what Dave Jones means about the steps in H&G. It's a
play on geographical words (as throughout the song) whichever way around
you spell it, of course; however, the idea of 'regretting steppes' is just
a tad peculiar even in the most abstruse metaphorical sense, so I have to
say I'm pretty certain 'steps' is right. Oh, and should have been 'Biro'
that I was singing. If I've ever sung 'biro' by mistake, I owe my most
humble apologies to the Biro Corporation for my traducing of their
trademark in cringeing hopes that they won't sue.
Obscurity has never been an end in itself as far as my listening is
concerned. I take enormous pleasure at the diversity of the MVs'
playlists. The thought that our stuff might be listened to only by people
who listen to the same kind of stuff I do would condemn me to a very dark
corner indeed. It's just that there's a hell of a lot of music out there
that's probably never likely to get huge success and widespread attention
(what am I saying? what am I saying?) but which offers worthwhile rewards
if you're prepared to take the odd chance on going for something sight
unseen, as it were, or, at any rate, on the strength of an
interesting-looking mention, or a careful reading of the credits of
something you already like. I discovered Wendy Waldman from the credits
on Maria Muldaur's first album, Terry Evans (not to be confused with Terry
Allen) from his work as backing singer to Ry Cooder, the Amazing Rhythm
Aces from Jesse Winchester's having included two of their songs on Learn To
Love It, Jesse Winchester from Robbie Robertson's involvement in his first
couple of albums, Townes Van Zandt from something Lyle Lovett once said in
an interview, Moxy Fruvous from someone who said "If you like the Barenaked
Ladies.....", Amos Garrett from his work as a sideman (not least the guitar
solo of Maria Muldaur's original Midnight At The Oasis), and (way back when
in the 60s) almost everything Georgie Fame did sent me off to his sources
with lasting benefit, plus any number of personal tipoffs - including Shawn
Colvin (missed off my latest list only because I know I've mentioned her
before - See! She just won the Grammy for Record of the Year! Sometimes
I'm not that far behind!), plus any number of personal tip-offs. And so
on and so on. Isn't music amazing and wonderful?
And yes I did play the Boggery on July 3rd 1972. Well done Richard Ross!
Don't have a songlist for it, though, which is probably why I missed it.
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 12:00:05 +0000
To: midnight.voices<email address>
From: Roy Brown <email address>
Subject: MV775 Re: MV765; MV753 Re: Pete's Fave's; MV752
In article <email address>,
Midnight Voices <email address> writes
>
>In a note entitled "Music for folk" Pete writes:
>
>
>I've never been sure if what I myself listen to and like is of relevance to
>anyone who happens to like what I do, but then again I've several times
>been introduced to some great stuff I've never heard before by those
>best-thing-I've-heard-all-year features that Mojo runs.
Stuff.....<snip list matching faves>
Tastes will differ of course. But, emboldened by a high overlap between
Pete's list and the stuff I like, when not listening to PA/CJ, can I
offer the following to anyone who likes Pete's stuff, as possible
connected directions to explore?
Mary Chapin Carpenter Literate, thoughtful singer-songwriter. Don't be
put off by the 'country' label; she's more
'contemporary' really.
Hear 'Stones in the Road', 'A Place in the World'
then buy everything else she ever made.....
Saw her in concert with Lyle Lovett (on PA's list)
Dory Previn Sweet and sour, bouncy songs with a sting in every
line. Unwillingly ex-wife to Andre Previn, and
hell hath no fury...
CD compilation, 'Mythical Kings', available...
Linda Thompson Ex-wife (is this a pattern?) of guitar god Richard
Brilliant solo LP, now deleted.
'Dreams Fly Away' CD compilation available....
Jimmy Webb Probably best sung by others, though he has made
LPs. The many 'MOR' hits tend to obscure his
'lesser' work, which MVs might actually prefer.
Some say he has no edge, but just listen to 'Mr
Shuck and Jive', which wouldn't be out of place on
Secret Drinker.....
If I could save one CD from a burning building, it
would be Art Garfunkel's 'Watermark', which is
mostly JW songs.... (but if I could save two, the
second would be DTMA, so that's all right....)
Jackson Browne Another thoughtful singer-songwriter. One of the
few, besides PA, who makes me feel 'I've lived
that song'.
Don Black One thing that PA/CJ show is a line of descent
from the greats of the well-crafted lyric -
Gershwin, Porter, etc. Don Black is in this
tradition too, and his 'Tell Me on a Sunday' cycle
is possibly the best thing that Andrew Lloyd-
Webber will ever set to music (sorry Tim, sorry
Richard Anagram)
Allan Taylor If you think PA is neglected, try getting hold of
anything by Allan. But I promise you it will be
worth it.
And many more... Michael Johnson, Tim Hardin, Rupert Holmes...
Cary mentioned Stackridge. James Warren et al, who later resurfaced in
the Corgis (Everyone's Gotta Hurt Sometimes). Saw them in the 70's, and
bought 'Friendliness', though an ex-wife has it now (see, it *is* a
recurring theme).....
--
Roy Brown Phone : <phone number> Fax : <fax number>
Affirm Ltd Email : <email address>
<postal address> 'Have nothing on your systems that you do not
know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.'
==============================================================================
From: Mark Roberts <email address>
To: 'Midnight Voices' <email address>
Subject: MV776 RE: MV764; MV756: Buxton: on
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 09:19:39 -0000
>
>Now all I have to do is practise driving through the night for 300
>miles.... Anyone got a Nash Ambassador Saloon?
>
>Ian Sorensen
>
Would you settle for an Austin Ambassador (Y Reg) ?
>Mark Roberts.
Mondex International Limited
<postal address>
Registered No: 3122085, England
Telephone No: <phone number>
Web Site: http://www.mondex.com
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 14:35:05 GMT
From: <email address> (Dr Jeremy Walton. Tel: <phone number>)
To: midnight.voices<email address>
Subject: MV777 Re: MV775; MV765; MV753 Re: Pete's Fave's; MV752
Hi Roy,
>> Jimmy Webb Probably best sung by others, though he has made
>> LPs. The many 'MOR' hits tend to obscure his
>> 'lesser' work, which MVs might actually prefer.
>> Some say he has no edge, but just listen to 'Mr
>> Shuck and Jive', which wouldn't be out of place on
>> Secret Drinker.....
>> If I could save one CD from a burning building, it
>> would be Art Garfunkel's 'Watermark', which is
>> mostly JW songs.... (but if I could save two, the
>> second would be DTMA, so that's all right....)
I'd endorse that - "Watermark", although cringeingly unfashionable, is
one of my favourite records. His reading of the title track just
screams good taste... I think there's a JW revival on at the moment - a
compilation CD (inc. "MacArthur Park" - probably his best-known song -
plus some of the stuff he wrote for the Fifth Dimension, I think), and
a tour by the man himself. I believe the London date is at the Jazz
Cafe.
>> Jackson Browne Another thoughtful singer-songwriter. One of the
>> few, besides PA, who makes me feel 'I've lived
>> that song'.
Ditto, although his later work leaves me colder. I think his peak was
"The Pretender". I saw him in Maryland in 1980 - excellent show.
Cheers,
Jeremy
==============================================================================
From: Dave Fisher <email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 16:06:30 GMT
Subject: MV778 Re: MV775; MV765; MV753 Re: Pete's Fave's; MV752
> Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 12:00:05 +0000
> To: midnight.voices<email address>
> From: Roy Brown <email address>
> Subject: Re: MV765 Re: MV753 Re: Pete's Fave's; MV752
>
>> [edited for length of MV775 quote by SJB]
>
> Tastes will differ of course. But, emboldened by a high overlap between
> Pete's list and the stuff I like, when not listening to PA/CJ, can I
> offer the following to anyone who likes Pete's stuff, as possible
> connected directions to explore?
>
> Mary Chapin Carpenter
> Dory Previn
> Linda Thompson
> Jimmy Webb
> Jackson Browne
> Don Black
> Allan Taylor
>
> And many more... Michael Johnson, Tim Hardin, Rupert Holmes...
>
Could not agree more.
I thought I had written this list at first glance!!!
I would start with 'Come On Come On' by Mary Chapin Carpenter - not
one duff track. All her albums are as stated superb.
Dave Fisher
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 17:38:49 +0100
From: Roger Barnett <email address>
Subject: MV779 Re: MV761; MV756: Buxton: on
To: midnight.voices<email address>
Good decision !
I will certainly try and be there, but as I'm in Seattle for the previous
week it might take some delicate domestic negotiation.
I'll also spread the word among some itinerant musicians (well, one of
them is a drummer) of my acquaintance, although most of them will
also be Legless In Seattle until the Friday.
Roger Barnett
(whose '70s memories were further enhanced by the new King Crimson
live CD, recorded in the days when energy never had to be husbanded)
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 21:57:29 +0000
From: Graham Stibbs <email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Subject: MV780 Re: MV772, MV773
Having followed Midnight Voices for sometime in silence, a bout of flu
and boredom sitting around at home have finally spurred me into a few
lines. Oh no, that sounds awful...
Firstly, I'm really relieved to hear Carole's upbeat predictions
regarding Buxton. Having followed last week's MV exchanges I was
beginning to worry for Steve and Carole and the whole BOH gig. Having CJ
there, will make a big difference, ticket sales-wise, I'm sure - with
all due respect to and admiration for Pete.
The level of moral support from Voicers is admirable and I'm already
beginning to feel unworthy for not being at Buxton! I already know how
it rankles to die of desire...
I shouldn't really make it there without "throwing a sickie" , as my
Caledonian colleagues would say, on the Monday. But soft, someone may be
listening...
Regarding The Last Hill That Shows You All the Valley, I do remember an
interview in Melody Maker when Clive expressed the desire to write a
song about "The history of Western Civilization and make it sound like
Mystery train". Was this his attempt at it?
Graham Stibbs
==============================================================================
From: Cary <email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 22:39:12 +0000
Subject: MV781 Re: MV774: More from Pete: Steps/Biro/Faves
Pete said,
> <snip> which offers worthwhile rewards if
> you're prepared to take the odd chance on going for
> something sight unseen, as it were, or, at any rate, on
> the strength of an interesting-looking mention,
That's how Pete Atkin albums arrived on my shelves - mentioned in
dispatches connected with Julie Covington.
I was certainly not trying to suggest that obscurity is an aim in
anyones music collection and Pete is quite right that risks bring
with them rewards. In fact if I think about it my record collection
is more 'obscure' than I suggested ...... Jenny Darren - bought in a
sale without ever having heard anything from her. Shinead Lohan seen
as support to Joan Baez. The Iron Horse - discovered after going into
a shop in Lochinver and asking for recommendations. Rock,Salt and
Nails, Wolfstone,Shooglenifty in much the same way. Capercaille -
heard part of one track and rushed out to but it, same with
Battlefield Band. Fat Medicine bought after seeing them busking in
Whitby. I could go on ( no no ) - the 'obscurity' of my collection
has disappeared in it's cosy familiarity. It never occurred to me
that not everyone had heard of Suzanne Vega but when I proudly
announced that I was going to see her most of my friends said "Who?"
Oh yes, and if I see anything by Stackridge it will, on the strength
of some MV's recommendations be added to my collection ( is anything
currently available? )
No, obscurity is not an aim or an achievement. My aim is to enjoy
the music I listen to and listen to the music I enjoy. And if that
means Pete Atkin one day, The Jam another and The Finger Licking
Splurges the next it all makes for an interesting life.
(Don't look for anything by The Finger Licking Splurges
- I made that one up, sounds good though !! )
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ROCK FOLLIES - The Classic 1970's TV Drama starring
Julie Covington, Charlotte Cornwell and Rula Lenska.
Online at:- http://members.xoom.com/Follies
Pictures,sounds and much more (unofficial site)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Regards - Cary (like Mary with a 'C' for cat)
==============================================================================
From: IChippett <email address>
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 02:31:04 EST
To: midnight.voices<email address>
Subject: MV782 Re : MV781; MV774: More from Pete: Steps/Biro/Faves
Stackridge again! The best album, Colin, is "The Man in the Bowler Hat" (I'm
pontificating here because I've only heard three of them but I think this is
the general opinion among the Rhubarb Thrashers.) As to whether it's
available, I dunno but you can definitely find the others in C.D. without any
trouble. There are also 2 web sites :
http://home3.swipnet.se/~w-37316/stackridge.html
and
http://www.cowan.edu.au/~gprewett/stack.htm
Sorry for the lack of PA content!
Ian C
==============================================================================
From: Elphinking <email address>
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 07:02:42 EST
To: midnight.voices<email address>
Subject: MV783 Re: MV765; MV753 Re: Pete's Fave's; MV752
Thank God for Pete. Just when I thought this group was becoming so anally
rententive it had long disappeared up its own fundament, the master breathes
fresh life into it and given us fresh obsessions to pursue with his personal
selection.
With radio becoming so safe (they seem to have a playlist of just half a dozen
songs at any given time) Pete is so right about personal recommendation being
the key to new discoveries.
The trouble is finding someone whose tastes run along anything resembling
one's own. I'm lucky in having a friend who runs one of the best second-hand
vinyl outlets in the south (plug for Ben's of Guildford and Farnham) whose
music taste is so catholic I regard him as a guru.
He has spent the last few years educating me about jazz, introducing me to
such gems as Joshua Redman, Shelley Manne, Bill Evans, Thelonious and Co.
But occasionally he insists on 'specials' that prove mindblowing. He demanded
that I listen to Jonny Lang, whose 'Lie to Me' debut album is sensational; he
has to be the best young white Blues guitarist since Pete Green or Clapton.
And just recently Ben introduced me to a neo-classical guitarist called Ottmar
Liebert whose 'leaning into the night' album is one of those 'I've waited all
my life for this' experiences, with wonderful treatments of Ravel, Puccini,
Villa-Lobos and others. Exquisite.
So to get such a long list as Pete supplies, with many unknowns to me, is a
delight. Most musical developments are private journeys, as Pete observes: my
own has hovered like a satellite around the careers of the likes of Nicky
Hopkins, Harry Nilsson, Roger Chapman, Jon Hiseman, Alan Hull, Dave Cousins,
Roy Harper, John Mayall and other more obscure too numerous to mention:anyone
else remember Cashman and West, Tir Na Nog, Magna Carta or Duster Bennett?
But I'm always on the lookout for new heroes and Pete's list reminds me that I
have always intended to explore Lyle Lovett, Donald Fagan and the Barenakeds.
But how could anyone resist Pete's testimonial for the Steve Martland Band. I
bet that's going to be hard one to track down...or am I wrong.
And I love the idea of Pete being moved to write a fan letter!!!
RobK
==============================================================================
From: Dave Jones <email address>
To: 'Midnight Voices' <email address>
Subject: MV784 RE: MV783; MV765; MV753 Re: Pete's Fave's; MV752
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 09:12:28 -0500
>With radio becoming so safe (they seem to have a playlist of just half a dozen
>songs at any given time) Pete is so right about personal recommendation being
>the key to new discoveries.
I was surprised to see that the Beeb actually publishes the Radio 1 playlist
on the web, and that it is as small as it is. I take it that things have gone
so far downhill in the UK that past controversies, such as whether or not
to keep avant-garde jazz on Radio 3, would be regarded as non-starters
today. "Radio 3 used to play jazz?!?!?!?!" (as I remember it was Humphrey
Lyttelton who eventually pulled the plug on the free-formers). Of course,
US radio is even more nakedly commercial in its outlook, but there are still
moments. I even heard one station play "Free Form Guitar" from Chicago's
first album. If it was a mistake on their part, they didn't fade it out and go
on to other things - they played the whole 10 minutes of the late Terry Kath
wielding a billion watts of feedback.
Speaking of restricted playlists, for a few glorious months last year we
had a local radio station playing only "instrumentals of the 50's, 60's,
and 70's". Great stuff: "Apache", "Ghost Riders in the Sky", Mason
Williams, "Wipe Out", "Telstar".... It turned out that the entire playlist
was on a 5-CD set that some bright spark just left running 24 hours a day.
Somehow this person got hold of the licence to broadcast on that
frequency and chose to use it this way. Then one day I tuned in and
it was "This is your modern rock station - the Zone!". Oh well....
As far as expanding musical tastes go, I'm lucky in that local libraries are
stocking up heavily on modern media including CD's, videos and tapes.
For a while there I was just wandering in on the occasional lunchtime and
borrowing a couple of CD's at random, although the ones that I really took
a shine to were on the "New this Week !" display. Once I found an interesting
artist I could search the library system's online catalogue and order up
materials from any branch in the county. No, sorry, no sign of Pete in the
system, but several of Clive's books, of course. Maybe I should donate
a copy of the new CD....
Needless to say, I shall be plugging in a few of the names mentioned here
next time I hit the catalogue - believe it or not it's also on the Web
(http://mclspac.rochester.lib.ny.us). If anyone out there is similarly blessed
with a forward-looking library, it's a good place to get a taste of stuff you
would otherwise have to pay to sample.
Dave Jones
==============================================================================
From: Dave Jones <email address>
To: 'Midnight Voices' <email address>
Subject: MV785: Pique du MIDI
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 17:42:14 -0500
I happened across a MIDI version of History & Geog on the site,
bute really doesn't do the original justice. However I feel emboldened
to ask: which other lyric pages on the PA site have MIDI attached ?
Is there a separate link to the MIDI pages for songs from anywhere,
or do we just find them by trial and error ?
The nice thing about MIDI is that any halfway decent MIDI editor
can turn it into a piano transcription in a jiffy. Hence my interest.
Dave Jones
Going for a score in Rochester NY.
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 11:55:41 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: Leslie Moss <email address>
Subject: MV786 Re: MV772; MV770; MV756: Buxton: on
At 09:43 11/03/98 +0000, you wrote:
>Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 09:18:45 +0000
>To: Midnight Voices <email address>
>From: Carole Birkill <email address>
>Subject: Re: MV770 Re: MV756: Buxton: on
>The general opinion is that we will now have no difficulty in selling out.
>Clive did a book signing at the Royal Northern College of Music in
>Manchester, seats 450ish, about 18 months ago. It was organised by
>Waterstones with tickets only sold by them and it completely sold out. We
>only need to tap into their mailing list! So when tickets are available,
>book quickly.
>
>Carole.
Carole, I've been away for a couple of days so missed the good news. Count
me in for sure. Great that Clive's going to be there too and I'm sure you're
right that this will boost sales. Besides, I'm missing an autograph on my
albums!
Hope my comments in MV748 didn't sound too negative. And the offer of help
is still there.
Leslie
==============================================================================
From: IChippett <email address>
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 15:33:36 EST
To: midnight.voices<email address>
Subject: MV787: Live in Paris!
Today the first 2 songs on the Monyash video were played to a French audience
at a leading French School of Communication situated just off the Avenue des
Champs Elysées here in Paree. The 20 students present were suitably impressed
and thanks to Pete's excellent diction were even able to explain what the
songs ("Biro" and "Girl on a Train") were about. (I rewarded them with an
explanation of the biro/Biro problem and the Verlaine pronunciation
controversy.) Their reaction confirms my feeling that he would have gone down
a treat over here where songs with clever words are actually preferred to the
gibberish we Brits usually have to put up with.
Ian C
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 20:48:23 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: S J Birkill <email address>
Subject: MV788 Re: MV785: Pique du MIDI
Hi Dave,
There are at present only two MIDI files on site, as listed (in the misc
links list) on the home page. Tenderfoot I entered note-by-note from "A
First Folio", and it sounds suitably mechanical. But H&G (and it's my
omission it isn't linked from the Discography page) which "really doesn't
do the original justice" is in fact Pete! He demo'd a few songs here last
year, before the Festival, and that MIDI is in fact exactly what he played
on our Clavinova -- compare it to the RealAudio file on the Website. But of
course it's only the accompaniment -- he sang the melody. And ... he hadn't
played it for an awfully long time before that day. It's interesting also
to note on that occasion he sang "Hist'ry and Ge-ography" (2 and 4
syllables), but by the time of the Festival had amended it to "Hist-ory and
Geography (3 and 3).
I've translated it to notation, but stopped short of a chord transcription.
In fact I couldn't find a MIDI program that would analyse chords, which
surely should be straightforward. So I'm going to sample Ian C's version to
Pete this weekend and see what he thinks.
Any MIDI files from our members will be well received. I'm looking forward
to getting more from Pete in due course.
Regards -- Steve
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 21:10:50 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: S J Birkill <email address>
Subject: MV789: Mojo
Hi there pop pickers!
Watch out for the April Mojo, due out any day now, with centerfold nude
Pete Atkin feature (well, nice article anyway, "The Stranger Came From
Cambridge", by Rob Chapman (here in PC Derbyshire we say aggravated burgle
personperson)).
-- Steve
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 21:09:57 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: S J Birkill <email address>
Subject: MV790: "Together Again"?
Any ideas for a snappy show title? Any suggestions re content on the CJ
side? (clogs, flares and baritone noted, Margarita Pracatan denied).
-- S
==============================================================================
To: midnight.voices<email address>
From: Mike Millen <email address>
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 21:31:55 0
Subject: MV791: Stackridge et al...
Hi Ian,
>Stackridge again! The best album, Colin, is "The Man in the Bowler
>Hat" (I'm pontificating here because I've only heard three of them
"Friendliness" is also quite excellent. "Mr Mick" marked a change
in style.
Strange Fruit have just released a CD "Stackridge - BBC Radio 1
Live in Concert". Sessions recorded in 72,73 and 75.
However... IMHO the CD would only find favour amongst those that
had seen them live in the 70s; much of the sound quality is
appalling and there seems to be a more-than-average share of bum
notes here and there. :(
HST, for those of us privileged to have enjoyed their live concerts
(where they were without peer) the CD is something to treasure.
Nobody else has mentioned Pete's inclusion of the Roches yet. If
any of you is unfamiliar with them do yourselves a great favour and
search out some of their albums, especially the earlier ones. If
you like music, you can't fail to become confirmed Roches fans. :)
>Sorry for the lack of PA content!
Err... likewise. :)
Mike
Australia: Beautiful one day, perfect the next!
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 23:43:01 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: Christine Guilfoyle <email address>
Subject: MV792 Re: MV756: Buxton: on
In message <email address>,
Midnight Voices <email address> writes
>
>Buxton is ON. September 20th. With Pete and Clive.
>
>-- Steve
>
Excellent. We'll be there with as many people as we can pressgang. The offer of
help still holds - with Clive James present, there must be real PR
opportunities. Good luck, anyway!
Mike and Christine
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 23:46:00 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: Leslie Moss <email address>
Subject: MV793: Pete on the Web
Has anyone encountered the following URL?
http://205.186.189.2/cg/amg.exe?sql=2P_IDP||||15518
Leslie
PS The suggested other listening is interesting.
==============================================================================
From: Elphinking <email address>
Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 04:44:22 EST
To: midnight.voices<email address>
Subject: MV794 Re: MV790: "Together Again"?
The Odd Couple
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 09:56:51 +0000
From: Graham Stibbs <email address>
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
Subject: MV795: National Steel
For anyone who's interested: April's Folk roots has loads of stuff on
National and other resonator guitars. Apparently, there's even a
website: www.nationalguitars.com but I haven't checked it out yet.
Pete himself might find editor Ian Anderson's tales of how much he paid
for some rather desirable instruments interesting, or sick-making!
By the way, all the talk about Pete's play list makes me wonder how many
people's blues interest was increased by the exotic names in National
Steel? I don't suppose I would have given names like Blind Blake, Son
House or Bukka White a second glance if I hadn't been recommended them.
Graham
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 18:19:46 +0000
To: Midnight Voices <email address>
From: S J Birkill <email address>
Subject: MV796: The LWT shows
Website now updated with details of the two London Weekend Television
series, 'The Party's Moving On' and 'What Are You Doing After The Show?'. See
http://www.rwt.co.uk/tpmo.htm
Apologies to all who have sought these in vain from the sessions pages!
- Steve
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