Here's a nod to the Celts among us ...

Today being 1st. March is St. David's day. I am moved to post this rendition of Cwm Rhondda:



For those who don't quite catch the words, the translation is as follows:

Clementine

In a cavern, in a canyon,
Excavating for a mine,
Dwelt a miner forty-niner,
And his daughter Clementine.

Oh my darling, oh my darling,
Oh my darling, Clementine!
Thou art lost and gone forever;
Dreadful sorry, Clementine.

Light she was and like a fairy,
And her shoes were number nine,
Herring boxes, without topses,
Sandals were for Clementine.

Oh my darling, oh my darling …

Drove she ducklings to the water
Every morning just at nine.
Caught her foot against a splinter,
Fell into the foaming brine.

Oh my darling, oh my darling …

Ruby lips above the water,
Blowing bubbles, soft and fine,
But, alas, I was no swimmer,
So I lost my Clementine.

Oh my darling, oh my darling …

How I missed her! How I missed her,
How I missed my Clementine,
But I kissed her little sister,
I forgot my Clementine.

Oh my darling, oh my darling,
Oh my darling, Clementine!
Thou art lost and gone forever;
Dreadful sorry, Clementine.

Shall we kick of with this next Friday?
I promise, it works. Don't forget the harmonies and counterpoint in the bass.

(My sincere apologies to those Christians of Welsh descent who understand the faith and the language better than I ever will!)

Being the Twentieth of February 2009...

I do believe the weather is getting better...
Mind you...
I also believe that cheese is the work of Satan...

Never mind...
Let's sing some songs...

Do the Stars in Your Eyes Shine for Me?: David
Adieu to Old England: Bill 1:1
Still I Love Him: Jenny
Mrs. Bennet's Boy: Yvonne
I've got those Seasick Steve Rainy Day Blues: Mike
Mailman Bring Me No More Blues: Berry/Ken
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: Brenda/Berry
Tickle Dew: Mick
Cocaine Blues/Needle of Death: Mike
North Country Maid: Mave
Gamekeepers Lie Sleeping: Ken
Mary Skeffington: Paul
Wild Mountain Thyme: Jane
Greenland Whale Fisheries: Colin
The Noble Fox Hunting: Bill 1:1
Talking Lion Blues: David
Sammy's Bar: Roger
Are You Lonesome Tonight?: Brenda/Berry
How's The World Treating You?: Berry
St. Louis Tickle Blues: Mick
Catch the Wind: Mike
If I Could Only do One Thing: Phine
If I Died an Old Maid: Mave
My Charming Molly O! : Ken
Girl: Paul
Banks o' Doon: Jane/Colin
Farther Along: Roger

Stay tuned for our next thrilling instalment...
(Damn hire-purchase..!)

Beresford Green Speaks... (Fourteenth Fit)

CLUB CD

I have my copy of the first club CD. It's free "at the point of delivery" as they say of the National Health Service. Just give David a blank CD of the -R variety.

It kept me awake during the small hours of Saturday when I was very sleepy. This unusual intimate take shows just what a talented bunch you are. Listening through headphones on Saturday morning, Brenda was able to hear things long denied to her from across the club-room. She has sat close-by to Mick Wills & Roger Gosbee in the past and already appreciates the full extent of their abilities, but it was David that surprised her most. "Who's that?" she said. "What a lovely guitar sound." David's song, "A Reason to Believe" is an old favourite of hers. Watch out David she's a-coming to get yer!

For me, and I suspect most of we guys, the beauty of Anne Winter was always apparent even before she had ever sung us a note. Here the clarity, tone, diction and inflexion of her voice is truly startling. Captivating, mesmerising, a wonderful experience. Watch out Anne we's a coming to getcha!

Everyone sounded fantastic through my headphones. A great credit to themselves in every way. I heard you Yvonne along with Mike & his "Butterflies." I heard you Eddie - and did Margaret cough? I heard you Colin clearer than ever - with nice guitar. Brenda was OK but you do need to get rid of that Berry bloke. That ain't Folk; in fact that ain't anything!

What a pity that so many members were missing from the compilation. I have regrets from the past that I never did capture the sound of some of those friends & associates I encountered in the 1980's. Don't let this happen here. Make a submission to the next CD which is now open.

Thanks to David for doing this.

Berry

Being the Thirteenth of February 2009...

Why is it the small misfortunes that beset us on a daily basis take on a deeper significance on Friday the 13th...?
I dunno...

This week we are really not hating these musical interludes...

The Leaving of Liverpool: Colin+Full Cast
Dame Durden: Ken+Full Cast
What Are They Doing In Heaven Today? : David
Lady of Beauty: Eddie
White Roses: John
This Street, That Man, This Life: Jane/Dave
If Only I Could Make You Care: Berry
I'll be Your Sweetheart: Ray
Romeo & Juliette: Roger
A Heart Needs A Home: Mick
Joe The Carrier Lad: John
A Life-boat Prayer: Mave
For the Goodtimes: Lynda/Paul
Tickle Me: Paul
Take a Wiff On Me: David
Lark in The Clear Air: Colin
Wild Mountain Thyme: Eddie
Leaving Nancy: John
Jesus Saviour Pilot Me: Jane/Dave
Sweet Dreams Baby: Berry/Ken
After the Ball was Over: Ray
Available Light: Roger
The City of New Orleans: Mick
Highway Man: John
Love is The Greatest Thing: Mave
I Know My Love: Lynda