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John had recently flown for the first time and did not like it at all. Pat Sky tried to reassure him, saying it was a pretty safe means of transport and adding, "Anyway, when it's your time to go, it's your time to go." John thought a while and answered, "Yeah, but what if you're on the plane and it's the pilot's time to go?" - from Phil Ratcliffe's Biography of Mississippi John Hurt

Author Topic: weenieLyndhurst  (Read 5747 times)

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Offline blueshome

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weenieLyndhurst
« on: April 06, 2009, 01:01:21 AM »
Many thanks to those who attended the UK weenie weekend for making it such a success. No doubt a fuller report will be posted shortly along with some aural and visual evidence.

Offline Parlor Picker

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2009, 02:05:07 AM »
Many thanks to those who attended the UK weenie weekend for making it such a success. No doubt a fuller report will be posted shortly along with some aural and visual evidence.

Didn't know you'd start a new thread, Phil.  I posted a brief report in the original one.

Now moved here:

Well, the Weenie Weekend has been and gone.  I think it's safe to say a good time was had by all.  It was nice to meet the ones I have never met before in the flesh and not just in cyberspace.

A big thank-you is due to Richard, Blueshome and Bob Long for their organisation of the event.

For me, one of the many highlights of Friday evening was the set presented by local lads Bob Long and Pete Harris - their version of Noah Lewis' "Goin' to German" was a delight.

On Saturday, Bob Long also gave a very enjoyable talk about his trips to and links with Mississippi.  Marshcat, aided and abetted by the other half of National Steel, Lewis Cohen, gave an interesting talk on slide guitar and in particular National guitars.  Their playing together was one of the knock-out winners of the weekend. Professor Scratchy had come all the way from Edinburgh and apart from playing some great numbers, also gave a talk on Bo Carter's guitar style, with particular emphasis on open G6 tuning.

I managed to encourage the great Angelina Grimshaw to come over from her home on the Isle of Wight on Saturday and many of us got to play with her.  I particularly enjoyed our version of "KC Moan" with Angelina on vocal and guitar, Blueshome on guitar and yours truly on tenor ukulele.  She also go roped in to sing a couple with Marshcat and Lewis at the end of their presentation.

At one point - wait for it.... Richard had a go at playing banjo and I accompanied him on guitar.  By the way, Richard does a great job on lap slide guitar, having been a drummer all his life (I believe) and only having been playing for a few years.

These are just a few off-the-cuff memories and doubtless others will have more to add.

I suppose they'll be planning next year soon...
« Last Edit: April 06, 2009, 04:18:52 AM by Parlor Picker »
"I ain't good looking, teeth don't shine like pearls,
So glad good looks don't take you through this world."
Barbecue Bob

Offline Prof Scratchy

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2009, 11:29:11 AM »
I really enjoyed the weekend - it was great to meet up again with previous years' attendees, but also to welcome some new faces. My highlights: Bob Long's wonderful old instruments, his Mississippi talk, and his fine performances; Phil and Richard keeping the whole thing on track and stepping in when the rest of us couldn't think what to play next; Liam's amazing big bodied Stella 12 string and his tiny Sovereign guitar (sorry if it was me who pulled the bridge up!); wonderful playing and singing from Marshcat and Lewis; stellar singing from Angelina Grimshaw, whose Memphis Minnie renditions were an absolute highlight; fine performances by Natterjack and by Norfolk Slim - both of whom played far too little but, when they did, it was good! Also it  was good to meet up with Parlor Picker in the flesh at last, after many  telephone contacts in the past. Regret? Well, I'd hoped Bunker Hill might've dropped in at some point with a shed load of back copies of rare magazines and LPs! Next year perhaps?

Offline Lewy C

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #3 on: April 06, 2009, 12:09:10 PM »
It was great to meet you all, listen to great music and gawp at fine guitars. Thanks for being so welcoming to a stranger round these parts.

LC
« Last Edit: April 11, 2009, 10:13:11 AM by Lewy C »

Offline Marshcat

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2009, 12:35:53 PM »
Here's Lewy C before the workshop, deciding whether the Gibson's worth the money... :D


Offline Marshcat

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #5 on: April 06, 2009, 12:44:46 PM »
But it looks as if Prof. Scratchy is also tempted...


Offline Richard

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #6 on: April 06, 2009, 01:51:48 PM »
I think a lot has been said already but let me add a few words of thanks.

First I should give Phil and Bob a special mention for their input without which I would be struggling long distance! And of course, a big thanks to all for attending and making a success of it :)

I was delighted that our custom of doing a couple of numbers with a partner picked out the hat instilled such enthusiasm and dread in equal amounts that must continue with it :P and who knows, if I can get my head around it for next year we could even reinstate the killer blues quiz!

It does now look as though this is going to be fixture and from the increased numbers I imagine it will stay on the mainland, I appreciate that while Guernsey may not have the attractions of the Lyndhurst permanent traffic jam and pasty shop it does cost more to get here in both time and money.

Personally I would like to try and find another hotel which was a bit cheaper and did not creak all night as this one did  >:( 

So, boys and girls your next task to go forth and find somewhere suitable, the New Forest does seem to suit as a general location since it gives easy access to the motorway and the airporto.

Finally, as some of you will be delighted learn I really am going to get myself a banjo as it's such a wonderful device which I can learn to drive even with motorcycle accident wrist syndrome besides which the picking patterns will transfer to lap   ;)

I have mp3's of Prof's Bo Carter workshop and Marshcat's most entertaing National talk if any body wants them.

(That's enough of that. Ed)

Offline Norfolk Slim

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #7 on: April 07, 2009, 01:58:28 AM »
I enjoyed the weekend enormously (including my soujourn to Dean Court to re-live my teen years watching AFC Bournemouth!)

I can sum up the standard of musicianship by saying that not once during the main proceedings did I ever slip into that state of mind where the music just washes over you and you are waiting for it to finish.  Everyone brought something unique and enjoyable to the "party".


Offline Parlor Picker

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #8 on: April 07, 2009, 03:43:18 AM »
That reminds me - Norfolk Slim's take on an Ishmon Bracey number was another highlight of the weekend for me.

Another random thought: non-participants Mrs. Parlor Picker and Mrs. rick218 decided they were "Weenie WAGs" for the weekend.
"I ain't good looking, teeth don't shine like pearls,
So glad good looks don't take you through this world."
Barbecue Bob

Offline dj

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #9 on: April 07, 2009, 03:51:51 AM »
That was a really nice Bo Carter lesson!  Thanks for making it available.   

Offline uncle bud

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #10 on: April 07, 2009, 10:21:51 AM »
Congratulations on what sounds like a great event once again, fellas.

And I have learned a new acronym in WAGs (Brit tabloid-speak for wives and girlfriends of football stars). The Wikipedia entry is astonishing to say the least: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WAGs

Offline dj

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #11 on: April 07, 2009, 10:31:05 AM »
Quote
WAGs (Brit tabloid-speak for wives and girlfriends of football stars).

Oops!!  I thought "Weenie WAGs" meant "Weenies With Air Guitars"!  I guess I should have thought to look it up.

Offline bob long

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #12 on: April 07, 2009, 02:52:46 PM »
I really enjoyed the whole thing....what a remarkable gathering! Already looking forward to doing it again.

For me, the highlights were Angelina Grimshaw turning up and joining in, an exceptionally good workshop from Prof Scratchy and lovely performances from National Steel. But above all, I'm a Bukka White fan and Furry Lewis Cohen's "Aberdeen" was exquisite.

Offline Parlor Picker

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #13 on: April 08, 2009, 01:46:26 AM »
Yes, the way in which Lewy C. (maybe a change to "Furry" would be a good idea...) attacked his National in true Bukka style reminded me of when I saw the man himself play in London in the early 1970s. That boy could go far (but probably not as a country blues artist, as there ain't much demand for that kind of thing in the pop charts).
"I ain't good looking, teeth don't shine like pearls,
So glad good looks don't take you through this world."
Barbecue Bob

Offline Parlor Picker

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #14 on: April 08, 2009, 02:43:53 AM »
Here's a couple of lively Weenies in full swing.

"I ain't good looking, teeth don't shine like pearls,
So glad good looks don't take you through this world."
Barbecue Bob

Offline Lewy C

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #15 on: April 08, 2009, 03:57:18 AM »
Thanks for the kind words about Aberdeen Mississippi. Marshcat sent me the mp3 so, just to prove how alcohol consumption can sweeten one's recollection of events, here it is ;)

Offline Marshcat

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #16 on: April 08, 2009, 07:22:04 AM »
There's now video footage of some of the National Steel numbers over at http://www.vintagenationals.com - in the Pickin' Parlor under the "Videos" section.

When I get a moment, I'll post mp3s here of some of the favourite songs people have mentioned earlier in this thread.

Marshcat
www.lemonrock.com/nationalsteel

Offline Slack

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #17 on: April 08, 2009, 09:18:16 AM »
Thanks for the kind words about Aberdeen Mississippi. Marshcat sent me the mp3 so, just to prove how alcohol consumption can sweeten one's recollection of events, here it is ;)

Terrific!  Particularly like when your vocals go up an octave.

Offline blueshome

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #18 on: April 08, 2009, 11:39:56 AM »
I'd hoped Bunker Hill might've dropped in at some point

Alan was indisposed so was unable to attend. I didn't find out until I picked up my email Sunday, although he had been in touch. We'll have him there next year!

Offline blueshome

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #19 on: April 08, 2009, 11:52:16 AM »
As folks may have gathered from some of the photos and videos there was a mouth-watering selection of vintage guitars being played.

I'll list a few just to get the juices flowing:

Stella 12-string (20's)
Baby Sovereign (20's or 30's)
Kalamazoo (1941)
L00 (30's)
Style 1 tricone roundneck
2 (count em) square neck tricones
Style 3 tricone
Exploding Palm Tree tricone
2 Triolians (12 & 14 fret)
Duolian
Koa Supertone (20's)
Kay Kraft (30's)

Also some nice modern instruments.

Offline blueshome

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #20 on: April 08, 2009, 12:40:50 PM »
Bob Long and Pete Harris sorting out Statesboro Blues:

http://gallery.me.com/blueshome#100056
« Last Edit: April 08, 2009, 12:41:52 PM by blueshome »

Offline Bunker Hill

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #21 on: April 09, 2009, 03:04:35 AM »
I'd hoped Bunker Hill might've dropped in at some point

Alan was indisposed so was unable to attend. I didn't find out until I picked up my email Sunday, although he had been in touch. We'll have him there next year!
Indisposed is the story of my life. Won?t bore you all with my ailments but nine months ago my "right eye started jumping"(to paraphrase a blues song) and was having matters thoroughly examined in hospital.

Enough of this, back to matters in hand, I obviously missed a rare old knees-up and...Pete Harris...who I haven?t clapped eyes on for at least a decade!

Offline Marshcat

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #22 on: April 24, 2009, 01:34:50 AM »
Here's some footage of Angelina Grimshaw with National Steel, singing Cannon's Jug Stompers' "Viola Lee Blues". She's one of the most solid rhythm guitarists in the country blues idiom, with an amazing chord vocabulary and a great voice reminiscent of Memphis Minnie and Jo-Ann Kelly. We engineered her parole from Alcatraz (the Isle of Wight) for Weenie Lyndhurst...


Offline Bunker Hill

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #23 on: April 24, 2009, 02:45:46 AM »
Here's some footage of Angelina Grimshaw with National Steel, singing Cannon's Jug Stompers' "Viola Lee Blues". She's one of the most solid rhythm guitarists in the country blues idiom, with an amazing chord vocabulary and a great voice reminiscent of Memphis Minnie and Jo-Ann Kelly. We engineered her parole from Alcatraz (the Isle of Wight) for Weenie Lyndhurst...
Magic! I?ve only seen her perform twice (1992) once at the Onslow, Southampton the other the Portsmouth Blues Festival. On both occasions she was with her brother J.C. Reviews of both events noted the similarity in her vocal to Jo-Ann. A review of the Southampton gig remarked that the brother and sister duo brought back memories of early performances of Jo-Ann and Dave Kelly in London pubs.

Offline Parlor Picker

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #24 on: April 24, 2009, 06:33:58 AM »
The Grimshaw siblings are another fine example of "why aren't they famous?" As Marshcat rightly mentions, because of Angelina's stunning voice, it's easy to overlook her steady guitar playing. She's a good fingerpicker as well.

 JC also sings and has to be one of the best if not THE best acoustic musician in the country.  He plays lead guitar a bit like Django Reinhardt, lap slide like Sol Ho'opi'i or King Benny Nawahi, plus bottleneck guitar, fingerpicked guitar, mandolin (you can hardly see his fingers in the blur at times), ukulele, harmonica and is currently learning to play drums.  For all his dazzling technique, he always plays with soul and with sensitivity for the genre.  Pity he was on holiday with his wife and kids during the Weenie Weekend.

UK Weenies may like to know that Angelina & JC will be leaving the island and in my neck of the woods towards the end of May:

21 May - the FILO, Hastings Old Town
23 May - The Bull, Benenden, Kent
24 May - The Plough, Udimore, Near Rye, East Sussex (4 pm start)

Hope to see the odd Weenie (we're all a bit odd, I know) at their gigs.
« Last Edit: May 11, 2009, 09:02:31 AM by Parlor Picker »
"I ain't good looking, teeth don't shine like pearls,
So glad good looks don't take you through this world."
Barbecue Bob

Offline Richard

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #25 on: April 24, 2009, 11:48:57 AM »
Thanks for that Mr Marshcat, what chance of tempting another break out from Alcatraz for next years gathering - I am of assuming that we want a repeat of the great event  :)
(That's enough of that. Ed)

Offline Nicolas Dussart

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #26 on: April 24, 2009, 04:30:24 PM »
Here's some footage of Angelina Grimshaw with National Steel,...

Really great, thank you for the discovery !

Offline Rivers

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #27 on: April 24, 2009, 05:14:52 PM »
Great stuff, and great to see weenie UK really taking off. I was thinking "Two slide guitars?", but it worked due to the taste and decorum of all concerned. I'm an Angelina fan from this point on.

Offline Parlor Picker

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #28 on: April 25, 2009, 01:41:39 AM »
Check out the Grimshaws on their website:

www.Village-Bike.co.uk
"I ain't good looking, teeth don't shine like pearls,
So glad good looks don't take you through this world."
Barbecue Bob

Offline Bunker Hill

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #29 on: April 25, 2009, 01:45:34 AM »
I'm an Angelina fan from this point on.
The first time I ever saw her perform was at the (don't laugh) Second Basingstoke Blues Festival in 1991 fronting an act named Angelina & The Cornbabies which I vaguely recall as being a country blues string band outfit, but 17 years have passed...

Offline Bunker Hill

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #30 on: April 25, 2009, 05:11:15 AM »
Check out the Grimshaws on their website:
www.Village-Bike.co.uk
Hey they are at the Platform Tavern, Southampton next month. I reckon that's the place I oughta be...and there's no admittance to pay. :o

Offline Marshcat

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #31 on: April 25, 2009, 07:02:42 AM »
I enjoyed playing with Angelina and JC in National Breakdown, circa 1994...


Offline Marshcat

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #32 on: April 25, 2009, 07:19:45 AM »
... and since you've all been so kind, here's a second helping from the Weenie week-end:


Offline Parlor Picker

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #33 on: April 27, 2009, 07:09:29 AM »
Only amateur footage, but this shows JC in full swing on lap slide Tricone.  This is Angelina & JC in their early jazz/vintage Hawaiian mode with their band the Gramophone Party.  If you search on YouTube, there's another clip with JC playing lead guitar on a big old Gibson archtop.



Edit:  Marshcat was (probably rightly) a bit worried about the quality of this clip. Sound quality is awful, pictures and sound are not in synch and maybe JC is not at his best, but have decided to leave it just to give an idea of what he is about.
« Last Edit: April 28, 2009, 07:15:53 AM by Parlor Picker »
"I ain't good looking, teeth don't shine like pearls,
So glad good looks don't take you through this world."
Barbecue Bob

Offline Marshcat

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #34 on: May 22, 2009, 03:38:40 AM »
Well, I finally got round to posting some photos of the April 2009 Weenie Lyndhurst gathering in the Weenie Photo Gallery (look down the Main Menu on the left) - good memories, good people, good playing and some very fine instruments! Please add your own photos to help preserve this event for future generations of weenies and country blues researchers :)

Aloha,
Marshcat

Offline blueshome

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #35 on: May 23, 2009, 02:26:46 AM »
Thanks Stuart!

Offline Rivers

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #36 on: May 23, 2009, 05:06:44 AM »
Looks like a great time, and the photography is really excellent. What equipment were you using Stuart? That stuff is several cuts above point-and-shoot.

Offline Marshcat

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Re: weenieLyndhurst
« Reply #37 on: May 23, 2009, 08:34:16 AM »
Thanks for the appreciation.

Nikon D300 + AF-S Nikkor 18-70 mm/AF Nikkor 70-210 mm, sometimes with built-in flash. Slow shutter speed/camera shake eliminated with the aid of several pints of the Crown Hotel's best bitter, applied regularly throughout the week-end  ::)

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