Re:RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT THREAD 14 Years, 4 Months ago
. gossamerglenn wrote [in part]:
QUOTE: ... and mention a woman guthrie being present which i cant remeber and i figured it was woodys wife if shes still alive or arlos wife or other family member ... .
That was Nora Guthrie, Woody's daughter.
Just published:
Ramblin' Jack Elliott: The Never-Ending Highway
This professional biography of Ramblin' Jack Elliott (1931- ) examines the music and milestones of the American folksinger's half-century career, detailing his role in the preservation of the music of Woody Guthrie and his mentoring of and influence on Bob Dylan. The book also provides a comprehensive discography of recordings, as well as a bibliography, index, and over 30 photographs.
Roger McGuinn of the Byrds on a crucial figure in the development of Bob Dylan and the 60s folk boom
Ramblin' Jack Elliott, 78, photographed at the Soho Grand hotel, New York, 4 May 2009. Photograph: Jamie-James Medina
QUOTE: "I knew about Jack in the 50s but I didn't really know his records. It was more that he validated a certain way of life. He was a Jewish kid from Brooklyn who joined the rodeo, hung out with Woody Guthrie and lived his dream. He's been a sailor, a trucker, he's lived all the lifestyles that folk songs sing about.
"Jack sang a high harmony on the demo of Mr Tambourine Man. Bob [Dylan] was used to recording in one take and wouldn't go back and fix anything, and Jack was a little tipsy that night and was a hair out of tune. Bob decided not to use that version and it gave the Byrds a nine-month lead of the song – we got it out first, thanks to Ramblin'! It's really a great recording, he's just a little out of tune.
"I didn't meet him until 1975 on Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue. He was the elder statesman – he'd go around introducing Bob as his son. He and I hung out quite a lot together, and he was responsible for encouraging me to go solo. I discovered he really does ramble! I remember him reciting this 15-minute Peter Ustinov monologue from memory, doing all the accents. He's an amazing raconteur. He told me, 'Roger, one of the best times I ever had was when me and my wife went on the road; I put my guitar in the Land Rover and barnstormed around the country.' I thought it sounded a great way to go on the road: just take your guitar and your wife! It was a pivot point, and I've been solo ever since.
"He came and stayed at my house one time. It was a surprise visit, he just showed up with his mobile home and parked it outside. He stayed for about two weeks, and I have to say we were ready for him to go by the time he left! I still see him on and off, we cross paths on the road.I saw him at Pete Seeger's 90th birthday party at Madison Square Garden, and he's still going strong. His last record [A Stranger Here] was great, it's up for a Grammy, and I think he's more influential than people give him credit for, for his impact on Dylan in particular.
"I love the guy. He's a lot of fun and really down to earth. One thing I can say about Jack: it's not an act. He could have been a New York surgeon, but he threw all that away for being a cowboy, and for that he's got all my respect."
This compilation is being released on the highly-regarded Bear Family label. What may be of most interest to Elliott fans are the five unknown duets with Derroll Adams that were recorded in 1960. This is what Bear Family has to say:
He was idolized by Bob Dylan - a true original Folk Era hero! He introduced American folk music to England and Europe! Includes 8 previously unissued recordings from the legendary Lansdowne Studio sessions, including duets with Derroll Adams. Rambling Jack Elliott might have been a doctor's son from Brooklyn named Elliott Adnopoz, but he looked and acted the part of the ramblin'-gamblin' folk hero. He toured with Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and all of the original folk era greats. In 1955, he came to England, and began his recording career there. These recordings effectively jump-started the folk music craze in England, introducing the work of artists as diverse as Woody Guthrie and Jimmie Rodgers to European audiences. After a short sojourn back in the United States, Elliott returned to England in 1959 and recorded another classic EP, 'Kid Stuff - Rambling Jack Elliott Sings Children's Songs by Woody Guthrie - as well as the equally well-regarded Rambling Jack Elliott Sings Songs by Woody Guthrie and Jimmie Rodgers. His backing musicians included the great Alexis Korner.
In addition to the previously issued (and extremely rare) original recordings, this set includes five previously unknown recordings by Elliott and Derroll Adams from 1960. Essential folk music - unavailable for FAR too long!
CD content:
1. Talking Guitar Blues
2. San Francisco Bay Blues
3. Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms
4. East Virginia Blues
5. Ain't It A Shame
6. Muleskinner Blues
7. Ain't It A Shame (comic version)
8. Howdido
9. My Daddy
10. Why Oh Why
11. The Fox
12. Riding In My Car
13. Old Rattler
14. Rusty Jiggs And Sandy Sam (The Sierry Petes)
15. Git Along Little Dogies
16. My Little Lady (Sadie Brown)
17. Night Herding Song
18. The Old Chisholm Trail
19. Fifteen Cents And A Dollar
20. Rocky Mountain Belle
21. Talking Blues
22. Diamond Joe
23. Down In The Willow Garden
24. I Ride An Old Paint
25. Jack O'Diamonds
26. Pretty Boy Floyd
27. Do-Re-Me
28. Dead Or Alive
29. Grand Coulee Dam
30. Dust Storm Disaster
31. I Ain't Got No Home
32. So Long, It's Been Good To Know You
33. Whippin' That Old T. B.
ETA: Having praised the usually fastidious documentarians at Bear Family, I noticed that they've got No. 14 wrong. It should read: (The Sirey Peaks), being a reference to the Sierra Peaks.
Re:RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT THREAD 14 Years, 4 Months ago
I believe that Bear Family does have the title right. "The Sirey Peaks" is not correct. This is not a traditional song as so often thought. The actual title of the song is "The Sierry Petes" (or "Tying the Knots in the Devil´s Tail)." "The Sierry Petes" is a local nickname for the Sierra Prieta Mountains, west of Prescott, Arizona. The words of the song (and the original title)come from a poem by the western writer/cowboy Gail I. Gardner, published in his book "Orejana Bull for Cowboys Only." The history of the song can be found in Sing Out! Vol. 17, No. 4, August/September 1967, 7-9.
Re:RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT THREAD 14 Years, 4 Months ago
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Elliott won a Grammy for his A Stranger Here, and had a couple of things to say:
Ramblin' Jack Elliott's "A Stranger Here" won Best Contemporary Blues Album. Wearing a black cowboy hat and leather jacket, Elliott strode on stage. "Please excuse my delay, I broke my back this morning lifting my grandchild who weighs 20 pounds," said Elliott. He thanked the label. "Anti-, I don't know what they're anti towards, but I'm in favor of it."
ETA: There's an error in the Country Standard Time report. Elliott won for the Best Traditional Blues Album, not for the Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Re:RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT THREAD 14 Years, 3 Months ago
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Stetson Kennedy, among his other experiences, infiltrated the KKK, back in the day. Jack Elliott drove Woody from New York to Florida, in 1953, to pay a visit to Kennedy.
From The Florida Times-Union:
Southern Exposure Music & Heritage Festival
I am very excited to announce a huge special event happening at Alpine Groves Park on Sunday, March 14. The second annual Southern Exposure Music & Heritage Festival will begin at 11:30 a.m. and run until sundown.
This is an event you do not want to miss. My family and I had the best time there last year.
This year's event promises to be even more special, with the Guthrie Family headlining the list of talented musicians slated to play.
The Cultural Events division of St. Johns County is hosting the event with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Stetson Kennedy and Guthrie Foundations.
The festival will feature the best in old-time music, county, bluegrass, folk and blues. The event will unite folk legends Stetson Kennedy, Arlo Guthrie and Ramblin' Jack Elliott for what could be their last reunion performance.
The three have played an integral role in the history of folk music, folklore and political activism in this area along with father, friend and mentor Woody Guthrie.
Activities for everyone include story telling, cultural exhibits, a barn dance, antiques, activities for children and Southern cookin'.
So mark your calendars, bring a chair or blanket to sit on and be prepared to have a foot-stompin', finger-lickin' good ' time on the banks of the beautiful St. Johns River.
Re:RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT THREAD 14 Years, 3 Months ago
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RAMBLIN JACK ELLIOTT & STETSON KENNEDY TO PERFORM
Sunday March 14th
Stetson Kennedy, Florida's most beloved author and human rights activist, will be hosting the 2nd Annual Southern Exposure Music & Heritage Festival March 14th at Alpine Groves Park on 54 beautiful acres adjacent to the St. Johns River. This event is a momentous part of folk history as it reunites Ramblin' Jack Elliott, the Guthrie Family and Stetson Kennedy for what could be their last reunion performance.
Over a half century ago, Stetson Kennedy infiltrated the KKK, ran for Florida Governor, wrote about Florida folklore, and befriended Ramblin' Jack Elliott and Woody Guthrie. History was made in St. Johns County by both Kennedy and his frequent house guest, America's legendary folk balladeer Woody Guthrie (whom wrote 80 songs and his autobiography at the Kennedy residence).
Southern Exposure Music & Heritage festival celebrates the past, present and future with three generations of the Guthrie family, Ramblin' Jack Elliott and the best in old time music, country, bluegrass, folk, and blues. Activities for everyone include story telling, cultural exhibits, a barn dance, old Florida vendors, pony rides, crafts, and southern cookin.
Arlo Guthrie's career exploded in 1967 with the release of "Alice's Restaurant," which became nothing less than an anthem of an entire age. His stock in trade comes in the form of classically styled folk songs intermingled with clever storytelling, always reminding one and all of Guthrie's father, the beloved singer/writer/philosopher Woody Guthrie. Now Arlo gathers three generations together on one stage with the Guthrie Family (Abe, Sarah Lee, Cathy, Annie & Johnny), in which the entire family performs favorite songs, Arlo's standards, and a selection of unpublished Woody Guthrie lyrics put to music by friends and family.
2010 Grammy award winner Ramblin' Jack Elliott tells stories of riding the rails with Woody Guthrie [This is myth. Elliott is on record as saying he only hopped a freight train, once (and w/o Woody], getting off in Texarkana. Rode in a lot of rigs, though.], carrying only a guitar and a razor. He was mentored by Guthrie, and returned the favor to Bob Dylan and the generation of folksingers who followed. Woody Guthrie had the greatest influence on Jack. Woody's son, Arlo, said that because of his father's illness and early death, he never really got to know him, but learned Woody's songs and performing style from Elliott.
The festival features performances from Lonesome Burt & the Skinny Lizards, Frank Thomas, Alvah Allen, Willie Green, Shorty Robbins, and Anne Feeney.
Proceeds from the event are to benefit the Stetson Kennedy Foundation & the Guthrie Foundation.
Alpine Grove River Park contains 54.5 acres and is located in northwest St. Johns County between the St. Johns River and William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway (SR13). Access to the festival grounds is best reached through the William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway, located parallel to the Saint Johns River through a canopy of majestic oak trees.
WHEN: SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2010, Gates open at 11:30 pm, music starts at 12:00 noon, and ends at sundown
WHERE: Alpine Groves Park 2060 SR 13. St. Johns, FL 32259
Re:RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT THREAD 14 Years, 2 Months ago
From "Country Home," "Germany's Premier Country Music Magazine." Review by
Christian Lamitschka.
JACK ELLIOTT At Lansdowne Studios, London.
Talking Guitar Blues; San Francisco Bay Blues; Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms*;
East Virginia Blues*; Ain't It A Shame*; Muleskinner Blues*; Ain't It A Shame
(comic version)*; Howdido; My Daddy; Why Oh Why; The Fox; Riding In My Car; Old
Rattler; Rusty Jiggs And Sandy Sam (The Sierry Petes); Git Along Little Dogies;
My Little Lady (Sadie Brown); Night Herding Song; The Old Chisholm Trail;
Fifteen Cents And A Dollar; Rocky Mountain Belle; Talking Blues; Diamond Joe;
Down In The Willow Garden; I Ride An Old Paint; Jack O'Diamonds; Pretty Boy
Floyd; Do-Re-Me; Dead Or Alive; Grand Coulee Dam; Dust Storm Disaster; I Ain't
Got No Home; So Long, It's Been Good To Know You; Whippin' That Old T. B.
(tracks marked * are duets with DERROLL ADAMS)....
(Bear Family BCD 16630 AH)
Although there were devotees spread around the country, Ramblin' Jack Elliott
effectively brought folk music to ....Britain.... in the mid 1950s and, busking
his way around the nation, introduced the songs of his mentor Woody Guthrie and
of the American Southwest to brand new audiences. Britain also launched
Elliott's recording career, virtually beginning at the time of his arrival in
the country when he was signed up to Topic Records, a non-exclusive that also
saw the American recording for record shop owner Doug Dobell's 77 Records. But
it wasn't until 1958, and his association with Lansdown Studios (created by
broadcaster, record producer and jazz critic Denis Preston, who had earlier
achieved success with skiffle productions) and released through EMI's Columbia
label, that Elliott recorded the majority of his British output. The first
sessions comprised mainly traditional western folk songs like Git Along Little
Doggies, The Old ..Chisholm Trail.., Jack O'Diamonds and I Ride An Old Paint but
it wasn't until a year later – after a short break in the States - that he would
record material from Woody Guthrie's much revered catalogue. In a lineup that
included Alexis Korner (mandolin) and Jack Fallon (string bass), Elliott first
covered such familiar titles as Do-Re-Me, Grand Coulee Dam, I Ain't Got No Home
and So Long, It's Been Good To Know You before, at second session, recording a
selection of children's songs like Howdido, Old Rattler and Riding In My Car.
This collection of 33 tracks (with a running time of almost 89 minutes), brings
together the majority of Elliott's Lansdown Studios recordings, hitherto
unavailable for years, alongside a handful of previously unreleased recordings.
These include Guthrie's Pretty Boy Floyd, Jesse Fuller's San Francisco Bay Blues
and five titles laid down in a 1960 reunion with fellow American Derroll Adams
with whom Elliott toured during his initial British years as the duo The
Rambling Boys. Regarded as a major influence on the development of the folk
scene in Britain (as well as upon Bob Dylan, who idolized Elliott), the
background of the recordings and this period of Ramblin' Jack Elliott's life, is
precisely detailed by Hank Reineke in the accompanying 42 page booklet that also
contains photographs and discography.
Re:RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT THREAD 14 Years, 1 Month ago
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Book Review:
Reineke, Hank. Ramblin' Jack Elliott: The Never-Ending Highway. Scarecrow. Apr. 2010. 434p. illus. discog. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-8108-7256-1. pap. $55. MUSIC
Reineke, the research consult on Aiyana Elliott's award-winning film about her father, The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack, has written the definitive biography of musical legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott, covering many of the seminal events in the history of American folk music. From Elliott's life-changing experience at the World Championship Rodeo at Madison Square Garden, through his formative musical years and friendship with mentor Woody Guthrie, and into the present, Reineke describes the development and maturity of Ramblin' Jack's distinctive musical voice. Elliott's career will be a study in contrasts to the hip, ambitious Bob Dylan. It should come as a surprise to no one that Elliott's story takes some interesting twists and turns as he pursued his muse. He refused to follow trends, seemed at times to lack direction, and could be infuriatingly unreliable and distant to friends and family.
Verdict: This fascinating study of a musical legend never fails to inform and entertain. Recommended for anyone interested in American folk music of the last half century.
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