Bob Nelson's CD release-Songs I Sing After Dark

Subject: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 10:18 PM

At the tender age of 70, I have finally released my first CD! It was a labor of love and a lot of fun. And with the production skills of Stewart Hendrickson, it came out quite well.

The CD is titled: "SONGS I SING AFTER DARK."

Here's the song list: COTTON EYED JOE, I COME FOR TO SING, JOHN HARDY, BILLY THE KID, JESSE JAMES, DELIA'S GONE, OLD SETTLER, SKAMOKAWA GIRL, OLD SOD SHANTY (Northwest version), HOUSEWIFE'S LAMENT, CLE ELUM GIRL, STAR OF BANNACK, LOUISE, MARY ANNE, PETER AMBERLY, PIRATE SERENADE, WALKER IN THE SNOW, THE LITTLE LAND, THE TROUBADOR SONG, WARP & REELING, MRS. MacDONALD'S LAMENT, LAST LETTER HOME, WANDERING AENGUS, CAPE ANNE.

Background notes are included.

It'a available in the U.S. for $15, shipping included. Just PM me. CHEERS, Bob Nelson, Everett, Washington

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 09:41 AM

Congratulations Bob. Its about time. I will order one today.

Mike

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 10:24 AM

Bob-

I'll start saving for one today.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 02:08 PM

Bob,

I definitely want to order one, but can't do PM's. Send one to Katlaughing and she can forward it to me----please.(need address to send a check to.)
It looks to be filled with some grand songs! Right down my alley! Star of Bannock is a beaut -- a favorite for many years.
All the best,
Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 02:10 PM

I MEANT SEND A PM WITH THE INFO TO KAT L. --- NOT the CD.
Art

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 02:26 PM

Got it Art. I'll do just that! Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: kendall
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 02:38 PM

I'll send my address via PM.

I see we have similar tastes in music. My new one will also have Last Letter Home, and possibly, Jesse James.

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 02:49 PM

I suspect that you'll find my version of Jesse James pretty interesting. By the way, we share another ballad in commen: "Palace Grand." That will be on my next CD. Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 04:29 PM

Now that I know about this (missed it earlier!) I will be saving up for one, too. Ought to be able to order it later in May.

Artdarlin'...just emailed you the info from Bob.:-)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: emjay
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 04:55 PM

A great cd!
I wish I had started this thread myself. I have the cd and I love it. It is easy to listen to, great to sing along with, and since I know most of the songs or some version of them it moved to the top of my favorites list right away.
I am just sorry it is Bob's first cd. He should have many out by this time in his career. I have been listening to it since I found this thread and tried again to see if there is any one song on it to recommend. No, there are 'way too many really wonderful ones. Cotton-Eyed Joe -- The Old Settler -- Little Old Log Cabin --- Skamokawa Girl (try saying that, let alone sing it!) -- Walker in the Snow. And all the rest of them.
Martie
PS The Weavers do that version of Jesse James. Bob moves in very good company. Now it's going to be running through my head for at least the rest of this day.

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: mg
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 10:10 PM

Who wrote Skamokowa girl? Have I heard it? mg

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 10:17 PM

I'll be VERY surprised if you've heard it! Bob (but you could have heard it in Skamokowa last November). Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 10:28 PM

Well, apart from the great guitar work, the fine singing, the excellent choice of songs, the superior arrangements, and the overall good music, I'd have to rate it as about average for this sort of recording.

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 11:09 PM

Bob--Kat,

I got the address! The Czech'll be in the male tomorrow!!

Art

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 12:30 AM

Bob sent me a copy a couple of weeks ago, and I really enjoyed it. Good old American songs, well sung. Some nice stories, too.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: ranger1
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 12:28 PM

Cool, Bob! Yet another CD to add to my list of things I'm going to treat myself to when I have more than two pennies to rub together.

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: open mike
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 03:11 PM

count me in!!
can you do pay pal?
Laurel

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 05:25 PM

Laurel, just PM me your mailing address and I'll mail it tomorrow. Throw me a check, or some cash in an envelope. Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 07:28 PM

Not sure what I did other than have a school girl crush on Old Walt -but I got mine. I too am shocked that this is Bob's first CD. He has a beautiful voice and his choice of songs is wonderful.

Mrs. MacDonald's Lament. Last Letter Home and Cape Ann. All favorites of mine. Had you asked me what to record I would have mentioned all three. My opinion - Bob gets this song right, better than Gordon himself. All the frustration, anger and bitterness is there and all Bob does is sing the song.

Then The Troubedour Song. SIGH...you couldn't know it but I was wooed with this one, gave my heart and he went off with a F**kin' nurse. I have tried to find a recording of this for years. I guess Burl Ives did it. Thanks...I think.

Jesse James deserves at least fifty more verses - Jesse seen thru his woman's eyes. I plan to write a few myself.

Delia's Gone is just a little bit different. In fact all of these songs are just a bit different. Bob adds without taking away - I mean that the song takes center stage, not Bob. Wonderful stuff.

Louise - WOW! "Women like Louise get by" I will learn this one.

Mary Anne has been among my favorites since I was a girl. The Ian and Silvia classic. I have to remember to sing it at the Press Room.

Peter Amberly - I know this as something else. Help! "The Cockie at Bungeree"?

Wandering Aengus is new to me (as are a number of others). Suits Bob's voice perfectly. He nails this one.

This will stay on the multi-CD player with Beginner's Luck and the Boarding Party for a long time to come.

What have you planned for CD#2? And when are you coming east for a tour?

SINS

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 07:46 PM

My opinion = Mrs. MacDonald's Lament.

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 07:49 PM

Gordon Bok writes from his soul. It's a pure honor to sing his songs. Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 07:59 PM

Bob my check did indeed go out to you today -- Monday April 30th.

Also included is a copy of a SELF PRODUCED CD BOOTLEG of some of my stuff that I put together for our 2 granddaughters. Some is from old issued recordings of mine. Mostly it's stuff from live shows of the past.

It's all kid-friendly--at least that was my intention.

Art

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 08:09 PM

Kittos Art! (that's Finnish for much thanks). "Bride Judy" mailed of your copy this morning, as well as copies to everyone else that contacted me by PM. Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 08:52 PM

Yeah, Bob's recording of Paul Siebel's "Louise" was a pleasant surprise. I've loved that song since I heard the Bonnie Raitt recording. I thought I should work it up to sing myself, but didn't think I could hold a candle to Bonnie Raitt.

But now that I've heard a "normal" person like Bob sing it and do it well, maybe I can do it.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 08:59 PM

One last thought...look at the pictures. No scruffy folksinger here. heh heh

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 10:12 PM

I don't know, Bob, maybe this CD is a bit premature, if you know what I mean. :) Congrats and I'd love to get a SIGNED copy from you at Folklife next month.

Jon Bartlett

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 10:49 PM

I'd love a copy, too, Bob

will you be selling thru CD-baby? or similar?

or maybe I can arrange to get a copy thru a US catter friend

sandra

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 10:49 PM

Jon ... I just PM'd you. Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: mg
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 11:26 PM

Ha ha I have heard him in person many times but unfortunately I was so distracted by his utter handsomeness that I forgot to listen intently to the music. mg

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 11:59 PM

Sandra ... I just PM'd you. Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Rapparee
Date: 01 May 07 - 09:19 AM

Huh! Just because he sings and plays well, just because he arranges well and chooses his stuff well, everybody wants one of his CDs. Well, I've had one for a couple weeks and you know what? It's NOT as good as you think! No! If you look at the picture on the label you'll see quite clearly that his pants are badly ripped in a most embarassing spot. You have to look closely because in the picture he's facing you.

Now, if I ever do a CD I'll be sure to have the rip plainly visible. In fact, my album, unlike Bob's, will be a total rip.

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 01 May 07 - 10:39 AM

No, no, no!

Take about fifty safety pins and close that rip.

Then, when the spotlight hits those, the darkened concert hall will be bathed with scads of star-like beautifully diffused and differentiated beams of light playing all over the ceiling and walls of said gathering hall. It will be absolutely psychedelic!

As Ed Murrow would/might say, "I can see it now!!!"

Art

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Rapparee
Date: 01 May 07 - 11:49 AM

And when those safety pins pop open you'll hear notes you've never heard before. Maybe some new lyrics, sort of, too. I promise it.

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: GUEST,SINSULL at work
Date: 01 May 07 - 01:08 PM

Rapaire,
Why exactly were your eyes drawn t that spot in the first place? A long repressed ache for the Deckman? An obsession with folkies' private parts? Boredom?

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 01 May 07 - 05:12 PM

MY GAWD ... You folks ALL have   w a a a a y   too much time on your hands! Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Don Firth
Date: 01 May 07 - 09:06 PM

There is a well-known female singer—perhaps she's more specifically country than folk—who, judging from comments I've read here on Mudcat, is a real favorite of a lot of people. She's very attractive, and although she's not a kid anymore, she's "maturing" beautifully, she's most lovely to look upon, and her voice is a pleasure to listen to.

But half of the time, I can't tell what in hell the woman is singing. I recognize the songs okay; she's right on pitch. And her voice is lovely. But she mush-mouths the words. And, unfortunately, she is not the only one.

And what does this have to do with Bob's CD?

Bob and I have known each other for fifty-four years, and we've been singing with each other and at each other off and on for most of that time. I didn't really notice this about Bob's singing at first because it sort of sneaks up on you. I don't think I have ever heard Bob sing a song where I didn't hear and understand all the words. Every one of them. Bob's enunciation is as good as it gets. Precise, clean, crisp, and clear.

But here's the real beauty of it:   You don't notice it! It's not as if he's obviously taken elocution lessons ("How now, brown cow?") or sings in stage-English. He just speaks and sings clearly.

Bob tells how Bill Higley, his folk music mentor when he was thirteen or so, would stop him in the middle of a song, saying, "What? What was that? I can't hear the words!" and make him sing it over and over again until he was satisfied. And Bob got it. He probably doesn't even have to think about it anymore. He just does it. Second nature.

Add to this his smooth, rich baritone voice and a range of songs that encompasses everything from what might be called the "standard folk repertoire" to an occasional country song to Woody Guthrie songs to John Denver when the spirit moves him, and back around the horn again, occasionally surprising me with songs I've never heard him do before—or never even heard before. He's got a couple of those on this CD.

Bob dropped by a few weeks back and presented me with a copy (thank you, sir!) and I've listened to it about umpteen times since then. When you get your copy, pour yourself a cuppa coffee or tea. Or a beer, or a glass of wine. Then kick back and prop your feet up. This is a casual and pleasantly relaxed CD, and Bob gives you the "program notes" as he goes along. It's like spending an evening with him, either at an informal house concert, or just sitting and swapping songs with him.

I'm looking forward to the next one, Bob.

By the way:   easy does it, ladies (and others. . . .).   Bob's married to the lovely Judy.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: frogprince
Date: 01 May 07 - 09:34 PM

Funny thing, Don, but Emmy Lou Harris seems to be like that sometimes, too...: )
Do you think I'd spend 15 good bucks just on the word of a bunch of you clowns here?




...yeah, guess I will...

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Rapparee
Date: 01 May 07 - 09:52 PM

No, no -- the rip's on the side AWAY from you.

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Don Firth
Date: 01 May 07 - 10:22 PM

Funny you should pick up on Emmy-Lou, frogprince. . . .

God, I love that woman's singing, but I just wish she wouldn't mumble the words!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 01 May 07 - 10:38 PM

I sure wish I had hair like she does! Oh ... wait a minute ... I think I do! Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Don Firth
Date: 02 May 07 - 03:44 PM

I hate to break this to you, Bob, but she has quite a bit more hair than you have*.

And . . . well . . . it does look better on her.

Don Firth

*But then, look who's talking about "more hair. . . ."

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:02 PM

I've ALWAYS known that you have very GOOD taste ... Barbara, Ellen, Joanie, Patti ... shall I continue? Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 02 May 07 - 04:04 PM

Don,

I totally agree with you on Emmylou. I find her unlistenable because she completely chops off hard consonants at the ends of words. It's one of my pet peeves. Other singers that do that are unlistenable for me too.

Art

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Don Firth
Date: 02 May 07 - 06:54 PM

Yeah, Art, I've often wondered why a friend doesn't take her aside and put a word in her ear. They'd be doing her and her fans a big favor.

Well, lemme see, now. . . .

Joan!? Oh, no! If you're referring to the dark-haired, steamy Joan I'm thinking of (uh. .  .  no, this Joan was not a singer, in case anybody. . . .). I'd sooner get entangled in a pit of rattlesnakes!

But there was Pat G., Nancy S., Claire H., Mary Lou G., Ellen. C., Jane P. and Jane C., Bonnie O., Carol G., Lola L., Marcia H., Karin S., Luanne B., Tedi V., and. . . .

. . . of course, the lovely Patti.   Beautiful, intelligent, and a singer-guitarist. . . .   All of those guys drooling and panting and hitting on her. I didn't. Not that I didn't think about it, mind you. But a) I regarded her as a dear friend, and b) if I'd done the same drooling, panting, and hitting on her as everyone else, I would have been just another one of the thundering herd. So—I backed off and was just her friend. Maybe I missed out. But I wound up probably spending more time with her than almost anybody else, particularly that long line of lustful Lotharios.

And then, along came Barbara. Thirty years of wedded bliss.

Yeah, I guess I do have a pretty good eye.

Life is good!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 08 May 07 - 12:44 AM

Bob,

I got it!!! Thanks. Great to hear so many old favorites. An old style balladeer in the same camp as Paul Clayton, Sam Hinton and even moi. I'm glad to have it sir.
All the best,

Art

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Stewart
Date: 08 May 07 - 02:12 PM

Bob, it looks like we're going to have to crank up the old CD-burner and burn another 50 copies. And as for Vol. 2, the microphones are set up and waiting for you.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: GUEST,SINS at work
Date: 09 May 07 - 01:08 PM

Funny - I thought of Paul Clayton too.

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Deckman
Date: 09 May 07 - 05:21 PM

I wonder if Paul Clayton was ever told just how much he sounds like ME! Bob

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 11 May 07 - 10:38 AM

Wow, I just listened to Bob's CD and it is GREAT!!! I'm looking forward to sharing some songs with Bob when I come down to Seattle next week. Anyhone who enjoys wonderful folk music and terrific stories needs to get this CD. So scrape together your pennies and order one for your CD collection, you will enjoy it.

Mike

Subject: RE: Bob Nelson's CD release!
From: frogprince
Date: 11 May 07 - 12:33 PM

Well, it took a bit, after someone in the Postal Service stomped on the first copy Bob sent, but I got to hear the guy.
I don't know Paul Clayton. But I don't think Bob sounds any better than Cisco Houston would have, had he lived another 30 years, and his voice remained strong and mellowed just right all the while. If you don't quite get what I mean there, you haven't seen me leaning back, blissed out, listening to Cisco. My wife's reaction was pretty straightforward: "He has a beautiful voice".

I have no idea whether Bob can do "flashy" guitar playing, but he plays fine accompaniement, and obviously knows how much is just enough for this kind of songs.

If any of you are still deciding about this one, GO FOR IT.
                           Dean.