In praise of Tom Paxton

Subject: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Wesley S
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 01:55 PM

I hope you don't mind if I gush a little bit. But last Saturday night was able to see one of my musical heros - Tom Paxton - in concert for the first time. I've been listening to his records since the 60's but this was the first chance I've had to hear him live. I'm always impressed when I hear a man or woman alone on stage using just a guitar to entertain an audience. We had about 2 hours worth of one excellent song after another. His songs were funny, warm, moving and inspiring. He had tons of stage presence and was nice enough to take time for all of us that wanted to talk afterward. On the way home I thought of at least a dozen more songs he could have sung that he just didn't have enough time to get around to. We're lucky to live in a world that has singers of his caliber. And I wish more of them would come down south. Next time he comes to your town don't miss him.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Bert
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 01:56 PM

You're right on there Wesley. I went to a couple of his workshops a while ago. He's a great guy.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: bobby's girl
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 02:19 PM

I've been lucky enough to see Tom perform live several times, mostly in the seventies. He has never failed to produce a brilliant performance, producing layghter and tears in equal measure - a brilliant artist.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Jack The Lad
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 04:33 PM

Tom was our guest at Jacob's Ladder Folk Festival in Israel- he was all of the above and more. He and his wife Midge are a couple of "mentches"(real gentlefolk and great people)It was a pleasure to have their company for a few days. Jack The Lad

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: JedMarum
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 05:06 PM

I couldn't agree more, Wesley, I am a Tom Paxton fan too! Where was the show?

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Wesley S
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 05:33 PM

It was right here in wind swept Ft Worth at the Trinity Episcopal Church across from TCU. Good crowd { about 300 } good acoustics, and a good opening act too. They are looking for other local folks to open for other shows they have coming up. They have a concert once a month. You need to send them a tape. Let me know if you want the address.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: BlueJay
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 05:49 PM

Wesley- Hear Hear! I just ran across, (and bought), a Best of Tom Paxton CD, "I Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound". What a delight- 26 of his best songs, many in live versions that I've never heard. His influence is everywhere in music. For a long time, I suffered the delusion that John Denver had written "Forest Lawn". A few years ago I found a copy of the song. Imagine my delight and relief to discover that Paxton had actually written the song! I've never had your good fortune to see the man live, but this thread is particularly timely to me as I just got this wonderful, (or should I say "Marvelous"), CD. Thanks, Jay

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: bflat
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 06:07 PM

Yes! Yes, he is clearly one of the most prolific songwriters with a treasure chest of jewels. I've seen him live four times. I believe his best performances occur when he alone occupies the stage. Some of my favorites are: Getting Up Early; Rambling Boy and his collorations with Ms. Graham-White. Don't you just love his short shelf life humorous ditties? A very underrated warm and mellow voice. Most folks talk about his songs but his singing and guitar playing is superb.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,Jim Morley
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 06:17 PM

Couldn't agree more with the posts so far. I saw him first in the early 70's at the time of his 'Complete Tom Paxton' Live LP, in Sheffield (England) City Hall, playing to a packed crowd. I saw him again (still in Sheffield) a few years later, in a much smaller venue where he took the time to talk to individuals after the show, a real gentleman.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: The Shambles
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 06:26 PM

One of my very best memories is seeing Tom Paxton at the Isle of Wight rock festival, in the early 70s. It was magic. One man and one guitar held about 300,000, mainly rock fans, in the palm of his hand. Great bloke.

Nice to say nice things about people while they are still with us, rather than waiting until they are dead. Give us all a chance to see what we have been missing before it is too late.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: DonMeixner
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 06:45 PM

I saw Tom Paxton every October from 1966 to 1970 at The Regents Theatre in Syracuse NY. Tom had a connection at The University so he was onstage prior to the Penn State game every year it seemed. I saw him perform everytime a new LP came out from Ain't That News - #6.

I remember the power of Goodman and Schwerner and Cheney, because I lived through those years. The Willing Concript was special to me because i had a brother who was effected by the draft at that time. My turn came when Jimmy Newman hit the stands. Paxton along with Phil Ochs where my heroes at the time and in many ways still are. Powerful voices of reason in a time when it was in such short supply. Saddly not heard by enough people then.

Happily, Tom is still there to remind us where the road lays. But Oh, I miss Phil. If he could have held on a few years more, what he might have written.

Don

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Lanfranc
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 07:10 PM

As one of the few British singers who still includes a considerable number of Paxton songs in my repertoire, I can only echo everything said above. For some reason there is a view that he is now a bit passe, but he never will be for me. His songs always go down well with the audiences I play to, many of whom are surprised when I introduce songs as his, they often think they're traditional or written by John Denver or even Bob Dylan!

I was lucky enough to meet Tom several times. One night down the Troubadour in London in 1970 he even borrowed my guitar - I was young and impressed and tongue tied, but he put me at my ease.

A nice guy and one of the best and most consistent songwriters ever. Long may he live!

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: canoer
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 07:29 PM

Amen, Don.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 09:21 PM

Did Tom Paxton ever write his autobiography? Or is there a good book or website on Tom Paxton?

Little Neo

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: rangeroger
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 11:34 PM

Little Neo, There is a song book called "Tom Paxton, Ramblin'Boy and other songs",where he gives some background info on his songs.
It was published by Oak Publications in 1965.(found it in my box next to Pete Seeger and Jerry Silverman).May be out of print now but here are the #s.
ISBN:0-8256-0007-3
Lib of Cong.Catalog Card #: 65-26580.
It's a very good book.
rr

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 02:23 AM

When I was a junior in high school I carried a copy of "What Did You Learn In School Today?" folded up in my wallet. (A copy of the page from his book, not the record.) I heard Tom at the Main Point near Philadelphia in 1970. He sang a song I don't think I've ever heard since. I think it was called "Icarus." The chorus went something like: "Can't go home, I'll make 'em cry/Mama's boy, he flew too high/Mama's boy, he'll never learn/He flew too high, his wings got burned" Anybody know the song? Also, does anyone know who Tom's song "Uncle Jack" was written about? He mentioned it at the concert but I guess I wasn't listening.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 02:29 AM

Oh, I did look in the DT, and Tom's song isn't there. But there is a song called "Icarus" by someone named Ann Lister, and it looks like a helluva song. What a place this Mudcat is, eh?

Mark

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Wesley S
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 09:11 AM

Little Neo - Tom did say the other night that he had a larger songbook in the works that he hoped to have out this year. I have the smaller book mentioned above and got him to sign it that night. I don't know anything about a website for him - maybe someone else has - or will start one.

For those of you who remember the song " Jennifer's Rabbit " - Tom told us that his daughter Jennifer made him a grandfather for the second time just a few days earlier. He had a real gleam in his eye and said that's what it's all about.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 09:20 AM

Tom recorded his "Icarus" (different from the Anne Lister and Paul Winter songs of the same name) on "How Come the Sun," an LP from the early-1970s on Reprise that's been out-of-print for many years.

In 1969, when I was 15 and in high school, I went to a folk concert in a big gym at McGill University in Montreal that was billed as a blanket concert. Most of the people sat on blankets on the gym floor. There was one long bench at the back of the gym. Being there alone, I sat on the bench.

The first half of the concert was a series of short sets by the cream of local performers: Penny Lang, Bruce Murdoch, Jesse Winchester and a couple of others. The singing MC was Tex König.

Sitting next to me on the bench was man of about 30. We struck up a conversation, and he made some good suggestions to me about folk music performers and records I might enjoy. At the intermission, he said his goodbye and left.

To start the second half, Tex came on stage and introduced "the man we'd all been waiting for...TOM PAXTON!" and, to my surprise, out comes this guy I'd been talking to all night.

Tom, to say the least, was wonderful that night. And it was that concert, more than any other that set me on the path that continues to this day.

Years later, when I was running a folk club in Montreal, Tom did annual concerts there and we became friends. A friendship, I'm pleased to say, that still endures.

And Tom remains one of my very favorite performers and songwriters.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Grab
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 10:48 AM

Anyone know if he's doing anything in Britain anytime soon?

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 11:02 AM

Fans,If you were to recommend one of his currently available recordings as a good showcase(preferably without too many "childrens songs") which would you recommend?
RtS (One step at a time. I went into a record store on Saturday and bought nothing. SHE who says I'm a compulsive record buyer bought 3 CDs and a cassette!)

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: BlueJay
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 01:31 PM

RTS- I'd buy it all if I had the money. Look at my reply to this thread above for my most recent purchase. It does have kid's songs, but only a couple: Zoo and Marvelous Toy. But it also has Forest lawn, Talking Vietnam Potluck Blues, What Did you Learn In School Today?, Jimmy Newman, Jennifer's Rabbit, Willing conscript, and many others. It does not include the aforementioned Icarus, which I have not yet heard. To me, an absolutely delightful album, and my grandson thinks so , too. Jay

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: canoer
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 04:08 PM

Besides, Marvelous Toy is IMHO a real gem anyway.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Tig
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 04:24 PM

I'll never forget sharing breakfast with Tom at Redcar Folk Festival a few years back when my Katy was younger and much taken with him. Between us we decided that Katy's must all start from the same mould (try the song Katy written for his daughter)! He's a smashing fella and a superb songwriter who I'd go to see at any given opportunity.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Joe Offer
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 05:15 PM

Roger - you're looking for one perfect Tom Paxton CD? Check out The Best of Tom Paxton: I Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound (click). This is the first I've seen on the new Rhino/Elektra Traditions label. It's high time somebody came out with reissues from the Elektra folk catalog. I hope they come out with may more like this one. 26 great songs on this reissue - WOW!
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Peter T.
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 05:25 PM

I agree with Joe (in all senses, come on Rhino/Electra!). I bought it a couple of months ago, and it is never far from the CD player. yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Lanfranc
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 05:45 PM

I wonder if his ears are burning!

Why is there no site for Tom Paxton? Everybody else seems to have one. If I only had time!

It's good to find that there are still enthusiasts out there.

As to him coming to Britain, I have a vague memory that he was due to come this year, but there was some problem - I'll dig back a couple of months in the magazines and things. If I find anything positive, I'll post it.

"Thank you for the honour of your company"

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,Marian Fripp
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 05:45 PM

Please - does anyone know if he is coming to England? I saw him several times in the 70's at Bournemouth and he was brilliant. All on his own you could hear a pin drop. How can you choose a song and say that is your favourite - I can't. Just as I decide I remember another one and then another and then another. They're all so good. Oh please, please if anyone knows him ask him to come back to Bournemouth - or anywhere in the UK.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 05:59 PM

Back in January or February, I had an e-mail from Tom who was then on tour in England. So, I think those of you over there who are asking may have missed him recently.

Earlier today I told Tom about this thread. Maybe he'll check in.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 06:25 PM

Well, Mike in that case........
Hi Tom,
It's me Little Neo.
I would love to know when your new songbook is going to be published.
Have you notice, you got a lot of admires around here?
As for me, I am new to folk music and would like to have a better understanding of who my forefathers are.
Many thanks for your grand contributions.

Little Neo

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 10:16 PM

Great story Mike!

Like others here, its hard NOT to be a Tom Paxton fan. Its not been mentioned specifically but its obvious from the postings, the breadth and diversity of his work amazes me. AND, he has written some real classics from ballads to humor to political songs. Simply amazing.

I've only been able to see him once, but it was memorable!

Spaw

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 03:53 AM

Thanks to all for the recommendations, duly noted for next trip to record shop!
RtS

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: BlueJay
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 01:27 PM

I love threads like this, 'nuff said. Forgive me, I just want to bring it back up and see what else surfaces. Joe Offer, that is the same CD I bought, and in the words of Victor Hugo's publisher: !

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 12:48 AM

Still wondering if anybody knows who "Uncle Jack" was written about. It's on Tom Paxton 6, with some other gems. For those who don't know the song, it's about a boy who has been living with his Uncle Jack, an artist, but is being removed from this home. As I recall, Tom said that the prototype of Uncle Jack was blacklisted during the McCarthy reign of terror. "Uncle Jack, they hate you so, you fought to keep me here I know, and now we must accept it and I'll try..." It's a powerful song.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: JedMarum
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 02:16 AM

Wesley - yes, I'd like the address, please ([e-mail]). I'd like to find out more about playing out that way. I just booked another night at Poor David's Pub (June 8). Do you ever get out that way? It's a great place, I've enjoyed playing there and have always enjoyed the other acts I've played with there, too.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: kendall
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 06:05 PM

What always amazes me is his ability to write so many kinds of songs...unlike some other song writers, his dont all sound alike. For instance, The Marvelous Toy on one end, then On The Road From Shrebenitsa (sic) the tape is in the car so dont know how to spell it. From light and funny to downright sad and very moving.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: The Shambles
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 06:50 PM

Message from Tom Paxton

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 02:28 AM

I've been privileged to hear Tom perform several times at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS, and even got a chance to speak with him very briefly after one of his "Story Songs" performances there. As Wesley said, way back up there, one of my heroes. Tom, we missed you in 1999--come back soon.

Lin

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,graham,,,,,ayr,,,,,,,,,,,
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 05:14 PM

re all this tom paxton praise stuff; couldn't agree more with all the sentiments expressed,, first saw tom in glasgow c69 & 70 ish again glasgow 78/9 ish. next ayr & irvine, ayrshire in 90's. "every time" t'was the best. but early this year, back in jan in glasgow as the finale to celtic connections festival he was on stage with archie fisher, dick gaughan, brian mcneil & eric bogle all together (at least in 2nd half) and t'was really, really good....... imagine all those folk all together, what a treat etc etc.......... we await the next visitation in this part of the world ie south/west/central scotland,(if you hadn't already worked that out) bye, gc ayr

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 08 Apr 00 - 07:39 AM

G'day All,

I met Tom Paxton a few years back at the Illawarra Folk Festival, Jamberoo (New South Wales, Australia). He proved to be a warm and approachable person - as well as a great performer. I relation to Alan Francis' remark that British audiences consider him passé, his one (wry) complaint was that eveyone wanted him to sing all his old stuff they grew up with - instead of his interesting, current and modern latest songs!

I have a photograph I took of the final concert finale - with all the assembled performers on stage. Young Kate Fagan, of the local family group The Fagans, looks as if she is about to be swept up inrapture to the heavens ... standing on stage next to Tom Paxton!

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: kendall
Date: 08 Apr 00 - 12:35 PM

Say ,Guest, in SW Scotland, do you know if Gaberlunzie still perform? Gordon set up a tour for me 10 years ago, but, I've lost track of them since.(By the way, Scotland is my second most favorite place in the world)

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Wesley S
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 11:36 AM

I thought I'd revive my old thread since Tom has a new CD out - his first one in many years. I know I'll be getting one soon. It's called "Comedians and Angels".


Tom Paxton

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 03:31 PM

And it has to be one of his best if not THE best.   CHeck my review of it at Bill Hahn

I also featured it a few times on TRADITIONS on WFDU.

Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 04:02 PM

I'm always impressed with songwriters who can write songs that become even more meaningful as the years pass by. Tom is such a writer. His, "Whose Garden is this", strikes more chords now ( with talk of ecological disaster) than when it was written.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Slag
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 04:20 PM

I don't know, it just could be that a Tom Paxton song may be the last thing on my mind when I leave this world.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: topical tom
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 06:15 PM

My wife and I have been very fortunate to have seen Tom live several times at the Golem coffeehouse operated by Mike Regenstrief back in the 70's.We also saw him later at the Champlain Valley Folk Festival!What a marvellous singer-songwriter he is!From children's songs ("Don't Slay That Potatoe")to his short-shelf political-social comments ("One Million Lawters")he pens and sings all with great stage presence and sincerity. An entertainer to be seen if at all possible.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: open mike
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 03:52 AM

Tom has appeared several times recently at the kate Wolf memorial fest.
and he has had several "albums" recently, too. One with Anne Hills, and
otheres listed here: http://www.tompaxton.com/discography.html
He also wrote a wonderful tribute to the firefighters on 9-11. He writes topical songs with info about current events, he calls them short shelf life songs. here is his web site: www.tompaxton.com

I sing several of his songs: Last Thing on my Mind, Wonder Where I'm Bound, Ramblin' Boy, and one he does with Anne Hills "Follow That Road" and I would like to learn My Pony Knows The Way, Early Snow, and LInks in the Chain. A friend once asked me to help him learn Outward Bound for a memorial to his brother, whose ashes the family planned to sprinkle on teh sea from a boat as it was outward bound...

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Guldhamstern
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 07:52 PM

I first noticed who Tom was when i looked for the man who had wrote "I Give You The Morning". I bought The Things I notice Now on wich contains I Give You The Morning. But the song that really made that record was All Night Long. Two of the most beautiful song on the same album.

Then I heard a cover of Everytime on Patrick Sky:s debut, also a very beautiful song.

And that is my Paxton story so far. A short story with a couple of beautiful songs.


Notice that i don't have the english language in my blood.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 08:28 PM

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Chris in Portland
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 08:56 PM

If you haven't heard it, I'd recommend the Best of Friends cd that Tom did with Ann Hills and Bob Gibson. Tom, of course, writes some of the most singable songs ever, but adding the harmonies here is really something special - and it's one of Gibson's best too.
Chris in Portland

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: topical tom
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 01:21 PM

Thanks for opening this thread. I have been fortunate to have seen Tom perform live many times and each event was a great pleasure. He has written and sung so many moving songs of peace, justice and love that I could never mention them all. There are his classics, "Rambling Boy","The Last Thing On MY Mind" and "The Honor of Your Company", to name but a few.Then there are the "short shelf songs" such as "George W. Bush Told The Nation"(though ,sad to say ,that is still all too pertinent), "I Don't Want a Bunny-wunny in my Widdle Wow Boat",and "Birmingham Sunday".He has also written many children's songs. My granddaughter's favorite was "Don't Slay That Potato". Tom is at the top of my all-time favorite singer-songwriter list. Though I have seen him many times I would never miss an opportunity to see him again.Simply an outstanding artist.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Betsy
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 02:19 PM

I haven't read many of the postings above .All I would say (as someone from the UK) you can't praise Tom Paxton highly enough for his contribution to the UK Folk revival .

Good on ya Tom

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 06:40 PM

Topical Tom - "George Bush told the nation" must be one of the longest "Short shelf life songs" ever then, as it was originally written in the 60's as "Lyndon Johnson told the nation" vis-a-vis the Vietnam war, but then Tom re-cycled/updated it himself!
Last saw him in Glasgow this January, where I met several friends afterwards - all with that silly grin of reminiscence and sheer enjoyment on our faces. Seen him 3 times in Scotland over the last 3-4 years after an all-too-long gap of 30+ years!

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: KenM
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 11:45 PM

Last saw Tom in Chicago about two years ago with Cheryl Wheeler....as always a great show!!

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,Anne
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 08:34 AM

We, in Scotland, have had the privilege of receiving many visits from Tom. He tells the story of his daughter, while a student in Scotland, telling someone that her father had written 'Last thing on my mind'and being told that this was not true as it was a traditional Scottish song! In the 1960s when the folk revival was in its infancy my brother David, who sang in a group called The Livingstones, brought Tom home for his dinner before a concert. As a youngster, I couldn't quite believe that this was Tom Paxton, sitting with our large family at the kitchen table, having home made soup and chatting easily with us all.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 08:37 AM

He's played all around me but never where I am when I'm there.

I first learned of him from a girl I was dating, way back in 1965/6. Even his short-shelf-life songs resonate later. And his rendition of "Sully's Bucket" continues to be one of my favorites.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 10:21 AM

Topical Tom,

You mentioned "Birmingham Sunday" as a Tom Paxton song. Although he sang it with Anne Hills on their CD of duets, it was written by Richard Farina.

"The Honor of Your Company," I think is my all-time favorite Paxton song. There are so many other great ones.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Newport Boy
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 12:04 PM

Re his short-shelf-life songs, my favourite is the Ballad of Spiro Agnew. It's also his shortest song (unless someone knows better).

Full song follows:


(Guitar intro - 8 bars)

I'll sing of Spiro Agnew, and all the things he's done..
.....


Phil

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: topical tom
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 12:18 PM

GUEST: I stand corrected. Richard Farina did write "Birmingham Sunday". I have the cd "Under American Skies" and was privileged to hear it sung live by Tom and Anne. Another of his "short shelf songs" I like is "John Ashcroft and the Spirit of Justice". What a prolific craftsman of song!

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: KenM
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 01:57 PM

Paxton is an absolute delight on record/cd but especially in concert where that wonderful sense of humor (much like Tom Rush's) is on display. The last time I saw him he did a wonderful paraody of Last Thing on My Mind. Here's how it goes:

Well I met a young girl at a folk club,
Like you do, Like you do,
So I bought her a drink and we chatted,
Wouldn't you? Wouldn't you?
And then after the show, she invited me home
And she said we were two of a kind
Then she played me every record that Tom Paxton ever made
And you know that was the last thing on my mind

One of my favorite Paxton albums is now out of print, "Tom Paxton 6" which has a wonderful collection of songs on it including "Jimmy Neuman", "Cindy's Crying" and a raucous song called "Saturday Night" which is in the same genre as "Wasn't That A Party?" but, I think, much better.

"Not Tonight, Marie" from a 70s album is a real hoot.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: KenM
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 02:03 PM

BTW.....I think you can download the short-shelf songs from his website.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,aeola
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 02:13 PM

I had the privilege of meeting Tom Paxton at the first of the Coombe Abbey folk fests, as there were very few people there it was quite an intimate atmosphere, especially the workshops. A real 'gent' and excellent artist.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: kendall
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 02:13 PM

There is, in the works, a new double CD as a tribute to Utah Phillips. There are many performers who have donated a song for the CD, and Tom is one of them. Most of the songs are Utah's, but a few that are not. Pete Seeger wrote one just for the CD. When it is released, the details will be posted here.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 02:16 PM

Newport Boy,

Sorry, but not his shortest "Short Shelf Life" SOng. He wrote one after George Bush's election (I believe). A brief guitar intro and the word "Shit".

Big RiB

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Newport Boy
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 03:49 PM

You're right, Roger - I'd forgotten that one.

Phil

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: kendall
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 10:27 PM

And he did that one with such feeling!

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: eddie1
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 04:53 AM

Last year I was involved in making a radio programme with Berkshire Women's Aid with interviews and music. The women and children chose and indeed performed some of the tracks, I chose the rest.
This year, thanks to Mudcat, I discovered this:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=yRn8J3G9GGo

In many ways it would have been perfect for the programme but I would have had great difficulty in continuing,

Eddie

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 07:39 AM

Tough one to watch: turned it into a blue clicky:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=yRn8J3G9GGo

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: kendall
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 07:49 AM

Any male who beats a woman or child is nothing but a goddamn coward. Note that I did not say man.He is not a man.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Bill S from Adelaide
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 08:59 AM

Anybody remember him at the first Bardney festival in 71, one man and a guitar holding 30000 people spellbound, I've been a fan forever.
We were invited to the Letterkenny festival in 81 with the cloggies, a great time to represent England during the hunger strikes just after a couple had died. We had no bother except a bit of stirring from a showband which roused nobody. Even in the local IRA bar, we were invited to join "tis a great loife". But there was a tension in the air from the "men with guns".
Tom played the main concert, avoiding any politics except he sang "Peace will come" as an encore. The memory of it still makes my hair stand on end, the whole audience rose and bellowed the song, big Irish farmers and nuns all crying openly, how Tom lasted as long as he did, I don't know, but he left the stage in tears. If you see him, ask him if he remembers it, I'm sure he will. I always will.
That night, every banner and photo in town just went, the fear had gone for a while.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: topical tom
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 10:35 AM

Just to add a bit that I forgot, although other catters referred to it, Tom can move an audience from tears to joy in a matter of minutes and one still comes away with a happy feeling. Only Eric Bogle and Pete Seeger can do so to such a degree, in my opinion.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Celtaddict
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 12:14 PM

I have heard and admired Tom Paxton songs for years, of course, but on Sunday night I had the privilege of hearing him live in concert for the first time. He participated in a special concert at The Bitter End in Greenwich Village, with Liam Clancy; Odetta and Oscar Brand were among the other performers. I saw him around before the concert and kept thinking I should know who he was. I was already a fan of his songs (I believe Judy Collins wrote about a man who could write both a good love song and a hard-hitting protest song) but was absolutely dazzled when he was onstage. Dazzled seems an odd word, since he was very lowkey, personable, as if he were singing to me in my own kitchen, but dazzled I was.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Newport Boy
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 01:14 PM

You're right about Tom seeming to perform to you personally.

We saw Tom at Colston Hall in Bristol (2000 seats) - we were in row 5 of the stalls. My daughter was about 5, so that makes it 1967 or 68. Tom sang The Marvellous Toy, finishing quietly on guitar, and Cathy stood up and announced in piping tone, "My Daddy sings that song".

Tom smiled and gave a little bow to me, while our 7-year-old son covered his head in embarrassment.

Cathy reminded him of the incident in 2005, and he was good enough to pretend to remember.

Phil

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 04:42 PM

"I love those dear hearts and gentle people," of whom Tom Paxton is definitely one. Though I had heard his music and performed a number of his songs over the years, I had not seen him perform until about three years ago at the University of California San Diego campus. He appeared with Mike Seeger and the dreaded Louden Wainwright III.

I say "dreaded" only because with "Loud," you're never quite sure what happens next. Funny guy. It was a great show by all, including one exceptional blues singer whose name escapes me. Tom and Mike stayed afterward for a long time, chatting, autographing and, of course, selling. Tom was such an approachable and thoroughly likeable person that everyone went home feeling like they had just made a new friend. Perhaps they had.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 04:58 PM

The blues man was John Hammond. Powerful performer. Senior moment.

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Colin Randall
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 01:31 AM

Tom has a fan in Abu Dhabi, too.

And before this marvellous thread slips from view for another eight years, that fan would like to say that his own memories of seeing and once meeting Tom have been stirred by other people's reminscences here.
I can hardly believe that when I first went to see him, all of 35 years ago in Durham (UK), I half-expected to find it a bore, having persuaded myself that I'd grown out of him, that he was no longer relevant, however much I'd liked him before. I am delighted to say that I was completely wrong; the concert was outstanding and Tom's performance - with all its humour, romance, commitment to social justice and sheer class - won me over anew.

I hope no one minds that I have reproduced a few of the comments from here in my own tribute to Tom, posted at some unearthly hour this morning at
Salut! Live

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: KenM
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 03:48 PM

I'm primarily an academic administrator these days but back in the day when I was more active as a classroom instructor in social work degree programs, "She Sits on the Table" was required listening im my classes. So was another song from the same album whose title eludes me but it was about a mentally challenged boy. I remember a line of the chorus went, " he may be slow but he's right on time..."

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,A friend
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 04:02 PM

KenM,

The song is "He May Be Slow."

He May Be Slow

Subject: RE: In praise of Tom Paxton
From: Wesley S
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 04:18 PM

It appears that "He May Be Slow" is from this recording. That ANOTHER Tom Paxton song I'll have to learn.

The Paxton Report