I emceed a live radio broadcast with Jim and Mary from The Second Fret in Oklahoma City in 1984. Jim had just written this song and announced it from the stage as "The Brand New New Deal Blues." He even sang a verse or two from Stephen Foster's "Hard Times" to introduce it.
I have been looking for this song ever since, and this is the first time I've come across it in all these years.
Wonderful people and great musicians. Thanks for posting this.
I met Jim and Mary at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in the late 70's. I gave them a cassette of a couple of my cowboys songs. Never heard from them but it was nice of them to take it with a smile. Both have always been among my favorite singer/songwriters. RIP Jim.
I saw Jim at the University of Buffalo during a weekly "Coffeehouse Concert" on a Friday Night in 1974 or 75. They had three cameras and a mixer and one of the camera guys had to take a leak so they let me fill in for about three minutes. Jim had a big ole Yellow Rose tattooed on his right forearm. It looked cool to me and I zoomed in with the camera. The guy on the mixing board said: "Nice!"
Great post! I first learned of Mary McCaslin and Jim Ringer in the mid-1970s when a Boston alternative station played "San Bernadino Waltz", "Bramble and the Rose", and many others. I was shocked to learn from the liner notes to the "Best of Mary McCaslin" of Jim Ringer's death. It would be great if more material by Jim Ringer and Mary McCaslin could be posted -- it must be out there.
Just saw "Crazy Heart" last night. It could've been based on Jim and Mary. He was a good bit older than her, had already lived a rough life, she was a city sort of folkie. Together they made some lovely music.
This is a wonderful contribution! Jim Ringer is, by my lights anyhow, the best traditional country voice I've ever heard recorded. I have most of his audio recordings, but I'd never seen a video recording until this. Good hunting! I believe that Mr. Ringer passed away in 1992, and he and the lovely Mary parted ways in 1989, so this was probably recorded some time prior to 1989. Many thanks.
Hi, I just happen to think of Jim & Mary while on youtube, and took the chance to see if they were there...and there they were! I knew them way back when. About 1978 thru 1980 or so. We all lived in Muscoy, CA., a rural distric of San Bernardino, CA. Everyone hung out at The Penny University where local musicians would jam. I hadn't seen them since then.
Where did you find out about their splitting up and Jim passing away? I am totally stunned!
I guess I found Jim through Mary. Back in the late 70's I was a fan of Mary's recording's. This led to that and I stumbled upon Jim. I am a devoted fan of both.
Part of a special that was broadcast on Public Broadcasting Service ca. 80's (America's Folk Vol.2). I first saw it on Vermont Public Television ca. 96/97. Couldn't get it out of my mind. Recently, I found a used copy of the VHS on amazon.
Wow. Finally got to see my Grandpa perform. Thanks for posting this.
DECK2509 3 weeks ago
wow...this is great. Thanks for posting.
cimarronjim1 1 month ago
I emceed a live radio broadcast with Jim and Mary from The Second Fret in Oklahoma City in 1984. Jim had just written this song and announced it from the stage as "The Brand New New Deal Blues." He even sang a verse or two from Stephen Foster's "Hard Times" to introduce it.
I have been looking for this song ever since, and this is the first time I've come across it in all these years.
Wonderful people and great musicians. Thanks for posting this.
BKentAnderson 6 months ago
@BKentAnderson
Awesome! As far as I know this is the only record of it. I think its certainly one of best. Thanks for the title.
coyotesahowling 6 months ago
What an awesome song and arrangement. I've always love Jim RInger, and this is such a great vid. Thanks for sharing, coyote.
bulbheadmyass 8 months ago
I met Jim and Mary at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in the late 70's. I gave them a cassette of a couple of my cowboys songs. Never heard from them but it was nice of them to take it with a smile. Both have always been among my favorite singer/songwriters. RIP Jim.
westmeathguy 9 months ago
thats my teachers dad no lie jim ringer he died a few years back
killer53269 9 months ago
I saw Jim at the University of Buffalo during a weekly "Coffeehouse Concert" on a Friday Night in 1974 or 75. They had three cameras and a mixer and one of the camera guys had to take a leak so they let me fill in for about three minutes. Jim had a big ole Yellow Rose tattooed on his right forearm. It looked cool to me and I zoomed in with the camera. The guy on the mixing board said: "Nice!"
GeorgieWise 1 year ago
Ahh,,this is good stuff....great Job !!
akountreegal 1 year ago
I just heard the ballad of california joe for the first time ever today. I seriously cant find it anywhere to listen to or even buy on itunes!
Does anyone know if there is a version on youtube or anywhere. Please god help me.
xterrorizinboys88 1 year ago
Great post! I first learned of Mary McCaslin and Jim Ringer in the mid-1970s when a Boston alternative station played "San Bernadino Waltz", "Bramble and the Rose", and many others. I was shocked to learn from the liner notes to the "Best of Mary McCaslin" of Jim Ringer's death. It would be great if more material by Jim Ringer and Mary McCaslin could be posted -- it must be out there.
Gino5724 1 year ago
Wow... I had this taped off tv (on a Beta tape) back in the early 80's and my dad taped over it... thanks for sharing!
colbrt 1 year ago
Just saw "Crazy Heart" last night. It could've been based on Jim and Mary. He was a good bit older than her, had already lived a rough life, she was a city sort of folkie. Together they made some lovely music.
SongsoftheSanderosa 2 years ago
coyotesahowling:
This is a wonderful contribution! Jim Ringer is, by my lights anyhow, the best traditional country voice I've ever heard recorded. I have most of his audio recordings, but I'd never seen a video recording until this. Good hunting! I believe that Mr. Ringer passed away in 1992, and he and the lovely Mary parted ways in 1989, so this was probably recorded some time prior to 1989. Many thanks.
WhatcanIsay6 2 years ago
@WhatcanIsay6
Hi, I just happen to think of Jim & Mary while on youtube, and took the chance to see if they were there...and there they were! I knew them way back when. About 1978 thru 1980 or so. We all lived in Muscoy, CA., a rural distric of San Bernardino, CA. Everyone hung out at The Penny University where local musicians would jam. I hadn't seen them since then.
Where did you find out about their splitting up and Jim passing away? I am totally stunned!
profmarv1 1 year ago
@profmarv1
I guess I found Jim through Mary. Back in the late 70's I was a fan of Mary's recording's. This led to that and I stumbled upon Jim. I am a devoted fan of both.
coyotesahowling 1 year ago
thanks thanks thanks!!! The first time i've seen jim. After 30 years his LP Tramps&Hawkers is still my favorite record. Great Jim
stainesbill 2 years ago
Thanks for posting this! Jim is one of my all time favorite singers. Where in the world did you find this footage?
wobblykate 2 years ago
Part of a special that was broadcast on Public Broadcasting Service ca. 80's (America's Folk Vol.2). I first saw it on Vermont Public Television ca. 96/97. Couldn't get it out of my mind. Recently, I found a used copy of the VHS on amazon.
coyotesahowling 2 years ago