Walk Him Along, John (General Taylor) [78-80] (72-73)

[MorganBonny]

Any ideas on where I might go about finding said sea-ballads? *laughs at self* I'm sorry, I just don't know a lot about doing this kind of research.

Of course, if I were to relagate a few modified versions of chanteys back a century, there are few enough people that would notice, but I do try and steer clear of that kind of inaccuracy...

~MorganBonny

[MorganBonny]

very nice.

You have no idea how helpful this is.

It's always been a tradition in my family to have sing-alongs (often in the car while travelling) with various outdated and traditional songs, chanteys among them. I always love adding new songs to my repertoire and some of these are definitely going to be added.

~MorganBonny

[hultonclint]

You are very kind to watch my videos, and to comment so positively.  I am wondering what your main interest is, out of curiosity, since you say they are "helpful." Is it mainly just for singing for fun, or some other purpose, too? As I said, just curious. thanks again

[MorganBonny]

Well, mostly, yes, it's just out of interest in learning new songs for sing-alongs and whatnot, but it's also in pursuit of songs to include in my novel-in-progress. It's about pirates and I've been working on it for over six years. In the course of that time, I've done much research, but it's never quite enough, I'm afraid. I've been trying to find some historical chanteys and such to include but, as I'm sure you know, that's much more difficult than it sounds. (CONT.)

[MorganBonny]

(these comment things are much too short, sorry)

Mostly, I'm in search of chanteys of the 1700s, but there don't seem to be many of those, alas, and the few that I have come from questionable sources or have no real info or music to them. Any suggestions? Thanks again.

~MorganBonny

[hultonclint]

You're right, there's not much to speak of (at least that we know nowadays) from that period. My opinion is that African-Americans, who were heavy involved in sailing and dock work, were a major impetus for chanteys as we know them. The other big factor was the rise (and fall) of American-style clipper ships, which required this sort of work song. We presume there were earlier chanteys, long before, but of limited use. Sea ballads (non-work song) might be more relevant.

[catamaraner]

Excellent rhythm and melodic line, Clint! Thank you so much. There is no way I will do all the verses, but this is nice and clean, much in the Hughill tradition :-)

[hultonclint]

Hi catamaraner, thank you so much for watching and commenting on my videos! If some people continue singing these songs, then I am happy!

[abazur123]

General Taylor - one of my favourites.

And what a great performance. Keep doing a good work. Greetings

[hultonclint]

Thanks for your kind comment. I remember this day -- we had just finished practicing some reggae, and the weather was hot as hell.

[joelwhitson]

Great work. I love this one. Makes me want to have weekly meetings at someone's house with some old mates just to do this for hours.

[hultonclint]

If only we were all that lucky! Well, so people are, but it is hard to find that "culture" of singing where everyone is comfortable enough to join in. I have had to settle for asking friends a favor every once in a while, and I have been lucky that many have said yes....though many also say "no," ha ha!

[tmm0005]

This is AWESOME!!

Now this is PERFORMANCE. Oh man, now the lead singer is starting to slap his arm. How did he think of that?!

The only problem is that it's too short. Wha?! A reprise! OMG--this is incredible!

--Prince