//  Unfortunate news: a main reason for Nanci's reduced concert schedule  
//  returns.  Also more OVToo discussion.    - MF

From: B51MC@aol.com
Subject: Nanci's health

Hello All,

The following is excerped from a review of the Newport Folk Festival by Steve
Morse from today's Boston Globe.  (The entire piece can be read at
www.boston.com, then select Globe, then Arts.)   I think it answers some
questions.

...Bob


NEWPORT, R.I. - It was a performance above and beyond the call of folk 
duty. Nanci Griffith, who is receiving radiation treatments for thyroid 
cancer, threw off any fatigue from the weekly regimen and played her 
heart out at the Ben & Jerry's Newport Folk Festival this weekend. 

Griffith, who successfully treated breast cancer only to recently have 
the disease reappear in her thyroid (she's optimistic about the 
prognosis), played the starring role on Saturday. She was everywhere, 
sitting in with other artists (including Texas buddies Lyle Lovett and 
Jimmie Dale Gilmore), and excelling in her own set. She even rallied a 
posse of performers (Lovett, Alison Krauss, Tom Rush, her former husband 
Eric Taylor, and Indigo Girl Amy Ray) for rousing versions of folk 
standards ``Wasn't That a Mighty Storm'' and ``If I Had a Hammer.''

(snip>

As for the cancer, she joked later that ``it won't get Dust Bowl trailer 
trash like me.'' The woman is irrepressible, and her courage under the 
circumstances is spellbinding. (Too bad she won't be playing 
Harborlights as planned in September; she had to cancel due to more 
radiation treatment.) 

(C) Copyright 1998 Globe Newspaper Company. 

_________________________________________________________________

From: Poetmuse@aol.com
Subject: Re: Nanci's health

I want to pass on a thank you to Bob- for posting part of the article about
Nanci.
Yes, it does sort of put things in perspective and it does make our squabbles
rather insignifcant. 

The thought of losing someone as dear and as true an artist as Ms. Griffith is
rather frigtening to me. I admire her "pluck" (as it were) and her courage in
continuing on when I would imagine most people would stop everything and
concentrate on themselves- but our Nanci gets back out on the road to help
promote an album that she obviously feels merits the action. 

Difference of Opinion is one thing-- but I mean, we're all Nanci fans, here-
are we not? No one said we had to like 100% of everything she does or has
done... no one said we had to bow in the chapel of Griffith just to appreciate
her talent, beauty and obvious gift. And maybe some of you think if she's ill
she should refrain from singing- refrain from ruining your expectations or
whatever. And maybe some of you think she should get back to her "roots"- ie
PIMW etc- write the kind of songs we love her for..
get away from this cover business and back into the business of being Nanci. 

What it comes down to though is (obviously) what Nanci wants to do. She has
been a fighter for many things- has always seemed strong in the face of
whatever life seems fit to throw us- and I think we insult that strength a
little bit by being so petty as to critize one another for simply having a
point of view. 
I love being apart of this little Nanci community- I love meeting new people
and hearing about everyone's experiences..exchanging nanci goodies.. just
conversing with others who understand and "get" it when I say, "Nanci is the
best!" or "that songs just gets me in the throat!" But most of all I love the
joy it brings- the kind of Joy I think Nanci probably feels when she's on
stage- that feeling of togetherness, that feeling of belonging. 

I hope Nanci never gives up her uniqueness. Never stops being who she is and
what she wants to do. May she continue to invite us along for the ride....


Christina Myers

_________________________________________________________________

From: LDay67@aol.com
Subject: Re: Nanci's health

Hi friends,

I agree with Christina Myers about putting things in proper perspective after
such daunting news about Nanci Griffith's health.  I completely admire Nanci's
tenacity through such hardship, and I'm sure she views work as the key to
survival.  She's a real trooper, and I appreciate her art even more now.

Now we can more fully understand why Nanci has cancelled some shows.  I
completely respect Nanci's privacy, but I hope the concert venues will tell
their ticketholders that the cancellation is because of her illness and not
because of any capriciousness.  Maybe if some of you contact the cancelled
venues, you can relay the news of Nanci's health so that others may know the
reason for the cancellation.

Rob Schrull--can you organize an effort similar to ones you've done in the
past, in which you compile brief messages from us to relay to Nanci?  I think
it would be better than 1200 separate messages to the flyer.gbla address.  

Let's turn all of this negative energy of late into positive energy directed
toward Nanci's recovery.  

Sincerely,
Lisa

_________________________________________________________________

From: jcq@ABPEDS.ORG
Subject: Raleigh Newport Show

Before I get to the listed subject matter, I'd like to shine a spotlight on=
 the
key point of Christina Myers' recent post: we are all Nanci Griffith fans.
And I know we are all saddened to learn that the dreaded spectre of
cancer has reared its ugly head again. 

And I would imagine that most people who would question whether
Nanci should be out there on the road right now would only do so in
regard to how touring might adversely affect her health, and not
because her voice might not be up to par. I would imagine, though, that
she considers sticking to her schedule to be a form of therapy, perhaps
an even stronger therapy than the radiation. So as long as she feels
good about it, I say let her roll on.

Now, as to the Raleigh stop on the Newport Festival, I mentioned several
weeks ago that those of us going should try to meet up somewhere,
somehow. Tamara and Jeannie have corresponded with me a bit about
this, as has Deb Hawkins from Florida. And Barbie posted about it
recently.

Here's the deal. I'm not sure what would be a good meeting place. I just
called Walnut Creek, and they told me the parking lots open at 1 pm, the
gates to the amphitheatre open at 1:30, and the show starts at 3. I was
told that if I get there at 1 pm, I will either be parking in the A lot or=20=
the G
lot. They said they couldn't be any more specific. I think it would be bett=
er
if we could figure out a place to meet in the parking lot, rather than insi=
de,
because, well, the beer is not even close to cheap inside. Nor is the
food. So what does anyone suggest to help us find each other?

I will be there with my wife, my daughter, and a friend of ours.

To prevent clogging up the list, please e-mail me privately at

jqualls@abpeds.org

And it would help if you would cc me at home at

jcqualls@mindspring.com

because I will be out of the office Thursday and Friday on account of the
Kate Campbell show in Black Mountain on Thursday.

I hope we can figure this out! Thanks.


Jeff Qualls

_________________________________________________________________

From: "Avery, Debora" (AveryD@chi.osu.edu>
Subject: just my thoughts

What a testimony to the power of Nanci's words, voice and presence.  As
soon as I read the message regarding her health, I felt a small part of
our world stop, sit quietly, then move again toward a central point.  As
many of us have experienced, cyberspace can be a very real place, and I
feel us all moving from a large circle to a tightly-knit group in order
to condense and focus our energies on the healing/love necessary to help
Nanci get through this.  

I believe deeply in the power of love and in our ability to share this
power across time and space  (okay, so I'm a Shirley MacClaine type - so
sue me).  With so many of us sending it her way, how can there be
anything but success?

Debbie

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Weisfeldt . Steve" (SWeisfeldt@drc.com>
Subject: Cancelled concert at Harbourlights

I, thoroughly depressed at the cancellation of the Boston concert Sept
11th, sent an email to the venue asking if they had anymore info.  The
reply that I received back said that Nanci was forced to cut her tour
short so she could get back to the studio to finish work on an album.
Can anyone shed any light on this?  I was sooooooo looking forward to
the show!  (And was unable to make it to Newport this past weekend).

 - Steve


//  Sounds like someone is making up stories ...   - MF
_________________________________________________________________

From: Patti Schrull (gblauser@sover.net>
Subject: An odd request...

Hey!!

Yep, it's been awhile, as Rob said in his recent post. It was good to see
Nanci and the BMO this past weekend. Other than the heat, (boy, was I glad
to be in the shade!) it was a beautiful day. 

It's been fun reading the posts of opinions on the new CD. Everyone is
entitled to their opinions, just as every performer is entitled to their
expressions of the music they perform. It is even more interesting to read
how some people change their minds after several more listens. It happened
with BRFTM and I already see it happening with this new one. I think
sometimes it is hard for some of us to accept new things. We get kind of
set in our ways and close our ears to anything new or challenging. That's
really too bad, because we end up missing out on a lot of really good
things that are deeper than just at the surface. 

Now, the odd request. I am looking for a gentleman from Belgium that has a
dog. Will the real "Belgian guy" please stand up!! 


patti

_________________________________________________________________

From: "jenny.frog" (jenny.frog@virgin.net>
Subject: Re: Am I the only one ...??

BobbyK wrote:

> I haven't posted in quite a while so I'm coming out of lurkdom as they
> say to ask a simple question...am I the only one in the whole world ( of
> Nanci fan's at least ) who hasn't heard the new album yet?

hey bobby k. 
i too am coming out of nowhere to say:
you r not alone. i am a scottish fan who has not yet purchased or even
heard 0v2.  i blame the music shops in Glasgow. or could it be the whole
of britain/ireland.  are we a few weeks (months) behind all the rest of
you in the states??? or have the shops officially given up on nanci. i
went to look for 0V2 a couple of weeks ago, findind it only after
searching the virgin megastore from top to bottom.  literally, at the
top, under the 'folk' section. since when did any music shop around here
put nance under folk???? I was slightly disgusted that virgin hadn't put
her with the new releases on the first floor like what they normally do,
apart from the fact that i grudge old richard branson every penny (apart
from my internet bills, which i don't actually pay anyway.  i like to
spend my hard earned cash in small, groovy west-end music shops, i took
myself off to byres road for a wee dance around fopp and echo, record
stores i can honestly say i'd have a problem living without (what a sad
life i lead)  i had no results in fopp, and echoe's new releases also
disappointed me. there's usually quite a hype about new nanci albums
here, but so far there's been nothing at all.  it's all very strange. 
anybody know what's going on??
luv
jen, out in the madness
p.s
made my peace with echo, for selling me once in a very blue moon for
#4.99
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "jenny.frog" (jenny.frog@virgin.net>
Subject: [Fwd: Re: NN: Poet in my Window]

i had a similar experience recently with once in a very blue moon, after
i picked it up for #4.99 in a secondhand music shop (actually, the
sticker on the back said 'new', but anyway.) 

poet in my window is definetly one of my fave nanci albums, i also love
the way it's so introspective without being too obvious, and how nice
and light and airy (fluffy and floaty) the guitar lines and vocals are. 
it's altogether a smashin' album an i think once in a very blue moon is
kind of similar( i really hate that song -'the roseville fair' though
ugh.) most of the songs also seem to be about nance herself especially
'daddy said' .  wow , was that a fiver well spent

jen out in the madness

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Rich Blaha (n9649904@cc.wwu.edu>
Subject: new album, other voices

Hi, all.  I'm emreging from lurkdome to comment briefly on OVT, and to
inquire about Guy Clark albums.

My advice for those of you who aren't certain how you feel about the new
album...take it on a road trip or two.  After listening to OVT several
times through on trips down to Portland and out to the Olympic
Peninsula, I can definitely say that it's a keeper!  'nuff said.

I recently checked out the Guy Clark tape "Old Friends" from our public
library, and immediately loved it.  I was wondering if anyone has any
suggestions for other Guy Clark albums.  I don't even know much about
the songs on Old Friends since our library has the irritating habit of
not leaving the liner notes in the cassette holder.  Any Guy tips would
be greatly appreciated!

                -Val "Workin' on my thesis in corners" Graber

_________________________________________________________________

From: "Hans Janssen" (jnssnhns@wxs.nl>
Subject: Re: new album, other voices

A good next choice for a Guy Clark CD could be : Keepers-a live recording.

On this album Guy does live, with a good band, a good choiceof his 20 years
of songwriting.

Other suggestions: Old friends and Dublin blues

met vriendelijke groeten,

Hans Janssen.

_________________________________________________________________

From: "Blake Marshall" (bmarshall@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: new album, other voices

I bought a two-CD collection called "Craftsman", which is actually a
compilation of "Three of his finest albums" (so say the liner notes! (gr>),
which are "Guy Clark", "The South Coast of Texas" and "Better days".  It's
the best Guy Clark I have.  (....oh, and it's the *only* Guy Clark I have.
;)  I don't think it was cheap, but it wasn't terribly expensive. Found it
at Media Play.

Blake

_________________________________________________________________

From: Bell/Wrightson (onemansmusic@mindspring.com>
Subject: Old Quarter in Galveston (NO NG)

DeYoung, Andy G. wrote:
> 
>The bar is
> about two years old, owned and operated by one of Townes van Zandts'
> former band members (Rex ?).  Townes appeared to help dedicate it in
> late 1996.  His pictures and posters adorn one entire wall.

The Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, owned by Rex Bell (no relation) who had
the orignial Old Quarter in Houston many years ago.  Rex played with
Townes (with Mickey White they were the Hemmeridge Mt. Boys) and with
Lightin' Hopkins.  There is a Townes tribute every year about Jan 1st. 
There is great music all the time...I think this weekend Steve Young is
playing.

Rex has a wonderful CD available, and there is information about the
club at:
http://www.galvestontexas.com/oldquarter/

Rex is one of the best, and the club is as well...with a water bowl for
dogs at all times.  I encourage anyone in Galveston to stop by, hear the

music, Rex,  and the stories.

Sarah

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "jean-paul layrisson" (layrisson@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: intro

Although I have been a Nancihead (stole the term from the NN posting, what
a great moniker) for awhile,  I  have only recently stepped into the 20th
century and seen the NN online.   First thanks to whoever is the wonderful
person who set this up and does the digest--what a great service.  Now here
is my complaint: Although many of the postings treat Nanci as if she were
some type of goddess (an assumption that I must confess is not far from the
mark in my opinion), a disturbing many others make suggestions as to how
she should sing (throat v. lower) which accent is acceptable,  how she
should pronounce certain words, and how long her pauses should be (and who
is too washed up to share time with her on the new album)  I was almost
dreading hearing OVT because I read so many highly critical postings on the
NN (some postings criticised the sound of her voice as well--a criticism
that is as false as it is impolite ).  Wall of  Death blew me away--I can't
say why and I realize it isn't Nanci's standard singing voice--it just
moves me---isn't that what art tries to do?  Wings of the Dove with Lucinda
works for me as well.  I agree that their voices and styles are different,
but the song is simple and beautiful. The fact that Nanci is having fun
with the way she pronounces certain lyrics only add to the uniqueness and
beauty of the recording.  It is strange to me that many of postings were
troubled by this.  Bob Dylan, Michael Stipe, Natalie Merchant, Vic
Chesnutt, Victoria Williams, Mick Jagger, Lucinda Williams all do it.  Vic
Chesnutt's unusual pronuciation of the word "chocolate" on his song Duty
Free just may be the coolest thing I have ever heard.  (the Oxford American
sampler cd has a version of it along with Nanci's Dress of Laces) 
Sometimes the way a artist says one word can make a song for you.  Like a
painter, Nanci should be free to use whatever textures and colors she deems
appropriate to convey the way she is feeling in her songs.  Artists change
and grow.  Monet's eyesight weakened and his paintings changed, Van Gogh
suffered with severe depression and his work changed, Bob Dylan found God
and his stye changed.  History has proven these changes often are the best
thing for an artist.  History has also proven that changes in an artist
style often bring out criticisms that don't stand up over time.  Although
Van Gogh never sold a painting during his lifetime, Nanci will not have
that problem swlling records to fools like me--she could cover nothing but
Carperter songs and I would buy her records--ok maybe just a couple.  I
believe if Nanci read some of the more critical postings on the NN she
might be sad, but wouldn't let it change her course.   She got everything
she needs, she's an artist, she don't look back.  One time Lou Reed was
doing a show of some new songs he had recently recorded and a guy in the
audiance kept hounding him to sing and play like his old stuff with the
Velvet Underground.  He looked the guy in the eye, and said  "These are my
new songs, this is what I am going to play.  If you don't like it, get a
refund mother#^#&%$@!."  Nanci is too sweet to say anything like that, but
I hope no less committed to her passion.  OVT may be less accessable than
previous outings, but it is  a fantastic tribute to a lot of brilliant
songwriters and it sure does work for me.  Jean-Paul "them is fighin words"
Layrisson.  ps  saw Lucinda a few weeks ago in New Orleans--she rocked our
world...Lucinda style.

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Paul Greer" (PGREER@taexgw.tamu.edu>
Subject: green grass all around

hi all,

     I guess mine is a purer love for music, and especially nanci's music.  in m
y mind there is only good music and bad music, so I have trouble categorizing fo
lk, country, rock or whatever.  and I truly admire and respect all musicians tha
t have contributed over the years.  where would we be without the beatles, elvis
, b.b. king, louis armstrong, aretha franklin, tammy wynette, patsy cline and wh
ere do you stop.  and while I dont think I would
pair nanci's voice up with all those greats to make an album, I dont think anyon
e can deny their contributions.  and I dont think anyone should deny nanci the o
pportunity to pay homage and respect to the very artist and musicians she grew u
p with and respects.  

     I first heard nanci in kerville in 1977-78.  at that same time willie nelso
n had been having 4th of July concerts headlining several of the artist on this 
latest album for 4 or 5 years.  and on almost any night of the week you could fi
ne most of them playing in clubs in austin.  and since she played the hole in th
e wall on the drag during those early years, all of that surely has had an effec
t on the music and who and what she is today.

     if nanci is reading this, thank for the wonderful musical journey we have 
traveled together.  you truly have been my brave companion of the road in life.  
please take care, but most of all, please come back to play in college station.

paul "spin on a red brick floor" greer

_________________________________________________________________

From: George Golob (geogo@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: Mare Winningham

Hi
Just wanted to pass on something new to y'all. I just bought a new 
album by actress/singer Mare Winningham ("Lonesomers"  Razor & Tie 
Records #82837-2) and it's delightful, She really has a way with words 
and melodies.  Her voice is a little unusual and may take a little 
getting used to..(.she has a vibrato that can rival Buffy 
Sainte-Marie's when she wants to). 
What prompted me to post it here was that in Mare's recent movie 
"Georgia". she sang a nice version of Stephen Foster's "Hard Times'
that Nanci also did on OV2. Also the character she played in the movie 
was a singer/songwriter folksie type with an ensemble like the BMO, 
just like our dear girl.
That much said, Mare doesn't sound at all like Nanci, but if you like 
fresh and original acoustic music, you might like her.
George

_________________________________________________________________
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