Contents: Copyright; Two Carols; Folkus – Judi G.; JL-Tsalmon Stage

Jacob’s Ladder – hope you didn’t miss it –

April 30-May 1, 2004 – Nof Ginossar

www.jlfestival.com

Ray Scudero's Songs

Ray would like everyone to know that he still holds the same views about copyright that he has always held: anyone who wishes to sing or otherwise use any of Ray's songs or other works must receive express permission from him first. In the event that he is unavailable for any reason, permission must be obtained from Joanna. Each permission applies to one

specific time only, and should never be regarded as blanket permission to perform or otherwise use Ray's material on additional occasions.

A gentle reminder: this is not only a courtesy but a legal necessity. All song- writers in our community should be accorded this consideration. Thank you.

--Joanna

Eli, Harold, Marc

Two Marvelous Carols

If you are reading this, it’s likely that you are somehow affiliated with the Israeli Folk scene, and if you saw the previous issue of Folk Notes, there were no articles(?)

Duuuuh. Well neighbors, the time has come to get yourself off the ol’ potato couch and send Carol a few words of anything that you would like to share with your friends in the folk community, otherwise

it will be curtains for sure. So do it now. I know that life here recently has been such a tremendous strain / effort / challenge / hassle /whatever, you know what I mean, but a

small ray of light always shines when opening that prepaid postal envelope with the low-on-ink IFS round stamp in the left hand corner. My favorite column is no longer there due to natural causes, and recently I eagerly waited to see who would be the monthly star. Sadly last month’s star was the Calendar! Not too cool. So to practice what I preach I will just send you a few thoughts as we rehearse our sets and get everything ready for our major event of the year. It is dafka because of these trying times that we need to stick together even more and be grateful that we are fortunate to have Carol and the crew feeding us both the Folk Notes and email updates that keep us aware of what’s going on, and that there is great live music constantly happening here despite all that going on

outside. I find that a visit to one of our folk venues always, without fail, takes me on a mind trip elsewhere,

IFS ADDRESS:

IFS has a new/different address:

I.F.S.

P.O.B. 10246

Jerusalem, 91102

where the vibe is different, and I invariably depart completely rejuvenated. For some, spiritual rejuvenation comes from visiting a house of worship, for others by visiting a wellness or health club. For me it’s the folk club. I envy those who can do two or all three. A guy who tuned in to this trend recently in a Miami gym features gospel music and is advertising Spiritual Spinning. I know that many of you feel similarly and therefore ask you personally to steal a few moments from your daily routines and place your fingertips gently onto the keyboard as you riff a few words for us all to read.

Thanks.

# # # # # # # # # # # #

Just to show you how easy it is to share some info that may be of common interest, while rummaging through the racks of the record (CD to you) store in the Tel Aviv Opera complex, I discovered a DVD with a NS 35 SALE

sticker on it called Carol King In Concert. I snatched it up and was amazed by the wonderful concert, with all of Carol’s best songs ever and a super band. What a nostalgia trip, and what a price. I didn’t know you could buy a CD so cheaply. It features a 60’s trip down memory lane with Take Good Care Of My Baby, which is now a diaper commercial. Also the Chiffons’ hit of One Fine Day, where Carol played piano on the original recording of her song. Then Go Away Little Girl, and her mega hits from the Tapestry Album: Up On The Roof; I Feel The Earth Move; Beautiful; You’ve Got

A Friend; her great Natural Woman; Will You Love Me Tomorrow, and finally a rousing version of Locomotion with all of the audience up on their feet dancing. The great thing about a DVD live concert is that you get a front row seat of such good quality that it’s almost better than being there, and the excitement repeats itself over and over again. I played it to friends who popped over and it turned the evening into such a wonderful way of hanging out. So who says there ain’t bargains? The concert was produced by Connecticut Public Television in 1994 and is really worth looking for. An Israeli company called Musicmania distributes the copy I have and the telephone number is (03) 604-5253, so check it out.

--Harold Jacobs

FOLKUS:

Judi Ganchrow

What led you into the unique world of dulcimers?

The sounds, especially of Richard Fariña and also Jean Ritchie in the 60’s. The 90’s lead me back to it when my guitar got too heavy to carry and Susan Jennings was busy spreading dulcimer fever around in Jerusalem.

Do you ever wake up wanting to skip work and just play all day?

a. I’m retired, so I can do that.

b. My fingers won’t tolerate more that 4-5 hours of playing in 1 day.

Does your basic self-image include being a dulcimerist?

I’d love to have that hourglass figure!

How do your dulcimers intersect with your grandchildren?

Judi G – Southern Jam April 2002

They give me gigs at all their birthday parties! They both try to play with me. The 4-year old wants to play a harp. The 2-year-old in his usual hurried fashion recently ran and got my dulcimer case and demanded Yellow Submarine. In my rush, I was finger picking it. “Peck! peck!” he exclaimed, but when he checked my pick case there was only one pick. “Nu, so what are you going to use?” he asked me. I magically found another and we played it together as he had intended from the beginning.

What was your musical background in pre-dulcimer pre-history?

Singing with my family in the car and in the “parlor”. I also took 10 years of piano lessons, and played guitar since high school (in the 50’s!!). Woodie Guthrie and Snaker Ray were long time favorites. Three years ago I began playing pennywhistle in Irish House whenever I’m in San Diego.

Do you need extra-long fingers or extraordinary physical skills for playing dulcimers? I was blown away by your extreme juggler’s skills and sometimes the dulcimer seemed to float in the air as you shifted from right to left under it.

Really no special skills or anatomy required. Dulcimers come in different sizes and shapes and some kids in North Carolina learn to play in school from 2^nd grade. Juggling is my sitting bi-product (it is a lap dulcimer, after all). I’d like to build a stand so I could move to the different registers of the fret board affording more smoothness of attack. Maybe I could dance at the same time!

Do these skills spill over to anything else in life?

When I went temporarily deaf in one ear 1-1/2 years ago, I said to myself -- better to lose an ear than a hand. My hands like to be doing things (e.g., sewing, rug making, writing).

How hard is it to graduate from easy songs to masterful, extremely dexterous songs?

It is my experience that playing a musical instrument is marked by long plateaus of skills, and sudden unex- pected leaps. Leaps may be experience related, but sometimes playing with another person, even on a different instrument, can pull you over the barrier. Josh Goodman, my partner in Tarnation, is a tremendous musical inspiration for me. I am also still reeling from Joel Baile’s fiddle visit last year.

Is it easy to memorize all that you play?

I hear the music, so I don’t exactly memorize. More like hit or miss in successive approximations (which is how I played the dulcimer the first 2-3 years). If I start from written music it takes me 2-3 times as long to learn a song.

Dave Silverman JL 2003

How much do you practice?

I try never to practice. I prefer to find a tune I like and just wear it inside out and upside down. My husband Don thought I practiced, but actually I am just trying to get a tune to be “just right.” If I love a tune, I can’t play it enough. I think you have to play a song about 100 times and then it is yours forever.

How easy is it to cover up bloopers if they happen on stage?

Once you’ve blooped, you’ve blooped. Whether anyone notices is probably related to how well one can just keep going and ignore it without making grouchy faces.

What was your most singular experience meeting dulcimerists abroad?

Sitting on a chair in a river outside Santa Barbara on a hot summer day playing water-related songs with other dulcimers at the Kindred Spirit Retreat. The other unique experience in California was working with Connie Allen, my mentor, musical soul mate and friend (see http://www.billandconniemusic.com/index.html).

Is dulcimer an “addiction” for you and what are the “withdrawal” symptoms?

When I played guitar, it was an addiction and I could take about a week before I went out and rented (even in Bermuda) or bought a new one when traveling. You can’t expect to rent a dulcimer. So how many dulcimers does a dulcimer player need? Just one mooooooore!!

Did you ever compose music and/or lyrics?

Only on 3 occasions: Once in high school when I opted to stay home alone and play the new year in on the piano instead of going to a party. Once, in the early 90’s when some jerk totaled my beloved 1975 Fiat (anger), once a short time after that when I realized my kids might not be invincible. They were on a 30-day trek in the Indian Himalayas without any communication and the locals were virtually surviving on barley. It was a lullaby. Emotionally trying times must trigger it. Most of the time I’m happy and there are enough happy songs.

--Susan Tourkin-Komet

TSALMON STAGE PRESENCE at JACOB’S LADDER

I can’t even imagine how you Brits (spelling checker alternative recommend-dations: Bruits Brats Brutes Brigs Brims) created such a term as chock-a-block, (unrecognized by my US thesaurus) but I think it means that a spatial entity is brimming with perspiring people. In any case that was the situation at last year’s Jacob’s Ladder Tsalmon stage, either due to the phenomenal program or phenomenal air-conditioning; probably both.

Subsequently my family couldn’t even get through the door to hear our set but since they were subjected to months of rehearsals anyway, they had heard it all before. I spent most of that Saturday enjoying the music in the Tsalmon hall, so this year I will be doing it again, but in an official capacity as the stage manager. Part of this exalted title requires contacting the performers and making sure they provide the sound technicians with their amplification requirements. I must say that after performing at most local folk clubs without any amplification, having a microphone is indeed a special treat. The Tsalmon stage is also known as the Israel Folk Clubs stage and there will be a truly representative mix of wonderful talents from around the country, from Beit HaEmek to Sde Boker and all points in between. To give you a sneak peek, the program will open up at

9:30 am with Ayelet Goodman and friends. It’s always a special pleasure to see 2^nd generation folkies -- Ayelet is the daughter of (the pride of Mevasseret, Bean Blossom Boys and Tarnation fame) Josh Good- man. She will be playing the mountain dulcimer, one of the 3 original American musical instruments (along with the 5-string banjo and Sousaphone).

At 9:45 Ron Squire (who reminds me of Eric Clapton) will please us with his wonderful musical interpretations and whimsical whit. His guitar playing ain’t bad either.

Harold & Susan JL 2003

Then at 10:00 Galileo have an interesting program of a capella vocal harmonies of both popular and folk songs from around the world. This will be followed at

10:30 by the rousing foot-stompin bluegrass instrumentation of The Bean Blossom Boys.

11:00 will take us across the pond to the indubitably British set of Barry (The Pirate) Gilbert, who will single handedly rekindle the glories of the Empire and their fighting wooden ships.

At 11:30 Marianna & Shaun will blend uniquely refreshing country and urban styles with superb vocal harmonies and musicianship.

At high noon Laurie Ornstein will present the music she has grown in the Negev, along with some surprise guest performers.

12:30 in the afternoon will bring us Tarnation, a very laid-back relaxing amalgam of dulcimer & guitar plantation music. Just close your eyes and smell the jasmine & sycamores (do they smell?).

At 13:00 Susan & Harold will perform American folk -- ranging from traditional to new songs -- by the Weavers, Harry Belafonte, Tom Glaser, LeeAnn Rimes, as well as a premiere performance of the exquisite NYC song writer Diane Ponzio’s love song Home.

13:30 will bring us back to the Emerald Isle with Hal Wrobel’s unforgettable, perfectly tempered baritone vocal renditions of traditional Irish songs. Always a joy to hear and behold.

At 14:00 will be The Unstrung Heroes, who invariably infuse their North American and British folk songs with the spice of Canadian musicianship that is truly festive and fun.

15:00 brings us Larry Fogel’s 70’s favorites based on Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, Don Maclean, etc., done to perfection in Larry’s own unique way.

And at 15:30 Hachmoni wraps it all up with his own special California 60’s style of music that always includes a showstopper or two. So get there early before it gets chock-a-block.

--Harold Jacobs

I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE

(hint: one invoice for both office & home delivery)

- Mey Eden water cooler

- Lavazza coffee machine

- Nestle or Pauza beverage dispenser

- FreshCUP 30 second cup washer

- Ultrawash medical washer disinfector

- Home & commercial gym equipment

Just contact Harold

Tel (055) 660-084

harold@meyeden.co.il

SAVE YOUR DIXIE CUPS-THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN

Threatening gray clouds and cold temperatures gripped the rest of the country, promising a just right atmosphere at the Joe Alon forest "jam" mid-April. The "usuals" were there, excepting Larry, Yitz &

Chana, Amiel and Margot. Spirituals started the day around 11:30 and with the able calling of words by newcomer Larry Butchins of Hod Hasharon and the good voice of his cohort of 7. Six guitars, 6 harmonicas, 2 dulcimers, 2 pennywhistles, a comb, an egg and a child's toy provided the instrumental backup ably wielded by Laurie, Ariela, Harold, Marianne, Shaun, Hochmoni, Judi G, Judy C, Lucia and Hadar's daughter, your not to mention the foot tapping and good voices from Beersheva (Leah & Malka), and Jerusalem (Carol, Helen, Cecile). The songs moved on to children's songs, traditional songs, and wound up with John Prine songs led by Shaun and Marianne. Many of these songs we hadn't sung for years and years! At one point we tried to do a Larry song for Larry, but of course this is impossible for he drove that force. In all it was a congenial day with good harmonies and now good memories. The last of the crowd departed by 5

eagerly looking forward to the next.

--JG & LO

Ray and Joanna’s disk:

Poor Working Slob

is out of print. If you want to order a copy of the next printing, please send an email to Joanna :

joannak1@netvision.net.il

MILESTONES

Happy Birthday to: Esther Baron, Ari Meerson, Raz Weiss, Daphna Whetstone

Happy Anniversary to: Don & Judi G.

Here at last!

Jill Rogoff’s new album:

The King’s Well

all original songs and poem-settings

DISCLAIMER: FolkNotes is the official publication of the Israel FolkStuff Society. Views are those of the writers, not necessarily those of IFS.

FolkNotes and all of the articles, photographs and material contained therein are, unless otherwise noted, copyrighted by IFS 2004.

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FolkNotes Staff: Bev Burge, Sherry Whetstone, Carol Fuchs, and Cecile Panzer

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C A L E N D A R

May 2004

JERUSALEM AREA:

Israel Dulcimer Society has resumed Sunday (or occasionally Monday) night weekly sessions. Dust off your dulcimer and join us. Or, if you want to try out other instruments to see how they sound with dulcimers, speak up. For general information, contact Dena at (02) 561-8910 or Judi at (02) 679-8448.

Thursday, May 13^th 8:30 pm. JERUSALEM FOLK CLUB, with Ron Squire, E.T. (Itay Doolin), Judy Cohen (a new star on the horizon) and others. At the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo Auditorium. Admission NIS 25/20. For information call Carol (053) 850-098.

TEL AVIV AREA:

Wednesday, May 5^th 8:30pm. TEL AVIV FOLK CLUB with E.T. Doolin’s trio (we used to know them as the Big Boys duo – Itai and Ohad); plus Mony Arnon and Larry Fogel, Hachmoni and others. Admission NIS 30. Bikurei Ha'itim, 6 Heftman St. For information call Ariela (03) 683-7441.

Wednesday, May 19^th 8:30pm. TEL AVIV FOLK CLUB with Three’s Company – a trio from Karmiel: Avi & Lee Cohen and Leah Shalek; Judy B. Ziv with Harold Jacobs and Eli Marcus and others. Bikurei Ha'itim, 6 Heftman St. Admission NIS 30. For information call Ariela (03) 683-7441.

KIBBUTZ TZORA and area

BET SHEMESH MUSIC NITE NO BSMN in May due to the Omer. But TWO BSMN in June: Tuesday (Yes, Tuesday, NOT Monday) June 1^st and Monday, June 28^th. For full details, call Roby (02) 999-2106 and see the June FolkNotes and the IFS e-mail calendars.

Wednesday, May 26^th 9pm Motzei Shavuot. KIBBUTZ TZORA FOLK CLUB in the Pundak. No reason not to hold it as usual, as it is MOTZEI chag as we said. We will be celebrating Laurie's birthday. For information call Judi & Lynn Lewis (02) 990-8382 or (051) 348-061, or email them at judilynn@tzora.co.il Also see their website: www.oocities.org/tzorafolk

KARMIEL and North

Thursday May 6^th 9pm. Karmiel Folk Klub This year since the Jacob’s Ladder Festival is being held so early we WILL be having the folk club in May. Larry Fogel and Moni Arnon will be playing The Best of Simon & Garfunkle. At Beit HaNoar Matnas. Admission NIS 30. For more information call Larry Rosenfeld at (04) 990-2455 or (053) 414-544, or see his website at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/israelfolkcommunity

Try to get your information to us for the Calendar, as early as possible, so we can meet publication deadlines (15^th of each month). Contact Carol to register an event or to receive the (more or less) twice-weekly email updates, carolf@savion.huji.ac.il