Polly on the Shore

[Mindwarper]

Hi Swarb,

Thanks for the answers to my question about A.L.Lloyd. I look forward to a possible surprise later in the year that you hinted at. Unreleased material?

My next question is about the song "Polly on the Shore" (another seafaring song). You played it with  Carthy and recorded it on Prince Heathen. On Nine, the song is credited to  (Music - Dave Pegg : Words - Trad. Arr. Dave Swarbrick / Trevor Lucas). Isn't it the same song? Shouldn't Carthy get credit?  Do you have any memories of recording either version you would like to share? It is one of my favorite songs.

I love Trevor's vocals on the FC version of the song.

[Swarb]

no its not the same song, the words martin sings were i believe adapted from the tradition by bert lloyd,and then poss reworked by martin.its been a long time now since i heard martins versionbut i imagine the gist of the tale is the same.The tune that Dave pegg wrote is original and is quite different from the traditional tune,and the words were again reworked by trev and yrs truly.Hope this answers your question

[Pam]

Ah, so when I sang Trevor's arrangement at a party, I was singing a Pegg/Lucas/Swarbrick song, not the Trad Arr number my somewhat trad (arr!) hosts expected? Naughty me. (Of course, my husband was gonna do a Tom Waits song, so at least I was closer.)

What a marvelous song. Swarb, what do you recall about the "video" of the "performance" of the song at the Brasenose in Cropredy (I think I've got the location right, but doubtless someone will correct me if I'm wrong)?

[Paul]

Fairport are very good at the "fake" folk song. One of my favourite tracks is Crazy Man Michael, which I had always assumed was "Trad Arranged". It was only when I got Maart's book that I realised it wasn't   It is very cleverly written to make it appear old. I presume it was based on an eisting folk story though.

Paul

[Ollie]

I was the same with Doctor of Physick.

[Mindwarper]

Thanks