This was the Guestbook of Jennifer's Essential John Tams Page
Thankyou everyone for your input over the years. You can now leave messages on the official John Tams website at www.johntams.co.uk
Or Click here to go back to Jennifer's page. . .
| Entry: 1 |
| Name: | Gaye Kempt(Baked Bean (hols.) ) |
Jul 19 | | Age/Company: | as before | | System: | Windows | | Found From: | just surf'n in! | | Comments: | Ventured into a record shop Sun. They had a passable folk + world music section - good ol Mr Branson. Needed cheering up so now have 2 JT CDs! Mind, Home starts rather serious. I skipped 3 tracks and the rest was dancin'. My old Didakoi heart sang and I bopped round the house + garden. The patients in the dentist next door had extractions and accordian music. Ah well, back to get my darlin' his dinner. Cheers and thank thee all. |
| Name: | Cathryn Alpaugh | Jul 14 | | Age/Company: | 44 | | Comments: | Wow--I realized I hadn't visited here in a while when I got an email from Sally with the information about a new website. And the new CD is looking like September--that's only a few months. I'm so excited!!And on a more serious note I sure hope that all you good folks reading this didn't have loved ones who were harmed in the recent attacks in London. I wish that sort of thing didn't happen. My cousin was on his way to a meeting at the WTC on 9/11/01. He arrived after the planes hit and just hung around taking pictures, not believing all the devastation. But I don't mean to bring everyone down--just wishing you all a safe existence. Cathryn |
| Entry: 2 |
| Name: | mark lilley | Jun 27 |
| Age/Company: | 33 |
| Comments: | In other words, The Belper Folk Festival concert was brilliant. It left me so dazed I forgot to 'spellcheck' the comments below!xx |
| Entry: 3 | | Name: | mark lilley | Jun 26 |
| Age/Company: | 33 |
| Comments: | I drifted off last night into a magical land where the streets were paved with beautiful songs and hillariuos anicdotes. As I came to the end of the street and looked up at the street sign it read 'John Tams'. I thought this would be a nice place to live, so I meandered back down... |
| Entry: 4 | | Name: | Louise | Jun 21 |
| Comments: | Looking forward to seeing John perform on home ground in Belper this weekend - a rare trip t'North these days |
| Entry: 5 | | Name: | Gaynor Kempt (Broad Bean ) | Jun 17 |
| Age/Company: | Two years older than thee |
| Comments: | I miss the folk clubs of Newcastle and the camaraderie! Ah,student days! Love the Unity album and the songs on Sharpe. Come to Ipswich please -we're a Labour council. You are all good singers in your family.I sing in the shower, Cussie Butterfield usually. My late Mum played piano until she was 92 & drove carers daft singing in the nursing home. But we all sang in the 50s& 60s(no TV). Now there is only rapcrap (sorry) on TV. Need a folk channel. God bless . |
| Entry: 6 | | Name: | Richard Hughes | Jun 10 |
| Comments: | John and Sal are without a doubt the most gracious people I have met in ages. The show at Wentworth was great and Barry Coope blew me away. John is a master artist, composer and entertainer.... We need him in the States.... Lets get together and make it happen. |
| Entry: 7 | | Name: | Catherine Re (Cathee) | Jun 9 |
| Comments: | John and Sally, I'm still remembering the wonderful concert in Guildford! It was SO wonderful to meet you both. I'm just sorry I had to leave right away to catch the train back to London. Can't wait for the new album and have already started saving for next year's visit to the UK (and another concert!). Cathee from Washington DC |
| Entry: 8 | | Name: | Dan and John | Jun 3 |
| Comments: | John tams rules! Great songs, great musician, great man! Hagman will live on! |
| Entry: 9 | | Name: | Jack Harper | Jun 3 |
| Age/Company: | Old Folkie |
| Comments: | Hurray! only place I can get to see Tam this year is at Sheffield in Oct and have just sent off my ticket order.Looking forward to it - ditto query on CD & Songbook? all the best to Jen/Arthur & Sal cheers |
| Entry: 10 | | Name: | Colin White | Jun 2 |
| Age/Company: | old enough to know better |
| Comments: | Missed the Saltburn session on May 20 due to being called away on business two days before but am hoping to still get to Saltburn Festival in August. Any news on the next album and/or the long hoped for song book? |
| Entry: 11 |
| Name: | Dave (coop) | May 12 |
| Comments: | When is he coming to the USA |
| Entry: 12 |
| Name: | Bob Donald | May 11 |
| Age/Company: | 58./ SW College of TAFE Library |
| Comments: | Love the work on Sharpe: Love the CD Unity; Wife comes from Belper so Love Matlock and Blue John:-)Why wouldn'yt I love the work and songs of John Tamms |
| Entry: 13 | | Name: | ian and angie mcrobert(mac and ang) | Apr 24 |
| Age/Company: | 43 and 41 |
| Comments: | really enjoyed yer last c.d. Top class musician and a genuine guy as well.see you in pub mi duk! |
| Entry: 14 | | Name: | Keith Barry (Biggus Keefus) | Apr 21 |
| Age/Company: | 42 |
| Comments: | Hi I'm from Belfast Northern Ireland and I'm a huge Sharpe fan and I'm also a Christian musician. It was the Sharpe series that introduced me to the haunting and sometimes chilling voiceof John Tams. I just wanted to say thanx and long may you reign squire! |
| Entry: 15 | | Name: | Tom Lewis | Apr 15 |
| Comments: | I owe John some mechanical royalties for my recording of his song 'Pull Down Lads'. Can you advise me as to how I might contact him to arrange payment? Many thanks, Tom |
| Entry: 16 | | Name: | Barry Heath | Apr 15 |
| Age/Company: | 43 |
| Comments: | John, "Harry Stone" what a wonderful song - can't stop playing it. It really shows up the '80's for what they were! Any chance of more information as to why you wrote it - what was the inspiration? Hope to see you and Barry at Forest Folk, 20th June. Regards, Barry Heath. |
| Entry: 17 | | Name: | Richard Buchner | Apr 11 |
| Comments: | Hallo,I would like to know the original name and the source of this tune "the clunch" what John Tams uses in "The Traveller"Yours RBSchwaebisch Gmuend, Germany |
| Entry: 18 | | Name: | malaga | Apr 7 |
| HomePage: | malaga linux |
| Comments: | Thank you very much for the info I was looking for, and Greetings from Malaga-Spain Antonio |
| Entry: 19 | | Name: | Isabel Urch (Issy) | Apr 3 |
| Age/Company: | 36 |
| Comments: | I'd like to progress from singing "All Clouds The Sky" in my car to playing it on my harp - do you know where I can find the music to learn it? Really hope you can help... :) |
| Entry: 20 | | Name: | Kerry Manning | Mar 27 |
| Comments: | Did JT write a song (Possibly for "The Iron Ship?" with the chorus of "Like some army, ever onwards, we shall conquer, come what may betides".?If so, any clues as to where I can get the rest of the song ? (Have also tried Mudcat). tks. |
| Entry: 21 | | Name: | Martin Parfitt | Mar 16 |
| Age/Company: | 52 |
| Comments: | Please could you add the complete lyrics to "O'er the Hills and Far Away" as so wonderfully performed by John in the terrific Sharpe series? This would be much appreciated by SAS members (Sharpe fans) and fans of John specifically. Thank you in anticipation of your help. |
| Entry: 22 | | Name: | Richard Hughes (RE) | Mar 12 |
| Age/Company: | 62 |
| HomePage: | Other Side of Time |
| Comments: | I now have nearly 20 CD's that John has been a part of the sessions. Plan to be at the show on May 27th and have tickets purchased. Coming from Colorado, USA Looking forward to meeting you and Barry. |
| Entry: 23 | | Name: | Colin White | Mar 11 |
| Comments: | Just managed to track down a copy ofRise Up Like The Sun by The Albion Bandanother nice one John |
| Entry: 24 |
| Name: | Mike Caldwell | Mar 7 |
| Age/Company: | 47 |
| Comments: | Sorry - forgot to add my comments! Just to say that John's songs are magnificent and sustaining. We've seen JT and Barry C a few times now and hope to be at Guildford in June. Any chance of a JT band tour? Keep up the superb work. |
| Entry: 25 |
| Name: | Dr.Eze Mgbada (Mgbada) | Feb 24 |
| Age/Company: | Magasarl Holdens Sarl |
| System: | Other |
| Comments: | A very nice site keep it up. |
| Entry: 26 | | Name: | James Turner | Feb 22 |
| Comments: | Nice to see that John & Barry are back at The Rock at Wenty, always a highlight of the musical calendar so I'll be making it third year in a row! can't wait! |
| Entry: 27 | | Name: | Phil McDonald (Phil) | Feb 16 |
| Age/Company: | 49 |
| Comments: | John Tams and James Taylor are by far my favourite singers, so references to JT are problematic. Favorite track, Harry Stone. Please visit Biddulph Folk club in Staffordshire John. Best British Folk singer by a mile. |
| Entry: 28 | | Name: | Cheryl Beale | Feb 15 |
| Age/Company: | 37 |
| Comments: | i've just had a look at your gigs page to find that Tam is playing at the Red Lion in Birmingham Do you know how many Red Lions there are in Birmingham?! Whichever one it is i'll be there. |
| Entry: 29 | | Name: | Julia Dean | Feb 11 |
| Age/Company: | 26 |
| Comments: | I've been off work all week sorting out my MA dissertation - thought I'd have a break from 19th century public health reform to catch up with your website - the pictures from Christmas are great! Delighted to see you'll be in Guildford in June, I fully intend to be there; my enthusiasm has rubbed off on my parents so I think it's safe to say I shall not be alone! Take care & see you then. J |
| Entry: 30 | | Name: | Colin White | Feb 8 |
| Age/Company: | old enough to know better |
| Comments: | any news as to which day(s) John and Barry will be appearing at Saltburn Festival in August , have tried the Festival "office" but nobody seems to know |
| Entry: 31 | | Name: | Dan Iburg | Feb 2 |
| Age/Company: | NYPD/BSTF |
| Comments: | I was lucky to pick up Unity here in NY, Just ordered the new CD. I was a big fan of John from the Sharpe Films, even a Bigger fan of his Music.I see all these new folk artists on Vh1 and MTV. There are missing the boat with Johns music. I do hope someone lets them know of this mans works.I hope someday John come to NY and I can finally get to meet him in person.I can alawys put in one of his CD's and remeber that there is still good in this world thanks for the chance to escape.Best of luck to John and all who let us know of his art.Dan |
| Entry: 32 | | Name: | Richard Hughes | Jan 30 |
| Age/Company: | 62 |
| HomePage: | Other Side of Time |
| Comments: | I have been trying to make a concert for years. I will be visiting the UK from Colorado in May/June and plan on making the Guildford Concert, June 4. |
| Entry: 33 | | Name: | james (chosen man) | Jan 13 |
| Age/Company: | 95th Rifles |
| Comments: | awesome in sharpe. awesome writer and musican john... love your work... |
| Entry: 34 | | Name: | ConnorCobby (-) | Jan 8 |
| Age/Company: | 14 |
| Comments: | I just wanted to say that i really loved the music that John did in the Sharpe series. I am a huge Sharpe fan and i think songs such as "Over the hills and far away" added alot of authenticity to it. Also i think John was excellent as a Rifleman Hagman, he was the incarnation of an unfortunate poacher.I lived the way that Hagman would spontaniousley burst into song as the rifles were marching. Great site! Connor |
| Entry: 35 | | Name: | Samuel Spiers(Britney) | Jan 7 |
| Age/Company: | 20 |
| Comments: | Love the music so much, keep it upps You were perfect as Dan Hagman! |
| Entry: 36 | | Name: | alan & sue turner | Jan 7 |
| Comments: | The gig @ derby was the 4th this year we've attended, and the best by far.Tam and Barry are like a very fine wine. They just get better. Thanks to John and Barry for a wonderful start to the Chritsmas holiday. |
| Entry: 37 | | Name: | Nigel canter | Jan 6 |
| HomePage: | Three Tuns O' Grass |
| Comments: | If John would like Geoff Harris's adress and 'phone number then please email me. Geoff isn't on the internet. Tell John that he still has the Epiphone Cortez and it still plays beautifully.Best regards,Nige |
| Entry: 38 | | Name: | maggie (maggie) | Jan 5 |
| Age/Company: | 47 |
| Comments: | I love John's work. I'm a children's illustrator with a leaning towards animating my stories, and if i was ever that lucky, I would ask John to write the music. I was tickled by the music for the recent 'Pickwick Papers', and listened out to hear who had written it....let's have more! |
| Entry: 39 | | Name: | Robert Owen | Jan 5 |
| Age/Company: | 38 |
| Comments: | Question. Is it possible to request permission of Mr. Tams to post one of his songs at a web site. I'm part of a Harry Potter fanfiction group at www.Elenarda.com and i am currently posting a story there called INVICTUS. For one section of section of the story centered around the Yule Ball, I've based HArry's costume on Richard Sharpe and would like to put "Over the Hills and Far Away" in the music section of the site. Please feel free to visit and look over the site and the chapters featuring Harry in costume just went up (Ch 26-28) in the fanfiction section. The quickest link is to go to the message board section and ther eis a link from there. Use "harryssocks" and "hope" as the name/password combo.Sincerely, Robert Owen |
| Entry: 40 |
| Name: | meriel | Dec 31 |
| Comments: | Ouch! Hope Tam has recovered from that bashing over the head with a frying pan that he got in the Pickwick Papers. One of Dickens' daftest stories I reckon, sort of Toad of Toad Hall meets Auf Wiedersehen Pet. Here's wishing Job Trotter and everyone else out there a peaceful new year.meriel |
| Entry: 41 | | Name: | alec and ros wood (as above) | Dec 26 |
| Age/Company: | 50+ |
| Comments: | interesting never seen john perform live but hey there is time |
| Entry: 42 | | Name: | Dareen Smith | Dec 25 |
| Age/Company: | 37 |
| Comments: | hello john,i dont know if you remember our family,roland,maureen,darren and angela,we lived just down the road from you in lower somercotes,i got my dad your second cd of the net for christmas,we sat together listening to it this morning,25th dec,fantastic,very moving,got to get him your first cd now,he sends his regards by the way and hopes to catch you at one of your concerts in the new year,have a good one,darren. |
| Entry: 43 | | Name: | Jack Harper | Dec 22 |
| Age/Company: | old enough to know better |
| Comments: | Just a quick note to wish Jen & Arthur - Tam, Sally & Rosie (not forgetting that lad coope) a jolly good christmas and look forward to seeing you next year - at whatever festival/concert I make. Looking forward to the CD & Songbook.Cheers allJack |
| Entry: 44 | | Name: | Cathryn | Dec 21 |
| Age/Company: | let's just say old |
| Comments: | Just checkin' in as I do from time to time,but thought this time I'd drop a line to wish a Merry Christmas to all!! I am still ever so jealous that I haven't been able to make it over for a concert yet, but there's always 2005, Lord be willin' and the creek don't rise. And Meriel--loved the poem!! Best wishes to all, and please Mr. Tams, don't stop working on album #3!! Those of us west of the Atlantic are jonesing enough already. :) |
| Entry: 46 | | Name: | Spence Adams (viper) | Dec 16 |
| Age/Company: | 34 |
| Comments: | Having been an avid fan of sharpe for years it only just struck me to search the web,as one of the most memorable characters may i congratulate John on a performance that made the gentle poacher daniel hagman come to life along with harris sharpe and harper a winning team nice one john. Now down to the question has John ever or in the future released an album of just the napoleonic solders/war songs as the sharpe cd in my house has been played to death,if so please can you supply me with the name of said album if it exsists? And once again thank you john the whole sharpe experience wouldnt have been the same without you. |
| Entry: 47 |
| Name: | Cathee (Cathee) | Dec 13 |
| Comments: | Recently discovered Sharpe and have become hopelessly addicted to John's music. Am planning my next trip to UK just so I can catch a performance. Please, please, please, ... a US tour! |
| Entry: 48 | | Name: | roz (miss whiplash) | Dec 3 |
| Age/Company: | 56 |
| Comments: | have begun watching the sharpe series on dvd and am addicted to john@s voice and want to know more about his singing |
| Entry: 49 | | Name: | Sally Bramhall | Nov 29 |
| Comments: | Just got hold of the Ashley Hutchings Street Cries CD. It's worth buying anyway, but the first track is my new favourite song! It features John with Coope, Boyes and Simpson and it sends shivers down my spine. |
| Entry: 51 | | Name: | Chris & Siobhan Nelson | Nov 16 |
| HomePage: | Chris & Siobhan Nelson |
| Comments: | 2 superb sets from Tams & Coope at Maghull Day of Music (& some chat at the 'Chance To Meet' session too). Looking forward to the next time we see them - but Chris hopes they'll include his request for Spanish Ladies next time!!! If you see this message, guys - and Sally, too, of course - hi there... it was great to catch up with you again... and we're looking forward to the album! |
 | Chris & Siobhan Nelson : |
| Entry: 52 | | Name: | roy harris | Nov 15 |
| Age/Company: | Ancient |
| Comments: | Greetings Tam, Just found this site, and a fine one it is. I always knew you'd do well! |
| Entry: 53 | | Name: | Colin White | Nov 8 |
| Age/Company: | old enough to know better |
| Comments: | Waited several weeks to see John in Heartbeat. Well done John , there's at least one episode worth watching now. |
| Entry: 54 |
| Name: | JANE JAMES (CALAMITY) | Nov 5 |
| Age/Company: | 44(keep it quiet) |
| Comments: | Newish to Sharpe..new to John Tams..(where have I been?)cannot wait to hear more. |
| Entry: 55 | | Name: | Lucy | Nov 3 |
| Age/Company: | from Devon |
| Comments: | Does anyone know where I can get Alright Jack by the Home Service? Any plans for a rerelease? And are any gigs in the south-west planned? |
| Entry: 56 | | Name: | Ian Lambert | Nov 1 |
| Comments: | You know, if I was to die tomorrow, the singer I want to hear tonight is John Tams. Everything John has done has hit the mark with me, musically, socially and politicaly.(Not that they are seperable) Thanks so much. Ian |
| Entry: 57 | | Name: | Elaine Wood | Oct 28 |
| Age/Company: | Priestley Centre Bradford and Holmfirth Festival |
| Comments: | I have started a series of concerts in a super venue in the centre of Bradford and would like to talk to you about a booking for The John Tams Band.Last week we had Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham and the evening was superb. Hope you will consider a booking. Elaine Wood.Barry Coupe knows who I am. |
| Entry: 58 | | Name: | Daniel Heathcote (Dan) | Oct 24 |
| Age/Company: | 55 |
| Comments: | Reciently bought a pc and having watched SHARP,thought I'd look up John Tams on the internet to see who he is.His voice is unique and add to that,he's got a good Northern accent,I'd like to see and hear what else he's done. |
| Entry: 59 | | Name: | Antony Bary (twinner) | Oct 24 |
| Age/Company: | 24 |
| Comments: | love your work. obsessed with sharpe. good stuff. any chance of visiting portsmouth? |
| Entry: 60 |
| Name: | Siobhan Nelson (Abbey Wood) | Oct 15 |
| HomePage: | Chris & Siobhan Nelson |
| Comments: | Thanks for putting the photo of us interviewing John & Barry at the Solent Folk Festival, on the site. We felt very privileged to be asked to undertake that task, and John & Barry were certainly great interviewees - they made it very easy for us, and very entertaining for the audience. I've been a Tams fan for donkey's years now, but it's the first time I'd seen Tams & Coope as a duo. They were superb, and we're really looking forward to seeing John, Barry & Sally again at Maghull next month. We only wish we were going to be interviewing them again! By the way, what a good memory John has... I couldn't believe it when he referred to me jokingly as Abbey Wood (which is where I used to live back in the late 70s/early 80s) - I don't think I've seen him to speak to since way back then, so I thought that was pretty impressive! |
| Chris & Siobhan Nelson : |
| Entry: 61 |
| Name: | donna matthews | Oct 13 |
| Age/Company: | 55 |
| Comments: | I have just returned from the concert at Barnoldswick, Barlick Unplugged" I must let you all know the great venue that was set up by the folk at Barnoldswick especially Heather and Elaine. John and Barry were awesome, the concert was expertly set up, all of the sound systems were great, and I came all the way from Canada to see and meet them I was not disappointed, and will return again.. Bravo to all!! But the CD's, they are incredible. Donna |
| Entry: 62 | | Name: | Dave | Oct 12 |
| Age/Company: | 18 |
| Comments: | First John in Sharpe, truly fantastic in that and in everything else he does. Just a shame i havent managed to find a gig that he's doing in the Essex or London area, i't be an experience to see him live. |
| Entry: 63 | | Name: | diane sparkes | Oct 9 |
| Comments: | Saw you at the Southampton Folk Festivalit was a great evening - what feeling inyour songs. |
| Entry: 64 | | Name: | phil manning (phil) | Oct 8 |
| Comments: | I am such a great admirer of John's work over may years, and I can't describe in words, how important it is to me. Although I am originally from the midlands, I now live near Portsmouth (Fareham) have professional associations with the Royal Navy. I would LOVE (not a strong enough word!) to see John do a live gig in this area, because I believe I could make it a huge event/success. I am sure I could drum up significant support, and I have contacts who could make a big time gig happen. Please convey this message diectly to John for his serious consideration, and please ask John to contact me directly, my mobile is 07747 844218. Thank you for reading this message, and heartfelt greetings to John.. |
| Entry: 65 |
| Name: | julie williams(nee butler) | Oct 7 |
| Age/Company: | too old |
| Comments: | I can remember many years ago visiting john's home as a child with my grandma (sister to john's grandmother) he had enourmous talent then, but what happened to the lovely blonde hair? |
| Entry: 66 | | Name: | Geoff Pegg | Oct 5 |
| Comments: | Hi, I'm a little desperate - for some years now I have been using The Big Picnic as part of a series of Drama lessons that I teach on war, and we used to watch it on video, because it is such a splendid thing. We have now lost the video and I was hoping you could tell me where we might get another copy from. I know it's not been commercially released. We would be really grateful.CheersGeoff Pegg |
| Entry: 67 | | Name: | Chuck Spoler (Chuck) | Oct 4 |
| Age/Company: | old enough to know better |
| HomePage: | Chuck Spoler-Playwright |
| Comments: | As an American hanging on in the land of Bush, I'm proud to say I've seen all 14 of the Sharpe series. Are we really sure that Hagman and Harris were killed at Waterloo? Dan looked like he was shot through the cheeks, and Harris's wound wasn't necessarily fatal. Hey, it's fiction, they can do anything they damn well please. If they make any more Sharpe's it won't be the same without them. Over the hills and far away! |
| Chuck Spoler-Playwright : |
| Entry: 68 | | Name: | Peter Stines | Oct 2 |
| Comments: | What was the song that John sang in an episode of Sharpe that sounded like, "That night in Robert's bar (???)What was the title and where can I find the lyrics. Also need to find the song "I am a deserter" from Sharpe's Gold. I hated to see Harris ans Hagman get snuffed at Waterloo, but life's a bitch, what more can I say. Thanks for any help. BTW I have a photo still of John from the Waterloo film and I'd like to get it autographed. How can I get this done. I'll even give him the original and he can sign a color Xerox of the photo |
| Entry: 69 |
| Name: | DAVE | Sep 22 |
| Comments: | COULD EMAIL THE GUITAR CHORDS FOR JOHNS "OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY" PLEASE.I AM LEARING TO PLAY THE GUITAR AND HAVE BEEN SINGING THIS BLOODY SONG FOR MONTHS NOW SO PLEASE PLEASE FIND THEM FOR ME. THANKS! DAVE. |
| Entry: 70 | | Name: | Julia Dean | Sep 17 |
| Age/Company: | 26 |
| Comments: | It was lovely to see you all again at the Maltings. My sister came this time and is quite a convert (and after my CDs!). My parents on the South Coast are also keen to come so I think there'll be "a gathering" the next time you're in (or around) London. So, see you next year (I hope!). In the meantime, take care & best wishes, J |
| Entry: 71 | | Name: | Boakesey (Boakesey!) | Sep 15 |
| Age/Company: | 40 something |
| Comments: | HELP!Is there anyone out there from East Kent who is going to the Hailsham gig on Sunday & can offer me a lift all/part of the way?If I get a train, I won't get back to Dover until 7am on Monday - arghhhh! |
| Entry: 72 | | Name: | Julia Dean (Julia) | Sep 4 |
| Age/Company: | 26 |
| HomePage: | none |
| Comments: | Thanks for a fantastic gig at Faversham last night - could only stay for the first four songs before Chie and I had to run for the last train back to London but they were four great songs (and I was singing along with all of them!!!) Chie's back off to Japan next month so I thought this would be a good finale to her sojourn in England. We're off to the Peak District next week as she made the mistake of expressing the opinion that, to her, London was England (!) a very quick reeducation programme ensues (well, anything to get out of the office!) Am looking forward to the next gig, in the meantime I have "The Sound of the Good Hope" to keep me going. Take care & best wishes, J. |
| Entry: 73 |
| Name: | Chie Oya (Chie) | Sep 4 |
| Comments: | I went to the gig at Faversham, it was wonderful gig, a shiver ran down my spine at the sound of your voice. Unfortunately we had to leave early to get our train so we missed quite a lot! I went to your gig in February at Borderline in London. It was two weeks or so since I came to London from Japan,It was so cold had no friend was so depressed but I found a wonderful friend at the gig actually I went to yesterday's gig with her, her name is`Julia! She is a big fan of you, John! Thank you so much, John! You gave me not only beautiful music but also a fabulous friend! |
| Entry: 74 |
| Name: | Ian Barnett (Barney) | Sep 3 |
| Age/Company: | at Least 21 |
| Comments: | Great gig at Towersey, brilliant end to a fab festival, My kids only know John from "SHARPE" So were waiting for "Over The Hills....etc". Dont worry, we all loved the set you did,so it didnt matter at all....phew! But if you need an extra song at Hailsham in a couple of weeks time.......... |
| Entry: 75 | | Name: | kevin parker (chosenman) | Sep 2 |
| Age/Company: | 46 |
| Comments: | hope to see you on friday in faversham hope to get book signed, jason salkey says will look you both up in london. |
| Entry: 76 | | Name: | Jeff Harrison (Shaggy) | Aug 29 |
| Age/Company: | over 50 (ex Crucible) |
| HomePage: | NO DON@T WANT ONE!!!! |
| Comments: | Now divorced, and living High green: tend to use the Commercial in Chapletown a lot; they have fock n beer nights! still tell the story about superman, bondage and the wardrobe.Love Jeffps do you have any more moustache whitening, I won't need much nowadays! |
| Entry: 77 |
| Name: | shawn | Aug 7 |
| Comments: | any chance Mr. Tams will tour Canada, we love his music here so we do. |
| Entry: 78 |
| Name: | Dave Bennett (Bobby Dave) | Aug 6 |
| Age/Company: | Same as Tam |
| Comments: | John and Barry at SidmouthI made the journey from Derby to Sidmouth last Monday, specifically to see John and Barry in Concert. The gig was more than worth the effort to attend. The whole concert including Pete Coe as support was a wonder. John and Barry gave the best performance I have seen. John has the wonderful gift of making each member of an audience of hundreds believe they were being addressed personally. The Marquee was full and the atmosphere great. John's ad libs even had Barry crying with laughter.All the songs were superbly delivered including my favourite " All Clouds the Sky". As I had to return to Derby I left during the encore and the final pleasure was to be able to hear " Rolling Home" in the Market Place several hundred yards away. A wonderful evening and I look forward to the next occasion which will probably be the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Gig in September. |
| Entry: 79 | | Name: | Keith Bonsor | Jul 21 |
| Age/Company: | 53 |
| Comments: | A good site.and lots of well desrved compliments.I saw John and Barry at Carsington, which was an excellent weekend!It was my pleasure to meet you John at the Spanker after one of my local walks in 'God's County' and express my thanks for such a great gig and performance by yourself and Barry, as usual! Thanks again to you both,and Sally, and all concerned. I look forward to seing you again soon at a gig or watering hole.Take careKeith and Sue.p.s Does the redo of Sharpe mean you're coming back from the dead? No sarcy comments! |
| Entry: 80 | | Name: | Boakesey (boakesey of course!) | Jul 20 |
| Age/Company: | old enough to know better! |
| HomePage: | Boakesey's home page? |
| Comments: | Hi Jen & everyone!I'm sure you've all heard the super news about the return of - Sharpe - two new stories being filmed in India. Can I just add my wishes to many others in that I hope/expect(!) that Tams' music will once again be used in the series. See you at Faversham in Sept. & Rhiannon - hope to see/meet you at Folkestone this weekend! TTFN |
| boakeseys home page : |
| Entry: 81 | | Name: | Ray | Jul 10 |
| Comments: | Very much enjoyed the recent Worcester concert. John expressed an appreciation of amusing signs so I have included some here in case he should drop in:Toilet out of order, please use floor below(Laundrette) Automatic Washing Machine; when the light goes out please remove all your clothes(Department store) Bargain Basement UpstairsWould the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back or further steps will be taken.(office) After tea break staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board.(second hand shop) We exchange anything – Bicycles, washing machines etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?(Health Food Shop) Closed due to illness(Safari Park) Elephants please stay in your car(Conference) For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is a day care on the first floor.(By a field) The farmer allows walkers to cross this field for free, but the bull charges.(leaflet) If you cannot read, this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons.(repair shop) We can repair anything. Please knock hard as the bell does no work. |
| Entry: 82 |
| Name: | Barry Jennings (stumpy) | Jun 27 |
| Age/Company: | 59 |
| Comments: | Really enjoyed the concert at Cranleigh recently i have even got my wife Janna as a fan, look forward to seeing John and Barry at the Maltings. |
| Entry: 83 | | Name: | Keith Hodgkinson (KIP) | Jun 26 |
| Age/Company: | 53 |
| Comments: | Hi John and sally just a quick note to say how much i enjoyed the "CARSINGTON" gig, all the best from KIP |
| Entry: 84 | | Name: | Patricia Biddlecombe (Trish) | Jun 25 |
| Age/Company: | 59 |
| Comments: | Any chance of you visiting Scotland? How about performing at the Famous Bein Inn.stay@beininn.com |
| Entry: 85 | | Name: | Rhiannon | Jun 24 |
| Age/Company: | 14 |
| Comments: | Saw a concert last year and i had to say what a wonderful evening it was.Thank you for 14 years of wonderful music(more than that i know, but i've been brought up with it). The whole familys huge fans, me dad in particular, with all his Albion Band LPs on a shelf in the corner. Now we're members of the 95th Rifles re-enactment society- the songs sound lovely sung round the campfire! Hope to see you in concert again soon. |
| Entry: 86 | | Name: | alan & sue turner (rocky) | Jun 22 |
| Comments: | Went to the gig at Bury Met last Sat.Had a smashing time,lovely evening.Nice to get the chance to chat with John & Sally. Many thanks to John, Sally and Barry for a wonderful night's entertaiment |
| Entry: 87 | | Name: | Melinda | Jun 11 |
| Comments: | Hello to all. I weighed in on "Unity" shortly after recieving it and would like to add some thoughts after having listened to it non-stop for three weeks. Initially "Spanish Bride" was my favorite (doubtless because I am a complete "Sharpe's" addict.) But now I find myself pushing the replay button most often on both "Unity" and "Harry Stone." The latter is far and away my favorite. I love the horns and it is so passionately sung that I get goosebumps every time I hear it. Pity it wasn't recorded a bit earlier as it would have made a stunning addition to the "Brassed Off" soundtrack (which I also listen to endlessly.)Anyway, thanks again and keep up the great work!! |
| Entry: 88 | | Name: | Judy, Greg & Emma | Jun 7 |
| Age/Company: | 58/56/29 |
| Comments: | Saw your show at Atlantic Road, Birkenhead - absolutely fabulous! Only a shame more people were not there to share our enjoyment. Congratulations to John and Barry! Please come to Merseyside (or environs) again - SOON. |
| Entry: 89 | | Name: | Angela (Jason's emailer!) | Jun 5 |
| Age/Company: | Same age as Karen |
| Comments: | Loved the concert at Pacific Road. Well impressed by silver pen but suggest you use blotting paper too.Now have CD insert with 4 silver smudges and John Tasplodge on it.Didn't have reading glasses on at the time so will never know what you wrote.Jason now winning by a head! |
| Entry: 90 | | Name: | kevin parker | May 30 |
| Age/Company: | 46 |
| Comments: | hope to see john tams at faversham folk festival, would it be possable to meet due to getting autograph as rifleman hagman have got jason salkeys.best regards. |
| Entry: 91 | | Name: | Melinda (sharpeslass) | May 30 |
| Age/Company: | over 30 |
| Comments: | *urg* After just spending about 24-hours rewatching the "Sharpe's" series I finally went online and ordered "Unity" and "Over the Hills and Far Away." "Unity" came today and is brilliant. I love that man's voice. I love "Hagman" in Sharpe's and I'm always irritated when reading the books that he's so much older than the actor/musician/genius.. Anyway, I'll stop babbling now and just say: Why does J. Tams avoid America? Las Vegas is full of venues he could play and it would make me really happy.Love to all,Melinda |
| Entry: 92 | | Name: | gerallt | May 28 |
| Age/Company: | 27 |
| Comments: | was really looking forward to hear john in north wales, what happened? very disapointed it was cancelled, i will have to wait until next time he is in our area. |
| Entry: 93 | | Name: | Judy Struck(Judy) | May 24 |
| Age/Company: | 58 |
| Comments: | I just finished the 14th in the Sharpe Series, and have been tracking all of the players. I really love the music, and find it running through my head quite a lot. Terrific in every way. I am so glad to read of John Tams and his success since the series. |
| Entry: 94 | | Name: | james potter | May 22 |
| Age/Company: | three score & ten |
| Comments: | Thanks for a great night at wentworth 21/5 sorry for the comment on the absence of the sharp songs,but I do feel strongly that british armed forces do seem to get the blame for events which are out of their control and have many who would knock rather than praise e.g. Piers Morgan.not that I think you are in this category but your sharp songs although fictional do praise the army and as such would I feel have had an opposite effect to the one one you felt. however I do understand how you feel and once again offer my apology.Thank you for a good night and hope to catch you both again soon.hasta la vista Jim Potter |
| Entry: 95 | | Name: | Kathryn Griifiths | May 22 |
| Age/Company: | 34 |
| Comments: | Went to see John and Barry Coombes at Rockingham arms last night. What a brilliant night, first time seeing him live and I must go again. Thanks for a brill evening |
| Entry: 96 | | Name: | simon whittle | May 17 |
| Age/Company: | 43 |
| Comments: | great evenin at nettlebed , looking forward to Carsington , hope they can sing as well as us southerners!! |
| Entry: 97 | | Name: | Colin White | May 14 |
| Age/Company: | long over 21 |
| Comments: | for anyone trying to get tickets for Northallerton on 26th September - the phone number on the gig list is the venue and nobody present when I phoned seemed to know anything. The Sjipton Building Socoiety say they do not have tickets available yet - can anybody throw some light on this one? |
| Entry: 98 | | Name: | Robert Cohen | May 5 |
| Age/Company: | 38 |
| Comments: | Thanks for your site I've enjoyed looking round and wonderd if you could spread any more light on the next Topic recording John is working on?Best wishes |
| Entry: 99 |
| Name: | Phil | Apr 30 |
| Age/Company: | would'nt you like to no |
| Comments: | how old is john anyway... |
| Entry: 100 | | Name: | Julian Papworth | Apr 29 |
| Comments: | We as a family are captivated by Johns version of Over the Hills,so much so that our daughter is desperate to sing it as her chosen Folk Song for her Grade6 Voice exams,but we are unable to find any sheet music.Can either yourself or John help in any way and make a young singer very happy!!Thanks,JU. |
| Entry: 101 | | Name: | francis hales(germ) | Apr 28 |
| Age/Company: | 44 |
| Comments: | oh deep joy you playing at wingfield on 24 of june, i shall be there have no fear, actualy maybe you should, harmlees idoit berk like me are dangerous breed of small wooly mamouth, yes i know but be very silly is what do best |
| Entry: 102 | | Name: | francis hales (germ) | Apr 28 |
| Age/Company: | 44 |
| Comments: | dear god in heaven,(who if truth be told doesen't exist. oh how i loved over the hills & now i find that the bloke who did it has been swaning around wid the albion. 2 things to say i am berk 2nd to none, 2 i shall be off to order said album friday, this is unless i get abbducted by aliens turn into a fruit bowl or slight more unlikey tuirn in to raving nazi an atempt to retake the sudatan land only to beaten by a small child with a copy of the dandy |
| Entry: 103 | | Name: | Martin Parfitt | Apr 23 |
| Age/Company: | 51 |
| HomePage: | AOL: Parfitt 666 |
| Comments: | To John: It was great to meet you at the Sharpe Convention. We spoke about your music tours and I was pleased to see that you will be performing in Marlborough in May. (Tickets for my wife and I already obtd). Please could you add the your definitive version lyrics of "O'er the Hills and Far Away" to your lyrics listings page. Once again thanks for all the entertainment you have given us to date. Martin Parfitt. |
| Entry: 104 | | Name: | el¿bieta | Apr 23 |
| Age/Company: | 39 |
| Comments: | Hi, I live in Poland.for some weeks I've been watching the Sharpe series with fine music and wonderful John Tams' strong and very gently voice. The song "will you go or wiil you tell me..."from Sharpe's revenge I like the most. |
| Entry: 105 | | Name: | Colin White | Apr 21 |
| Age/Company: | long over 21 |
| Comments: | at last John is coming within striking distance of York - hope to see you at Northallerton on 26 Sepember.Any news on the next album and or the promised song book?? Best wishes. |
| Entry: 108 | | Name: | Jon Watkins (Mogwai) | Apr 17 |
| Age/Company: | 35 |
| HomePage: | Royal Armed Forces Virtual |
| Comments: | After following Johns work since Sharpe, I have bought, played, and worn out Mr. Tams Albums. All that remains is to live in hope that John might pen some lyrics to suit as a signature theme to our RAFv Organisation, we are all very proud of what it has become (www.rafvirtual.org). Excellent work John; inspiring, makes one proud to be British when living on Foreign shores. Nothing makes me happier than when folk here in Canada ask if I have watched "Sharpe" (Which they seem to screen every year on TV out here!) and do I know who the Gentleman is who Penned the Music, and I have the utmost honour in answering "As a matter of fact I have and I do, the Gentleman in question is a Mr. John Tams."I wish you every success for the future and thank you so much for keeping the British Pride flowing in this man's veins.Good Luck Sir. |
| Entry: 109 | | Name: | Brian Reeves | Mar 29 |
| Age/Company: | 62 |
| Comments: | Hi, 1st concert I've attended. John & Barry were excellent at Arretton, on the Isle of Wight. Come back again I say.I would like to obtain a video of the BBC production "The Ship", Is there one available. |
| Entry: 110 | | Name: | ruth | Mar 25 |
| Comments: | were any of the songs from "the Ship" ( other than hold back the tide) ever recorded? I still hear the closing song in my head- but I can't remember all the words. Are they available anywhere? The world shoul not be deprived of such beautiful music!! |
| Entry: 111 | | Name: | donna matthews (teach) | Mar 25 |
| Age/Company: | 50 something |
| Entry: 112 | | Name: | Gary | Mar 5 |
| Comments: | Top class singer, songwriter and actor. |
| Entry: 113 |
| Name: | Jean | Feb 23 |
| Comments: | This is Jean from New York City. I was at the Borderline concert on the 14th and just have to say it was a terrific show. Despite John being under the weather, the songs still sounded wonderful. (I actually thought his illness was more obvious when he talked than when he sang). A good set list, with a mix of favorites and material I had not heard of him doing before. Any chance of him performing in the US sometime? |
| Entry: 114 | | Name: | James Turner | Feb 23 |
| Comments: | Hi Jennifer, hi everyone,not smurfed in for a while, been busy on various projects, sustained by rise Up (is this the greatest folk rock album ever...I think so!) as well as Home (is this the greates John Tams album ever? I think so!!) but thought I'd leave a nite letting you know about a new online magazine you may find interesting, in next edition (hopefully) there will be a big piece on Rise Up... www.zyworld.com-albionmagazineonline-index.html |
| Entry: 115 | | Name: | Jack | Feb 15 |
| Age/Company: | old enough to know better |
| Comments: | Had a terrific time at the Borderline last night. I know Tam had the croaks but blow me, he still gave a great show! Barry was just as good as always. I guess these two have a great future!!!joking aside, this is only the second time I have seem them live and it was even better than the first time. My lady wife is now becoming a confirmed folky (so long as Tam & Barry are involved). Keep it up lads (where's the songbook Tam? some of us need the help!)cheers till the next time. |
| Entry: 116 | | Name: | Peggy B. Fuller | Feb 10 |
| Age/Company: | 50 something |
| Comments: | I've searched near and far for info on John. This site is worth the hunt. Where can I get his music in America? Blackstar.co.uk products are not compatible with American formats. |
| Entry: 117 | | Name: | alan & sue turner | Feb 7 |
| Age/Company: | 47 |
| Comments: | saw john live last night at W.F.C. first time we've seen him live. What a fab night we had. Didnt know what to expect, but came away delighted.The only disappointment was how quickly the night passed. Can't wait to go to another John Tams gig.Many thanks to Joh and Barry for a brill evening |
| Entry: 118 | | Name: | perry | Jan 30 |
| Age/Company: | 50 |
| Comments: | Any idea where I might find a recording of John's "Love Farewell"? |
| Entry: 119 | | Name: | Jean | Jan 27 |
| Age/Company: | 45 |
| Comments: | Just listened to the Celtic Connections concert - absolutely wonderful. I would not have known about it except for this website. Am looking forward to seeing John and Barry at the Borderline in London on Feb 14th. |
| Entry: 120 | | Name: | Ken Jude | Jan 24 |
| Entry: 121 | | Name: | Euan Frame (ELF) | Jan 22 |
| Age/Company: | 41/Yes, if you buy me a beer...... |
| Comments: | Just back from John and Barry's gig at The Piping Centre, Glasgow. What a great evening! They began by singing ”Lay me down low”, but tonight we were “Lifted up high”.My words won't do them justice - just GO AND SEE THEM LIVE and you'll know what I mean. Don't sit in watching “Reality TV”, this is reality - real people, real talent, real songs, laughter, tears, the whole human thing. Can't be beaten! |
| Entry: 122 | | Name: | Cathryn Alpaugh | Jan 21 |
| Age/Company: | "Somewhere between 40 and death" |
| Comments: | Howdy! Just finished listening to Tam and Barry on BBC Radio2. Fantastic!! I only wish there was more of it!! Now I'm really "jonesing" to hear more live and in person. Maybe someday. Until then, you keep singing and I'll keep listening! And Jennifer, keep up the good work on the website! |
| Entry: 123 | | Name: | Debbie Payne | Jan 18 |
| Age/Company: | 21 for the 2nd time! |
| Comments: | Hi Jennifer, just for the record we're from Bisley, Surrey. The Payne family include, myself, husband Tony and children, Samuel 12yrs, Jade 10yrs and Joshua 6yrs. Great web page, keep up the good work. |
| Entry: 124 |
| Name: | Payne Family | Jan 16 |
| Age/Company: | 6 to 46! |
| Comments: | Have seen John and Barry in concert twice now and loved every minute. John always takes time to speak to the children, which they think is great. Looking forward to the next concert near us in April. |
| Entry: 125 | | Name: | Mai | Jan 11 |
| Age/Company: | 70 |
| Comments: | Having listened to the Sharp's Rifles entire series on DVD completely through twice now, (My spouse is a Sharp junkie.) I now have John's voice and music implanted in my brain. That's a good thing to have there. Thank's John. From Washington State, USA Oh yes, this is a geat web site! |
| Entry: 126 | | Name: | Roy Hudson | Dec 24 |
| Age/Company: | 52 on a good day |
| Comments: | St Benedict's school theatre was a very special place to be on Dec 19th as John and Barry weaved their usual magic once again. Last time I saw them was at the Fishpond and I didn't think that amazing atmosphere could be generated again here but somehow it was. Difficult to pick the highlights, there were so many. Sally's mince pies (which quickly became collector's items). Buying a losing raffle ticket from Rosie. Listening to John's short course on poultry management in Chesterfield dialect(Old Brown Hen) Musically, Harry Stone stirred the soul and pulled at the heart as always. Right On Line sounded great live. Don Quixote probably made the night for me. It was interesting to hear John say that he understood it better now than when it was written. I can certainly connect with it better now than when I first heard June Tabor sing it 15 years ago.Final highlight of the night came on the way home when Debbie (who has baffled me for years with bits of geordie dialect) asked me if tothree 'ens were some kind of bantam. East Midlands strikes back at last! |
| Entry: 127 | | Name: | meriel cross | Dec 20 |
| Comments: | A triumphant night for the boys last night in Derby. The Robert Ludlam Theatre at St Benedict School was packed to the doors for the Tams and Coope Christmas Special. Maybe this could become a regular event, anticipated as eagerly each year as the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special (of whom, clearly, Mr T is a big fan). Some new material really freshened up the set. Highlights.....the Christmas tryptich (?) (medley to you and me) was beautifully done and the additional verses in All Clouds the Sky make it an even more special song than it already was in The Good Hope. Tam was in poetic and mischievous mood with a humorous ditty about a chicken, which could have turned offensive for the vegetarians in the house, but ended up with the chicken having the last word. Barry giggled along with the audience as the one-liners came thick and fast. The raffle went well with some impressive prizes. Not bubble bath and old gold chocolates here, oh no. Just a signed DVD from Albert Finney and an enormous doll's house. The auction provoked quite a lot of tension, especially when the Sharpe jacket and goodies went up to £200. I'm not sure how well the auction had been publicised but in fact it may have been the time of year that made so few people willing to stump up big money. Tam and Barry paid a special tribute to Sally's marvellous efforts in organising the event and, among others, also thanked Pete Bullock for his musical contributions during the evening. Around £1000 was raised for the school, in particular to buy instruments for the children with visual impairment. You've just got to admire these two blokes - not easy to pigeon-hole and probably not the least bit fashionable, yet their incredible ability to move you with the power of the lyric and the harmony makes you come away feeling you've just seen a class act. Please give 'em a gong Mr Harding. |
| Entry: 128 | | Name: | Euan Frame (ELF) | Dec 12 |
| Age/Company: | 1 (life begins @ 40...) |
| Comments: | Got my tickets for the Glasgow gig at the Piping Centre on January 22nd '04.Come on Folks and Folkies, Chosen Men/Women and Spanish Ladies let's make it a Celtic Connection to remember! |
| Entry: 129 | | Name: | brian smith | Dec 8 |
| Age/Company: | 43 |
| Comments: | saw John and Barry first time live at Basingstoke. They compliment each other brilliantly, and should not be mised by anyone who enjoys good banter, and beautiful music - awesome |
| Entry: 130 |
| Name: | dave garrard (walnut) | Dec 7 |
| Comments: | I sat in the front row at Footlights in West Chiltington last night and loved every second of the show. I count myself as priviledged to have seen and heard John who has given the world so many wonderful songs. We often sing Rolling Home at our club (Chichester Folk Song Club - Tuesday nights at the Gribble Inn, Oving) but now I'm going to learn John's fantastic reworking of the Manchester Rambler. Good on yer John. Hope to see you again some time soon |
| Entry: 131 | | Name: | Trish Santer(Trish) | Dec 6 |
| Age/Company: | 57 |
| Comments: | First got interested in JT's music when I heard the Middle bar singers in Sidmouth doing "Rolling Home". Have since listened to/bought CDs but still not seen him live. Hope to get to the gig at Celtic Connections in January. Would like to see more quality English artistes North of the Border!! |
| Entry: 132 | | Name: | Julia Dean | Nov 21 |
| Age/Company: | 25 |
| Comments: | The evening in the Purcell Room was fantastic - looking forward to February! |
| Entry: 133 | | Name: | Candy Schwartz | Nov 20 |
| Age/Company: | 55 |
| HomePage: | Candy@ |
| Comments: | You may remember the Americans (Canadians actually) who travelled from Boston (USA) to Bath to see you and Barry. This is overdue, but we did indeed get home safely the next day (you had said to e-mail you when we got home, so after a slight delay, here I am). Thank you for a wonderful night of music. We just found out that you and Barry will be playing Celtic Connections in Glasgow, so we will see you again. YAY. |
| Entry: 134 | | Name: | James Turner | Nov 20 |
| Comments: | Looking forward to seeing John and Barry back at the 'Rock' in Wentworth next year, this years gig back in March (was it so long ago, seems like years!) was one of the best gigs I've seen this year,and next years rematch is already on my (metaphorical,as I havent got one til xmas!)calendar as a must see for next year.I can't wait! |
| Entry: 135 | | Name: | Colin White | Nov 19 |
| Age/Company: | 52 |
| Comments: | any progress with the promised song book???? |
| Entry: 136 |
| Name: | phil wray (rusty) | Nov 18 |
| Age/Company: | 47 and counting |
| Comments: | first heard unity on radio 2,loved , bought it,inspired by it.as awannabee playwrite and a jobbing semiamateur actor Iwouldbe honoured to use some of your lyrics in a play I a,trying to write,based on the memories of a Welsh Coal Miner.Please email me if this is possoble |
| Entry: 137 | | Name: | César Coelho | Nov 13 |
| Age/Company: | 37 |
| Comments: | I´m a portuguese fan of John Tams (we are, at least, two - me and my brother) and I just want to say that you have fans in Portugal. Give us some more of your music, please! Thanks. |
| Entry: 138 | | Name: | Steve | Nov 13 |
| Age/Company: | 42 |
| Comments: | Went to the gig at Hailsham on Saturday night and had a great time. I am intrigued to know what guitar John used. Any chance of you finding out? Great site. Steve |
| Entry: 139 | | Name: | Jack (Jack) | Nov 10 |
| Comments: | Great night at the Persil room (John's gag not mine!)as usual the music and craic were superb both John & Barry in fine voice. Actually got Linda to go with me so gradually turning the lady wife into a folky! - look forward to the Borderline next year - cheers |
| Entry: 140 | | Name: | Boakesey (see above) | Nov 10 |
| Age/Company: | not as old as I feel this morning....! |
| Comments: | Great gig last night at the Purcell rooms, guys, & it was lovely to meet tou all at last. Will post photos to you asap so you can put them on the website if you like.The arrangement of "All Clouds the Sky" was spine-tingly wonderful - please keep it in & stick it on the next album please, preety please. I also thought Sam's Xmas pudding "monologue" was hilarious & should also be kept in the set.Got to go now - I'm in the middle of teaching a lesson!!See you at the Borderline in February.Boakesey |
| Entry: 141 | | Name: | James Farrow (James) | Nov 9 |
| Age/Company: | 25 |
| Comments: | Hi,This is a message for John Tams if he reads it. Hi, i'm a big fan of you and your music and think your great. But i realy liked you in sharpe as hagman. You were my favourite character and was wondering, could you please send me a signed picture of you as Hagman because i can't find one anywhere and i would love to have your autograph. My address is James Farrow. 15 HALL DRIVE, BURTON ON THE WOLDS, LOUGHBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE12 5AD.Thanks.James |
| Entry: 143 | | Name: | Euan L. Frame (ELF) | Nov 6 |
| Age/Company: | 40/Still good! |
| Comments: | Great to hear John and Barry are playing Glasgow in January. I'll be there along with a few "Chosen Men" (and women!). I'm booking my tickets tomorrow and really looking forward to a good night to brighten up a dreary January. Cheers,Euan. |
| Entry: 144 | | Name: | Richard Evison | Nov 3 |
| Age/Company: | 57. steam-models.uk.com |
| Comments: | John. I rember you calling in the shop in Riddings many years ago. I could have only just opened it. I would like to have a natter over a an idea I have for a screen film. |
| Entry: 145 | | Name: | Malcolm E. Birtwell (Mal) | Oct 21 |
| Age/Company: | grumpy old man |
| HomePage: | Malcolm E. Birtwell |
| Comments: | I think the page is great. I've been wanting to see John live for ages and I can't believe I missed him when he played in my home town of Sheringham! Please come back soon or at least to Norfolk and I won't miss you again. Best wishes from sunny Sheringham. |
 | Malcolm E. Birtwell : |
| Entry: 146 | | Name: | Richard Ford (Richard) | Oct 21 |
| Age/Company: | 56 and proud! |
| Comments: | Heard your song "Unity" on the radio and liked it so much that we (the band) decided to do it. So, looking for words I found your site. What a brilliant wordsmith you are. Richard. |
| Entry: 147 | | Name: | Tim Durrant | Oct 20 |
| Age/Company: | 46 |
| HomePage: | Bedford Morris Men |
| Comments: | Saw John and Barry Coope at the Sun Hotel, Hitchin last night, singing for the Hitchin Folk Club. Wonderful evening of quality craftmanship in the creation and delivery of songs which "connect".(I've spent the morning re-educating myself about the "Battle of Orgreave") Thanks John, If you read this !! I'm now going to browse round the rest of the site....thanks for providing it! Cheers, Tim Durrant |
| Bedford Morris Men : Information about Morris generally and The Bedford Side specifically. |
| Entry: 148 | | Name: | francesca andrews | Oct 16 |
| Comments: | hello jennifer, i'm doing email training at work and thought i'd look up your tams website.haven't had time to read it properly however! see you tomorrow at the sale. |
| Entry: 149 | | Name: | Jennifer | Oct 5 |
| Comments: | Dear John and BarryThanks for another wonderful evening in your company, I always forget to say the important things like "what a great gig" and "thanks for the namecheck". Very privileged to work for you, keep rolling along, see you again soon.Lots of loveJennifer |
| Entry: 150 | | Name: | Denise | Oct 4 |
| Comments: | Good website. We saw John and Barry last week at Sheringham and it was absolutely fantastic! |
| Entry: 151 |
| Name: | dave walmisley(dave) | Sep 28 |
| Entry: 152 |
| Name: | Barry Howard | Sep 24 |
| Age/Company: | 43 |
| Comments: | Looking forward with great anticipation to seeing John and Barry at "Folk In The Fall" in November. Still the finest contemporary writer of traditional song we have!By the way - I have "A Map Of Derbyshire"! |
| Entry: 153 |
| Name: | James Turner | Sep 10 |
| Comments: | Hiya Jennifer,everybody.The latest edition of the Classic Rock Societys magazine, Rock Society is out now containg an interview with John Tams.For more details either e-mail myself or visit the CRS site classicrocksociety.comCheers |
| Entry: 154 | | Name: | Stephen Bazire | Aug 31 |
| System: | Other |
| Comments: | I wondered if anyone had an address for John please? I have just had the latest edition of a book published and since I used Unity and Home to proof read by (and it was 450 pages of small type technical stuff), I thanked him in the acknowledgements and just want to send him a copy.A forward to address would be fine.CheersStephen BazireThe Homestead, Threehammer Common, Neatishead, Norfolk NR 12 8BP |
| Entry: 155 | | Name: | tony durant | Aug 20 |
| Comments: | Hi,My name's Tony Durant, and many years ago John sang on a song I wrote for a film while I lived in Richmond. John used to stay at our flat. I'd love to contact him again to say hi, and also ask him about the possibility of using this song on an album compilation.Regards, tony |
| Entry: 156 | | Name: | Cheryl Beale (Chloe) | Aug 19 |
| Age/Company: | 36 |
| Comments: | What can I say,I,like many others discovered John via Sharpe,and drove my husband to distraction as it was the only cd I play for at least 18 mths!Then I discovered "Unity"which helped me though a very painful period in my life,my mum died in January of this year and whenever I hear "Who will blow the candle out tonight" I think of her.During the powercuts during the 70's she would always come up to blow out the candles when we went to bed.Silly memory I know but it always makes me think....Thanks John,I hope your life is a little more settled nowCheryl Beale |
| Entry: 157 | | Name: | Cathryn Alpaugh | Aug 8 |
| Age/Company: | haven't developed a hitch in my get-a-long yet |
| Comments: | Jennifer, & Mr. & Mrs. Tams: THANKS AGAIN!!!! I hope you find as much joy in life as you bring to others with your music!! Cathryn |
| Entry: 158 | | Name: | james franey | Aug 8 |
| Comments: | best gig i ever saw was the albion band at the rfh 06/81. any chance of a tape/cd? |
| Entry: 159 | | Name: | Becky Wentworth | Aug 3 |
| Age/Company: | 57 |
| Comments: | Discovered John Tams through Sharpe series then got Home and Unity and then went to two concerts in London and one in Wentworth. That was a great concert He's fun to listen to tells a great story. I also wish he would climb on the big bird and come to north america. |
| Entry: 160 |
| Name: | John Peach (Peachy) | Jul 30 |
| Age/Company: | 48 UB40 Club since 25/7/03 |
| Comments: | Just purchased a computer so I can join the 21st century! Well,I saw John last year at The Fishpond M. Bath.Played both Unity & Home albums endlessly.Saw him in Bakewell this year,brilliant!He signed the Home CD for me, and I thought what a warm and fantastically talented man,shaking my hand like he had known me for years!Keep up the good work! |
| Entry: 161 | | Name: | donna mair (boriel) | Jul 26 |
| Age/Company: | 40 |
| HomePage: | osgiliath |
| Comments: | hiya jennifer, love the new look since i've been here last time....just wanted you to maybe pass on to john that i just got the sharpe music cd and listened to it 5 times already today....i LOVE it..john is a very talented singer and writer and so is barry coope. Tell John that he should come to vancouver, canada and do a concert, we are still waiting LOL. Take care. |
| lotr osgiliath : |
| Entry: 162 |
| Name: | allen porter (cazal1980) | Jul 25 |
| Age/Company: | 50 |
| Comments: | John, just watched some early SHARPE>Didn't realise you were so talented.Searching for my Irish grandparents, and OVER THE HILL AND FARAWAY struck a memory.Long live your musical talent's acting, and your family have a wonderful man.allen |
| Entry: 163 | | Name: | James Turner | Jul 9 |
| Age/Company: | 25 |
| Comments: | Hi Jennifer, everyone, after the posting on the BBC Radio 2 Critical list board regarding putting Rise up Like up the Sun on the critical list, it received several positive comments, and got some people interested in the album who hadn't previously heard about it. So what I've done now is entered phase 2 of Operation Rise up... I have sent an e-mail to critical list Stuat Maconie on his e-mail stuart.maconie@bbc.co.uk telling him how great Rise up is, so if you want to see it celebrated then please send him an e-mail and hopefully he may put it on his show!CheersJames |
| Entry: 164 | | Name: | Marie Colangelo (Marie) | Jul 8 |
| Age/Company: | 39 |
| Comments: | I discovered his music while in London. UNITY has become very special to me and I look forward to hearing John perform live (please God!). Very nice website. |
| Entry: 165 | | Name: | Marie Colangelo (Marie) | Jul 8 |
| Age/Company: | 39/Harvard University |
| Entry: 166 | | Name: | Marie | Jul 3 |
| Age/Company: | 30 |
| Comments: | Great site ive met John he,s realy nice just wondered if he has thought of comeing to Scunthorpe to do a gig at the Baths Hall as it would be great to see him live.xxx |
| Entry: 167 | | Name: | James Turner | Jun 30 |
| Comments: | Hiya Jennifer, everybody!Have read your comments on the Andy Kershaw message board about Rise up Like the Sun. I'm trying to get Stuart Maconie to put Rise up..on his critical list and have posted the following on the BBC Radio 2 critical list & folk root and acoustic message boards..As its just been re-released I nominate The Albion Bands classic album from 1977, Rise up Like the Sun, as an album that has to go on the critical list. As important an album as Liege and Lief was in 1969, it's no surprise to find Simon Nicol,Dave Mattacks, Ashley Hutchings and Richard Thompson working their magic on this classic as well. With songwriting duties taken over by John Tams, and able support from future fairporter Ric sanders, Graeme Taylor on guitar, Phil Pickett as well as Michael gregory as a xsecond drummer, and with vocal contributions from Martin carthy, Linda Thompson and the MagGarrigles, and stand out tracks like Ragged Heroes, gresford disaster and the classic Lay me Low, this was the peak of the Albion Bands 70's career and managed to re-start the folk rock revival, and arguably is the best example of the genre. If you dont beleive me check out the new remaster, and if you're already a convert then get it played loud!If you want to support the campaign then please surf over to the BBc site and add your comments!CheersJames |
| Entry: 168 | | Name: | Renelle | Jun 23 |
| Comments: | To Judy and Cathryn - Beg, borrow or steal the money to go to England - you won't regret it!John and Barry were divine both at Guildford and Davy Lamp Club. I hope John will consider recording "Banks of Red Roses" on next CD. I love it more every time they sing it.Thanks again for a fabulous evening.And many thanks for your hard work Jennifer on the site. |
| Entry: 169 | | Name: | keith blackburn | Jun 23 |
| Age/Company: | 48 |
| Comments: | saw the davy lamp gig and observed the best folk style concert anyone could wish for- priceless!! |
| Entry: 170 | | Name: | jacqueline | Jun 23 |
| Comments: | Saw John at the Davy Lamp folk club on Saturday night, he was fantastic come back soon. |
| Entry: 171 | | Name: | Judy Smith | Jun 14 |
| Age/Company: | 26 |
| Comments: | I discovered Mr. Tams' music the same way Cathryn did (as described below). :) And I am so glad I did. "Unity" is always in my CD player, at home and at work. I too would love to see him live, but I don't think I can afford to go overseas right now. (I'm also in the US.) I would also love to know if Mr. Tams ever plans on doing even a brief tour over here. |
| Entry: 172 | | Name: | Cathryn Alpaugh | Jun 13 |
| Age/Company: | older than the Sahara Desert, according to my nephew |
| Comments: | Greetings and Felicitations to Jennifer(and your family), Mr. & Mrs. Tams, Rosie, and all the ships at sea (?)! I just got (FINALLY) my copy of HOME. (Who says Friday the 13th isn't a lucky day?) I loved it!! Very haunting in some aspects, which is to say that it certainly hits a chord for those of us who work on a daily basis with "all those who are denied the experience". Definitely worth the incredibly long wait to get it. So, when does your next CD come out?--Happy Fathers' Day to those of you who might care to celebrate such an occasion!--Cathryn |
| Entry: 173 | | Name: | John Pugh | Jun 9 |
| Age/Company: | 48 |
| Comments: | Looking forward to hearing JT in the flesh at the Davy Lamp Folk Club on the 21st! Love both albums UNITY and HOME would love to hear some more traditional early 19th century stuff as from the Sharpe series!! |
| Entry: 174 | | Name: | Dave | Jun 5 |
| Age/Company: | ancient |
| Comments: | Missed John at his recent gig at Holmfirth. Hope he visits the Holy Land again soon!Just wondering, did John ever visit Matlock Folk Club in his mis-spent youth? |
| Entry: 175 | | Name: | karen | Jun 5 |
| Age/Company: | 43 |
| Comments: | lovely site and good info |
| Entry: 176 | | Name: | Boakesey | Jun 4 |
| Age/Company: | 42 |
| Comments: | Hi Jen & everyone,Just got hold of From The Good Hope this morning & my daughter says I'm about to wear it out - already!!!!This is to say I think it's awesome (just like John's other work) but "All clouds the sky" is one of the best songs of this genre I have ever heard. I can just imagine John sitting on the Quayside at Peel (Isle of Man) during the Traditional Boat Festival & singing this, can't you?God Bless,Boakesey |
| Entry: 177 | | Name: | Dan Marcolini (paravant) | May 31 |
| Age/Company: | 42 |
| Comments: | great voice great music a hope you will come in italy againDan |
| Entry: 178 |
| Name: | Kath Finch | May 23 |
| Age/Company: | don't be cheeky |
| Comments: | Dear Tam, justwanted to say how much Iloved your CD HOME I still think you look as thougth you could do with a good meal. Does the Belper News ring a bell? Happy Days! First time on a lap top - If you com3etoHeage Tavern again come and see me IAM IN THE BOOK lOVE From KathEy up Tam, I'm Kath's daughter and it's my laptop. This is Mum's first time on the internet. I've also got her an email address - sh's made up. She'd bethrilled to get an email from you. She often talks about the Belper News days with great affection. If you could email her she'd be thrilled to bits! Great music by the way.Marilyn |
| Entry: 179 |
| Name: | Cathryn Alpaugh | May 22 |
| Age/Company: | 42 (& proud of it)/CenterPointe (Dual Diagnosis Rehab) |
| Comments: | Great job on the web page!! I got into Mr. Tams' music because I enjoyed the "Lord of the Rings" book so much as a child, that I HAD to see the movie when it came out, which got me into looking up other Sean Bean performances, which of course lead me to the "Sharpe" series. I really love JT's voice--so mellow. But it's dreadfully difficult to get some of the CD's here in the US. BTW: Do you know if Mr. Tams will ever be performing over here on this side of the big pond? Or do I have to come to England to see him live and in person? |
| Entry: 180 | | Name: | James Turner | May 21 |
| Age/Company: | 25 |
| Comments: | Sorry to clutter up your guestbook!!! Someone has informed me that the remastered Rise Up Like The Sun is coming out on the Fledg'ling label in June.Dunno any more details, but I think musicfolk have got it in their catalogue for pre-order. |
| Entry: 181 | | Name: | James Turner | May 21 |
| Comments: | Hiya Jennifer, excellant web page, I wonder if you have any information regarding the forthcoming re-issue of the Albion Bands Rise up Like the Sun (that seem's to be due out on June 9th)only thing is I can't seem to find any details online about whose releasing it, what bonus tracks are likely to be on there and most importantly what its going to cost and what sort of information is going to be in the booklet.I hope you (or anyone else posting!?!) can help me on this!!Cheers |
| Entry: 182 |
| Name: | James Ryder | May 18 |
| Age/Company: | 49 |
| Comments: | By pure luck I went to John's web page and found he was appearing at The Rockingham Arms Pub. Imagine my surprise when he and Barrie Cook were actally standing at the bar when I entered! It was fantastic. At 49 years of age, I never thought I would be starstruck! But I was. Stars? Yes, but they were so down to earth, pleasant and very friendly.(But why should I have thought otherwise?)I have been a big fan of of John's since he appeared in "Sharpe" and I genuinely believed he was a Yorkshireman because his accent was that authentic on the films. After speaking to him before the show, he confessed that he was from Derbyshire. But no one is perfect and he more than made up for this shortfall by playing some of the most moving music I have ever heard. John and Barrie's harmonising stirs a feeling beyond neck-tingling, more like body tingling. I look forward to seeing them both again.Marvellous! |
| Entry: 183 | | Name: | James Turner | May 17 |
| Age/Company: | 25 |
| Comments: | Saw John last night at the Rockingham Arms, wentworth, with Barry Coope, excellant show, well worth going to, and having chatted to John afterwards as well, he is a gentleman and a genuine performer. |
| Entry: 184 | | Name: | Priscilla (Priscilla) | May 16 |
| Age/Company: | 56/Thorn Hill Glass (glass bead maker) |
| Comments: | I recently "discovered" the Sharpe series and finding John Tams music is such a fantastic pleasure! I got both "Unity" and "Home" last week and love them both. In fact that's all I've played back and forth to work since I got them. Perhaps you can answer a question I have. I read that John is a "settled Traveler"-what does that mean? I'm not familiar with that phrase. Thanks for the website too. It's a real pleasure |
| Entry: 185 | | Name: | Steven Rowe | May 7 |
| Age/Company: | 39 |
| Found From: | AltaVista |
| Comments: | I never really listen to much folk music in the past, and the first time I heard of John Tams was while watching the Sharpe series. Which is one of the best I've ever seen. I was so impressed with John's singing and performance as Rifleman Dan Hagman, that I had to buy the CD soundtrack. As I expected the Music of Sharpe was fantastically written and performed by all, in particular Over the hills..., The Spanish bride, and Love farewell. I listen to the CD at least once a week since I brought it, and it is now one of my all time favourites. Since then I've brought other CDs of folk music from the same period, and I would be interested if John has recorded more songs of this kind. Thank youBest WishesStevePS: I wonder if it is possible if I could have John's autograph. |
| Entry: 186 | | Name: | meriel | May 5 |
| Comments: | Last night we were indeed treated to another marvellous evening’s entertainment, courtesy of Derby’s own Quixote and Pancho, Messrs Tams and Coope, plus guests. Karen Tweed, surely the most relaxed performer you will ever see, and Andy ‘don’t call me Sexburger’ Cutting played a faultless opening set on accordions. John and Barry’s set included many songs from those played at the Fishpond last November, along with Siuladh Gradh (apologies for spelling), The Old Man’s Song, Banks of the Red Roses, and Ewan MaColl’s Manchester Rambler, which Tam has revisited with some new lyrics. The sublime You keep me right on Line (my favourite from Home) was dedicated to great wives, partners and friends. Tam led the vocals on all except the opening number Lay me Low, which Barry sang beautifully. His keyboards and backing were spot-on all night, giving each song just the right amount of lift.The Marriott Edgar monologue tonight was Gunner Joe, delivered in style by Tam, though in my opinion not quite matching the pathos and hilarity of Sam Small’s Pudding. Tam’s humour was irrepressible as ever, as he spoke about Leicestershire’s vegetarian hunt (the Quorn), cats eyes being removed, still orange and standard lamps, unintentionally crude vicars and other such quirks of life. His late football score had the audience in bits. The manner is unassuming and generous to those, like Barry, with whom he works. Bet he is great fun to have round for dinner. Barry, meanwhile, remained patient throughout the ramblings and went off to make a cup of tea during the monologue (though, strangely, returned with a pint of beer ;-))Go and see them if you get chance. You’ll enjoy every second. |
| Entry: 187 | | Name: | David Robinson (Paladin) | May 1 |
| Age/Company: | 37 U.S Army |
| System: | Other |
| Comments: | John,I love hearing you singing Over the hills..That is a true soldiers song. Especally with the Chosen Men. You did an Excellent Job of portraying Dan Hagman. he is kinda like me..an old soldier who just does what he does best.Could you send me a copy of that beautiful song. I would deeply appriciate it |
| Entry: 188 | | Name: | Colin Warren | Apr 26 |
| Age/Company: | 43 (ouch) |
| Comments: | We all know that music is one of the most powerful mind altering substances there is. However it comes to somthing when a lifelong thatcherite tory, after dispising the miners since the early eighties, finds it imposible to listen to Harry Stone without being moved, literaly, to tears. This song has made me change my oppinion of the miners strike and even research Orgreave to attempt to find the truth. You have the power to make people think with your music. Love and Respect. Colin |
| Entry: 189 | | Name: | Paul Friday | Apr 21 |
| Age/Company: | will be 48 on May 14 |
| Comments: | I've been watching Sharpe's series on DVD. Deduced John is a folk singer and went surfing. Next stop my library web site to see if there are any of his discs to test drive before I buy. So how about a trip to Milwaukee Wisconsin for Irish Fest in the next few years. Love to hear him (you)live. Thanks. |
| Entry: 190 | | Name: | Helen (Bimmy the Wise) | Apr 21 |
| Age/Company: | 40 something! |
| Comments: | Hi John, you may be a broken down old folkie, but it works for me - I always loved your music years ago, but gave up folk clubs for the last fifteen or so - (crikey, I must be old!)I was reminded of your lovely voice whilst watching Sharpe again recently and Ive decided that You have the sexiest singing voice EVER. what more can I say? havent seen you play live since the Albion days, but will try to get to Fleetwood, as thats the nearest you are coming this year. Well done, keep singing!! xx PS: why didnt I get this page when I typed yr name into a search engine? found it through Topic records.... |
| Entry: 191 | | Name: | Katie Bell (Katie) | Apr 16 |
| Age/Company: | 3 1/2 |
| Comments: | I really like your music Mr. Tams. My mOmmy got your Unity Cd and she plays it alot. Whenever she has it on I go and sit down in the rocker by the sterio and hold onto my stuffed toy and listen to it. I like the fiddle music. Keeping making more music, please.Your friendKatie Bell |
| Entry: 192 | | Name: | Daniel Bones | Apr 14 |
| Age/Company: | 21 |
| Comments: | Superb Album is 'Over the Hills and far away' ive grown up on folk music after been taken to many festivals from a very young age. First heard you singing during the 'Sharpe' series' and my whole family and myself thought your voice was exceptional. i notice you visit folk clubs during you tour. we would be honoured if you ever decided to pop in to our local folk club in Harbury!! All the best for the future |
| Entry: 193 | | Name: | Julie Mitchell (erm) | Apr 10 |
| Age/Company: | erm |
| Comments: | Was at the Borderline a week ago and it was Ab FAb... free visit by Don Warrington and space to sit on the floor. Loved the Manchester Rambler and Old Mans song - makes me wanna drag me bum outta london for more freindly gigs. Jenny keep up the good work on the site. |
| Entry: 194 | | Name: | Dirk Schaible | Apr 9 |
| Comments: | Hello, i´m looking for the album "over the hills and far away, soundtrack Sharp. In Germany is nowhere this CD aviable. Are you still selling this album ?- I´m looking since a few year´s for this album. It would be great if you´re still selling this album ??!? Best regards Mr.Schaible |
| Entry: 195 | | Name: | Rosie Tams (Rosepip) | Apr 2 |
| Age/Company: | your young'n!! |
| Comments: | Glad Borderline went well!! Shame i couldnt be there, maybe next time. Love you Tremendows Rosepip xxxxxxx |
| Entry: 196 | | Name: | Chris Himan | Mar 31 |
| Age/Company: | 52 dentist |
| Comments: | Mice and Men Eastbourne. Knocked out by opening song. Need to know what it was and on which album. When r u around East Sussex. u have a new fan! |
| Entry: 197 |
| Name: | Boakesey | Mar 30 |
| Age/Company: | woman of a "certain" age! |
| Comments: | Last night's gig at the Borderline was superb. Having listened to John's music for ages by radio / CD it was wonderful to hear him & Barry perform live & so much better too - if that's possible. It's rare, but very rewarding, to hear musicians perform with such emotion & sincerity. Most live acts these days, seem to be just going through the motions, but you could tell that John & Barry meant every word of every song they sang.Glorious - I can't wait to do it all again. Thank you, guys. |
| Entry: 198 | | Name: | Annie (Guinevere/Guin) | Mar 29 |
| HomePage: | Annie's Eclectic Attic |
| Comments: | Jennifer .. I have visited often but never left a message. Great site and very informative.Nice of you to stop at the fence. :)annieLondon Canada |
| Entry: 199 | | Name: | Mark Lilley | Mar 27 |
| Age/Company: | 31 |
| HomePage: | www.marklilley.info |
| Comments: | Hey Tam, just drinking a glass of Blossom Hill and thought of you - cheers! Hope everything is cool - keep in touch. p.s. I'm still not convinced about 'Mack the Knife' though. x x |
| Entry: 200 | | Name: | Rosie Tams (Rosepip) | Mar 19 |
| Age/Company: | 16 |
| Comments: | Great gig on saturday Dad!!Im rate proud of you.LOVE YOU Rosebud xxxxxxxxxxx |
| Entry: 201 |
| Name: | Colin Hall | Mar 18 |
| Age/Company: | Old enough to still be keeping company |
| Comments: | Just a quick message to say a big thanks to everyone who came along to The Medway - your support was wonderful. You made it special. My heartfelt thanks goes out to John, Barry and Sam Genders for putting on such a great show. To share in such talent is a privilege. It was a pleasure to put the gig together and in the process of doing do I was/am eternally grateful for the indispensable support, help and advice I received from Sally and Rosie Tams. The sound was great so another big thanks to Jim for doing that. Hopefully it will happen again soon and we will all meet up a little further down the road. Take care. Be good to yourselves. Love, light and peace, Colin Hall |
| Entry: 202 | | Name: | Jennifer | Mar 18 |
| Comments: | Hi Pete, we may be getting somewhere with tabs but your email address won't work! can you send it again? |
| Entry: 203 | | Name: | Pete Yeomans | Mar 17 |
| Age/Company: | Old |
| Comments: | Excellent gigs both at the Fishpond and the Medway. Any chance of any tabulation being added to the lyrics section for a fumbling potential Jimmy Page? |
| Entry: 204 | | Name: | keith bonsor (-) | Mar 15 |
| Age/Company: | 52 |
| Comments: | I've just enjoyed the gig at Bakewell.This is the first time I have heard John and Barry, although I saw them in th Wheel recently.I became aware of John thro' Sharpe, and found he was a Somercotes lad, local to me.I am always interested when a local person does well, and especially with a series/role on tv that i enjoyed.I used to attend folk clubs 30years ago in Alfreton and Ripley, and have recently renewed my interest via Folkwaves and such as John.The music and vocals were really good ,and I will try and see them again.Thank you all for a great evening.keith. |
| Entry: 205 | | Name: | Elaine Baker | Mar 13 |
| Comments: | Watching Sharpe again on Uk Gold and realised how much I've missed the incredible music of John Tams. The only CD I possess by him is the soundtrack from Sharpe..so now I'm out hunting for more and this site helps a lot. Lovely to find like-minded people so many thanks for creating this site |
| Entry: 206 | | Name: | jenny osborne (jen) | Mar 12 |
| Age/Company: | 28 |
| Comments: | hi I love your new album.and my mum and dad have seen you a few times in your concerts.The last one was at the fishpond matlock. My mums name is Elisabeth. Jeff and Elisabeth are coming to see you at the phenix in Leicester in may,could you say Hi and could you sing them a song. keep up the good work john love jenny x |
| Entry: 207 | | Name: | becky | Mar 11 |
| Age/Company: | 4 |
| Comments: | we are missing you uncle tamxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| Entry: 208 | | Name: | jenni drummond(twiggy) | Mar 4 |
| Age/Company: | 13 |
| Comments: | great page! John Tams is brilliant and I like his songs in Sharpe best. He is an amazing singer and there should be more pages about him! |
| Entry: 209 | | Name: | matthew laming (matty) | Feb 22 |
| Age/Company: | 45 |
| Comments: | love the music i live in ireland any chance of you coming over to gig , unity great album . fav track is somewhere the sun is shinning/hold back the tide .thanks.from matty. |
| Entry: 210 |
| Name: | Louise (L'ise) | Feb 5 |
| Age/Company: | 21...mentally?..i'll get back to you |
| Comments: | wow. Been hunting for a sight on JT. I've been a fan of him for a long time but have to admit I started from the sharpe series and I'm working my way backward! (I fell in love with his voice when i purchased the sharpe 'soundtrack'!!) Anyway your sites been a real help in tracking albums, thanks sweetie!! |
| Entry: 211 | | Name: | trevor (TD) | Feb 3 |
| Age/Company: | 21 but look like 42 for some reason! |
| Comments: | hello Tam , hope you and sally and rosie are well .. would be great to catch up .. drop me a line hope to see you soon much Love trevor x |
| Entry: 212 | | Name: | Janice | Jan 29 |
| Age/Company: | aging with each tech support question |
| Comments: | amazon.co.uk shipped "Home" today [big shit-eating grin] but I've been listening to Lyle Lovett as a stopgap -- 1998's "Step Inside This House" -- and thinking how great it would be to hear John do the title track (or frankly about half the other songs on the album). I discovered John thru the Sharpe series, which as far as I know never fully aired in the US (thank heavens for video), but I'm slowly scraping together his various recordings. Thanks Jennifer, and everyone else who's posted here -- this beats the heck out of trolling alt.music.folk or whatever, which is what I was doing back in 1994... |
| Entry: 213 |
| Entry: 214 | | Name: | Ed Grummitt (Ed) | Jan 17 |
| Age/Company: | errrhh.. |
| Comments: | Marvellous - have just spent around an hour on the site and its links. The man is of course an unsung hero. Thank heavens for a forthcoming gig list. Haven't seen JT live since Muckram Wakes, the Albion Band and "The Mysteries" in the Seventies/early Eighties, although I've got lots of CDs (er, and vinyl) with him on. I first encountered him at the Troubadour in London when he was in Muckram Wakes, (as was my old schoolmate Roger Watson). Various blonde Scandinavian backpackers who were no doubt in there hoping to see Paul Simon were a bit nonplussed by Tam. Even better a few years later was an Albions gig at I think the Royal Festival Hall, where Tam did a hilarious inter-song dissertation on Banties (small hens,for readers not from the Erewash Valley). A bit later we saw him in "Lark Rise" and "The Mysteries" at the NT, but since then I've only seen him on TV (or was he at Cropredy one year?) There was a (BBC2?)programme featuring Home Service - recorded that, have also got all 3 Mysteries on VHS somewhere. Then of course there was "Sharpe". My wife, when not staring at Sean Bean, noticed how Private Hagman seemed to have more acting to do and lines to say each week, and how his name climbed further up the credits with each programme! We were Not Happy when he got shot. Thanks again for all the work on the site, think I'll nip out & buy "Home". For those who can't, try the link, Musikfolk are very useful for obtaining records like John's. |
| Musikfolk limited : Very good and quick folk/rock/roots record suppliers. Masterful Fairport fansite too. |
| Entry: 215 | | Name: | Colin white | Jan 6 |
| Age/Company: | 50 ish |
| Comments: | any chance of adding some chords /melody lines to the lyrics? |
| Entry: 216 | | Name: | Renelle | Jan 3 |
| Comments: | For those of us on the other side of the pond! My Uncle Silas will be airing on Masterpiece Theatre on Sunday January 12th. I hope we get to see our hero in this installment. The first episode of Uncle Silas aired in November 2001 - and according to the write-up on PBS website there was a wedding scene with dance... Did not find JT listed in the credits of either episode however... |
| Entry: 217 | | Name: | Ernie Yeomans (various - mostly unr) | Dec 30 |
| Age/Company: | 56 |
| Comments: | Excellent page, loads of info.Found John Tams and his music via Daniel Hagman, Sharpe, Bernard Cornwell et al. Study Military History - Napolionic period. Where can I find recordings of folk songs from the period - preferable sung by John? Please help. |
| Entry: 219 | | Name: | Euan L. Frame (ELF) | Nov 10 |
| Age/Company: | 39/Good |
| Comments: | John's new album “Home”In a world full of pre-fab kit-built music, “Home” is a “Dry Stane Dyke” built by craftsmen with a foreman who knows exactly where to place the stones.Fave song? “Hugh Stenson and Molly Green” brilliantly atmospheric vocals and arrangement with beautiful haunting guitar by Graeme Taylor, a perfect example of restraint being more powerful than “flash”. Also really like “Bound East for Cardiff”, but it's ALL fine stuff. BUY IT - strike a blow for real music made by and for real people!!!Cheers! ELF |
| Entry: 221 | | Name: | Renelle | Nov 1 |
| Age/Company: | Too old to be a groupie! |
| Comments: | Wish I were at Fishpond tonight! LOVE the new CD "Home" every time I listen I choose a new favourite. Thanks for your brilliant work on the website. |
| Entry: 222 | | Name: | John Warburton | Oct 30 |
| Age/Company: | 18 |
| Comments: | I bought the Sharpe soundtrack the other day and think it is excellent, i really like John Tams voice, but when i went to my local HMV and asked for 'Home' they claimed that it didnt exist. So i was wondering if it is possible to buy it online. Think the Website is brilliant, thanks! |
| Entry: 223 | | Name: | Euan L. Frame (ELF) | Oct 25 |
| Age/Company: | 39 going on 17 |
| Comments: | Just popped in for a virtual cuppa.Sending order for “Home” today. Cheers to all. |
| Entry: 225 | | Name: | Dave and Wendy (D&W) | Oct 21 |
| Age/Company: | freinds |
| Comments: | Thought that Home was excellant. lots of variey ..lots of feelings & emotions.Lots of all of the Tams, but Ballrom is my favourite....Thanks as always for the wonderful experience. See you at the Fishpond in November. |
| Entry: 226 | | Name: | richard rose (ric) | Oct 17 |
| Age/Company: | 55 lawyer bury lancs |
| Comments: | the first folk album i ever bought after a 20 years plus gap from the days of early dylan ,simon and garfunkel,incredible string band etc was rise up like the sun by the albion band which featured john tams. the best track on the whole tape was the gresford disaster.since buying that seminal i ve (re)found neil young,more albion band bonny rait kate rusby julie felix june tabor richard thompson etc and i m just getting into john tams perhaps triggered by the party's over on a sampler collection c d .i have just got more and more into the voice which has that same haunting quality i find in n young b raitt and emmylou harris. the first album buy is now beckoning --what do others recommend for my first full on experience?w |
| Entry: 227 |
| Name: | Julie Mitchell | Oct 14 |
| Age/Company: | 37 |
| Comments: | Finally got my copy of 'Home' after causing a scene in HMV, Canary Wharf. So on first listen I though Hmm too MOR, but after a couple more plays tracks started to leap out at me The Ballroom and Red Gown first and then Right on Line and Another Grey and Grimy Day.Still seems to have found a more relaxed style and it all flows wonderfully with some great angst moments in Bound East for Cardiff etc.Just hope that when this song is ended there will be more and another gig in London please!! |
| Entry: 228 | | Name: | Barrie Ivil (baz) | Oct 4 |
| Age/Company: | 50 rapidly ageing Headteacher |
| Comments: | Have enjoyed John's music for many years ...and would love to see him live around the Durham area. Have seen the excellent website...but would it be possible to include guitar chords as well as a lyric section. Then I could torture my family, friends and pupils with renditions of John's songs! Any chance??? |
| Entry: 229 |
| Name: | David Anson | Oct 3 |
| Age/Company: | 51!! |
| Comments: | Come from John's home village (Somercotes) and was a member of the Upstairs Cellar Folk Club ib Alfreton back in the 60s (God, are we that old?)and sort of followed John's career, on and off, ever since. He was obviously just a bit of a special talent even then so, whilst it didn't come as surprise, it was brilliant to see how much he has achieved. Well deserved. I now live and work in Edinburgh and actually get paid for researching social history and also do voluntary research work in traditional song for the Scottish Working People's History Trust. UNITY is just as popular up here as it has been in the pit areas in England. |
| Entry: 230 | | Name: | dave | Oct 2 |
| Comments: | Hi, My name is Dave Brooker, I have today received my copy of "Home" (thanks Sal), and it is already being played for the second time, I thought I just had to send you a note to say how wonderful, inspiring and plain bloody great the whole album is!! I can't say which track is my favourite yet, they are all great, but if this album doesn't follow in the steps of "Unity" regarding acclaim and (dare I say it) award winning ability, then I'll be very surprised. Thanks John, we love you. |
| Entry: 231 |
| Name: | Tom Pigott | Aug 26 |
| Age/Company: | 52 |
| Comments: | Laqst saw you in Lisdoonvarna in 1980? with Home Service. I am really pleased to have found your web site. Please let me know if you are ever thinking of comming to Ireland, as I think I would be able to organise a gig for you in our folk club. Regards |
| Entry: 232 | | Name: | Ash (Ash) | Aug 11 |
| Age/Company: | The Unofficial Eliza Carthy Webpage |
| HomePage: | The Unofficial Eliza Carthy Webpage |
| Comments: | Very nice - cool site, lots of good info, and it's pretty up to date, which counts out most of the rest of the web! |
| The Unofficial Eliza Carthy Webpage : Feel free to stop in, and come find out about Ms Carthys doings! Bring a cup, coffee and biscuits provided. |
| Entry: 233 | | Name: | Gary Waywell | Aug 10 |
| Comments: | My 9 yr old daughter isa big fan of the song "Over the hills and far away" She is learning to play the recorder and flageolet (hope thats how it's spelt". Could you please advise me where I can get the sheet music, suitable for either of those instruments. I recasl in one episoed of Sharpe that Hagman is playing the tune on small instrument, but it doesn't last long enough to get the whole tune down by ear. Any help would be appreciated. Gary |
| Entry: 234 |
| Name: | ian(shotgun) | Aug 7 |
| Age/Company: | 34 |
| Comments: | best actor in sharpe by far.good luck for the future & everything you do |
| Entry: 235 | | Name: | Kate & Tom Hills | Aug 6 |
| Comments: | This is just a quick note to say how MUCH my husband and I enjoyed the perforamance of The Good Hope that we saw at the Theatre Royal in Brighton. I've just ordred a copy of the CD for my husband's birthday and look forward to October when the album is to be released.Thanks again for giving us such pleasure with your music - keep up the good work!!!!! |
| Entry: 236 | | Name: | Euan L. Frame (ELF) | Jul 26 |
| Age/Company: | 39 from Lanarkshire, Scotland. |
| Comments: | Most interesting site. Hello all you Tams fans! He's a fine man is John, he's 'authentic'. Love his songs. Discovered John and his great music through the 'Sharpe' films. Must go - 'Over the hills and far away' etc... |
| Entry: 237 | | Name: | Catherine Vaughn (Cathy) | Jul 10 |
| Age/Company: | close to Tams |
| Comments: | Greetings, I wanted to share my attachment for the Unity CD. I was surprised how it affected my memory and emotions for times and places I have never been. It was like putting on a favorite flannel shirt and curling up. I am impressed with the diversity and style John Tams has and what a gifted song writer he is - totally unexpected but easily embraced. I feel like it is my mission to introduce it to as many friends (and others) as possible. Many blessings on Tams and what he does as storyteller and a friend not yet known. |
| Entry: 238 | | Name: | Amber(Bambi) | Jul 9 |
| Age/Company: | 25 |
| Comments: | I like many found John Tams through the Sharpe music. I decided to follow it up and try to get hold of more of his music - boy was that hard, until that is I found Jennifer's site. Thanks loads - I've even converted my "Died in the Wool Fairport Other Half". One question though, When's his next CD out - I don't think I can stand the wait!! Cheers, A. |
| Entry: 239 |
| Name: | donna mair | May 23 |
| Age/Company: | old enough to know better, young enough to do it again |
| HomePage: | osgiliath |
| Comments: | dear mr. tams, i was wondering if there was an address to contact you or your agent? I would like to send you a group picture of the 'chosen men'and have you sign it along with the other fellows in the picture.Somehow i just knew it was you singing at the end of every sharpe episode, and i was really surprised to find this website, and learn about your musical career. If you ever get to British Columbia, Canada - let us canadians know eh?thanks, donna |
| Entry: 240 | | Name: | Michael | May 18 |
| Age/Company: | 25/Cycle Shop |
| Comments: | Jennifermany thanks for getting back to me on my inquiry. A big, big, long shot. I would love the opportunity to sing with John Tams at some time, (humbled to in fact), if he is interested and is in the Herefordshire area please pass my details on. Hope to hear fromyou sometime.Many thanks.Mike |
| Entry: 241 | | Name: | Ethan J. Pestana | Apr 26 |
| Comments: | Hi, my family and I purchased the entire Sharpe's set after seeing it on Masterpiece Theater, and that's when I first heard of you. I love your voice, it's very soothing and the songs in the Sharpe's are excellent, I always sing them. I also think you're a wonderful actor. Dan Hagman was a favorite character of mine, not to mention the best shot in Wellington's army. When Dan and Hariss died in Sharpe's Waterloo, I didn't recover for weeks. That's how great the impact your acting performance had on me. Well I just wanted you to know that you have some big fans here in the States. Thanx, best wishes to you, bye. |
| Entry: 243 | | Name: | Pat Brockman (Brocky) | Apr 25 |
| Age/Company: | 55 |
| Comments: | Can I buy unity 2000 from you website?When are you in England? |
| Entry: 244 | | Name: | Hans Hassink | Apr 24 |
| Age/Company: | Older youngman |
| Comments: | Great site! He deserves it.I consider myself lucky to have seen him play live with The Homeservice in Holland and to have The Myste-ries, 'Here we come a wassailing', Sharpe and The Raggedy Rawney on video. |
| Entry: 245 |
| Name: | Betty and Gene | Mar 17 |
| Comments: | We have loved John Tams' rich voice since we discovered the "Sharpe" series some years ago. We play the CD often. It occurred to us tonight to look for a John Tams website. It's an attractive and enjoyable site, Thorps. Thanks. Especially enjoyed your interview.Are there U.S. sources for any of John's album work? We live in North Carolina and we like to sing those old "modal" tunes that have made their way to the Appalachian Mountains from the British Isles. Best wishes. |
| Entry: 246 | | Name: | Mark Woodruff | Mar 10 |
| Comments: | To John: It was marvellous to see your magic working in the Good Hope! It was haunting and beautiful. On another subject, it has only now occurred to me to ask something about the Mysteries which I came down from Leeds to watch all in one day in 1985 at the Lyceum and at a more leisurely pace at RNT more recently. That wonderful carol - "Shepherds, arise/Sing, sing all earth" - where does it come from? Is it one of those unique Derbyshire (? I think) carols? I have scoured hymnbooks etc, and would dearly love to satisfy my curiosity about authorship and the tune's composer. One of yours, even?RegardsMark Woodruff |
| Entry: 247 | | Name: | Karl Stone (gongmaison) | Mar 3 |
| Age/Company: | 53 |
| Comments: | when will john tour and let us all know |
| Entry: 248 | | Name: | Mike Barnes | Feb 22 |
| Age/Company: | 41/DEFRA |
| Comments: | See our earlier exchange of emails. I found your page because periodically I look for stuff on people I like, hoping there'll be something worth reading and well-presented, and luckily there was. I can identify with a lot of the songs and music John writes and performs - which is probably one of the things which attracted me to his music in the first place. Like John - I think - I used to be rather shy and when I was an actor (albeit an amateur one: I was in a student production of The Passio |
| Entry: 249 | | Name: | Lesley Blake | Feb 10 |
| Comments: | Well done - great effort - at last some info! Could you persuade JT to come down south at some point - I did enquire last year,to no avail! |
| Entry: 250 | | Name: | mick scott | Feb 3 |
| Comments: | One of the best gigs I ever went to was a Home service gig in Blackheath. John and the NT is also a great experience. I look forward to seeing him again soon, somewhere!. Mick |
| Entry: 251 | | Name: | John Pugh | Jan 23 |
| Age/Company: | 46 |
| Comments: | As a fairly recent convert to John Tams via the Sharpe TV series I can say I've appreciated all the hard work you've put into the site. As a certain Mr Swartzneggar (something like that!) said "I'll be back". |
| Entry: 252 | | Name: | Richard Condon | Jan 22 |
| Age/Company: | old enough to have seen Fairport Convention begin, work for EU in Brussels |
| Comments: | Congratulations: JT is so wonderful that he deserves all the praise that he can get. One question: why does the "nice people" page not say anything about the wonderful Linda Thompson? |
| Entry: 253 | | Name: | Ina | Jan 15 |
| Age/Company: | 22 |
| Comments: | Oops! Second attempt-this time with message:Wonderful site for a great artist! Keep it up! |
| Entry: 254 |
| Name: | tony fisher (onty sherif) | Jan 14 |
| Age/Company: | 47 |
| Comments: | very entertaining and illuminating! |
| Entry: 255 | | Name: | Michael Bull | Jan 6 |
| Comments: | Have returned from seeing the man in The Good Hope. A definite must for all JT fans out there, the music is great stuff and even my folk music hating wife thought it fitted well.Wouldn't it be great if Tams could do a CD of his Songs from the Shows? |
| Entry: 256 | | Name: | Barry Coope | Jan 2 |
| Comments: | Sally Tams told me about your site on New Years Eve. What dedication. Thanks for the nice comments. Warmest wishes and a Happy New Year, Barry xxxx |
| Entry: 257 | | Name: | Colin Hall (Redhouse) | Dec 30 |
| Age/Company: | 52andcounting...Redhouse music management |
| Comments: | At last...someone has pinned the great man down! Keep up the good work. |
| Entry: 258 |
| Name: | Ken Roseman | Dec 29 |
| Age/Company: | 50/freelance music journalist |
| Comments: | Good luck with the site-- glad you're doing it. Looking forward to Tams' second solo CD. |
| Entry: 259 | | Name: | Rae & Jase | Dec 29 |
| Age/Company: | Fab-u-lous! |
| Comments: | Funky site! Thanks for telling me Sal! Very impressed :o)Love always Rae and Jase (from Welsh Wales) |
| Entry: 261 | | Name: | Michael | Dec 3 |
| HomePage: | www.toadinthehole.org.uk |
| Comments: | Jennifer, a great site, found lots of information I hadn't seen before. Can't wait for the outcome of possible exclusive interview. Keep up the good work!! |
| Entry: 262 | | Name: | deb | Dec 2 |
| Comments: | Eyup there's that woman from Noozlnd, finally got round to signing in - - Ok yes I did find this via Sharpe & yes I enjoyed the episodes I've seen but I don't think I'm the average sharpyfanatic & anyway you tell JT that as a folky it was a nice bonus to find him up there too - added a bit of shambolic panache .. (don't those words sound good together!?) It may just have been the trousers but the ad hoc approach to fiddle/voice probably had summat to do with it too - lovely job. |
| Entry: 263 | | Name: | Bill | Nov 23 |
| Age/Company: | Middle aged |
| Comments: | Great page. First heard of JT from Sharpe series, then when our local youth theatre did the 'Mysteries'became even more interested to know JT. As another writer has put on the guestpad'he appears hard to track down'. The National Theatre in London has showing 'The Good Hope' by Herman Heijermans of which JT wrote the music. Be nice if we knew future dates where the JT Band was playing??? |
| Bill : |
| Entry: 264 | | Name: | Renelle | Nov 20 |
| Comments: | Great to have all resources linked through one site, for those of us over the pond who might miss something! Looking forward to new album and your interview. |
| Entry: 265 | | Name: | Chris Clarke | Nov 19 |
| Age/Company: | Sharpe Appreciation Society |
| Comments: | Good site Jennifer |
| Entry: 266 | | Name: | Lynn G. | Nov 16 |
| Comments: | Good collection of the "good stuff" about Tams on the Net. Well organized. Nice to have a central point/meeting spot for Tams fans on the Net. |
| Entry: 267 | | Name: | meriel cross | Nov 15 |
| Comments: | At last! I've found another Tam fan out there. Couldn't get anywhere with my searches on Internet Exp and the 'official' site seems to be no more than a name. Great to find out more about this wonderful bloke who seems a bit elusive to me. |
| Entry: 268 | | Name: | Paul Thorp | Nov 15 |
| Age/Company: | 33 ! |
| HomePage: | this is really my webspace ! |
| Comments: | Excellent site . |
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