July Shanty Report

Due to changes to the darts fixtures at the YOHAH there was and to reschedule the Shanty Session for July to the 9th July. The upside of this is we have managed to secure an additional session in July; on Tuesday 30th July. As a consequence we had a number of emails saying people may not be able to attend this session. It was quite  surprise when we had 27 members turn up!!
The evening started on time by Emily who gave an update on current scheduled appearances of the SSS at Arundel, Littlehampton, Newhaven and SDFF. She also explained about the format of the Big Sing which 7 groups will be singing two songs at the South Downs Folk Festival together.
All the notices out of the way we started the singing with a hearty version of 'High Barbaree'. This was quickly followed up by a rendition of 'John Kanaka' where each verse was sung by individuals within the group. At this point of the evening we were introduced to a new song by David G, the song being 'Bold Riley'. David explained the format of the song and sang it through to the group. We all then joined in a group version of the song. Emily asked if it was something we were interested in introducing into our repertoire; the general consensus was yes. Following on closely the group sung a harmony version of 'Old Fid', We then through a version of the new song from the last session, 'Duke William' which was a Belloc, Broadwood and Beyond song but with reference to ships in the song it was considered suitable for the Shanty Sessions. After a well deserved refreshment break we were introduced to one of the songs for the Big Sing. The song called 'Ole Leloila'. The song which is a Yolk is a form of singing used by the Sami reindeer herders of Northern Finland to evoke a feeling, or expression of desire. A Yolk is a chant of sorts; it can have real words or just sounds or a combination of both. The song was run through by Emily then it was broken down into a rounds. We manage 3 separate groups to sing as a round. A copy of the recording is at the base of this report.
This song was followed up by singing another of last months new songs, Randy Dandy-o.
We now introduced to a second of David G's new songs, the song being 'We 3 Jolly Fisherman' a song picked up in Whitby by David. The group had a go at the song and it was received with acknowledgement. The final part of the evening was taken by the singing of the 'Mingulay Boat Song' and a further run through of 'Ole Leloila. The evening being over the group set sail and may fast their passage to their Home Port.

Listen to Ole Leloila Here