March 2004, Georgia. USA.
Patty's Night and the
Fairy Tale of Old Savannah
It's not some kind of surreal waffle evening hosted by the three witches from Macbeth, nor is it a dubious hen night committed to memory in the darker tenements down Leith Walk. This indeed is the American term for what is known as 'Pat's Night' or 'St Patrick's night' throughout the rest of the known world.
Bernie and I were booked to play O Connell's bar in Savannah as part of a mini tour. Had we not been there before we would have been somewhat amazed by the sheer quantity of flashing shamrocks, green flowing fountains and beads (three for 50 cents) but we were veterans and Savannah is a place we love. On Patty's night of course the whole world becomes Irish for a few magical hours and America is no exception unless it be that the madness is more concerned with flashing beads.
We were in good company, our gig surrounded by that great Cork Band 'Natural Gas'.
Shame we didn't meet them, but in amongst 500 000 tipsy dancing Americans it wasn't even easy to find my cousin Bob with extensive prior arrangements. We did meet though and I am now the proud possessor of Cousin bob's monologue 'The Green Eye'd God' which is his contribution to my next CD hopefully out before the end of the year.
And did I forget to add that the NYPD pipe band were booked with us on the same night (remember Shane McGowan's 'A Fairy Tale of New York' - Yes, these are the bouys.) We were living our own fairy tale.
The celebration of the Patron saint of auld Ireland is the cause of much controversy in Savannah. The religious aspects were brought to the fore this year - not an easy task when the average American is exploiting the 'consumption of alcohol' aspect on River street, sporting a yellow band which costs five dollars and allowing the sportee to consume as much alcohol as is conceivable. The Americans certainly know how to have a good time.
Busking Savannah |
I had a good time, bashing out the old favourites with Bernie on the 5-string. I attended bluegrass sessions with some great players - Miles, Wyle, Morgan, Jimmy and Dennis on Mandolin, Uke, Guitar, 5-string and double bass come to mind. I also had a lifelong ambition fulfilled:
Picture yourself on stage in the Deep South surrounded by a packed audience. It's sin city Savannah and Captain Morgan and his dishy assistants have just danced through dressed in red and hotpants. (Not the Captain - he had a natty buccaneer kit and a black beard) Danny from the NYPD band has just finished a jig set on the pipes. Jimmy Wolling is on stage, the best Bluegrass banjo player you have ever heard. You happen to be holding a guitar and they've just invited up on the stage the great local singer Spec.
"Can you play 'Blue Moon of Kentucky?'" says Jimmy.
"Once upon a time..."
