Comments for Not a Bard

Comment on About by notabard

notabard — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:39:11 +0000

It is indeed. I’ve had it for 35+ years and really like it.

Comment on About by john lavers

john lavers — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:45:44 +0000

i.m guessing that the picture at the top is part of a giananni twelve string guitar. i had one once and should have kept it. they are a bit roughly made but the wood used was absolutely top notch.

instrument geek

Comment on I’m still here – kind of by Adria

Adria — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 13:25:33 +0000

It was great to see you Glen. I make spotty appearances at events too, but people don’t remember me in the same way they remember you. Don’t get too uppity about being called lengendary, they refer to Danu the same way…Hope to see you next year at the 25th Uprising.

Comment on Song of the Week – A Pict Song by Patricia bennett

Patricia bennett — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:48:18 +0000

This is one of my favorites!

Comment on Why Not a Bard? by Thaddaeus A. Vick

Thaddaeus A. Vick — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:23:35 +0000

I finally got around to looking up your website and now I see what you mean. I must admit that there is much of the minstrel in my practice, and I do understand the distinction between a minstrel and a bard. It seems to me (at least with regard to my own practice) that minstrelsy is a subset of the bard type.

I style myself as a bard, not a minstrel. I sing mostly other artists’ work ( though I have a few originals), and as a poet/songwriter I am but indifferent, but I also make it my business to be the rememberer of important things – of history, origins, laws and customs, and also a practitioner of the magical arts (mainly as they are expressed through music or knowledge).

My persona is based in 10th century Ireland, and it is the Irish bardic tradition, rooted in the more ancient (and woefully ill-documented) druidic tradition that I strive toward. I am not a solitary wanderer, but a ranking member of the household of a mercenary company. I think of myself in some respects as an ex-minstrel, having wandered until I found my home and the men and cause to which I will anchor my life.

All this is not in any way intended to denigrate or insult anyone who chooses the style of minstrel, least of all yourself. I admit to you that I was somewhat surprised and even taken aback by your declining my offers of the hospitality of our bardic circle, but I understand how your approach to our game brings you to this choice, and I honor it.

I will also admit that I intentionally chose what I believed to be the hardest song on your list – not to punish you for any perceived slight, but just out of curiosity to see who was this man who would not join my bardic circle. I sat behind you as you sang “The Horse-Tamer’s Daughter”, and so you could not see the tears in my eyes. I will freely admit that you are a better minstrel than me, and I will always be pleased to see you, and consider myself privileged to hear.

I, the bard, honor you as a minstrel, an artist of rare skill and talent, and a superb performer. You are welcome at our camp at any time.

Cellach Cosnocht mac Cuain
Chief Bard to House Brokenheart

Comment on About by Edmund Janowicz(Eamonn Redmond)

Edmund Janowicz(Eamonn Redmond) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:23:08 +0000

Ciann,
Thank you so much for the pleasant songs that you have provided for the Re Sword Company at all of the events recently. If possible, I would like to get the Lyrics for the Song of the Free Company. I know that it might be know as a different title but you always sing it for the company.
Thank you very much if this is possible
Eamonn

Comment on Why Not a Bard? by Kay Gonzales

Kay Gonzales — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:43:04 +0000

thank you so much for my Epiphany! I have finally found MY inspiration. it’s YOU!

Comment on Song of the Week – The Rhinohiode Song by notabard

notabard — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:18:48 +0000

See, this is the problem with having a past. Eventually it catches up with you. =)

I could post the second part sometime I suppose, if there was enough interest. And if I didn’t mind having things thrown at me by other Laurels all the time.

I would be leery of posting the third one because of how it was taken out of context and caused such concern.

Comment on Song of the Week – The Rhinohiode Song by Dan

Dan — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:23:10 +0000

I wonder when or if we will ever see the other two parts of the trilogy?

Comment on Martinmas Moot follow-up by notabard

notabard — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:28:35 +0000

I do indeed remember the two of you, your camp and most especially the porter. I also recall your amusement and that you were pestering your lady so much while I sang The Feast Song that I thought she was going to punch you. =) The Feast Song is available on the CD "Human History" by Ken Theriot. It, and many other fine CDs, (and now digital downloads!) are available at Raven Boy Music. He has also posted the lyrics to the songs on the CD there.