Cliff Haslam The Jovial Crew

The banner that flies outside the Griswold Inn in Essex, Connecticut on Monday nights says "Sea Chanteys Tonight." For many years, this has meant Cliff Haslam and his collection of songs of the sea and of the English countryside, with assistance from any of a number of musically inclined friends.

Cliff in salad days

Cliff and Paul

Tim

Cliff has been maintaining this outpost of more-or-less maritime music since Hector was a pup, or Nelson a midshipman, and he still looks youthful as — well, not quite as youthful as that first picture. A native of Warrington, Lancashire — about 16 miles up the Mersey from Liverpool, not far from Salford, Ewan MacColl's original "Dirty Old Town" — he's as fine an exemplar of the British folk tradition as you'll find this side of the pond. His songs display a fine sense of humor, a bit of the British bawdy, and great vocal artistry. The Ancient Mariners Chanteymen regard Cliff as their "friend and mentor."

Cliff's recording, The Clockwinder, is available from Folk-Legacy on CD and cassette, or of course from the man himself.

Cliff and Paul on deck at the Gris

Cliff is usually joined by Paul Elliott, yachtsman, guitarist and singer, or by Tim Marth, noted local bon vivant, and lead male vocalist of Acoustic Shipwreck. Former regulars include Bob Stepno and Jim Bennett, among others. A recent guest performer was Ken Sweeney, who wowed the crowd with amazing displays of harmonica and concertina virtuosity, as well as some excellent singing. Another guest to appear on several happy occasions was multi-instrumentalist and singer Craig Edwards, of Mystic Seaport. The definitely jovial and multi-talented Marc Bernier, another Mystic Seaporter, has also appeared. Gerry Malone has been known to appear on a Monday. Jim McGrath has made some appearances. Norm Rutty of "Save the Train" has been sighted on deck. AND there's Tom WoLF, with his occasional electric bass, and Nancy Whiskey and Lynnann, and the Monday regulars, including Brian, who "sings in a key unknown," and the man with the Stetson and the bones, and Kevin with his great big harmonica, and Captain John and the crew of the good ship Quinnipiack, and Donna and Stephanie and Daphne (the Windlasses — scroll down), and Todd, and Kitsie, and Jonathan, and Bob the graphics guy, and Alanna, and Chuck, and Kate, and Katie and Alexis, and Ed and Gail and Sandy and Barbara and Joanne; and Bertie Black, the fine photographer who took most of these pictures; and quite a few more.

Every Monday at eight, at the Griswold Inn!

Contact Cliff Haslam at CliffH (at) MaloneandHutch (dot) com

Contact Jim Bennett at MrBennett (at) MaloneandHutch (dot) com

Page last updated March 2005