Robert LaRue, who for years lead the PCD pick-up band and who led it again this year at Head for the Hills, asked in November 2000 to have the following message posted on the web site:
Last year after HFTH, I promised several people I would publish on the PCD web page the lyrics I wrote (and that Bob Dupre and Annie Moos sang) to "Jump At The Sun."
What with one thing and another I never did. At the time, I also wanted to write down and publish a little story about last year's HFTH. Since it's a story that seems to have repeated itself for me again this year, I might as well tell it now.
I'd been asked to lead PUB last year and "jumped at the chance." But since I hadn't been playing with that group for many years, I was wondering what I could bring to it that would be new, or different, or--more importantly--somewhat exciting.
I've always been amazed at both the breadth and depth of the musical talent of the PCD community, and always grateful for the sense of community that would let something like PUB flourish. Even more, I had always wanted to somehow get the wonderful voice talents of past and present musicians onto the contra-dance band bandstand.
So I invented some stuff, and resurrected some stuff, and asked Bob and Annie to sing. With no practice time scheduled, as the hour approached, I was filled with anxiety. I wondered if I was nuts to try to wing unfamiliar arrangements and musty gimmicks with a group I hadn't worked with in years. But, of course, I needn't have worried. With aplomb, panache, and consummate musical ability, my rough and sketchy ideas were brought to musical reality by a group of people I can only call "awesome."
I was invited this year again to lead PUB. And this time I got off into even wilder territory, and faced an even greater sense of trepidation.
But yet again, my posterior was saved by PUB. My thanks to you all. I could point out many individual contributions from any of the people on the stage last Saturday, but I really should extend special thanks to Barbara for helpful advice both before and during the gig.
While I'm at it, I should also mention that John Winchester and Scott Marshall--both former PUB leaders who contributed greatly to PUB's range of happy musical styles--were important sources for me, and I "borrowed" (not to say outright stole) some of their ideas and tunes. John introduced the idea to me of using swing tunes as contradance melodies, and first introduced "Goody Goody" (in Bb and noted without lyrics, or even chord suggestions!) many years ago. Scott did the original arrangement of last year's waltz, "I Only Have Eyes For You," and, with only some slight alterations, was what I used.
This year's waltz, "Waltz for Debby," was written by Bill Evans, with lyrics by Gene Lees. Some people have asked me for the lyrics. They are copyrighted, so I'd better not publish them here. But I'll be happy to send them to you if you drop me an e-mail at robertllr@aol.com. I chose this particular waltz, not only for the tune, but for the lyrics--meaningful for all of us with grown or growing children.
The lyrics for "Jump at the Sun" are my own and are hereby bequeathed to "the folk."
Thanks again to PCD and PUB for many years of great music, good companionship, and fond memories.
Love, Robt
Jump At The Sun Jump at the sun, jump at the moon, Jump at the dance and jump at the tune; Jump at the laughter, jump at the fun, Jump at the moon and jump at the sun. Jump at the sun, jump at the moon, Jump into May, jump into June; Jumping for joy, jump up and run, Jump at the moon and jump at the sun. Jack be nimble, Jack be quick! Jack jump over the candlestick! Jump in the lake, jumping the gun, Jump at the moon and jump at the sun. The joint is jumping, jump at the chance-- Jump out onto that floor and dance! Macbeth, he jumped the life to come; Jump at the moon and jump at the sun.
- Robert LaRue
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