This is the BlackBird Recording electronic newsletter.  If you don't want to receive this newsletter any more, just drop me a note and I'll take you off.  (Please note: if you've already asked to be removed, and you are still on the list, please email me again as things have been very hectic recently.)  Also, I've been getting a lot of errors from bad e-mails.  Please give me a reply just to let me know you got this newsletter.

NEWS FROM THE RECORDING FRONT:

We have sold the first run of "Bards Make the Best Lays" limited edition CD.  That run included the first 50 CDs.  From here on out, They will be made on an "as ordered" basis, up to one hundred.  There's one bonus track and each CD is signed and numbered.  Remember, no more than 100 of this edition will ever be made. If you or anyone you know is interested in picking one up, we're charging $15 including shipping and handling.  Again, it's first come, first served. 

The new album has gone off to the Duplicators and is expected to be ready on audio cassette by Great Western War.  The album is called "More!!!" and has the following songs and poems:

William's Wedding Song * I Loved Thee Ere * A Period Song * The Crescent of Caid * Red Belt, Silver Spurs * 1066 - The Storybook Version * The Barbarian Freehold Alliance * Price of Steel * The Wish * A Place in the Sky * The Archer King * So You Wish to Be a Bard...

They'll be the same price as "Lays" was and I'm also hoping to have the songbooks ready for GWW.

We've been holding a lottery for a free tape when they came out.  Everyone join me in congratulating Brad Spear, who won the free cassette.  We'll be starting up a new contest beginning with the release of "More!!!".  Everyone who is receiving the electronic newsletter when the next album is released will be entered to win a free cassette when the third album comes out.  (And this time it won't take quite so long. :) )

NEWS FROM THE PERFORMING FRONT:

Not much going on here.  We'll let you know more after GWW!

NEWS FROM THE WRITING FRONT:

Got a new one.  Here's a copy of "Agincourt" which is based upon the Battle of Agincourt from Henry V. Let me know what you think.

Remember, if you need to get in touch with me, my permanent e-mail is:

Rathflaed@hotmail.com

Thanks again for everyone's support.  Have a fine, fair day.

Rathflaed DuNoir
The Black Bard of Meridies, MSoB
http://www.chivalry.com/blackbard/
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"Bard's Make the Best Lays" and "More!!!" available at: 
BlackBird Recording
PO Box 75
Tustin, CA. 92780

Cassettes: $10.00 inc. S&H.  Songbooks: $3.50 inc. S&H Limited edition CDs ("Lays" only) are $15 inc. S&H
(CA residents please add 7.75% Sales Tax)

Agincourt
by:  Rathflaed DuNoir
The Black Bard of Meridies, MSoB
 mka Stephen R Melvin

The battle's close upon us and the storm is coming nigh,
The armored knights they gather round and we fear that we might die.

A summer jaunt the king called for, their land to take and hold,
And the king has called us every one to be the brave and bold.

Full three score thousand men they have to take our lives this day,
And but one fifth their number have we to hold and stay.

And if on Crispin's Day this year, we take our final breath,
Then the king he claims the finest men, go with us to our deaths.

But my blood runs cold and I do fear the passing of my life,
And I fear the earning of my scars within the coming strife.

A summer walk the king had asked, an easy mark to take,
And the king his claim to France, it's cities he will make.

But us poor men, or maybe fools, who left our homes and towns,
To take up arms against these folk upon their marshy downs,

We have a harder task ahead than ever man did dream,
And I for one, have no desire to end life with a scream.

The French knight's charge, it has begun; the ground it rocks and roars,
And I see their lances shining tips as they drop toward the floor.

The king he calls to stand our ground for glory in the strife,
Yes, I will stand and hold my ground - if only for my life!

9/4/99