Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I play at a regular session without alcohol but generally spend festivals in a semi state of under the influence. There is something about jamming under a tree with gin or a dark ale while its stinking hot.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
You may find it hard to believe, but I gave up completely 4 months ago. I find my playing has improved but I have become (even more) intolerant of wasters, especially when they get jarred up.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I went through periods a long time ago when I drank little or no alcohol including at sessions. What I did discover was the stupendous prices of soft drinks in UK pubs, but no, alcohol is not necessary to enjoy a session if you're happy on the wagon. But I didn't stay on it and part of a session's pleasure for me, quite frankly, is drinking lots of beer. Co-sessionists sometimes have to stay within the drink-drive limits to drive themselves and maybe partners home, but living in walking distance I am free from such restrictions.
When I drove, including to the odd session or folk club, I think I did so over the limit exactly once. I was so glad to have the driving licence and the freedom of movement that went with it, that I didn't want to jeopardise these through being over the limit.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
My playing deteriorates significantly after even one beer, but it takes many more than that before I blissfully lose all memory of having humiliated myself. So for me there's this painful decay with drinking and fiddling, like slipping slowly and consciously into dementia, listening to myself turning into a puddle of atonal trash. So I just drink fizzy mineral water these days at sessions.
On the other hand, some extremely drunk people have said (or rather drawled and mumbled) very nice things about my fiddling (while they were drunk of course).
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I think alcohol is necessary for the punters too. They are always much more appreciative after a good few pints, as long as they don't have too much and fall over your instrument or throw up over it. It has been known in one of my sessions for us to have to discreetly move cases and instruments out of firing range! The good side of this is they get so drunk they forget they heard you and never come back. The bad side is that their beer goggles can give them the overwhelming desire to go round the room kissing everyone goodnight! Or is that just my session :-0
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Waster = tosser = plonker. Same sort of useless ne'er-do-well which frequently infests sessions, with their rainsticks, eggs, 3-guitar chords, out-of-time thumped bodhran, badly sung songs and so on. I'm surprised you need an explanation, beebs, since this species has been discussed ad nauseam of late!
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I never drink at sessions now, even if I'm not driving as I find it seriously hinders your judgment, on the fly chord progressions and sense of wether your "fitting in" or not, I notice as bodhran players get drunker they get louder and less timely. I also find that when i'm just listening I can enjoy the session much more and have a higher appreciation when i'm stone cold sober.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I discovered that after about 6 Guinnesses I can play the harp and hold a conversation at the same time - something I've always thought was impossible!
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Necessary? No. I think most of our session would have fun without alcohol. I don't drink at all and I enjoy session quite a lot. But plenty of people enjoy having a couple while playing.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Totally agree with KML. I stopped drinking 17 years ago, and soon discovered how many plonkers frequent pubs, bars and sessions.
And patience, when sober, does wear thin with said plonkers/wasters/melt heads.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Have you fellas noticed that sometimes you meet someone who totally throws back the pints but their playing just remains as sweet? Apparently it all comes down to practice -and I have to say I agree. A few years ago if I had one pint my playing would suffer really badly - now I can handle a fair few. BUT - there are a few things that have to be in place. a) I have to have started drinking and playing at the same time or playing first....If I drink even a couple before hand my playing suffers - I have no idea why) b) If I go even one sip over the magical cranking sip then I just cannot play anymore, I just cant do it. Weird.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
bb sends me into despair by saying "Apparently it all comes down to practice"...I've been scratching away with strings and bows for about 35 years and i still can't drink and noodle....help! I'm running out of time!! I think i need a drink!
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Having said that I agree with bb...I do know a couple of people who's playing doesn't seem to be affected in the slightest by being p*ssed. Anyone care to donate their bodies to science so we can get to the bottom of this?
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I'm getting really annoyed at all this "necessary" sh*te.
You wanna go and have a few beers with your mates and play some tunes? For christ sake, feck off with your temperance sh*te. You wanna have a hoot and share some daft skunk? What the heck?
Why the heck should playing tunes with your mates follow any other set of rules other than any other night out with your mates? It's not like your under any kind of obligation like it's a feckin public performance for christ sake.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Too right, Michael. I agree with you. So no need to lash out so defensively. But I personally don't want to drink. I have my reasons. Leave it at that.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Exactly. Rules among friends are unspoken and never need to be raised. If I want rules I'll go to one of those stoopid pub quizzes. I play Irish music because I don't need rules. Not someone else's, anyway. Let's raise a pint of Doom Bar...
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Don't worry about Michael. He's just trying to cover up the fact that in real life he leads a 12 Step group called ITMAnon. Just go along with him: it's all part of his healing.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Well Jack, it all depends on how discerning the public is. I take a scientific approach to establishing this. The first step for me is to announce that I'll be playing a set from deepest darkest Sliabh Luachra. I then take out a saw and start bowing it for a few minutes. If no-one seems to notice anything's amiss, i know me and the fiddle are safe for at least a quarter of a bottle of Jamesons. If anyone raises an eyebrow, i buy them a few stiff drinks and repeat the whole process a little later. I've not been lynched yet (although someone did chase me down the street with a bucket of hot tar just before Christmas).
I know it's not much of a life, but it's what I'm used to...
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Ummm I'm sure it's not "necessary" as I'm underage and definitely don't drink and have plenty of fun at the very, very few sessions I can go to...but I mean as long as you're not driving or getting wasted to the point where you start scaring the crap out of people...then I don't see why it's a big deal for those that are of age. Again just don't get in a car. I've had one too many bad experiences with drunk drivers that "are fine, they can drive perfect this way!" So um save the heavy drinking for festivals or pubs within walking distance...
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
'Necessary?' - no
Preferable? - yes, for players and punters alike!
But - I fing the effect on my playing the same as the effect on my game when playing darts: viz, it improves for the first couple of pints, then plateaus (if there is such a verb) for the next few, then starts to decline with excess
And I agree with a comment above - my playing suffers much less if I have the first pint AFTER (or at least at the same time as) I start playing. Trying to start playing with a good few on board doesn't usually bode success!
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
my experience is the same as bb, I can't drink before hand, but one or two seem to loosen me up as I warm up to the session. Just one more though, and it's all skwaking and squeaking.
It could be that my just impression of my playing improves as I drink, but I guess that's good too. If the self delusion is complete, what's the difference?
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Sorry, I love audiences, as a thespian, and if doing a gig on stage, complete with mics and that, the more the merrier. If they don't like us, it gives an opportunity for my caustic wit.
After about 30 pints I found I couldn't cossack dance and play the drum at the same time. I could still do both, but not at the same time.
Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Hic!
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by Newty
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
A friend of mine (Ray Gallen, bodhran player from Belfast) saw: relax is necessary to play music... and 7 pints of Guinness it's a good way!
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by SILVIO 64
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I know a fiddler who always drinks tomato juice at sessions.
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by slainte
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Should be compulsory
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by mcknowall
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I play at a regular session without alcohol but generally spend festivals in a semi state of under the influence. There is something about jamming under a tree with gin or a dark ale while its stinking hot.
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by Joze
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
It makes it better thats for sure!
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by bb
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
You may find it hard to believe, but I gave up completely 4 months ago. I find my playing has improved but I have become (even more) intolerant of wasters, especially when they get jarred up.
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by Rudall the time
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
What the hell is a waster? Anyways - I find I can tolerate the tossers much better with a few drinks in me.
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by bb
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I went through periods a long time ago when I drank little or no alcohol including at sessions. What I did discover was the stupendous prices of soft drinks in UK pubs, but no, alcohol is not necessary to enjoy a session if you're happy on the wagon. But I didn't stay on it and part of a session's pleasure for me, quite frankly, is drinking lots of beer. Co-sessionists sometimes have to stay within the drink-drive limits to drive themselves and maybe partners home, but living in walking distance I am free from such restrictions.
When I drove, including to the odd session or folk club, I think I did so over the limit exactly once. I was so glad to have the driving licence and the freedom of movement that went with it, that I didn't want to jeopardise these through being over the limit.
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by nicholas
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
My playing deteriorates significantly after even one beer, but it takes many more than that before I blissfully lose all memory of having humiliated myself. So for me there's this painful decay with drinking and fiddling, like slipping slowly and consciously into dementia, listening to myself turning into a puddle of atonal trash. So I just drink fizzy mineral water these days at sessions.
On the other hand, some extremely drunk people have said (or rather drawled and mumbled) very nice things about my fiddling (while they were drunk of course).
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by Ger the Rigger
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I think alcohol is necessary for the punters too. They are always much more appreciative after a good few pints, as long as they don't have too much and fall over your instrument or throw up over it. It has been known in one of my sessions for us to have to discreetly move cases and instruments out of firing range! The good side of this is they get so drunk they forget they heard you and never come back. The bad side is that their beer goggles can give them the overwhelming desire to go round the room kissing everyone goodnight! Or is that just my session :-0
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by bowburner
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
yes yes and more yes. I seem to play a lot better when i've had a few, or is it just me that thinks i'm playing better?
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by Daniel Gott
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Waster = tosser = plonker. Same sort of useless ne'er-do-well which frequently infests sessions, with their rainsticks, eggs, 3-guitar chords, out-of-time thumped bodhran, badly sung songs and so on. I'm surprised you need an explanation, beebs, since this species has been discussed ad nauseam of late!
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by Rudall the time
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I never drink at sessions now, even if I'm not driving as I find it seriously hinders your judgment, on the fly chord progressions and sense of wether your "fitting in" or not, I notice as bodhran players get drunker they get louder and less timely. I also find that when i'm just listening I can enjoy the session much more and have a higher appreciation when i'm stone cold sober.
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by fap
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I discovered that after about 6 Guinnesses I can play the harp and hold a conversation at the same time - something I've always thought was impossible!
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by Mark Harmer
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Necessary? No. I think most of our session would have fun without alcohol. I don't drink at all and I enjoy session quite a lot. But plenty of people enjoy having a couple while playing.
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by Crysania
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Totally agree with KML. I stopped drinking 17 years ago, and soon discovered how many plonkers frequent pubs, bars and sessions.
And patience, when sober, does wear thin with said plonkers/wasters/melt heads.
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Yes, but what about the benefits of alcohol when dealing with stage fright?
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by bowburner
Re: Does anyone think?
Well do they??
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by pfft
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Danny - I just havent heard the term 'waster' before - I like it....I think I like it better than Tosser
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by bb
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Have you fellas noticed that sometimes you meet someone who totally throws back the pints but their playing just remains as sweet? Apparently it all comes down to practice -and I have to say I agree. A few years ago if I had one pint my playing would suffer really badly - now I can handle a fair few. BUT - there are a few things that have to be in place. a) I have to have started drinking and playing at the same time or playing first....If I drink even a couple before hand my playing suffers - I have no idea why) b) If I go even one sip over the magical cranking sip then I just cannot play anymore, I just cant do it. Weird.
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by bb
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
No
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by Lint - upon - Tweed
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
"No" Alcohol isnt necessary
or "No" Youve never met anyone who can throw back pints and still play brilliantly.
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by bb
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Do your own thing. Just don't drink and drive. Your session should be all about having your kind of fun. Mine is!
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
bb sends me into despair by saying "Apparently it all comes down to practice"...I've been scratching away with strings and bows for about 35 years and i still can't drink and noodle....help! I'm running out of time!! I think i need a drink!
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by Ger the Rigger
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Having said that I agree with bb...I do know a couple of people who's playing doesn't seem to be affected in the slightest by being p*ssed. Anyone care to donate their bodies to science so we can get to the bottom of this?
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by Ger the Rigger
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
I'm getting really annoyed at all this "necessary" sh*te.
You wanna go and have a few beers with your mates and play some tunes? For christ sake, feck off with your temperance sh*te. You wanna have a hoot and share some daft skunk? What the heck?
Why the heck should playing tunes with your mates follow any other set of rules other than any other night out with your mates? It's not like your under any kind of obligation like it's a feckin public performance for christ sake.
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by ...
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Careful llig, you'll start them off on the whole "is a session a performance" rubbish. You Just can't be too careful.
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by woops
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Too right, Michael. I agree with you. So no need to lash out so defensively. But I personally don't want to drink. I have my reasons. Leave it at that.
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by Rudall the time
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Exactly. Rules among friends are unspoken and never need to be raised. If I want rules I'll go to one of those stoopid pub quizzes. I play Irish music because I don't need rules. Not someone else's, anyway. Let's raise a pint of Doom Bar...
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Don't worry about Michael. He's just trying to cover up the fact that in real life he leads a 12 Step group called ITMAnon. Just go along with him: it's all part of his healing.
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by Ger the Rigger
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
You mean you can't drink if you're giving a public performance?
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by Phantom Button
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Well Jack, it all depends on how discerning the public is. I take a scientific approach to establishing this. The first step for me is to announce that I'll be playing a set from deepest darkest Sliabh Luachra. I then take out a saw and start bowing it for a few minutes. If no-one seems to notice anything's amiss, i know me and the fiddle are safe for at least a quarter of a bottle of Jamesons. If anyone raises an eyebrow, i buy them a few stiff drinks and repeat the whole process a little later. I've not been lynched yet (although someone did chase me down the street with a bucket of hot tar just before Christmas).
I know it's not much of a life, but it's what I'm used to...
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by Ger the Rigger
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Ummm I'm sure it's not "necessary" as I'm underage and definitely don't drink and have plenty of fun at the very, very few sessions I can go to...but I mean as long as you're not driving or getting wasted to the point where you start scaring the crap out of people...then I don't see why it's a big deal for those that are of age. Again just don't get in a car. I've had one too many bad experiences with drunk drivers that "are fine, they can drive perfect this way!" So um save the heavy drinking for festivals or pubs within walking distance...
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by possumawesome
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Alcohol does seem to help one feel they're over their stage fright.
But I'd need three hands to count my friends who are now in 12 step groups because they had a few to get over their stage fright.
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by Snakefingers
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
well possum I admire you for being underage and identifying the wrong way to drink alcohol.
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by Joze
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
'Necessary?' - no
Preferable? - yes, for players and punters alike!
But - I fing the effect on my playing the same as the effect on my game when playing darts: viz, it improves for the first couple of pints, then plateaus (if there is such a verb) for the next few, then starts to decline with excess
And I agree with a comment above - my playing suffers much less if I have the first pint AFTER (or at least at the same time as) I start playing. Trying to start playing with a good few on board doesn't usually bode success!
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by domhnall.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Not at a session....but sometimes I reckon it's a head start if you want a barney on the mustard board!
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by FiddleFancy
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
find
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by domhnall.
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
my experience is the same as bb, I can't drink before hand, but one or two seem to loosen me up as I warm up to the session. Just one more though, and it's all skwaking and squeaking.
It could be that my just impression of my playing improves as I drink, but I guess that's good too. If the self delusion is complete, what's the difference?
Bottoms up!
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by ottoschmelk
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Sorry, I love audiences, as a thespian, and if doing a gig on stage, complete with mics and that, the more the merrier. If they don't like us, it gives an opportunity for my caustic wit.
After about 30 pints I found I couldn't cossack dance and play the drum at the same time. I could still do both, but not at the same time.
# Posted on January 15th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Does anyone think alcohol is necessary at a session?
Yes - I do
# Posted on January 17th 2007 by breandan