I saw one for the first time at the last session. I didn't see what all the negativity was all about. The guy was truly scared of offending anybody, but he was so friendly and I thought it seemed like an awesome instrument. I hope he comes back. I'm all for people joining the session who are nice and make it feel like a party with friends.
Not only do I enjoy playing along with a skilled bodhran player, I also enjoy it when they can make all those delightful different tones out of it. You know, the ones that all the other session.org gestapo purists complain about! - ;-P
you could do worse than listen to 'barking mad'...
'wrap it up'
'Green Linnet Records, GLCD 3085.
Words by Neil Johnston, Music by Arty McGlynn. (Dog Music Publishing LTD.)
The words are sung by Gino Lupari, the band's bodhrán-player, notable for being nearly as round as his drum, who uses a rap beat as he accompanies himself with a wickedly fast jig rhythm.'
Now listen you people
Better take this down:
I'm the Bodhrán player
And I'm back in town.
It's me lays down the rhythm
For the diddely I dil dee
Ain't no Flashy Fiddlers
Any good without me!
I can do it on the Bodhrán,
I can do it on the Bones;
Don't need a fancy drum-kit like
The Rolling Stones.
I'm a raker, I'm a shaker,
I make that white top hum:
The man who puts the Iddery in the
Skiddery I dil dum!
Skiddery I dil dum!
Just set up the liquor,
Make sure there's enough,
Then clear the decks for action
Let me strut my stuff.
Hear me talkin'?
Let's go walkin'!
Now the fiddle's fine and dandy,
It's the voice of Irish folk;
And if you've gotta banjo handy,
He can make the music smoke.
Throw in a melodeon --
You've gotta have a box --
and you've the makings of a session
But it isn't one the rocks
Till the goat skin hero
Hits it with his little rhythm stick:
I'm the man supplies the heartbeat,
I'm the dude that makes it tick!
He's the diddley dee director,
He's the dude that makes it tick!
Hear me talkin'?
Let's go walkin'!
At the pub and at the party,
I'm the session's heart and soul;
Hey, it's me who puts the backbone
Into Irish rock 'n' roll.
You can keep your fiddle player,
Your banjo pickin' man,
But the man who minds the goatskin
Is the leader of the band.
When I hear the reels a rollin'
Then it's time for me to start;
I'm the star of syncopation,
I'm the statesman of the art.
Watch the dancers how they dig it,
They say who's the heavy dude?
He's no moron on the Bodhrán,
He's our Gino be goode!
So I'm giving you the message and
I've got it right perhaps:
The show is never over 'til the fat man raps!
Whaat? You hit your mother-in-law with a rounded stick?!
I've never met a bodhran player that I want to share the table with. Even the technically-good ones I've met have been guilty of bad taste such as playing all night, playing too loud and attempting to accompany tunes they didn't intimately know/waltzes/airs/singers of non-rhythmic songs. Maybe that's just my bad luck so don't take that as a "no." I might want to see you in Cork some day!
Wowie! What a rap!
Yep, put me down fer yes too.
I too have got a bodhran I can't play (good fer Shaman stuff). but gee do I love to hear it from those who can.
Bit of a pointless survey really as there are far more totally sh*te bidhran players that competant ones. The bodhran has ruined more sessions for me than - out of tune guitarists, egotists, drunks, scroungers, B.O., etc, etc.
And while I think a very well played bodhran adds a great deal to a session I would like to see them dissapear of the face of the earth, along with shakey eggs, snare drums, 12 string guitars and huge piano key accordians because of the musical pain they have caused me.
So I'm afraid it's a no from me. Would be more interesting if you asked ......the average bodhran at a session yes or no. Worst case senario is theat a survey like this brings even more tuneless, timeless, goatbattering wannabees out their bedrooms. Noooooooooooooooooooooo...........
I don't mean how many people here. I mean how many in the whole world? 1,000 to 1? 10,000 to 1?
Oh heck, poor Saint. That makes you in a minority doesn't it? He he. let's all have a go at Saint for being in a minority. Because we all know that the majority is correct don't we.
Let's take a poll shall we? How many people would prefer a "session" with the likes of one banjo, one piano accordion (who doesn't play tunes), four guitarists, and three bodhrans? What? Only one? That'll make him wrong then won't it.
See the wonderful thing about choice is ............
Johnny J, to give you an idea of my weakenedness, a bodhran player who turns up at our local session occasionally brings a shakey egg, a sort of rain stick thing and efffing bongos on which he uses plastic brushes. He also uses the brushes to hit the table with to add a bit of 'colour'.
In the UK, many stores etc have installed cardboard cut outs of Police Officers to deter shop lifters etc.
A novel idea might be to have a couple of cardboard cut outs of Bodhran players in a session to deter any more (goatwhackers) from entering therein. They might decide that their presence isn't required.
The cut outs should be as realistic as possible, of course. At least a 40" waist, bald, with several tattoos and an earring. Striped sweatshirt optional.
I like your idea, Johnny J. I realise this is as yet a piloy study, but d'you think maybe once it's up and running could the scheme be extended to include cardboard cut-outs of guitarists, once there are more than one already in attendance, also for more than one spoons/bones player, and ANY shakey eggist?
This is like politicians fighting about war. Trying to force a vote to try to make a (useless) point to see who "wins". It's a much more complicated matter than that. And your responses are generally skewed because of the simplistic way you asked the question. Do we really need to start another thread asking for people to vote about poorly played bodhran at their sessions? I think not, because you already know the answer. And I would agree with Michael that there's an awful lot of bodhran players that aren't up to snuff.
Put me down as a firm "no" for poorly played bodhran, and a "meh" for well played bodhran (which was the original question). It's OK with me if a good bodhran player sits down and plays, and it's OK with me if they don't. Just like any other instrument. (As long as the melody players outnumber the backers).
"Hello Sports Fans, this is Buster Bodhran on location in Yakutsk, Siberia at the 37th Annual Yak Shearing Competition. There's a break in the action so I thought I'd take this opportunity to weigh in with a hearty 'OH YEAH!' for any bodhran, any time. Remember folks: bodhrans, they're not just for throwing! Now back to the action, the fur is really starting to fly..."
"The cut outs should be as realistic as possible, of course. At least a 40" waist, bald, with several tattoos and an earring. Striped sweatshirt optional."
Note to self: Must add 9 inches to waist, shave head, get siome tattoos and an earring. Apparently.
Thankfully I don't come across all these sub-standard goatwhackers in Clare too often - but there's plenty of them at festivals.
LLIg and reverend ye are both entitled to your opinions and I respect that .......where is the leader of the "six inch club" did he just send his two best men........................llig you could give lessons on how to be mannerly and rev you could show people how to back a bully up..................................If ye are as good at this as ye are playing I'll eat my hat........................
Wait a minute - don't put me in the "No" camp, in case you did. Mine is a YES (for GOOD bodhran players that is). Let's face it, if there weren't any bodhrans around who could we slag off then? fiddle players? mmm ---- that sounds good to me....
That's right Saint, the wonderful thing about choice is that I tune players don't have to play with bodhrans ... and you don't have to play with .... .... .... .... oh heck
The choice I have right now is which session of the 5 sessions in cork Im going to tonight and Im welcome at all (well maybe 4).......................oh heck
How many people would prefer a "session" with the likes of one banjo, one piano accordion (who doesn't play tunes), four guitarists, and three bodhrans? What? Only one? That'll make him wrong then won't it.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by llig leahcim
Now I do not want this to sound condescending Mr Llig, but look at the above. Now one and one is two, and two and four is six, and six and three is nine. That's nine people from the above example, who obviously enjoy it or they would not be traveling the thirty miles to get there.
Not to mention the large audience who thought it was wonderful. Perhaps you are beginning to feel alone, Mr Llig?
And Saint, by trying to be too fair you have misinterpreted some votes, eg the Phantom Button who favours bodhrans, in fact I only saw two hard and fast against posts, and Mr Llig doesn't really believe what he is posting. He is a closet bodhran lover, just one of those melody players who would love to have a go, but can't.
Now here is a true story, with a little embellishment.
Playing in Molloys pub in August. Now after half an hour of constant tunes a large group of English people began to get restless. They began talking about moving to the pub next door, a singer/guitarist and a zouk player, who did a few tunes now and again between the songs. One of the English crowd said loudly "But that's Matt Molloy, Carlos Nunez and Bodhran Bliss there, 3 legends of Irish music (if you count Molloy)" and the others sort of mumbled "Yes they are great, but I like to hear songs as well, so of they went next door.
Normally Molloy encourages a song after every three or four sets of tunes. Obviously he has a vested interest as he wants to keep punters in his pub.
And there lies the rub. If musicians play in a pub, invading the personal space of others, well you really should make a little sacrifice now and again.
Having played at other venues with Molloy, I can report that he loves well played bodhrans, and does like to break the night up with an air or a song. For his part, Nunez insisted I play the drum when I was trying to let him and Molloy have a duet. He felt the music lacked something without the drum.
On a personal level, I like tunes, then a song, maybe an air, as it adds to the night.
And to answer your question above John, those melody players should not feel inhibited. Many a fine flute player, pipers, and fiddlers have graced us with their presence. Obviously we wouldn't have as many songs then, unless it is Brendy Mulholland on flute, as he loves backing some of our guitarists self penned songs.
I suppose everyone is different, although by Johnny J's reckoning, we only have 6 dissenters.
Anyone who leaves Matt Molloy's pub for any reason while he's there playing deserves to be beaten black and blue by all us poor folk who have never had the pleasure. What troglodytes.
We usually take one to our sessions, and it tends to get passed around when some tune is played that we don't all know, so that the otherwise unoccupied musician can get their rocks off by thumping the thing in lieu of anything more musical. It's not played continously all night. That's good, to me.
Shame on you Rockyroader - we dont judge people by how they look but on how they behave and how they play.
Your comments are as offensive to me as that of some w**ker at an all Ireland bodhran comeptition where I was playing the flute for my mate "oh dear, another Northern Thug" The "thug" in question being one of the finest friends and best drummers I ever had the honour to play with.
The drum is a musical instrrument that requires learning before playing and provided that the drummer has taken the time to actually learn the tunes and adds value to the sess then by all means they are welcome.
I think my comments above may have been taken wrong. I have stated many times on this board that I enjoy a well played bodhran (and dislike a poorly played one).
But the original question is "well played bodhran at a session, yes or no?", to which my answer was that it doesn't matter. It's good to have one there, but if there isn't a bodhran, the session isn't ruined or anything. Just like with every other instrument. We can have some great tunes even when the piper doesn't show up.
If we've got good melody players, it doesn't really matter what instruments they're playing at any given time. (If it's 11 fiddles and a banjo, it might be a bit annoying). If there aren't ANY backers, that's OK too. If the backers outnumber the melody players, it can get very annoying as well.
So go ahead, Saint. Put me down for a "yes" in your vote, because the way you asked the question, I am OK with having a good bodhran player there. But don't make me start the other thread asking whether bad bodhran players are welcome
That's right Saint, the wonderful thing about choice is that I tune players don't have to play with bodhrans ... and you don't have to play with .... .... .... .... oh heck
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by llig leahcim
Oh dear, I missed this first time round. "My daddy is bigger than your daddy".
Funny but extremely sad, Mr Llig.
And as Rev and a few harp on about "badly played.....", does anyone out there like badly played any instrument? I seriously doubt it.
And Rev, amazing the way no-one likes a vote when it goes against them. And Rev is a "yes" vote.
The only vote against was against bad players. So, in would appear that the answer to the question posed is a resounding yes.
And that reflects the view towards bodhrans in general. You get the odd trendy who thinks it "hip" to oppose bodhrans, and does so, nor realising that everyone else is just joking. Still, you do meet people with no sense of humour.
rev your out of the "six inch club" . Sinn fein did nt get as many yes votes in the 1921 election 96% majority and women and men under 21 were nt able to vote then so just imagine what the result............. anyway...............................after all this I'm taken my bouzouki out to a session tonight for the first time and I hope no fecking bodhran player turns up..................good luck
i think the problem with said goat-thumpers (and this extends to the shakey egg, the not-so-shakey egg, the spoons, bones, and other more offensive instruments of percussion and pain) is that bad (beginner or otherwise) melody players don't usually show up to sessions and play.
they might show up, they might play on a few tunes, but mostly they stay unobtrusive. I'd guess this is because it's clear to them when they can't hang and when they should rather just get out their recorder and record. i'm sure we've all dealt with the occasional Johnny Tin Ear, but mostly melody players seem to realize when they're not that good.
doesn't seem to be the case with bodhrans and other percussion, thus the high level of acrimony (as noted in my previous post, from both bodhran players and others)
That's well put dirtyheel. A good bodhran player must feel he has to be heard to be accepted, through no fault of his own. There is nothing (well maybe a few things) quite as scarey than seeing a new bodhran case at the session. There's the occasional surprise when you get a nice player, but more often than not the expected nightmare begins. You rarely get a less than competent tune player playing through the whole session and more often than not they musically hide until their skill reaches a decent level.
My vote for a good bodhran player is a definate yes but for real bodhran players and other traddys alike, is there any way an effective bodhran-chancer filter could be invented?
Such a bunch of softies. If Michael Coleman comes back to earth and plays badly at our session, we will with all politeness tell him to "catch yerself on" and "come back when you can nearly play".
Are ALL melody players incapable of this simple expedient, which would be good manners, and even etiquette if you want to call it that.
Bliss, I almost typed in something positive about your idea about making sacrifices when you invade personal space. Changed my mind when I read the Coleman message.
It's dangerous to treat slaggers seriously, even for a moment.
>>> amazing the way no-one likes a vote when it goes against them.
Bliss, I've made myself clear in the past about this issue, I think. It's not like I "changed my vote" because it was going against me.
The problem with this whole thread is that a simplistic question was asked, and then the result is being used to demonstrate that somehow bodhrans are overwhelmingly welcomed into sessions. No, all it is showing is that a "well played" bodhran is welcomed into sessions.
And this thread is probably counter-productive, because it's making all the eejits that picked up the bodhran as the "easy route" into a session think that they're going to be welcome!
bogman pegged the problem yet again - people who are learning to play melody don't feel like they have some divine right to play on tunes that they don't know. But give a bodhran to someone who has no clue, and they still bang away on it, even if they're so inexperienced that they can't tell a jig from a reel. That can be a problem, in my mind.
BTW, before I get labeled as a bodhran-hater or something, I generally extend the same courtesy to a beginner bodhran player that I would a beginning melody player, and welcome them into the session. But in my experience, they are more likely to rain on everyone's parade than a melody player would be.
I agree with all you say, Rev. But. No-one, and I mean no-one, bangs away on a bodhran all the time at a session I am at. I would tell them the error of their ways. Story time. I remember singing "McAlpine's Fusileers" one night, backed by guitar and banjo and fiddle, and this bloke who normally played the guitar, lifted my bodhran to accompany. I stopped after two lines and said "Did you ever think that if I wanted a bodhran on this, I would have played it myself?". A nice straight to the jugular put down. But honest, and effective. I mean, if you were at a concert/movie/opera/theatre and someone kept talking all the time, would you have a word or just silently suffer all night?
Fer Chrissakes, Dow, bother to make a light-hearted, humorous comment on this thread. We have no other hope. Count me as a no, saint. I'm doing a Gorrrdon Broon.
"At one time I might have bothered making a light-hearted, humorous comment on a thread like this."............................What do you mean by this are we not good enough for you now.............lol
A session without a bodhran is like a heart with no beat. I can manage without a fiddler if I have to, without a flautist or piper on occasion, but without a goat whacker the music is too often either thin and flat or just doesn't hang together.
The Bodhran
The Bodhran
When played well at a session how many members say yes and how many say no.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
I'LL start with a yes......so thats one
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
The bodhran. "The Pulse of Irish Music". The man from Del Monte he say "yeeeeeessssss".
Only true aesthetes will appreciate the bodhran. Johnny come lately "purist" heathen, will say no.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: The Bodhran
You say yes, I say no, you say why, and I say I don't know.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Phantom Button
Re: The Bodhran
so thats two ..one the bodhran wins it was the best of three.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
I wonder how the " six inch club" will vote.......
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
I saw one for the first time at the last session. I didn't see what all the negativity was all about. The guy was truly scared of offending anybody, but he was so friendly and I thought it seemed like an awesome instrument. I hope he comes back. I'm all for people joining the session who are nice and make it feel like a party with friends.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by sbhikes
Re: The Bodhran
Yay.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by morning star
Re: The Bodhran
4..............1
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
aesthetes I like that word bliss but I thought that had something got to do with not believing..........lol
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
I enjoy hearing the bodhran. The anti-bodhran stuff that gets posted here is really getting tiresome.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: The Bodhran
5..............1
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
Not only do I enjoy playing along with a skilled bodhran player, I also enjoy it when they can make all those delightful different tones out of it. You know, the ones that all the other session.org gestapo purists complain about! - ;-P
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: The Bodhran
yes
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by mcknowall
Re: The Bodhran
7...........1
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
Add another in the yes column
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Char B
Re: The Bodhran
8.........1
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by dirtyheel
Re: The Bodhran
Put me down as Yes. Bodhran jokes are like mother-in-law jokes. You might adore your mother-in-law yet make jokes just for fun.
Bodhran - I have one but I can't play it. I respect those who do.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by feardearg
Re: The Bodhran
Aye...
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Fr.Jack
Re: The Bodhran
What dose all this mean?
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by feardearg
Re: The Bodhran
Oh yes!
Keith
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by ocarolan
Re: wrap it up...
what's with all these drum threads?
you could do worse than listen to 'barking mad'...
'wrap it up'
'Green Linnet Records, GLCD 3085.
Words by Neil Johnston, Music by Arty McGlynn. (Dog Music Publishing LTD.)
The words are sung by Gino Lupari, the band's bodhrán-player, notable for being nearly as round as his drum, who uses a rap beat as he accompanies himself with a wickedly fast jig rhythm.'
Now listen you people
Better take this down:
I'm the Bodhrán player
And I'm back in town.
It's me lays down the rhythm
For the diddely I dil dee
Ain't no Flashy Fiddlers
Any good without me!
I can do it on the Bodhrán,
I can do it on the Bones;
Don't need a fancy drum-kit like
The Rolling Stones.
I'm a raker, I'm a shaker,
I make that white top hum:
The man who puts the Iddery in the
Skiddery I dil dum!
Skiddery I dil dum!
Just set up the liquor,
Make sure there's enough,
Then clear the decks for action
Let me strut my stuff.
Hear me talkin'?
Let's go walkin'!
Now the fiddle's fine and dandy,
It's the voice of Irish folk;
And if you've gotta banjo handy,
He can make the music smoke.
Throw in a melodeon --
You've gotta have a box --
and you've the makings of a session
But it isn't one the rocks
Till the goat skin hero
Hits it with his little rhythm stick:
I'm the man supplies the heartbeat,
I'm the dude that makes it tick!
He's the diddley dee director,
He's the dude that makes it tick!
Hear me talkin'?
Let's go walkin'!
At the pub and at the party,
I'm the session's heart and soul;
Hey, it's me who puts the backbone
Into Irish rock 'n' roll.
You can keep your fiddle player,
Your banjo pickin' man,
But the man who minds the goatskin
Is the leader of the band.
When I hear the reels a rollin'
Then it's time for me to start;
I'm the star of syncopation,
I'm the statesman of the art.
Watch the dancers how they dig it,
They say who's the heavy dude?
He's no moron on the Bodhrán,
He's our Gino be goode!
So I'm giving you the message and
I've got it right perhaps:
The show is never over 'til the fat man raps!
You paying?
I'm staying.'
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by biggus dave
Re: The Bodhran
i'll call that 12..........1
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
Whaat? You hit your mother-in-law with a rounded stick?!
I've never met a bodhran player that I want to share the table with. Even the technically-good ones I've met have been guilty of bad taste such as playing all night, playing too loud and attempting to accompany tunes they didn't intimately know/waltzes/airs/singers of non-rhythmic songs. Maybe that's just my bad luck so don't take that as a "no." I might want to see you in Cork some day!
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: miss count and the getting of goats...
Saint,you may call it 12-1 if you really want to but don't count your goat as you may have missed a bleat,lol!
i would say sorry for these awful puns but sadly,i have no shame...
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by biggus dave
Re: The Bodhran
Wowie! What a rap!
Yep, put me down fer yes too.
I too have got a bodhran I can't play (good fer Shaman stuff). but gee do I love to hear it from those who can.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Clear Drops
Re: The Bodhran
mein gott!
i'm glad i'm leaving for liverpool now is all i can say.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by biggus dave
Re: The Bodhran
12.............2/3
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
Aye.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Sugarfoot Jack
Re: The Bodhran
Bit of a pointless survey really as there are far more totally sh*te bidhran players that competant ones. The bodhran has ruined more sessions for me than - out of tune guitarists, egotists, drunks, scroungers, B.O., etc, etc.
And while I think a very well played bodhran adds a great deal to a session I would like to see them dissapear of the face of the earth, along with shakey eggs, snare drums, 12 string guitars and huge piano key accordians because of the musical pain they have caused me.
So I'm afraid it's a no from me. Would be more interesting if you asked ......the average bodhran at a session yes or no. Worst case senario is theat a survey like this brings even more tuneless, timeless, goatbattering wannabees out their bedrooms. Noooooooooooooooooooooo...........
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by bogman
Re: The Bodhran
Oh, poor Bogman. Cheer up lad.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by mcknowall
Re: The Bodhran
Who voted "no"?
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Phantom Button
Re: The Bodhran
He has got a point though...
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: The Bodhran
Bogman, that is.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: The Bodhran
One good player is tolerable but NOT essential.
Bodhrans aren't as bad as djembes or bongos though.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by John J.
Re: The Bodhran
How many people prefer Rap to Diddley Music?
I don't mean how many people here. I mean how many in the whole world? 1,000 to 1? 10,000 to 1?
Oh heck, poor Saint. That makes you in a minority doesn't it? He he. let's all have a go at Saint for being in a minority. Because we all know that the majority is correct don't we.
Let's take a poll shall we? How many people would prefer a "session" with the likes of one banjo, one piano accordion (who doesn't play tunes), four guitarists, and three bodhrans? What? Only one? That'll make him wrong then won't it.
See the wonderful thing about choice is ............
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by llig leahcim
Re: The Bodhran
Johnny J, to give you an idea of my weakenedness, a bodhran player who turns up at our local session occasionally brings a shakey egg, a sort of rain stick thing and efffing bongos on which he uses plastic brushes. He also uses the brushes to hit the table with to add a bit of 'colour'.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by bogman
Re: The Bodhran
Yes, absoloutley
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Daniel Gott
Re: The Bodhran
In the UK, many stores etc have installed cardboard cut outs of Police Officers to deter shop lifters etc.
A novel idea might be to have a couple of cardboard cut outs of Bodhran players in a session to deter any more (goatwhackers) from entering therein. They might decide that their presence isn't required.
The cut outs should be as realistic as possible, of course. At least a 40" waist, bald, with several tattoos and an earring. Striped sweatshirt optional.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by John J.
Re: The Bodhran
Oops, forgot about the stubble....
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by John J.
Re: The Bodhran
I'll put that on the shopping list for tomorrow "must get tattoo"
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by mcknowall
Re: The Bodhran
s
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by mcknowall
Re: The Bodhran
Mein Gott! Yer don't have to hop it ta Liverpool to get away from me, Biggus Dave. Yer very very safe where ever you are.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Clear Drops
Re: The Bodhran
I like your idea, Johnny J. I realise this is as yet a piloy study, but d'you think maybe once it's up and running could the scheme be extended to include cardboard cut-outs of guitarists, once there are more than one already in attendance, also for more than one spoons/bones player, and ANY shakey eggist?
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Rudall the time
Re: The Bodhran
...as yet a *pilot* study...
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Rudall the time
Re: The Bodhran
Well said, mr. Gill!
Haven't we been through this?
This is like politicians fighting about war. Trying to force a vote to try to make a (useless) point to see who "wins". It's a much more complicated matter than that. And your responses are generally skewed because of the simplistic way you asked the question. Do we really need to start another thread asking for people to vote about poorly played bodhran at their sessions? I think not, because you already know the answer. And I would agree with Michael that there's an awful lot of bodhran players that aren't up to snuff.
Put me down as a firm "no" for poorly played bodhran, and a "meh" for well played bodhran (which was the original question). It's OK with me if a good bodhran player sits down and plays, and it's OK with me if they don't. Just like any other instrument. (As long as the melody players outnumber the backers).
Pete
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Reverend
Re: The Bodhran
"Hello Sports Fans, this is Buster Bodhran on location in Yakutsk, Siberia at the 37th Annual Yak Shearing Competition. There's a break in the action so I thought I'd take this opportunity to weigh in with a hearty 'OH YEAH!' for any bodhran, any time. Remember folks: bodhrans, they're not just for throwing! Now back to the action, the fur is really starting to fly..."
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: The Bodhran
"The cut outs should be as realistic as possible, of course. At least a 40" waist, bald, with several tattoos and an earring. Striped sweatshirt optional."
Note to self: Must add 9 inches to waist, shave head, get siome tattoos and an earring. Apparently.
Thankfully I don't come across all these sub-standard goatwhackers in Clare too often - but there's plenty of them at festivals.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by RockyRoader
Re: The Bodhran
Snare drum? Put me down for a no on that one.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by sbhikes
Re: The Bodhran
14............4
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
LLIg and reverend ye are both entitled to your opinions and I respect that .......where is the leader of the "six inch club" did he just send his two best men........................llig you could give lessons on how to be mannerly and rev you could show people how to back a bully up..................................If ye are as good at this as ye are playing I'll eat my hat........................
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
I say go on the bodhran! can we make a cardboard cut out if players who dont stop moaning about bodhrans????
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Lollypoll
Re: The Bodhran
Wait a minute - don't put me in the "No" camp, in case you did. Mine is a YES (for GOOD bodhran players that is). Let's face it, if there weren't any bodhrans around who could we slag off then? fiddle players? mmm ---- that sounds good to me....
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Rudall the time
Re: The Bodhran
That's right Saint, the wonderful thing about choice is that I tune players don't have to play with bodhrans ... and you don't have to play with .... .... .... .... oh heck
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by llig leahcim
Re: The Bodhran
The choice I have right now is which session of the 5 sessions in cork Im going to tonight and Im welcome at all (well maybe 4).......................oh heck
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
Anyway, I'm glad to see that Jeremy's mellowing in his old age.
We can now slag off the bodhran on a daily basis with impunity.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by John J.
Re: The Bodhran
Put me down for a big fat YES too Saint.
I love the ould goatskin drum. (played properly of course)
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by session savage
Re: The Bodhran
How many people would prefer a "session" with the likes of one banjo, one piano accordion (who doesn't play tunes), four guitarists, and three bodhrans? What? Only one? That'll make him wrong then won't it.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by llig leahcim
Now I do not want this to sound condescending Mr Llig, but look at the above. Now one and one is two, and two and four is six, and six and three is nine. That's nine people from the above example, who obviously enjoy it or they would not be traveling the thirty miles to get there.
Not to mention the large audience who thought it was wonderful. Perhaps you are beginning to feel alone, Mr Llig?
And Saint, by trying to be too fair you have misinterpreted some votes, eg the Phantom Button who favours bodhrans, in fact I only saw two hard and fast against posts, and Mr Llig doesn't really believe what he is posting. He is a closet bodhran lover, just one of those melody players who would love to have a go, but can't.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: The Bodhran
"That's nine people from the above example, who obviously enjoy it or they would not be traveling the thirty miles to get there."
What about the three fiddlers, 2 flautists, and piper who wouldn't cross the road to get there...knowing what they'd find?
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by John J.
Re: The Bodhran
It´s a beautiful instrument. So, yes.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Reelin´ man
Re: The Bodhran
Now here is a true story, with a little embellishment.
Playing in Molloys pub in August. Now after half an hour of constant tunes a large group of English people began to get restless. They began talking about moving to the pub next door, a singer/guitarist and a zouk player, who did a few tunes now and again between the songs. One of the English crowd said loudly "But that's Matt Molloy, Carlos Nunez and Bodhran Bliss there, 3 legends of Irish music (if you count Molloy)" and the others sort of mumbled "Yes they are great, but I like to hear songs as well, so of they went next door.
Normally Molloy encourages a song after every three or four sets of tunes. Obviously he has a vested interest as he wants to keep punters in his pub.
And there lies the rub. If musicians play in a pub, invading the personal space of others, well you really should make a little sacrifice now and again.
Having played at other venues with Molloy, I can report that he loves well played bodhrans, and does like to break the night up with an air or a song. For his part, Nunez insisted I play the drum when I was trying to let him and Molloy have a duet. He felt the music lacked something without the drum.
On a personal level, I like tunes, then a song, maybe an air, as it adds to the night.
And to answer your question above John, those melody players should not feel inhibited. Many a fine flute player, pipers, and fiddlers have graced us with their presence. Obviously we wouldn't have as many songs then, unless it is Brendy Mulholland on flute, as he loves backing some of our guitarists self penned songs.
I suppose everyone is different, although by Johnny J's reckoning, we only have 6 dissenters.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: The Bodhran
Did anyone see "The Boys and Girl of County Clare"? Remember the American hippies?
"We're musicians too!"
"Oh yeah, what do you play?"
"The BAD-RAN!"
"The BAD-RAN!?!?"
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: The Bodhran
Anyone who leaves Matt Molloy's pub for any reason while he's there playing deserves to be beaten black and blue by all us poor folk who have never had the pleasure. What troglodytes.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: The Bodhran
We usually take one to our sessions, and it tends to get passed around when some tune is played that we don't all know, so that the otherwise unoccupied musician can get their rocks off by thumping the thing in lieu of anything more musical. It's not played continously all night. That's good, to me.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Guernsey Pete
Re: The Bodhran
Shame on you Rockyroader - we dont judge people by how they look but on how they behave and how they play.
Your comments are as offensive to me as that of some w**ker at an all Ireland bodhran comeptition where I was playing the flute for my mate "oh dear, another Northern Thug" The "thug" in question being one of the finest friends and best drummers I ever had the honour to play with.
The drum is a musical instrrument that requires learning before playing and provided that the drummer has taken the time to actually learn the tunes and adds value to the sess then by all means they are welcome.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by breandan
Re: The Bodhran
I think my comments above may have been taken wrong. I have stated many times on this board that I enjoy a well played bodhran (and dislike a poorly played one).
But the original question is "well played bodhran at a session, yes or no?", to which my answer was that it doesn't matter. It's good to have one there, but if there isn't a bodhran, the session isn't ruined or anything. Just like with every other instrument. We can have some great tunes even when the piper doesn't show up.
If we've got good melody players, it doesn't really matter what instruments they're playing at any given time. (If it's 11 fiddles and a banjo, it might be a bit annoying). If there aren't ANY backers, that's OK too. If the backers outnumber the melody players, it can get very annoying as well.
So go ahead, Saint. Put me down for a "yes" in your vote, because the way you asked the question, I am OK with having a good bodhran player there. But don't make me start the other thread asking whether bad bodhran players are welcome
Pete
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Reverend
Re: The Bodhran
That's right Saint, the wonderful thing about choice is that I tune players don't have to play with bodhrans ... and you don't have to play with .... .... .... .... oh heck
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by llig leahcim
Oh dear, I missed this first time round. "My daddy is bigger than your daddy".
Funny but extremely sad, Mr Llig.
And as Rev and a few harp on about "badly played.....", does anyone out there like badly played any instrument? I seriously doubt it.
And Rev, amazing the way no-one likes a vote when it goes against them. And Rev is a "yes" vote.
The only vote against was against bad players. So, in would appear that the answer to the question posed is a resounding yes.
And that reflects the view towards bodhrans in general. You get the odd trendy who thinks it "hip" to oppose bodhrans, and does so, nor realising that everyone else is just joking. Still, you do meet people with no sense of humour.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: The Bodhran
rev your out of the "six inch club" . Sinn fein did nt get as many yes votes in the 1921 election 96% majority and women and men under 21 were nt able to vote then so just imagine what the result............. anyway...............................after all this I'm taken my bouzouki out to a session tonight for the first time and I hope no fecking bodhran player turns up..................good luck
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
i think the problem with said goat-thumpers (and this extends to the shakey egg, the not-so-shakey egg, the spoons, bones, and other more offensive instruments of percussion and pain) is that bad (beginner or otherwise) melody players don't usually show up to sessions and play.
they might show up, they might play on a few tunes, but mostly they stay unobtrusive. I'd guess this is because it's clear to them when they can't hang and when they should rather just get out their recorder and record. i'm sure we've all dealt with the occasional Johnny Tin Ear, but mostly melody players seem to realize when they're not that good.
doesn't seem to be the case with bodhrans and other percussion, thus the high level of acrimony (as noted in my previous post, from both bodhran players and others)
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by dirtyheel
Re: The Bodhran
At one time I might have bothered making a light-hearted, humorous comment on a thread like this.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: The Bodhran
That's well put dirtyheel. A good bodhran player must feel he has to be heard to be accepted, through no fault of his own. There is nothing (well maybe a few things) quite as scarey than seeing a new bodhran case at the session. There's the occasional surprise when you get a nice player, but more often than not the expected nightmare begins. You rarely get a less than competent tune player playing through the whole session and more often than not they musically hide until their skill reaches a decent level.
My vote for a good bodhran player is a definate yes but for real bodhran players and other traddys alike, is there any way an effective bodhran-chancer filter could be invented?
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by bogman
Re: The Bodhran
Such a bunch of softies. If Michael Coleman comes back to earth and plays badly at our session, we will with all politeness tell him to "catch yerself on" and "come back when you can nearly play".
Are ALL melody players incapable of this simple expedient, which would be good manners, and even etiquette if you want to call it that.
Wimps
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: The Bodhran
My vote is Yes.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Ailin
Re: The Bodhran
Bliss, I almost typed in something positive about your idea about making sacrifices when you invade personal space. Changed my mind when I read the Coleman message.
It's dangerous to treat slaggers seriously, even for a moment.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by grego
Re: The Bodhran
Moi? A slagger? Certainly not. Sometimes one has to over embellish to get a simple message across.
David Colman used to play at our session.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: The Bodhran
Yes
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by dinn2
Re: The Bodhran
>>> amazing the way no-one likes a vote when it goes against them.
Bliss, I've made myself clear in the past about this issue, I think. It's not like I "changed my vote" because it was going against me.
The problem with this whole thread is that a simplistic question was asked, and then the result is being used to demonstrate that somehow bodhrans are overwhelmingly welcomed into sessions. No, all it is showing is that a "well played" bodhran is welcomed into sessions.
And this thread is probably counter-productive, because it's making all the eejits that picked up the bodhran as the "easy route" into a session think that they're going to be welcome!
bogman pegged the problem yet again - people who are learning to play melody don't feel like they have some divine right to play on tunes that they don't know. But give a bodhran to someone who has no clue, and they still bang away on it, even if they're so inexperienced that they can't tell a jig from a reel. That can be a problem, in my mind.
BTW, before I get labeled as a bodhran-hater or something, I generally extend the same courtesy to a beginner bodhran player that I would a beginning melody player, and welcome them into the session. But in my experience, they are more likely to rain on everyone's parade than a melody player would be.
Pete
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Reverend
Re: The Bodhran
I agree with all you say, Rev. But. No-one, and I mean no-one, bangs away on a bodhran all the time at a session I am at. I would tell them the error of their ways. Story time. I remember singing "McAlpine's Fusileers" one night, backed by guitar and banjo and fiddle, and this bloke who normally played the guitar, lifted my bodhran to accompany. I stopped after two lines and said "Did you ever think that if I wanted a bodhran on this, I would have played it myself?". A nice straight to the jugular put down. But honest, and effective. I mean, if you were at a concert/movie/opera/theatre and someone kept talking all the time, would you have a word or just silently suffer all night?
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: The Bodhran
Fer Chrissakes, Dow, bother to make a light-hearted, humorous comment on this thread. We have no other hope. Count me as a no, saint. I'm doing a Gorrrdon Broon.
# Posted on October 10th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: The Bodhran
"At one time I might have bothered making a light-hearted, humorous comment on a thread like this."............................What do you mean by this are we not good enough for you now.............lol
# Posted on October 11th 2007 by Saint
Re: The Bodhran
I'm a definite yes - my favourite spot at a sesh is snuggled between the goat beater and the DADGAD guitarist.
But then I would say that - I'm angling for a place in the SpudSmugglers.
Sorry, McK, that was Spud Grubbers, wasn't it?
# Posted on October 11th 2007 by bc_box_player
Re: The Bodhran
Yep, no room in my spudsmugglers, bc.
Just heard of another session in Lismore, will email details
# Posted on October 11th 2007 by mcknowall
Re: The Bodhran
I love `em
.........if played properly !
# Posted on October 11th 2007 by tony b
Re: The Bodhran
yes.
its the crap fiddlers that really bug me!
oops, sorry.
¿well if we all practised enough then would it really matter what instrument we play?
# Posted on October 11th 2007 by piobagusfidil
Re: The Bodhran
A session without a bodhran is like a heart with no beat. I can manage without a fiddler if I have to, without a flautist or piper on occasion, but without a goat whacker the music is too often either thin and flat or just doesn't hang together.
# Posted on October 14th 2007 by bmadill
Re: The Bodhran
I will say yes (listen to Colm Murphy !)
# Posted on October 17th 2007 by thierry
Re: The Bodhran
To the original question - yes.
# Posted on December 28th 2007 by dain