I got conned the other night. I'm not too disappointed but an idea crawled into my brain and I needed advice.
Somebody told me that they had Irish session music at this bar. The person waxed elequently about the slow poured Guinness, aged Jamesons and the Irish acts that came along occasionally. Being a guitar and hammered dulcimer player I grabbed my stuff and last Friday night drove to this bar with tape player in hand to get more tunes for my brain.
I walked into the bar to be met with the loud percussion of a blues band having at it on stage. The band was pretty good or I probably would have turned around right there. I was carrying a rather large hammered dulcimer, stand and guitar and trying not to bump the pool player lining up a shot just inside the door. I found a seat pretty far back. The waitress informed me that after the band got done there would be an open mike session. Holding on to the thought of "session" I stuck around. To shorten this up I ended up listening to some very bad renditions of Johnny Cash tunes then being pestered by the owner to get off my duff and play a few tunes. The patrons appreciated what Irish tunes I had the time to bang out then I got the heck out of there only to be stopped by a rather drunk bodhran player (I'd have to be drunk to play one as bad as he did) who invited me to play in a festival the next day. Which brings me to my question. How do you create a session? I know a few tunes (a lot from this site, thanks!) but would like to get a real live session going. Anybody out there start one? What problems did you have that I should avoid? (I know, avoid starting sessions, your marriage will last longer)
Try looking at http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display.php/1282 for a start...also, starting a session out of nothing is easier if you always go out with at least two others who know the same tunes you do. Most people (including most pub owners and managers) know nothing about the music and can't appreciate the sound of one lone instrument playing the music...unless maybe it's the pipes.
I once got conned the same way you did -- we were told that live Irish music happened at this coffeeshop. Luckily, our piper went along with me, because it turned out to be an open mike night, which was fine, but not what we'd been led to believe was there. We invited the three or four other Irish players who were there (which of course what our source had called 'a session') to play a few tunes with us. (Although it took us a bit aback when they then got out the sheet music.)
It's difficult to start up a session without at least three other players to help you out. Among other things, it helps to have someone else there who can show up when you can't, to keep the session going. If you don't show up regular-like for the first months, you sort of lose momentum with the punters, which is the main reason (though not always the only reason) most pub owners want a session in the first place.
Make a deal for three free rounds, and then cut yourself off.
Or try starting out in someone's living room at first, until you get a critical mass of players and tunes. House sessions can be as much or more fun than the public kind, plus it's easier to disinvite the occasional tosser (just don't unlock the front door).
In my experience it takes a certain amount of discipline for players unfamiliar with the tradition to hold to the session spirit, instead of letting the thing become a performance. This is easier at a house because there's no "audience."
Heh -- my own personal limit is two and I start playing stupid (probably stupider than you, jrathbun) at one and a half, Will, that would be a disastrous deal for any chance of good music! *grin* I'm a cheap date, unless we're going out for dinner, and then I'm way not a cheap date.
The living room/house session idea is a great one. I personally prefer them over the pub stuff, a lot more fun, really.
Hi folks.
I'm a lurker here who's just signed up. I don't know if any or how many of you might be from the Boston area. Of course, there are a tone of sessions around here. I started one about 5 1/2 years ago at the Blackthorne Tavern in S Easton, MA with the full and enthusiastic support of the owner. I can't overestimate how important his genuine love of the music has been to our continued success. He sings 'most every Sunday.
When we began, I showed up and sang every sort of a song for about three hours and stomped my foot. Slowly we have grown until on average I would say we have 5 to 10/15+ players (and not all guitarists and bodhrans!) Probably too many on many nights.
The session involves about 30-40% singing. Singing might not be what a lot of melody players are looking for, but without doubt it is what most attracts the casual patron.
The other thing is, we are truly open to anyone. Often this frankly is a pain, because of the usual problems with people ignorant of etiquette, dodgy playing, etc. However, we have developed most of our regular, strong players from just inviting them in when they showed up over the last few years.
Sunday nights are one of the busiest nights in the week, now. I think openness prevents staleness, revives a long-term session periodically, and get at the genuine enthusiasm of music.
I hope anyone in our area will try to check us out. You'll definitely get a free pint or two! (And the bar carries 50 or 60 beers. Heaven!)
Thanks for a great site.
Sean
PS I would also argue against the "circle of death." If you can get most people bought into the etiquette of letting the music pass around through the players over the course of the night, that is huge. Fact: some players are going to play more because they are better, know more, etc. But all get some chance, as long as they can play adequately. Both at sessions and house parties, formally passing it around a circle is the kiss of death, kills spontaneity, prevents the best and most enthusiastic players from helping to carry the night. Just a thought.
These "circles of death" are favoured by singers etc and are not ideal for musicians--except those who are really confident or show off types. I attend such a session in Musselburgh once a month and it can be quite nerve wracking playing a set of tunes solo when my turn comes around. If you make a b-lls up, you have to wait another twenty minutes or more to try again whereas in a normal session you can "warm up" after a few tunes.
Sometimes, there are other musicians there and we help each other. However, there is no guarantee this will happen. I am especially amazed at the number of singer/guitarists who are either incapable or unwilling to accompany the simplest of tunes. The "upside" of this "circle of death" is that you can get the chance to introduce some new or unusual tunes to the company whereas this might be more difficult in a fast flowing instrumental session but you need arrange some lengthy sets to outdo the "20 verse" ballad singers.
This session only happens once a month but I feel that I have to give support as it is local. In spite of my negative comments, there can actually be good nights there, although these are unpredictable. Luckily, I live near Edinburgh where there is a much greater choice of session--something to suit everyone, although there is still mumping and moaning in certain quarters.
Our local circle of death is near enough that - most ot them look like death het up, all their decrepit faces the colour of boiled sh!te and the singing sounds much the same - like death rattles, some of them. And if that's not moribund enough, you're sure to feel suicidal after you hear them.
I tried to liven it up one night with some box tunes and got told to wait my turn. Then they slagged me off on a thread on thon Mudcat thing - Mudcrap I call it. Don't bother looking for the thread, it's been deleted, the abuse got so malign.
Back to the original question, this has worked in London for me, but I don't know how it would go elsewhere. Just simply go round some pubs you think might be up for a session, have a pint, get chatting to the governor, then casually start talking about you play music, does he fancy a session some time, offer to do one or two for free then if it works out, tell him how much you normally charge, or if it's just a few free beers you're after, suggest that to him/her.
creating a session
creating a session
I got conned the other night. I'm not too disappointed but an idea crawled into my brain and I needed advice.
Somebody told me that they had Irish session music at this bar. The person waxed elequently about the slow poured Guinness, aged Jamesons and the Irish acts that came along occasionally. Being a guitar and hammered dulcimer player I grabbed my stuff and last Friday night drove to this bar with tape player in hand to get more tunes for my brain.
I walked into the bar to be met with the loud percussion of a blues band having at it on stage. The band was pretty good or I probably would have turned around right there. I was carrying a rather large hammered dulcimer, stand and guitar and trying not to bump the pool player lining up a shot just inside the door. I found a seat pretty far back. The waitress informed me that after the band got done there would be an open mike session. Holding on to the thought of "session" I stuck around. To shorten this up I ended up listening to some very bad renditions of Johnny Cash tunes then being pestered by the owner to get off my duff and play a few tunes. The patrons appreciated what Irish tunes I had the time to bang out then I got the heck out of there only to be stopped by a rather drunk bodhran player (I'd have to be drunk to play one as bad as he did) who invited me to play in a festival the next day. Which brings me to my question. How do you create a session? I know a few tunes (a lot from this site, thanks!) but would like to get a real live session going. Anybody out there start one? What problems did you have that I should avoid? (I know, avoid starting sessions, your marriage will last longer)
# Posted on July 26th 2003 by jrathbun
Re: creating a session
Try looking at http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display.php/1282 for a start...also, starting a session out of nothing is easier if you always go out with at least two others who know the same tunes you do. Most people (including most pub owners and managers) know nothing about the music and can't appreciate the sound of one lone instrument playing the music...unless maybe it's the pipes.
I once got conned the same way you did -- we were told that live Irish music happened at this coffeeshop. Luckily, our piper went along with me, because it turned out to be an open mike night, which was fine, but not what we'd been led to believe was there. We invited the three or four other Irish players who were there (which of course what our source had called 'a session') to play a few tunes with us. (Although it took us a bit aback when they then got out the sheet music.)
It's difficult to start up a session without at least three other players to help you out. Among other things, it helps to have someone else there who can show up when you can't, to keep the session going. If you don't show up regular-like for the first months, you sort of lose momentum with the punters, which is the main reason (though not always the only reason) most pub owners want a session in the first place.
Zina
# Posted on July 27th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: creating a session
I'd like to make a deal for drinks but I play stupid when drinking and this guy is pretty cheap.
# Posted on July 27th 2003 by jrathbun
Re: creating a session
Make a deal for three free rounds, and then cut yourself off.
Or try starting out in someone's living room at first, until you get a critical mass of players and tunes. House sessions can be as much or more fun than the public kind, plus it's easier to disinvite the occasional tosser (just don't unlock the front door).
In my experience it takes a certain amount of discipline for players unfamiliar with the tradition to hold to the session spirit, instead of letting the thing become a performance. This is easier at a house because there's no "audience."
# Posted on July 27th 2003 by Will Harmon
Re: creating a session
Heh -- my own personal limit is two and I start playing stupid (probably stupider than you, jrathbun) at one and a half, Will, that would be a disastrous deal for any chance of good music! *grin* I'm a cheap date, unless we're going out for dinner, and then I'm way not a cheap date.
The living room/house session idea is a great one. I personally prefer them over the pub stuff, a lot more fun, really.
zls
# Posted on July 27th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: creating a session
Hi folks.
I'm a lurker here who's just signed up. I don't know if any or how many of you might be from the Boston area. Of course, there are a tone of sessions around here. I started one about 5 1/2 years ago at the Blackthorne Tavern in S Easton, MA with the full and enthusiastic support of the owner. I can't overestimate how important his genuine love of the music has been to our continued success. He sings 'most every Sunday.
When we began, I showed up and sang every sort of a song for about three hours and stomped my foot. Slowly we have grown until on average I would say we have 5 to 10/15+ players (and not all guitarists and bodhrans!) Probably too many on many nights.
The session involves about 30-40% singing. Singing might not be what a lot of melody players are looking for, but without doubt it is what most attracts the casual patron.
The other thing is, we are truly open to anyone. Often this frankly is a pain, because of the usual problems with people ignorant of etiquette, dodgy playing, etc. However, we have developed most of our regular, strong players from just inviting them in when they showed up over the last few years.
Sunday nights are one of the busiest nights in the week, now. I think openness prevents staleness, revives a long-term session periodically, and get at the genuine enthusiasm of music.
I hope anyone in our area will try to check us out. You'll definitely get a free pint or two! (And the bar carries 50 or 60 beers. Heaven!)
Thanks for a great site.
Sean
PS I would also argue against the "circle of death." If you can get most people bought into the etiquette of letting the music pass around through the players over the course of the night, that is huge. Fact: some players are going to play more because they are better, know more, etc. But all get some chance, as long as they can play adequately. Both at sessions and house parties, formally passing it around a circle is the kiss of death, kills spontaneity, prevents the best and most enthusiastic players from helping to carry the night. Just a thought.
# Posted on July 27th 2003 by Sean K
Re: creating a session
'The Circle of Death' - that's brilliant, a new phrase has entered my vocabulary, and I can't wait to use it!
Thanks Sean
# Posted on July 27th 2003 by Ottery
Re: creating a session
Hey jrathbun Maybe the guy who sent you all the way accross town to the blues bar was telling you something (Hammer dulcimer??)
# Posted on July 27th 2003 by llig leahcim
Re: creating a session
These "circles of death" are favoured by singers etc and are not ideal for musicians--except those who are really confident or show off types. I attend such a session in Musselburgh once a month and it can be quite nerve wracking playing a set of tunes solo when my turn comes around. If you make a b-lls up, you have to wait another twenty minutes or more to try again whereas in a normal session you can "warm up" after a few tunes.
Sometimes, there are other musicians there and we help each other. However, there is no guarantee this will happen. I am especially amazed at the number of singer/guitarists who are either incapable or unwilling to accompany the simplest of tunes. The "upside" of this "circle of death" is that you can get the chance to introduce some new or unusual tunes to the company whereas this might be more difficult in a fast flowing instrumental session but you need arrange some lengthy sets to outdo the "20 verse" ballad singers.
This session only happens once a month but I feel that I have to give support as it is local. In spite of my negative comments, there can actually be good nights there, although these are unpredictable. Luckily, I live near Edinburgh where there is a much greater choice of session--something to suit everyone, although there is still mumping and moaning in certain quarters.
John
# Posted on July 28th 2003 by John J.
Re: creating a session
Our local circle of death is near enough that - most ot them look like death het up, all their decrepit faces the colour of boiled sh!te and the singing sounds much the same - like death rattles, some of them. And if that's not moribund enough, you're sure to feel suicidal after you hear them.
I tried to liven it up one night with some box tunes and got told to wait my turn. Then they slagged me off on a thread on thon Mudcat thing - Mudcrap I call it. Don't bother looking for the thread, it's been deleted, the abuse got so malign.
Back to the original question, this has worked in London for me, but I don't know how it would go elsewhere. Just simply go round some pubs you think might be up for a session, have a pint, get chatting to the governor, then casually start talking about you play music, does he fancy a session some time, offer to do one or two for free then if it works out, tell him how much you normally charge, or if it's just a few free beers you're after, suggest that to him/her.
Danny.
# Posted on July 28th 2003 by Rudall the time