what sort of percussion (if any) can be used in sessions? Bodrahns, bones and spoons - anything else? Or is percussion not really what a session is about?
Shakey Eggs? But get only free range ones. Only joking, don't get any if you want to retain street-cred.
You're right - percussion is not really what a session is about. Sessions are more about playing tunes and having fun doing so. Percussion in the form of those you mentioned, and guitar, can add to the rhythm of tunes, which being mostly dance tunes, have their own intrinsic rhythm. These tunes therefore don't NEED percussion, but if done well, it can make a sizeable difference to the outcome.
Aye, a whole percussion section is unnecessary, but one good (very good) bodhran player can make all the difference. Especially if they know when not to play!!
there is so much percussion in the music anyway, any more just doubles it up. Its piontless, I hate it, it's almost invariably "played" by non musicians and punters who havn't a clue like it.
The only time spoons are used around here (Vermont, USA) in a good Irish session is for the dessert break or coffee break.............sorry I couldn't resist that one : )
It's almost an excuse to make the 'non musical other half' feel involved in the music / session scene! Give 'em a bodhran to make 'em feel welcome and involved. Pity really, coz when it's done properly the bodhran is an art form in it's own right.
ridiculous. an art form in its own right? what nonsence. Anything you can do with a bodhran, you should already be doing on the fiddle/flute ect. it's pointless
Ah, there's the difference between opinion and dogma, eh?
Jen, I agree with you. I really enjoy the tonal quality and crispness of a well-beaten bodhran. It's the most nuanced of drums, yet can still be played with lots of primal energy. Some of my favorite times playing are in duets--two fiddles, a fiddle and flute, fiddle and banjo, flute and whistle, or any instrument and a well-played bodhran. I'm lucky to have several great bodhran players in the neighborhood who also add lots to the craic.
Michael, I think if you strike a Flute with a Bodhran beater you’re likely to have a much-reduced tonal possibilities for your musicality to use, mot to mention damaging the instrument.
pp
I don't think it's possible to do some things on a fiddle that you can on a bodhran. There are lots of fine bodhran players. Frank Torpey; Colm Murphy; Donnchadh Gough from Danu spring to my mind; I'm sure others can suggest way more. To me, it's just another dimension for the music. By your logic, there's no reason to have (insert your instrument here--viola?) in a session, since anything you can do with it that you can do with (insert your other instrument here--fiddle?).
That said, a bad bodhran player (and these significantly outnumber the good ones) is definitely a curse, exceeded in session annoyance only by a bad guitar player.
"It's the most nuanced of drums"... That was a great remark Will... I've never heard it phrased that way. 'nunace'.... Brilliant!
The bodhran is the best percussion for a session, - With the lack of decorum that exists among drummers it is a safe and smart house-rule. Else, the conga's, dijembe's, bongo's, talking drums and lambeg will appear. But lately in Celtic recordings, I'm hearing a great diversity, especially nice are light cymbals and hi-hats, bass drum, tamborine and snare.
I did hear some very fine bodhran and bone playing from the very sexy and handsome Mel Mercier at Gaelic Roots this summer.......anyone know what he's been up to lately : )
If anyone sees him, please tell him "Rosie" says hi.....................
I realise that I'm a little late in responding here but last night, I went to a session where there were five bodhran players playing in unison (well, at the same time, at least). This was probably one of the most hellish experiences I've ever had.
I don't always favour singers in instrumental sessions but a couple of girls were singing an unaccompanied song when one of the bodhran players decided to add a backing. I almost felt sorry for them.
percussion in sessions
percussion in sessions
what sort of percussion (if any) can be used in sessions? Bodrahns, bones and spoons - anything else? Or is percussion not really what a session is about?
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by Yohan
Re: percussion in sessions
There is always percussion in sessions. It's called foot-tapping, and some players can elevate it to a minor art in its own right.
Trevor
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by Trevor Jennings
Re: percussion in sessions
Shakey Eggs? But get only free range ones. Only joking, don't get any if you want to retain street-cred.
You're right - percussion is not really what a session is about. Sessions are more about playing tunes and having fun doing so. Percussion in the form of those you mentioned, and guitar, can add to the rhythm of tunes, which being mostly dance tunes, have their own intrinsic rhythm. These tunes therefore don't NEED percussion, but if done well, it can make a sizeable difference to the outcome.
Danny.
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by Rudall the time
Re: percussion in sessions
Aye, a whole percussion section is unnecessary, but one good (very good) bodhran player can make all the difference. Especially if they know when not to play!!
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by jkneale
Re: percussion in sessions
there is so much percussion in the music anyway, any more just doubles it up. Its piontless, I hate it, it's almost invariably "played" by non musicians and punters who havn't a clue like it.
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by llig leahcim
Re: percussion in sessions
Ye're right Michael - as I've stated before, there's a huge difference between a bodhran hitter and a bodhran player.
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by Rudall the time
Re: percussion in sessions
The only time spoons are used around here (Vermont, USA) in a good Irish session is for the dessert break or coffee break.............sorry I couldn't resist that one : )
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by JMH
Re: percussion in sessions
It's almost an excuse to make the 'non musical other half' feel involved in the music / session scene! Give 'em a bodhran to make 'em feel welcome and involved. Pity really, coz when it's done properly the bodhran is an art form in it's own right.
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by jkneale
Re: percussion in sessions
ridiculous. an art form in its own right? what nonsence. Anything you can do with a bodhran, you should already be doing on the fiddle/flute ect. it's pointless
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by llig leahcim
Re: percussion in sessions
Ah, there's the difference between opinion and dogma, eh?
Jen, I agree with you. I really enjoy the tonal quality and crispness of a well-beaten bodhran. It's the most nuanced of drums, yet can still be played with lots of primal energy. Some of my favorite times playing are in duets--two fiddles, a fiddle and flute, fiddle and banjo, flute and whistle, or any instrument and a well-played bodhran. I'm lucky to have several great bodhran players in the neighborhood who also add lots to the craic.
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by Will Harmon
Re: percussion in sessions
Michael, I think if you strike a Flute with a Bodhran beater you’re likely to have a much-reduced tonal possibilities for your musicality to use, mot to mention damaging the instrument.
pp
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by Pied Piper
I disagree, Michael G.
I don't think it's possible to do some things on a fiddle that you can on a bodhran. There are lots of fine bodhran players. Frank Torpey; Colm Murphy; Donnchadh Gough from Danu spring to my mind; I'm sure others can suggest way more. To me, it's just another dimension for the music. By your logic, there's no reason to have (insert your instrument here--viola?) in a session, since anything you can do with it that you can do with (insert your other instrument here--fiddle?).
That said, a bad bodhran player (and these significantly outnumber the good ones) is definitely a curse, exceeded in session annoyance only by a bad guitar player.
---Michael B.
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by MichaelBolton
Re: percussion in sessions
"It's the most nuanced of drums"... That was a great remark Will... I've never heard it phrased that way. 'nunace'.... Brilliant!
The bodhran is the best percussion for a session, - With the lack of decorum that exists among drummers it is a safe and smart house-rule. Else, the conga's, dijembe's, bongo's, talking drums and lambeg will appear. But lately in Celtic recordings, I'm hearing a great diversity, especially nice are light cymbals and hi-hats, bass drum, tamborine and snare.
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by irish ruff
Re: percussion in sessions
I did hear some very fine bodhran and bone playing from the very sexy and handsome Mel Mercier at Gaelic Roots this summer.......anyone know what he's been up to lately : )
If anyone sees him, please tell him "Rosie" says hi.....................
Joyce
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by JMH
Re: percussion in sessions
Hey Rosie, here's a link for ya....
http://www.bodhranwisdom.co.uk/index2.html
click on "Craiceann"..... and, Next---> Mel Gibson?
...... no, Mel Mercier, bodhran 'poster boy' for the ladies, (whereas, it's Caroline Corr for me).
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by irish ruff
Re: percussion in sessions
Thanks irish ruff! Mel's a super nice guy!
# Posted on September 8th 2003 by JMH
Re: percussion in sessions
I realise that I'm a little late in responding here but last night, I went to a session where there were five bodhran players playing in unison (well, at the same time, at least). This was probably one of the most hellish experiences I've ever had.
I don't always favour singers in instrumental sessions but a couple of girls were singing an unaccompanied song when one of the bodhran players decided to add a backing. I almost felt sorry for them.
John
# Posted on September 12th 2003 by John J.