you're sitting in a session as a player.
some of the others play a cracking set;
you didnt participate, but thoroughly enjoyed it.
if you were just in the pub as a punter/onlooker you might give a big round of applause or yelp a few times.
but as you're there as a musician, it might not be 'the done thing'; a bit self congratulatory....
whats the correct response?
a cheesy smile
a polite nod to those who played, and perhaps a cheesy smile.
tap your instrument a few times
clap politely
clap like a seal on 'phet
clap scream whoop shout the players names, smash your instrument and though ann amp through the window...
no doubt there are geographical variations in this.
i'm in se uk/london area, and we're all a bit reserved here..
when i hear great music, just saying "jolly good show" seems a bit stiff, but i get the impression from some sessions that any reaction louder than that should only come from punters.
I am quite often in this situation as both sessions. I attend have some very good regulars. I clap and say "lovely". I have no idea if this is the correct response. I am in south-east London so, possibly, not too different a location from you, rumpole!
If you take the "Aw shucks, please don't" approach, make sure they know (think) you're joking. I once got a strip torn off of me by the proprietor for making a "hush" gesture (finger to lips) in jest, when one person clapped--he said it made that person "feel awkward."
I should have stuck with, "Ah yes, the sound of Two Hands Clapping."
Can't say I see any problem with clapping appropriately etc.
After all if it was a performance situation and you were all sitting on stage it would look a bit grim if you didn't applaud the players on an item you didn't take part in.
"i'm in se uk/london area, and we're all a bit reserved here"
Write a letter to The Times.
I don't see anything self congratulatory if you direct your clapping towards the players. If the reserve allows brief eye contact they'll know it's meant for them.
I think it depends who's playing. If it's somebody who's going
a bit towards the obnoxious side, you don't want to make a fuss. If it's
somebody you respect, do the opposite.
Well we are in Arizona - so after somebody shreds through a brilliant set we all raise our six-shooters into the air a fire off a few rounds. Then we smash our whiskey glasses on the floor and bellow out a hardy Yippee-ka-yay!
C'mon folks - be yourselves. If you like the tunes say so. Appropriate decorum be damned.
This situation happens a lot for me. I'll usually smile and say "Lovely" or "Nice one", then lean over to my neighbour (if they also didn't play it) and whisper "Can't stand that tune..."
(a) Slightly nod your head in a knowing and wry way (but tight lipped, no smiling) whilst looking at those who have played, Do it in the self congratulatory manner of the band in the Muppets when they had finished a tune.
(b) Even better, whilst you do all this, is if you can coordinate the end of their special set with the picking up your pint as if they caught you unawares and interrupted your obvious desire to laud (or applaud) them but were only able to manage (a) above instead.
Don't show any appreciation, but say to the players or player "Have you ever heard (insert well known name) playing that tune or tunes". Now that is the begrudging method for which we Irish are famous, but the best way not to feel left out is to say "Whats the name of that last tune"?. As for myself, I sort of tap the table, compliment the playing and discuss the degree of difficulty of the particular tune. I draw the line however at buying the player a drink, but that's an inborn thing!
Nod sagely, as if this kind of thing is a pleasant but normal thing wherever you play out (especially if the tunes are obscure - never admit you are unfamiliar with any trad tune, and even if you are, you've always heard better performances or better tunes).
Any genuinely "new" composition always sounds like at least half a dozen old standards you've been playing for years, making it redundant to what you already know.
Make some vague observations indicating you already know the tunes in their original and proper form, and several other variations/versions by long dead legends of ITM.
The main thing is never to appear TOO impressed. It may indicate you do not know it all yet.
And, when in doubt, fall back on "that wasn't really "the tradition."
(This works great with other musical styles, too)
Speaking for myself, I always find it a little odd when someone asks for the name of the tune the first time they've heard it. Most players will not remember the tune, only the name, so what's the point? I'll ask for the name after I've started to get pieces of it, so there's something to hang on to. "The one with the little bit that goes like so in the B part, with the A part that sounds a little like Miss Monaghan - that's The Blacksmith's Lacy Underthings" will stick in my head. If I've just heard it for the first time, what I'm going to take home is "There's a tune called The Blacksmith's Lacy Underthings", which isn't much use.
I give a hearty clap. Might even encourage some of the other punters to do so. Besides, if I'm not playing (which is often) I'm just like any other punter, except I happen to be carrying a fiddle and also happen to know the decent player who runs the show.
"In actual sessions, the only acceptable - and accepted - response is one sharp rap on the table."
That sounds horrid. In our session if someone plays a nice tunes we all clap and cheer. It seems a normal human response to hearing something beautiful that moves you.
some people would drop their instruments if they did any more than rap on the table
just clap if you feel like it
do you really have to make an committee decision as to whether it's the "done thing" or not?
doesn't sound like a very enjoyable night in the pub!
Hoooooo Haaaaaaa.
That was grand.
Even my mates would enjoy the compliment. Show how much you enjoyed it. They may well have played their socks off because they wanted to. Sometimes the it's the moment, sometimes it;s it's because they wanted to. First rule of playing the music? (see bio) Enjoy it. Why not just enjoy it? Because it's there, because it happened when you were there?
This thread is evidently turning into a discussion of the application of Stephen Potter's "The Theory and Practice of Gamesmanship" to music, sessions in particular.
I might clap if I hadn't been playing, or say 'good job' if I think they did a good job, or say 'nice,' or ask them what the name of the tune was so I can learn it myself. What I don't do is gush over people, or get too effusive with praise. Too much praise can be just as corrosive as too little.
But this is just applying common sense, to an area where there are no, and should be no, hard and fast rules.
Reflecting on this thread at yesterday's session and I must say that I WOO!'d several times during the proceedings. In fact, I may have WOO!'d a bit more than usual, just in spite of this thread. All Speedos were kept in the 'on' position, thankfully.
the done thing
the done thing
you're sitting in a session as a player.
some of the others play a cracking set;
you didnt participate, but thoroughly enjoyed it.
if you were just in the pub as a punter/onlooker you might give a big round of applause or yelp a few times.
but as you're there as a musician, it might not be 'the done thing'; a bit self congratulatory....
whats the correct response?
a cheesy smile
a polite nod to those who played, and perhaps a cheesy smile.
tap your instrument a few times
clap politely
clap like a seal on 'phet
clap scream whoop shout the players names, smash your instrument and though ann amp through the window...
no doubt there are geographical variations in this.
i'm in se uk/london area, and we're all a bit reserved here..
when i hear great music, just saying "jolly good show" seems a bit stiff, but i get the impression from some sessions that any reaction louder than that should only come from punters.
# Posted on August 20th 2009 by rumpole
Re: the done thing
Just say "nice tune".
# Posted on August 20th 2009 by Trevor Jennings
Re: the done thing
We enjoy a nice 'WOO!' It's very liberating. Go ahead and give it a go.
# Posted on August 20th 2009 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: the done thing
I am quite often in this situation as both sessions. I attend have some very good regulars. I clap and say "lovely". I have no idea if this is the correct response. I am in south-east London so, possibly, not too different a location from you, rumpole!
# Posted on August 20th 2009 by sashiko calico
Re: the done thing
Round here, "can you keep it down a bit, we can't hear the jukebox" is fairly common!
# Posted on August 20th 2009 by strayaway
Re: the done thing
If you take the "Aw shucks, please don't" approach, make sure they know (think) you're joking. I once got a strip torn off of me by the proprietor for making a "hush" gesture (finger to lips) in jest, when one person clapped--he said it made that person "feel awkward."
I should have stuck with, "Ah yes, the sound of Two Hands Clapping."
# Posted on August 20th 2009 by John Galt
Re: the done thing
Can't say I see any problem with clapping appropriately etc.
After all if it was a performance situation and you were all sitting on stage it would look a bit grim if you didn't applaud the players on an item you didn't take part in.
# Posted on August 20th 2009 by TomB-R
Re: the done thing
"i'm in se uk/london area, and we're all a bit reserved here"
Write a letter to The Times.
I don't see anything self congratulatory if you direct your clapping towards the players. If the reserve allows brief eye contact they'll know it's meant for them.
# Posted on August 20th 2009 by All Moldy
Re: the done thing
Smile and say to all participants" you all did fantastic, what a nice set!"
If you want to say "Jolly good show", Say it!
Offend anyone?
Are people in Irish music so socially handicapped?
# Posted on August 20th 2009 by shanty
Re: the done thing
Gaze off to where the far wall meets the ceiling and murmur, "Lovely".
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by fidkid
Re: the done thing
I think it depends who's playing. If it's somebody who's going
a bit towards the obnoxious side, you don't want to make a fuss. If it's
somebody you respect, do the opposite.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by Hup
Re: the done thing
Well we are in Arizona - so after somebody shreds through a brilliant set we all raise our six-shooters into the air a fire off a few rounds. Then we smash our whiskey glasses on the floor and bellow out a hardy Yippee-ka-yay!
C'mon folks - be yourselves. If you like the tunes say so. Appropriate decorum be damned.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: the done thing
If I know the person pretty well (especially if they were the one leading the set), I will lean over to them and say, "That was awful."
I will always let them know I was only kidding, of course.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by cfmgeek
Re: the done thing
This situation happens a lot for me. I'll usually smile and say "Lovely" or "Nice one", then lean over to my neighbour (if they also didn't play it) and whisper "Can't stand that tune..."
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by Martin_BC
Re: the done thing
If you really liked it and couldn't play it, then maybe the obvious thing to do is to ask what the tunes were so next time you could play along.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by Donough
Re: the done thing
if someone's effort knocks my socks off I tell them so, always.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by SandyBottoms
Re: the done thing
Just show 'em your feet Elanor.
If anyone applauds in our session we pass the hat.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by showaddydadito
Re: the done thing
The South London way...
(a) Slightly nod your head in a knowing and wry way (but tight lipped, no smiling) whilst looking at those who have played, Do it in the self congratulatory manner of the band in the Muppets when they had finished a tune.
(b) Even better, whilst you do all this, is if you can coordinate the end of their special set with the picking up your pint as if they caught you unawares and interrupted your obvious desire to laud (or applaud) them but were only able to manage (a) above instead.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by yhaalhouse
Re: the done thing
Don't show any appreciation, but say to the players or player "Have you ever heard (insert well known name) playing that tune or tunes". Now that is the begrudging method for which we Irish are famous, but the best way not to feel left out is to say "Whats the name of that last tune"?. As for myself, I sort of tap the table, compliment the playing and discuss the degree of difficulty of the particular tune. I draw the line however at buying the player a drink, but that's an inborn thing!
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by Free Reed
Re: the done thing
Scream politely, then remove your speedos and throw them at the musicians as a subtle token of your appreciation
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by Steamwilkes
Re: the done thing
If I know the player well. There's no point in saying anything. The last thing you want is your mates fawing over you.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by ...
Re: the done thing
Hurrah! Well said Michael! That's brilliant, well done. Superb. Really good, mate. Best I've heard it put in a long while.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by showaddydadito
Re: the done thing
So that's why you were throwing your speedos around at Miltown, Steamwilkes.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by DrSilverSpear
Re: the done thing
Too many rules! Just enjoy your walk and all things encountered along the way in what ever way you choose and express such if so inclined.
Peace,
Ed
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by ejsant
Re: the done thing
How to respond?
Nod sagely, as if this kind of thing is a pleasant but normal thing wherever you play out (especially if the tunes are obscure - never admit you are unfamiliar with any trad tune, and even if you are, you've always heard better performances or better tunes).
Any genuinely "new" composition always sounds like at least half a dozen old standards you've been playing for years, making it redundant to what you already know.
Make some vague observations indicating you already know the tunes in their original and proper form, and several other variations/versions by long dead legends of ITM.
The main thing is never to appear TOO impressed. It may indicate you do not know it all yet.
And, when in doubt, fall back on "that wasn't really "the tradition."
(This works great with other musical styles, too)
Have nice day.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by Piece
Re: the done thing
We always tell each other if we don't like a particular tune. The general repertoir gets better that way
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by ...
Re: the done thing
A nice one to use with friends is "Hey, that was truly awful, why don't you practice at home?" or "Jayzus, ya really mucked that one up, eh?"
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: the done thing
"So that's why you were throwing your speedos around at Miltown, Steamwilkes. "
Aye, of course .-)
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by Steamwilkes
Re: the done thing
As a result of my stunning expertise I actually have a nice little earner selling second hand Speedos on Macclesfield market on Saturday mornings.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by showaddydadito
Re: the done thing
In actual sessions, the only acceptable - and accepted - response is one sharp rap on the table.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by ethical blend
Re: the done thing
Speaking for myself, I always find it a little odd when someone asks for the name of the tune the first time they've heard it. Most players will not remember the tune, only the name, so what's the point? I'll ask for the name after I've started to get pieces of it, so there's something to hang on to. "The one with the little bit that goes like so in the B part, with the A part that sounds a little like Miss Monaghan - that's The Blacksmith's Lacy Underthings" will stick in my head. If I've just heard it for the first time, what I'm going to take home is "There's a tune called The Blacksmith's Lacy Underthings", which isn't much use.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: the done thing
"In actual sessions, the only acceptable - and accepted - response is one sharp rap on the table."
Sounds like a poker game to me.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by kennedy
Re: the done thing
I give a hearty clap. Might even encourage some of the other punters to do so. Besides, if I'm not playing (which is often) I'm just like any other punter, except I happen to be carrying a fiddle and also happen to know the decent player who runs the show.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by davedupplaw
Re: the done thing
"In actual sessions, the only acceptable - and accepted - response is one sharp rap on the table."
That sounds horrid. In our session if someone plays a nice tunes we all clap and cheer. It seems a normal human response to hearing something beautiful that moves you.
What is an 'actual' session anyway?
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by McDermott
Re: the done thing
some people would drop their instruments if they did any more than rap on the table
just clap if you feel like it
do you really have to make an committee decision as to whether it's the "done thing" or not?
doesn't sound like a very enjoyable night in the pub!
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by Bren
Re: the done thing
Hoooooo Haaaaaaa.
That was grand.
Even my mates would enjoy the compliment. Show how much you enjoyed it. They may well have played their socks off because they wanted to. Sometimes the it's the moment, sometimes it;s it's because they wanted to. First rule of playing the music? (see bio) Enjoy it. Why not just enjoy it? Because it's there, because it happened when you were there?
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by john knoss
Re: the done thing
it's it;s it\s it's
the computer has been drinking....apologies to Tom W.
# Posted on August 21st 2009 by john knoss
Re: the done thing
This thread is evidently turning into a discussion of the application of Stephen Potter's "The Theory and Practice of Gamesmanship" to music, sessions in particular.
# Posted on August 22nd 2009 by Trevor Jennings
Re: the done thing
Except that nobody here is fit to fill the shoes of the inestimable Alistair Sim.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054279/
Btw,in response to the OP:I usually slap my thigh.People sometimes think I'm auditioning for Panto.
# Posted on August 22nd 2009 by biggus dave
Re: the done thing
I might clap if I hadn't been playing, or say 'good job' if I think they did a good job, or say 'nice,' or ask them what the name of the tune was so I can learn it myself. What I don't do is gush over people, or get too effusive with praise. Too much praise can be just as corrosive as too little.
But this is just applying common sense, to an area where there are no, and should be no, hard and fast rules.
# Posted on August 22nd 2009 by AlBrown
Re: the done thing
In County Durham the overlapping sequence of sounds would be this:
(...diddle diddle diddle diddle diddle diddle DIE)
"Haa-WAY lads, let's be having the FAYALDS of AthenRAAIY."
Imagine this said not as a request or an exclamation, but simply as a statement of what is expected, and you get the picture...
# Posted on August 22nd 2009 by nicholas
Re: the done thing
(I meant the "Haa- " to coincide exactly with the last crotchet of the tune...)
# Posted on August 22nd 2009 by nicholas
Re: the done thing
Reflecting on this thread at yesterday's session and I must say that I WOO!'d several times during the proceedings. In fact, I may have WOO!'d a bit more than usual, just in spite of this thread. All Speedos were kept in the 'on' position, thankfully.
# Posted on August 24th 2009 by SWFL Fiddler