At the risk of upsetting our friend 'fused' I would like to describe a strange incident which took place last night, at our regular session.
Being the organiser of musicians for this session, it is my responsibility to ensure that each week, there are musicians to provide a session for this great old bar.
Now, I try & vary the music from week to week, so that the punters have an opportunity to enjoy variety & I am very fortunate to have some excellent musicians in the area.
So we have, what I consider to be a healthy mix of Accordion, Uilleann Pipes, Fiddles, Flutes, Whistles, Guitars, Bouzouki, Bodhran, but not all on the same night, usually.
Anyway, last night, I had organised a wonderful fiddle player & his piano player to join our merry band & after they arrived, we set about having a great driving session with piano, 2 fiddles, flute & bodhran.
So, last night a group of regulars, who were drinking at the bar, right behind us, let it be known that they were leaving because they didn't like the Piano!
Now I don't know what they expected me to do.
Perhaps tell this lady, who had just driven for 45 mins, straight from her work to be with us, that she should not play because a few folks didn't like the piano?
I think myself, the problem was, not the actual sound of the piano, but the fact that it was quite a loud instrument, and granted, compared to the two fiddles, flute & bodhran we had, it was - but no louder than it needed to be!
Now if these folks were actually quiet, genteel punters, I might have had more sympathy with them, perhaps, but the fact is, these are probably the noisiest talkers we have in the bar & when they arrive, the punter volume always rises a decibel or two.
These folks would often, almost drown us out with their loud talking & I think they were worried that they might have to 'move', to hear each other shout!
To put the volume of their talking in context, the week before, an Accordion player who had travelled for an hour to be with us, found it quite difficult to hear his Accordion [?] over the sound of their 'loud' talking & at one stage raised his voice & asked if those at the bar could please lower their voices to - a 'Polite Roar'!
Just to make it clear, there were other areas of the bar where these folks could easily have moved to, to talk.
In fact the back room was empty that night, so they actually had a warm, comfortable room they could have adjurned to.
Now, rightly or wrongly, when their representative came over & told me they were leaving, I could see this coming & I just politely nodded & said fine & carried on with my tune, like it wasn't important, but I know that this is going to rear it's ugly head next week!
So my question is mainly to other musicians who also have the responsibility of organising musicians & keeping the peace in their local session each week, who will, I'm sure, know exactly how I felt.
Bearing in mind these punters don't come in every week, but do appear most weeks.
What would you do in this situation?
Would you pander to the wishes of the paying, drinking punters and ask the Piano player to stop playing, pack up & drive 45 mins back home?
Or would you stick by your musicians & let the punters move away from the music, or leave if they felt they had to?
Come on guys, give me a bit of moral support - or- shoot me down in flames for the dog that I am!
Stand by your men ptar. Two short words come to mind that you could use on these punters the second one is "off", I'll leave it to you to guess the first.
Tough situation. Getting in trouble with the punters could lead on to getting in trouble with the bar. Still, from your description, these guys sound like arrogant bas- folks. :D They were intentionally being pricks when as you said the could've moved to a totally different room and shouted as much as they liked.
Sounds like these guys think they own the bar.
If their behaviour is always like this, chances are if they try to kick up a fuss with the owner, the owner's gonna know what they're like too, and be on your side.
What makes this a little tricky is the fact that they get on so well with the bar owner, so your suggestion Bernie, although tempting, is not really an option for me.
As they pay their way, the owner may well decide that their dosh is reason enough for siding with them, if it came to a head to head!
"Sounds like these guys think they own the bar."
Well, they do usually occupy the same spot each week that they are in, so perhaps they do feel like it's their 2nd sitting room!
However, I'm wary of displaying, through some knee-jerk reaction, the impression that I also consider this to be 'my' pub!
Clearly the pub belongs to neither of us.
I have absolutely no wish to offend anyone, but I am afraid that if they were allowed to get their own way on this issue, with this petulant behavour, what might they complain of next, & where would it all end?
I don't believe one should ever give in to a spoiled child!
It's probably jealousy because she was female and able to do trad that these folks despised her there is a supid image of masculinity that some folks attatch to irish music that its a lads thing......crap I'm not going to start name dropping the female talents of ITM we dont need to as we are aware there are many of them, but the punters and sometimes the odd intreverted landlord just feel insecure when women are involved in the music. I get it from people when i do sessions and gigs with a "she b/c box player" I get the odd nerd comming up and saying "aah ye'll have to lose yer one on the box yer man on the whistle is better" which anyone in the music circles will know this is utter predjudice and rubbish I'm not disrespecting the whistler he is good too but very limited at the gigs he will only own and play a D whistle so when songs like galtee mountain boy crop up in A or Bb he sits down or wanders offstage for a pint. What is better about that I ask you ? where as the box player can play the tunes great but also has a great knack of backing any song in E F G A B C D and lastly what gets up these peoples noses most is that she projects her playing when neccesary and has complete control over the instrument and is a pure natural in the fact she doesn't even look at the box when she plays it. However you do get the odd eejit who knows best and doesn't mind telling you how to run the whole shabang believing that their opinion alone really matters. Another point I forgot to mention is the odd landlady breathes a sense of jealousy when making similar remarks and without stereotyping some irish are known for having a slightly jealous streak and a get back stare the reason I say this is because the english folk hold the upmost respect for her and that includes women, men, landlords and punters
So Ptar dont give in to them invite her every week and ram it in their faces letting it be known its your session and you pick who you want and when you want them to play with you because you are the musician and you know best. And if they get heavy about it and start waving armalites around just smile at them and say "yes sir, you the boss !"
Whould you be able to do your session in one of the other rooms? Or suggest that as a possibility to the landlord as a way of deciding where the landlord's priorities lie?
Hey Mac T, much as I'd like to invite this piano player every week, just to prove a point, that would really be defeating the object of the exercise, which is for me to provide, & enjoy, as much variety as possible.
It was said to me, at one stage, that they thought she wasn't a good enough player, but I'm afraid I treat that sort of ignorant remark with the disdain it deserves.
Her mother was actually a brilliant pianist who won numerous All Ireland medals, & while this lady would be the first to admit that she is not the player her mum was, she is a lovely person, good company, a good player & obviously has as much right as any of the rest of us, to sit round that session table & practice her love of Irish Music.
After all, that is what a session is all about, isn't it?
It is not a concert!
These people did not pay to come into the bar to be entertained by us.
A pub session is surely not a public demonstration of ITM by experts only, there solely for the amusement of interested & disinterested punters alike.
I certainly don't believe it should pander to those who usually don't display enough courtesy, manners & interest to treat the musicians with a little respect, by keeping their shouting down to a "Polite Roar".
A session is surely an opportunity for enthusiasts of ITM, nothing more or less, to meet & develop their knowledge & skill of the music & enjoy each others company into the bargain.
One of the joys, surely, of an ITM session is that it is a place where experienced players & learners intermingle & each learns from their neighbour.
It is an amazing opportunity for players of differing abilities to mix & learn.
I think most of us were drawn to sessions, partly because of this amazing format.
We didn't have to wait until we were terrific musicians before we were allowed to get involved & I think that is one of the charms of the session, & one of it's rare qualities.
I think the day you start dictating levels of accepted ability for your session, is the day you start missing the point & forgetting your roots - a sad day indeed.
In which other branches of music do you get such a rare opportunity to get tore in, early on?
If those who are listening happen to enjoy what they hear, so much the better, but if they do not, then surely they are free to go elsewhere & should not attempt to discourage any musicians in the process.
If any one of these begrudgers had been able to step up to the keyboard & demonstrate how they thought the keyboard should have sounded, when played in that session, I may have been interested in listening to their argument.
As it was, they couldn't - or were not willing to.
As it was, as far as I can see, they were either displaying a prejudice against a particular instrument, were jealous of this particular musician, were simply showing an ignorance of what a Traditional Irish Music session is all about, or they just couldn't stand the thought of competition in the volume stakes.
The sad fact is, in this part of the country, Belfast folk have a reputation for being very LOUD.
Now of course they are not all like that, but sadly there are some who tend to give them all a bad name by being very, very loud indeed.
Is it that city folk in general talk louder than country folk?
I don't know, but our musicians are always very tolerant of this particularly noisy crowd, so it is a pity that, on this occasion at least, they didn't return the favour.
I remember one night, when this crowd were noisier than they had ever been & we just couldn't hear ourselves, we decided to stop playing & see just how long it took any of them to notice.
15 minutes later one of them turned round & asked what had happened to the music!
When told that we had had to stop playing because we just couldn't hear ourselves, there were a few sheepish looks amongst them - but no apology!
Now don't be insulting us Belfast one's fer feck's sake!
It is a bit of a conundrum - how to keep the local punters sweet while also doing your own thing. But can you afford to have them dictate who you can invite to the session? What did the landlord have to say about it - maybe getting him to support your choice would do the trick?
Or maybe she could borrow Mr McMahon's electric piano and just turn the volume down?
As for us moving to another room.
I did try that for a few weeks, a number of years ago, & moved the session into the back room, but interestingly, the very folk who make the most noise, were the ones who complained the most that the music wasn't out amongst them anymore, in the main bar area!
So they would appear to enjoy the music, even although it sounds like they couldn't possibly hear it over the sound of their own voices!
However, next time our piano player comes up, [ if she is allowed back?? ] I may well try & move the session through to the back room & see if that keeps everybody happy!
Sadly though, I think in the case of this particular player, it has gone beyond that, they have set out their stall & the mere sight of her, since they have moved out once, will probably provoke the same response.
I will be very interested to hear what our fine, trusty & noble landlord has to say on this matter.
Aye Breandan, I wasn't trying to insult youz yins frae Bel-fast at all. But you must know that the locals out here in the sticks, have various names for youz yins - terms of endearment if you like!
As for the landlord he is one of the best, they both are, so it is unfortunate that this problem has reared it's ugly head.
Obviously his word will be final & I'm content to roll with his decision but I just hope he doesn't give in to them.
He's pretty shrewd though & knows all concerned very well, so if there is a happy middle ground, he is sure to spot it & calm the troubled waters.
I shall of course keep you posted - fingers crossed eh for an amicable settlement!
P.S. Breandan, I'm sure youz yins have a few choice words & phrases for describing the country folk, haven't you?
Aye thanks, we have. Unfortunately, Mrs Pt. had an op last week & is now, not allowed to carry anything heavy for the next 3 months! So poor old me, I must do all the heavy work around the house, including shovelling sh*t around the stable, & worst thing of all, she can't even carry me up to bed at night & tuck me in any more! Just another of life's hard knocks, but I'll get over it!
pete quinn is the new reg hall and im glad to see someone has the balls to step up to this role as it is very nice and it doesn't clash with the guitar or bowron it also adds a touch of class to the whole sound
they knew the session was going to be on so if they didnt like it or like who was in it then let them go elsewhere.i wouldnt be worried about them anyways
"As for the landlord he is one of the best, they both are, so it is unfortunate that this problem has reared it's ugly head. "
Be the first to raise the issue with them, especially as it's clear the group in question is going to complain, whereas you are going to present a problem requiring a solution.
I can sympathize with ya on that one. It's difficult to say the least when the noise in the room is louder than the music. When playing acoustically most places try to keep the noise level down out of regards to the musicians if nothing else. I have had the same experience a few times but unfortunatley with my size and look it usually ends up in blood shed. And I do try to be a nice guy but I guess everyone has their limits. The pub Ive played here in the past has a room set aside for sessions and provides a much more subdued atmosphere with a very cozy seating arrandement that lowers the barrier between musicians and audience. It's not always easy and I do hope you find a peacefull way to deal with the loudmouth eejits that like to ruin a good session.
You did the right thing, Ptarmigan, and I'd encourage the pianist to come back often.
Tip- to improve the sound of any ol' pub klunker, open the top and run a bit of sandpaper over the felt hammers, at the point where they contact the string. Over time, the felt hardens and builds up a hard glaze, creating a harsh sound. Just a wee bit of sanding will make that old 1902 Hough & Pough upright sound like a Steinway (after three or four pints, that is).....
I would have said to the person lodging the complaint; “I’m sorry the music is not up to your standards or wishes this evening. There has been many a session whilst you have been here and since there have been no complaints prior to this I am assuming that you found them at least tolerable. Perhaps next week things will be more to your liking. If you have any specific requests for instrumentation please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate you when I can, however if I am able to accommodate your request I would expect that you would fill the pub with your friends for the event and leave a good amount of tin in the publican’s coffers. Thank you for your understanding and support”
If that didn’t set the issue to bed I would talk to the publican and see what their wishes were for handling the situation if it were to present itself again. I have found on my journey that one simply cannot please all peoples and those complaining the loudest generally are of the least tolerant sort and more than likely to create uncomfortable situations for those who have greater tolerance much more often then the reverse. I simply try to be pleasant to these types of folks and move on.
I don’t envy you or the situation in which you found yourself Dick. You’re a good man for not dismissing the musician. I hope you are finished with experiences such as this one.
First things first! Best wishes to Mrs. P and hope she's well soon.
Secondly, top man. The musician was there at your invitation, and well done!
If the punters decide to take their much valued euro elsewhere, I'm sure your landlord will soon find others who do like the music, AND the fact that you keep the line-up interesting.
On the subject of piano, I quite like the sound of it, and in the right hands it can add tremendously, just as a neat bodhran or guitar.
I don't want to be a victim of the name-dropping police, but there are some seriously good piano players about, indeed in the Northern reaches, not too far from your abode. You only have to think of some of those associated with the Liverpool or the Pride of Erin Ceili Bands to acknowledge what they can do for a session. Then consider some of the Scottish or Shetland piano players. Awesome!
Back to the point! I respect your stand immensely. Maith an fear!
It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
At the risk of upsetting our friend 'fused' I would like to describe a strange incident which took place last night, at our regular session.
Being the organiser of musicians for this session, it is my responsibility to ensure that each week, there are musicians to provide a session for this great old bar.
Now, I try & vary the music from week to week, so that the punters have an opportunity to enjoy variety & I am very fortunate to have some excellent musicians in the area.
So we have, what I consider to be a healthy mix of Accordion, Uilleann Pipes, Fiddles, Flutes, Whistles, Guitars, Bouzouki, Bodhran, but not all on the same night, usually.
Anyway, last night, I had organised a wonderful fiddle player & his piano player to join our merry band & after they arrived, we set about having a great driving session with piano, 2 fiddles, flute & bodhran.
So, last night a group of regulars, who were drinking at the bar, right behind us, let it be known that they were leaving because they didn't like the Piano!
Now I don't know what they expected me to do.
Perhaps tell this lady, who had just driven for 45 mins, straight from her work to be with us, that she should not play because a few folks didn't like the piano?
I think myself, the problem was, not the actual sound of the piano, but the fact that it was quite a loud instrument, and granted, compared to the two fiddles, flute & bodhran we had, it was - but no louder than it needed to be!
Now if these folks were actually quiet, genteel punters, I might have had more sympathy with them, perhaps, but the fact is, these are probably the noisiest talkers we have in the bar & when they arrive, the punter volume always rises a decibel or two.
These folks would often, almost drown us out with their loud talking & I think they were worried that they might have to 'move', to hear each other shout!
To put the volume of their talking in context, the week before, an Accordion player who had travelled for an hour to be with us, found it quite difficult to hear his Accordion [?] over the sound of their 'loud' talking & at one stage raised his voice & asked if those at the bar could please lower their voices to - a 'Polite Roar'!
Just to make it clear, there were other areas of the bar where these folks could easily have moved to, to talk.
In fact the back room was empty that night, so they actually had a warm, comfortable room they could have adjurned to.
Now, rightly or wrongly, when their representative came over & told me they were leaving, I could see this coming & I just politely nodded & said fine & carried on with my tune, like it wasn't important, but I know that this is going to rear it's ugly head next week!
So my question is mainly to other musicians who also have the responsibility of organising musicians & keeping the peace in their local session each week, who will, I'm sure, know exactly how I felt.
Bearing in mind these punters don't come in every week, but do appear most weeks.
What would you do in this situation?
Would you pander to the wishes of the paying, drinking punters and ask the Piano player to stop playing, pack up & drive 45 mins back home?
Or would you stick by your musicians & let the punters move away from the music, or leave if they felt they had to?
Come on guys, give me a bit of moral support - or- shoot me down in flames for the dog that I am!
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Stand by your men ptar. Two short words come to mind that you could use on these punters the second one is "off", I'll leave it to you to guess the first.
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Bernie
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Tough situation. Getting in trouble with the punters could lead on to getting in trouble with the bar. Still, from your description, these guys sound like arrogant bas- folks. :D They were intentionally being pricks when as you said the could've moved to a totally different room and shouted as much as they liked.
Sounds like these guys think they own the bar.
If their behaviour is always like this, chances are if they try to kick up a fuss with the owner, the owner's gonna know what they're like too, and be on your side.
You did the right thing anyway!
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by kaytee83
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Thanks for the support guys.
What makes this a little tricky is the fact that they get on so well with the bar owner, so your suggestion Bernie, although tempting, is not really an option for me.
As they pay their way, the owner may well decide that their dosh is reason enough for siding with them, if it came to a head to head!
"Sounds like these guys think they own the bar."
Well, they do usually occupy the same spot each week that they are in, so perhaps they do feel like it's their 2nd sitting room!
However, I'm wary of displaying, through some knee-jerk reaction, the impression that I also consider this to be 'my' pub!
Clearly the pub belongs to neither of us.
I have absolutely no wish to offend anyone, but I am afraid that if they were allowed to get their own way on this issue, with this petulant behavour, what might they complain of next, & where would it all end?
I don't believe one should ever give in to a spoiled child!
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
It's probably jealousy because she was female and able to do trad that these folks despised her there is a supid image of masculinity that some folks attatch to irish music that its a lads thing......crap I'm not going to start name dropping the female talents of ITM we dont need to as we are aware there are many of them, but the punters and sometimes the odd intreverted landlord just feel insecure when women are involved in the music. I get it from people when i do sessions and gigs with a "she b/c box player" I get the odd nerd comming up and saying "aah ye'll have to lose yer one on the box yer man on the whistle is better" which anyone in the music circles will know this is utter predjudice and rubbish I'm not disrespecting the whistler he is good too but very limited at the gigs he will only own and play a D whistle so when songs like galtee mountain boy crop up in A or Bb he sits down or wanders offstage for a pint. What is better about that I ask you ? where as the box player can play the tunes great but also has a great knack of backing any song in E F G A B C D and lastly what gets up these peoples noses most is that she projects her playing when neccesary and has complete control over the instrument and is a pure natural in the fact she doesn't even look at the box when she plays it. However you do get the odd eejit who knows best and doesn't mind telling you how to run the whole shabang believing that their opinion alone really matters. Another point I forgot to mention is the odd landlady breathes a sense of jealousy when making similar remarks and without stereotyping some irish are known for having a slightly jealous streak and a get back stare the reason I say this is because the english folk hold the upmost respect for her and that includes women, men, landlords and punters
So Ptar dont give in to them invite her every week and ram it in their faces letting it be known its your session and you pick who you want and when you want them to play with you because you are the musician and you know best. And if they get heavy about it and start waving armalites around just smile at them and say "yes sir, you the boss !"
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Ripthecalico
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Hi Ptar,
Whould you be able to do your session in one of the other rooms? Or suggest that as a possibility to the landlord as a way of deciding where the landlord's priorities lie?
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Mark Harmer
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Hey Mac T, much as I'd like to invite this piano player every week, just to prove a point, that would really be defeating the object of the exercise, which is for me to provide, & enjoy, as much variety as possible.
It was said to me, at one stage, that they thought she wasn't a good enough player, but I'm afraid I treat that sort of ignorant remark with the disdain it deserves.
Her mother was actually a brilliant pianist who won numerous All Ireland medals, & while this lady would be the first to admit that she is not the player her mum was, she is a lovely person, good company, a good player & obviously has as much right as any of the rest of us, to sit round that session table & practice her love of Irish Music.
After all, that is what a session is all about, isn't it?
It is not a concert!
These people did not pay to come into the bar to be entertained by us.
A pub session is surely not a public demonstration of ITM by experts only, there solely for the amusement of interested & disinterested punters alike.
I certainly don't believe it should pander to those who usually don't display enough courtesy, manners & interest to treat the musicians with a little respect, by keeping their shouting down to a "Polite Roar".
A session is surely an opportunity for enthusiasts of ITM, nothing more or less, to meet & develop their knowledge & skill of the music & enjoy each others company into the bargain.
One of the joys, surely, of an ITM session is that it is a place where experienced players & learners intermingle & each learns from their neighbour.
It is an amazing opportunity for players of differing abilities to mix & learn.
I think most of us were drawn to sessions, partly because of this amazing format.
We didn't have to wait until we were terrific musicians before we were allowed to get involved & I think that is one of the charms of the session, & one of it's rare qualities.
I think the day you start dictating levels of accepted ability for your session, is the day you start missing the point & forgetting your roots - a sad day indeed.
In which other branches of music do you get such a rare opportunity to get tore in, early on?
If those who are listening happen to enjoy what they hear, so much the better, but if they do not, then surely they are free to go elsewhere & should not attempt to discourage any musicians in the process.
If any one of these begrudgers had been able to step up to the keyboard & demonstrate how they thought the keyboard should have sounded, when played in that session, I may have been interested in listening to their argument.
As it was, they couldn't - or were not willing to.
As it was, as far as I can see, they were either displaying a prejudice against a particular instrument, were jealous of this particular musician, were simply showing an ignorance of what a Traditional Irish Music session is all about, or they just couldn't stand the thought of competition in the volume stakes.
The sad fact is, in this part of the country, Belfast folk have a reputation for being very LOUD.
Now of course they are not all like that, but sadly there are some who tend to give them all a bad name by being very, very loud indeed.
Is it that city folk in general talk louder than country folk?
I don't know, but our musicians are always very tolerant of this particularly noisy crowd, so it is a pity that, on this occasion at least, they didn't return the favour.
I remember one night, when this crowd were noisier than they had ever been & we just couldn't hear ourselves, we decided to stop playing & see just how long it took any of them to notice.
15 minutes later one of them turned round & asked what had happened to the music!
When told that we had had to stop playing because we just couldn't hear ourselves, there were a few sheepish looks amongst them - but no apology!
I think perhaps you get the picture.
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Now don't be insulting us Belfast one's fer feck's sake!
It is a bit of a conundrum - how to keep the local punters sweet while also doing your own thing. But can you afford to have them dictate who you can invite to the session? What did the landlord have to say about it - maybe getting him to support your choice would do the trick?
Or maybe she could borrow Mr McMahon's electric piano and just turn the volume down?
Personally, I love the piano.
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by breandan
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Sorry Mark, missed your comment.
As for us moving to another room.
I did try that for a few weeks, a number of years ago, & moved the session into the back room, but interestingly, the very folk who make the most noise, were the ones who complained the most that the music wasn't out amongst them anymore, in the main bar area!
So they would appear to enjoy the music, even although it sounds like they couldn't possibly hear it over the sound of their own voices!
However, next time our piano player comes up, [ if she is allowed back?? ] I may well try & move the session through to the back room & see if that keeps everybody happy!
Sadly though, I think in the case of this particular player, it has gone beyond that, they have set out their stall & the mere sight of her, since they have moved out once, will probably provoke the same response.
I will be very interested to hear what our fine, trusty & noble landlord has to say on this matter.
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Aye Breandan, I wasn't trying to insult youz yins frae Bel-fast at all. But you must know that the locals out here in the sticks, have various names for youz yins - terms of endearment if you like!
As for the landlord he is one of the best, they both are, so it is unfortunate that this problem has reared it's ugly head.
Obviously his word will be final & I'm content to roll with his decision but I just hope he doesn't give in to them.
He's pretty shrewd though & knows all concerned very well, so if there is a happy middle ground, he is sure to spot it & calm the troubled waters.
I shall of course keep you posted - fingers crossed eh for an amicable settlement!
P.S. Breandan, I'm sure youz yins have a few choice words & phrases for describing the country folk, haven't you?
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Well good luck with it anyway. And hope you and Sabine fully recovered from your flu' back in October.
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by breandan
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Aye thanks, we have. Unfortunately, Mrs Pt. had an op last week & is now, not allowed to carry anything heavy for the next 3 months! So poor old me, I must do all the heavy work around the house, including shovelling sh*t around the stable, & worst thing of all, she can't even carry me up to bed at night & tuck me in any more! Just another of life's hard knocks, but I'll get over it!
Yeah, she's doin fine - Ta.
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
pete quinn is the new reg hall and im glad to see someone has the balls to step up to this role as it is very nice and it doesn't clash with the guitar or bowron it also adds a touch of class to the whole sound
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Ripthecalico
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
they knew the session was going to be on so if they didnt like it or like who was in it then let them go elsewhere.i wouldnt be worried about them anyways
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by fused
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
"As for the landlord he is one of the best, they both are, so it is unfortunate that this problem has reared it's ugly head. "
Be the first to raise the issue with them, especially as it's clear the group in question is going to complain, whereas you are going to present a problem requiring a solution.
KFG
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by KFG
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Well, if I were the piano player and asked to leave under such circumstances, I wouldn't be back.
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by cathrynb
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
I can sympathize with ya on that one. It's difficult to say the least when the noise in the room is louder than the music. When playing acoustically most places try to keep the noise level down out of regards to the musicians if nothing else. I have had the same experience a few times but unfortunatley with my size and look it usually ends up in blood shed. And I do try to be a nice guy but I guess everyone has their limits. The pub Ive played here in the past has a room set aside for sessions and provides a much more subdued atmosphere with a very cozy seating arrandement that lowers the barrier between musicians and audience. It's not always easy and I do hope you find a peacefull way to deal with the loudmouth eejits that like to ruin a good session.
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by newfie percussionist
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
arrangement even **
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by newfie percussionist
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
You did the right thing, Ptarmigan, and I'd encourage the pianist to come back often.
Tip- to improve the sound of any ol' pub klunker, open the top and run a bit of sandpaper over the felt hammers, at the point where they contact the string. Over time, the felt hardens and builds up a hard glaze, creating a harsh sound. Just a wee bit of sanding will make that old 1902 Hough & Pough upright sound like a Steinway (after three or four pints, that is).....
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
I would have said to the person lodging the complaint; “I’m sorry the music is not up to your standards or wishes this evening. There has been many a session whilst you have been here and since there have been no complaints prior to this I am assuming that you found them at least tolerable. Perhaps next week things will be more to your liking. If you have any specific requests for instrumentation please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate you when I can, however if I am able to accommodate your request I would expect that you would fill the pub with your friends for the event and leave a good amount of tin in the publican’s coffers. Thank you for your understanding and support”
If that didn’t set the issue to bed I would talk to the publican and see what their wishes were for handling the situation if it were to present itself again. I have found on my journey that one simply cannot please all peoples and those complaining the loudest generally are of the least tolerant sort and more than likely to create uncomfortable situations for those who have greater tolerance much more often then the reverse. I simply try to be pleasant to these types of folks and move on.
I don’t envy you or the situation in which you found yourself Dick. You’re a good man for not dismissing the musician. I hope you are finished with experiences such as this one.
Peace,
Ed
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by ejsant
Re: It's not all glory, being a 'Session Leader'!
Hi Ptarmigan!
First things first! Best wishes to Mrs. P and hope she's well soon.
Secondly, top man. The musician was there at your invitation, and well done!
If the punters decide to take their much valued euro elsewhere, I'm sure your landlord will soon find others who do like the music, AND the fact that you keep the line-up interesting.
On the subject of piano, I quite like the sound of it, and in the right hands it can add tremendously, just as a neat bodhran or guitar.
I don't want to be a victim of the name-dropping police, but there are some seriously good piano players about, indeed in the Northern reaches, not too far from your abode. You only have to think of some of those associated with the Liverpool or the Pride of Erin Ceili Bands to acknowledge what they can do for a session. Then consider some of the Scottish or Shetland piano players. Awesome!
Back to the point! I respect your stand immensely. Maith an fear!
Brianx
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by briantheflute