i havent heard lukey's boat, ill keep an ear out for it. mine are the lakes of pontcahrtrain, paddy's green shamrock shore, the diamond tina drover and a song for ireland to name but a few. anything by dervish as well i suppose....
The ones that seem to come to mind most often for me:
The Rambling Irishman
To the Begging I Will Go
Barrack/Patrick Street
Bonny Light Horseman
Green Mossy Banks of the Lea
The Barleygrain for Me
Martinmas Time
Durham Gaol (Jez Lowe)
Slip Jigs and Reels (Steve Tillston)
Flash Company
Good man, Conan! I heard that at a festival in upstate New York years and years ago and loved it from the first. Wish it had more verses, though.
I should've mentioned, the songs I listed are the ones I play with accompaniment, i.e., guitar or bouzouki. I do like singing a cappella, though, and "Springfield Road" is definitely a favorite.
Also:
Verdant Braes of Screen
Farewell Dearest Nancy
Lakes of Shilin
Mr. Dunn
Yeah it's a great wee song, wee being very much the operative word. The Springfield Rd is 5 mins from where I was born and there is still one mill building there - the Conway Mill which is now used as an Arts and small business centre.
Also loved the verdant Braes of Skreen since my childhod. Good choice.
Streets of New York
Boys of the old Brigade
The Dutchman
Mo Gile Mearr
The piper that played before moses
North and south
The ballad of saint annes reel (love that one)
And "Go on Home" at times. (obviously depends on the croud.)
Dphil, are you going to give the ballyer punters a blast of my lovely horse on the mandola? Cant wait to hear that!!
My favourites (apart from the bit-of-craic songs like Waxies Dargle, South Oz, jug od punch etc) are sammys bar and two island swans. Also, i got the lyrics to some of Al O'Donnell's own compositions - Westmorland Jane, That Old Turn Down Again - but haven't the nerve to sing them yet myself.
Lukey's Boat's a great tune for what it is... I put it in the same category as the Unicorn song.
I like most of the Reels and Jigs that are out there... a couple that come to mind are:
Mason's Apron
Mountain Road
Brian Beru
Tripping Upstairs (Spongebob fans like that one)
Maple Leaf Rag
I quite like "Thank God we're surrounded by water"
Heard a great rendition of "The Pervert Song" at a sesh on Sunday night and one of the funniest nights ever at a session was capped by Ron Kavanagh's rendition of the Tom Lehrer song "I hold your hand in mine"
Ah, Pride of the Springfield Road. Surely one of Andy Irvine's best Patrick Street efforts. Sadly, I've never heard it sung in a session and I don't know a man who could.
You guys play songs at your sessions? I am surprised to hear that. The sessions and parties that I go to, no one ever gets to sing. We have had a few well known singers pop by the odd time and they have been asked to sing, but I can only think of 3 occasions where this has happened. I never imagined people singing at sessions. Guess I don't get out much.
I have to agree with Conan and this-is-me: Madam I'm a Darling. Maybe it's a good thing that no one around here sings it (I've only heard it performed by John Doyle, and once at a session at Augusta), as it makes me go all weak-kneed.
A couple of the fellas who play in our pub are also (were, actually) in a bluegrass band so we have some of their songs occasionally. I have to confess to a sneaking regard for some of 'em and I try to join in (is it true that one riff fits all bluegrass songs? ). So we do Roseville Fair, St Anne's (is that the song's name?? They always announce it as "Stan's!") and stuff like that. One bloke does "Sober Men of Plenty" and we tag Lark in the Morning on the end. We always do a couple of the old chestnuts that I don't mind at all, it's only a small part of the proceedings after all, such as Dirty Old Town and I'll Tell Me Ma (which we precede with Jenny Linn!). Then, of course, we "have" to do Bl*ck V*lv*t B*nd and W*ld R*v*r... Chew on that lot, ye purists! Whether you want songs comes down to the strengths of the people you have in your session I reckon, and the people in the pub like one or two, so, in a long evening, why not?
cg.f,
I love the Diamantina Drover words and tune, and it is great for harmonising. I like your mondegreeen of Diamond Tina, maybe he never went back because she was too much of a golddigger?
But then I've never heard Diamantina Drover actually sung at a session. The ones that catch my heart have been The Dowie Dens of Yarrow, Misty Mountains, The Connerys and Fine Flowers in the Valley. And the beautiful ballad about the "some men are sailors "=Eric Bogle's Safe in the Harbour.
I have been fortunate enough to hear these sometimes more than once over the 20-30 sessions I have been to in my life so far. And get a tear in my eye every time. I was taken by surprise the first time at the power of some old tune and song to move me so.( Some exaggerated ancient scots tragedy-honour killings etc) I spoke to the Singer afterwards, and he said he tries to feel what is happening in the song himself as he sings. He certainly wasn't using a lot of fancy emotive vocal tricks, but the song carried the mood right through him. God we needed a lively tune afterwards!
Incidentally I would love an Australian Phonetic version of the Scots "garlic" ( as opposed to Irish "Gaylic") words for the Misty Mountains song. It is an absolute favourite of mine, and I knew it only as some music from the film Local Hero until hearing it sung in Gaelic a few weeks ago with a simple harp accompaniment.
I don't know what it was but I heard a old fellow sing a song about someone being chopped up and put in the sausage.
I wasn't paying quite attention until I thought I understood what I thought of heard . Anyone know this one ?
Next set of reels thanx...
Paradoxically, anna, there is a Vancouver session called Maritime Kitchen Party, which often has as much singing as playing. Lots of sessions and gatherings here have singing. (We're SO "liberal" on the Wet Coast (sic).
So its you and the Blacksmith.Look whos out of the closet now Mr Morrisoncome to think of it you do look like one of them fellas out of broke back mountain
Jayus !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Morris youve really lost it now.You should be left dangling from the main JIB swinging your hammer for all to see.OR you will be when the dancers catch up with you.
This could be a very useful thread. While I love a thorough
ramble through sets of tunes, a session without a song or 8 is just plain boring to me. I've gotten some ideas from reading the posts here. I don't know if I've even heard half the songs mentioned above, so I've got some clues to work with in further exploration of songs to consider. So, in the interest of sharing ideas for songs that haven't been mentioned so far, that I've heard in sessions in the northeast US, here goes a small smattering in only the order that I can recall them with proper credit given if known:
Caledonia by Dougie Maclean
Mary and the Soldier (also known as Peggy and the Soldier)
Mary Ellen Carter by Stan Rogers
Good Ship Kangaroo
When the Boys Come Rolling Home by Tommy Sands
(and then some chestnuts...
in the US, most casual punters stopping by a session
have not ever heard even once any of the following...)
Four Green Fields
Red is the Rose
etc. etc..
By the way, flood, I love Alison Krauss and Union Station Songs. Many of the best of the early songs that made her a star were written by John Pennell, a Nashville songwriter. I don't know much about him other than that every thing he wrote that Alison has recorded is a gem. I've learned a few of the songs and accompanied myself at home just for kicks. I would never dare sing one of these at a session. Somehow her female soprano voice just defines the songs she sings. So, with my baritone voice I've just stayed away. I've never heard anyone else sing one of her songs, but I'd be very interested to hear someone else (who can sing) try.
favourite songs at a session??
favourite songs at a session??
what are your favourite songs, traditional or country that you like singing or like hearing at a session.???
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by cg.f
Re: favourite songs at a session??
One of my personal favorites in Lukey's Boat. It's great fun and you can get amazing harmonies on it.
A walk in the Irish Rain is nice too, though maybe a trifle over done in America.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Eleiel
Re: favourite songs at a session??
i havent heard lukey's boat, ill keep an ear out for it. mine are the lakes of pontcahrtrain, paddy's green shamrock shore, the diamond tina drover and a song for ireland to name but a few. anything by dervish as well i suppose....
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by cg.f
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Madam I'm a darling is a brilliant song.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: favourite songs at a session??
The ones that newcomers to the music often refer to when they mean tunes.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by llig leahcim
Re: favourite songs at a session??
The ones that seem to come to mind most often for me:
The Rambling Irishman
To the Begging I Will Go
Barrack/Patrick Street
Bonny Light Horseman
Green Mossy Banks of the Lea
The Barleygrain for Me
Martinmas Time
Durham Gaol (Jez Lowe)
Slip Jigs and Reels (Steve Tillston)
Flash Company
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by sts
Re: favourite songs at a session??
The Pride of the Springfield Road
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Good man, Conan! I heard that at a festival in upstate New York years and years ago and loved it from the first. Wish it had more verses, though.
I should've mentioned, the songs I listed are the ones I play with accompaniment, i.e., guitar or bouzouki. I do like singing a cappella, though, and "Springfield Road" is definitely a favorite.
Also:
Verdant Braes of Screen
Farewell Dearest Nancy
Lakes of Shilin
Mr. Dunn
...to name a few
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by sts
Re: favourite songs at a session??
i'm from the upper springfield but i've never heard the song, any recordings of it ?
one of my favourites is sang by aidan crossey, the blackberry fair.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by molloy
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Yeah it's a great wee song, wee being very much the operative word. The Springfield Rd is 5 mins from where I was born and there is still one mill building there - the Conway Mill which is now used as an Arts and small business centre.
Also loved the verdant Braes of Skreen since my childhod. Good choice.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: favourite songs at a session??
cant stop the spring
my lovely horse
Two equally Brilliant songs Should be sang at all sessions.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Dphil
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Cran do a version on one of their recordings, and Andy Irvine on one of the Patrick Streets. He got it from Seán Corcoran of Cran, funny enough.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: favourite songs at a session??
My Lovely Horse, gotta agree with you there DPhil!
Now where's all the lovely geeruls?
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: favourite songs at a session??
My definite favourite in no particular order
Streets of New York
Boys of the old Brigade
The Dutchman
Mo Gile Mearr
The piper that played before moses
North and south
The ballad of saint annes reel (love that one)
And "Go on Home" at times. (obviously depends on the croud.)
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by session savage
Re: favourite songs at a session??
I always enjoy hearing Madam I'm a darling.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by BE
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Dphil, are you going to give the ballyer punters a blast of my lovely horse on the mandola? Cant wait to hear that!!
My favourites (apart from the bit-of-craic songs like Waxies Dargle, South Oz, jug od punch etc) are sammys bar and two island swans. Also, i got the lyrics to some of Al O'Donnell's own compositions - Westmorland Jane, That Old Turn Down Again - but haven't the nerve to sing them yet myself.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by copo24
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Lukey's Boat's a great tune for what it is... I put it in the same category as the Unicorn song.
I like most of the Reels and Jigs that are out there... a couple that come to mind are:
Mason's Apron
Mountain Road
Brian Beru
Tripping Upstairs (Spongebob fans like that one)
Maple Leaf Rag
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by pastrings
Re: favourite songs at a session??
If we're singing... Homes of Donegal is always nice to hear.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by pastrings
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Actually, im surprised this topic hasn't been pulled yet. Normally something like this is banished to mudcat.org.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by copo24
Re: favourite songs at a session??
I quite like "Thank God we're surrounded by water"
Heard a great rendition of "The Pervert Song" at a sesh on Sunday night and one of the funniest nights ever at a session was capped by Ron Kavanagh's rendition of the Tom Lehrer song "I hold your hand in mine"
http://www.guntheranderson.com/v/data/iholdyou.htm
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Copo, on the contrary, I think this is one of the more relevant topics I've seen here as far as sessions are concerned.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Ah, Pride of the Springfield Road. Surely one of Andy Irvine's best Patrick Street efforts. Sadly, I've never heard it sung in a session and I don't know a man who could.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: favourite songs at a session??
I just remembered I had a version sung by Kathleen McPeake on an old cassette. It was the best thing on it.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: favourite songs at a session??
You guys play songs at your sessions? I am surprised to hear that. The sessions and parties that I go to, no one ever gets to sing. We have had a few well known singers pop by the odd time and they have been asked to sing, but I can only think of 3 occasions where this has happened. I never imagined people singing at sessions. Guess I don't get out much.
# Posted on February 20th 2007 by anastasiadesroches
Re: favourite songs at a session??
I have to agree with Conan and this-is-me: Madam I'm a Darling. Maybe it's a good thing that no one around here sings it (I've only heard it performed by John Doyle, and once at a session at Augusta), as it makes me go all weak-kneed.
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by zoetrope
Re: favourite songs at a session??
A couple of the fellas who play in our pub are also (were, actually) in a bluegrass band so we have some of their songs occasionally. I have to confess to a sneaking regard for some of 'em and I try to join in (is it true that one riff fits all bluegrass songs?
). So we do Roseville Fair, St Anne's (is that the song's name?? They always announce it as "Stan's!") and stuff like that. One bloke does "Sober Men of Plenty" and we tag Lark in the Morning on the end. We always do a couple of the old chestnuts that I don't mind at all, it's only a small part of the proceedings after all, such as Dirty Old Town and I'll Tell Me Ma (which we precede with Jenny Linn!). Then, of course, we "have" to do Bl*ck V*lv*t B*nd and W*ld R*v*r... Chew on that lot, ye purists! Whether you want songs comes down to the strengths of the people you have in your session I reckon, and the people in the pub like one or two, so, in a long evening, why not?
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: favourite songs at a session??
cg.f,
I love the Diamantina Drover words and tune, and it is great for harmonising. I like your mondegreeen of Diamond Tina, maybe he never went back because she was too much of a golddigger?
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by mrs.b
Re: favourite songs at a session??
But then I've never heard Diamantina Drover actually sung at a session. The ones that catch my heart have been The Dowie Dens of Yarrow, Misty Mountains, The Connerys and Fine Flowers in the Valley. And the beautiful ballad about the "some men are sailors "=Eric Bogle's Safe in the Harbour.
I have been fortunate enough to hear these sometimes more than once over the 20-30 sessions I have been to in my life so far. And get a tear in my eye every time. I was taken by surprise the first time at the power of some old tune and song to move me so.( Some exaggerated ancient scots tragedy-honour killings etc) I spoke to the Singer afterwards, and he said he tries to feel what is happening in the song himself as he sings. He certainly wasn't using a lot of fancy emotive vocal tricks, but the song carried the mood right through him. God we needed a lively tune afterwards!
Incidentally I would love an Australian Phonetic version of the Scots "garlic" ( as opposed to Irish "Gaylic") words for the Misty Mountains song. It is an absolute favourite of mine, and I knew it only as some music from the film Local Hero until hearing it sung in Gaelic a few weeks ago with a simple harp accompaniment.
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by mrs.b
Re: favourite songs at a session??
I don't know what it was but I heard a old fellow sing a song about someone being chopped up and put in the sausage.
I wasn't paying quite attention until I thought I understood what I thought of heard . Anyone know this one ?
Next set of reels thanx...
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by lamh trom
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Paradoxically, anna, there is a Vancouver session called Maritime Kitchen Party, which often has as much singing as playing. Lots of sessions and gatherings here have singing. (We're SO "liberal" on the Wet Coast (sic).
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by oldstrings
Re: favourite songs at a session??
As I Roved Out (Christy Moore version)
Queen of Old Argyll
Stewball and the Monaghan Grey Mare
When Jone's Ale Was New
Farewell Nova Scotia
Mr Peabody's Coal Train
Good Ale
Virtually anything by the Watersons
Arthur McBride
Bold Fenian Men
Ride On
Cold Blow The Rainy Night
etc
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by Sugarfoot Jack
Re: favourite songs at a session??
At a session I go to they sing the song A Blacksmith Courted
Me and it goes right into Morrison's Jig. Works very well.
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by celtic strings
Re: favourite songs at a session??
anyone like any alison krauss and union station songs??
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by tina concert
Re: favourite songs at a session??
RAGGLE TAGGLE GYPSIES-TABHAR DOM AN LA
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by eddie nolan
Re: favourite songs at a session??
So its you and the Blacksmith.Look whos out of the closet now Mr Morrison
come to think of it you do look like one of them fellas out of broke back mountain
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by Dphil
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Dphil I hope you are not jealous, it's the way he swings his
HAMMER
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by celtic strings
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Sugarfoot Jack wrote:
"Virtually anything by the Watersons"
Wow, I think I'd definitely like to come to your session.
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by sts
Re: favourite songs at a session??
STS I think Dphil is more your type he is into Morris Dancing
But what ever you are into have fun
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by celtic strings
Re: favourite songs at a session??
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Jayus !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Morris youve really lost it now.You should be left dangling from the main JIB swinging your hammer for all to see.OR you will be when the dancers catch up with you.
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by Dphil
Re: favourite songs at a session??
This could be a very useful thread. While I love a thorough
ramble through sets of tunes, a session without a song or 8 is just plain boring to me. I've gotten some ideas from reading the posts here. I don't know if I've even heard half the songs mentioned above, so I've got some clues to work with in further exploration of songs to consider. So, in the interest of sharing ideas for songs that haven't been mentioned so far, that I've heard in sessions in the northeast US, here goes a small smattering in only the order that I can recall them with proper credit given if known:
Caledonia by Dougie Maclean
Mary and the Soldier (also known as Peggy and the Soldier)
Mary Ellen Carter by Stan Rogers
Good Ship Kangaroo
When the Boys Come Rolling Home by Tommy Sands
(and then some chestnuts...
in the US, most casual punters stopping by a session
have not ever heard even once any of the following...)
Four Green Fields
Red is the Rose
etc. etc..
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by halfwaythere
Re: favourite songs at a session??
By the way, flood, I love Alison Krauss and Union Station Songs. Many of the best of the early songs that made her a star were written by John Pennell, a Nashville songwriter. I don't know much about him other than that every thing he wrote that Alison has recorded is a gem. I've learned a few of the songs and accompanied myself at home just for kicks. I would never dare sing one of these at a session. Somehow her female soprano voice just defines the songs she sings. So, with my baritone voice I've just stayed away. I've never heard anyone else sing one of her songs, but I'd be very interested to hear someone else (who can sing) try.
# Posted on February 21st 2007 by halfwaythere
Re: favourite songs at a session??
Semantics
# Posted on February 23rd 2007 by ukestrum