Can anyone of our Scottish client-ell here advise of where regular sessions are played/held. Preferably Glasgow or Edinburgh would suit best, although I'd be prepared to travel further afield?
I'd quite like to get into the routine of going, but so far I've had little success of sussing them out - or maybe they operate on an invite only basis
Hi Ciaran, I believe there is a session in Oran Mor in Glasgow's west end (corner of Byres Rd and Great Western Rd) on Wednesday evenings. I haven't been yet myself so I don't know the protocol.
Cheers, Joe.
I would definitely e-mail TheSilverSpear if I was you. She can help to point you in the right direction. Scotland is swimming in sessions as mentioned above, but they vary wildly. Not just in standard but also the tunes played. Some are largely Irish but some are almost all Scottish. Some will play mainly old tunes, some contemporary. Some will play common ground tunes if a newcomer visits and others won't. Even the type of Scottish tune varies from place to place, much like in Ireland. You'll surely find something that suits you though. Hope you have a good time
There are loads listed in the sessions section of this database - why not have a look there and see what you find.
If you do start to go along to the classes at GFW as discussed in a previous thread then they have a friendly wee session after the classes on a Monday night in the Islay Inn on Argyle St, Glasgow. That might be a good place to start if you are just starting out on your chosen instrument.
Another option would be the session in Uisge Beatha on Woodlands Road, Glasgow. This is a mixture of tunes and songs and whilst it can be a bit of a stramash it is certainly welcoming.
There are lots of sessions around with fantastic musicians in both Glasgow and Edinburgh and if you want to go for a listen then I am sure you would be welcomed warmly - it might be an idea to take along a recording device of some kind to record some of the material for learning from. Depending on the level you are at you might find out, as I did when I started going down a few years ago, that it can be very difficult to keep up with the regulars and some of them don't take too kindly to people trying to despite this. I would hate for anyone to be put off from going along to sessions or from the music all together because they jumped in to the water without seeing the piranhas.
oh i should have added, i hope you like banjos, we always seem to be overloaded with folk wanting to play the banjo. Most will bring a second instrument if possible or switch with each other.
hasn't been quite so bad recently, but a few years ago this was more of a problem
Once again, mighty helpful and informative contributions from all you folk.
I'll try and get brushed up on some tunes here and maybe put in a couple of classes at the GFW first, then I've got quite a list of places to start frequenting.
you can always drop in and say hello to folks in the meantime.
People won't pressure you to play if you feel uncomfortable, but in many sessions you will be welcome to play a set of tunes if you are willing even if in your own opinion you are "learning" or rusty. You may also recognise some of the tunes that other play and want to join in. At least you will get some idea of tunes that are played frequently and appeal to you: good choices for learning.
You will also feel more relaxed about playing if you already know some of the regulars at whatever session you go to, and might meet other whistle players that could give you advice on classes or just tips on playing/tunes.
The GFW has great whistle tutors -- that will be a huge help!
In the meantime, what Chris said. It's good to pop down to a session just to meet people and hear tunes. I know there are usually a couple whistle players hanging about the Oran Mor.
Yes, there's quite a lot of that sort of thing too. Generally, you'll find that the further away you move from the centre of Edinburgh (Probably the same for other cities) you'll get much more of "a mixture" for good or ill. Plenty of drums, singer/strummers and so on. Having said that, it can sometimes be good fun if you don't want to travel far from home..depending where you live!
I suggest Sandy Bells in Edinburgh as a starting point. The Antiquiry is good on a Thursday and it tends to be more Scottish.
There's a new session started up in the Hebrides on a Wednesday where I believe a few of the "big boys" went last night.
One thing which is very true. There is a huge variety of sessions both in terms of repertoire and musical standards. Most are very friendly but it's best to check themout first.
I've asked this before but have forgotten the answer :(
What is the name of the pub in Edinburgh on the corner of Canongate(I think) it's across the road from the World's End Pub.
I was at a session there with Kevin Macleod and can't remember the name.
If anyone is still looking for sessions, we have information on many of the regulasr sesions around Edinburgh on our website here: http://www.scotsmusic.org//info/sessions/
Sessions in Scotland
Sessions in Scotland
Hi Guys...
Can anyone of our Scottish client-ell here advise of where regular sessions are played/held. Preferably Glasgow or Edinburgh would suit best, although I'd be prepared to travel further afield?
I'd quite like to get into the routine of going, but so far I've had little success of sussing them out - or maybe they operate on an invite only basis
Rgds
Ciaran
# Posted on February 4th 2009 by Ciarán.
Re: Sessions in Scotland
PM me...
# Posted on February 4th 2009 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Sessions in Scotland
Hi Ciaran, I believe there is a session in Oran Mor in Glasgow's west end (corner of Byres Rd and Great Western Rd) on Wednesday evenings. I haven't been yet myself so I don't know the protocol.
Cheers, Joe.
# Posted on February 4th 2009 by joe the bow
Re: Sessions in Scotland
Scotland is swimming in sessions. Surely we must be second only to Ireland in terms of trad sessions?
Anyway, there is lots going on in Glasgow and Edinburgh:
Sandy Bells
Sharkey's
Babbity Bowsters
Ben Nevis
Lismore
Most sessions aren't invite only but I'd maybe go along once to listen to suss out the standard before you dive in with an instrument.
# Posted on February 4th 2009 by Jams_O'Donnell
Re: Sessions in Scotland
I would definitely e-mail TheSilverSpear if I was you. She can help to point you in the right direction. Scotland is swimming in sessions as mentioned above, but they vary wildly. Not just in standard but also the tunes played. Some are largely Irish but some are almost all Scottish. Some will play mainly old tunes, some contemporary. Some will play common ground tunes if a newcomer visits and others won't. Even the type of Scottish tune varies from place to place, much like in Ireland. You'll surely find something that suits you though. Hope you have a good time
# Posted on February 4th 2009 by bogman
Re: Sessions in Scotland
There are loads listed in the sessions section of this database - why not have a look there and see what you find.
If you do start to go along to the classes at GFW as discussed in a previous thread then they have a friendly wee session after the classes on a Monday night in the Islay Inn on Argyle St, Glasgow. That might be a good place to start if you are just starting out on your chosen instrument.
Another option would be the session in Uisge Beatha on Woodlands Road, Glasgow. This is a mixture of tunes and songs and whilst it can be a bit of a stramash it is certainly welcoming.
There are lots of sessions around with fantastic musicians in both Glasgow and Edinburgh and if you want to go for a listen then I am sure you would be welcomed warmly - it might be an idea to take along a recording device of some kind to record some of the material for learning from. Depending on the level you are at you might find out, as I did when I started going down a few years ago, that it can be very difficult to keep up with the regulars and some of them don't take too kindly to people trying to despite this. I would hate for anyone to be put off from going along to sessions or from the music all together because they jumped in to the water without seeing the piranhas.
# Posted on February 4th 2009 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Sessions in Scotland
Oh and good luck!
# Posted on February 4th 2009 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Sessions in Scotland
come along to the oran mor tonight if you want from after 9. I'm the specky banjo player.
it is a pretty laid back & friendly session. been relatively quiet since xmas prob cos of celtic connections. hopefully will get back to normal soon.
this is the session that was prev in the lismore on weds.
- chris
# Posted on February 4th 2009 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: Sessions in Scotland
oh i should have added, i hope you like banjos, we always seem to be overloaded with folk wanting to play the banjo. Most will bring a second instrument if possible or switch with each other.
hasn't been quite so bad recently, but a few years ago this was more of a problem
- chris
# Posted on February 4th 2009 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: Sessions in Scotland
Once again, mighty helpful and informative contributions from all you folk.
I'll try and get brushed up on some tunes here and maybe put in a couple of classes at the GFW first, then I've got quite a list of places to start frequenting.
Thanks again guys,
Rgds
Ciaran
# Posted on February 5th 2009 by Ciarán.
Re: Sessions in Scotland
you can always drop in and say hello to folks in the meantime.
People won't pressure you to play if you feel uncomfortable, but in many sessions you will be welcome to play a set of tunes if you are willing even if in your own opinion you are "learning" or rusty. You may also recognise some of the tunes that other play and want to join in. At least you will get some idea of tunes that are played frequently and appeal to you: good choices for learning.
You will also feel more relaxed about playing if you already know some of the regulars at whatever session you go to, and might meet other whistle players that could give you advice on classes or just tips on playing/tunes.
cheers - chris
# Posted on February 5th 2009 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: Sessions in Scotland
I'm sure there's one up Edinburgh / Musselburgh that's always on the lookout for bodhran players to accompany their regular viola player.
# Posted on February 5th 2009 by showaddydadito
Re: Sessions in Scotland
The GFW has great whistle tutors -- that will be a huge help!
In the meantime, what Chris said. It's good to pop down to a session just to meet people and hear tunes. I know there are usually a couple whistle players hanging about the Oran Mor.
# Posted on February 5th 2009 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Sessions in Scotland
Thanks Guys...
Look forward to meeting up then in the not to distant future then.
# Posted on February 5th 2009 by Ciarán.
Re: Sessions in Scotland
David, David... don't be cheeky now..
Yes, there's quite a lot of that sort of thing too. Generally, you'll find that the further away you move from the centre of Edinburgh (Probably the same for other cities) you'll get much more of "a mixture" for good or ill. Plenty of drums, singer/strummers and so on. Having said that, it can sometimes be good fun if you don't want to travel far from home..depending where you live!
I suggest Sandy Bells in Edinburgh as a starting point. The Antiquiry is good on a Thursday and it tends to be more Scottish.
There's a new session started up in the Hebrides on a Wednesday where I believe a few of the "big boys" went last night.
One thing which is very true. There is a huge variety of sessions both in terms of repertoire and musical standards. Most are very friendly but it's best to check themout first.
# Posted on February 5th 2009 by Johnny Jay
Re: Sessions in Scotland
Ha ha ha ha ha so now I'm one of the "big boys"
# Posted on February 6th 2009 by Kathryn35
Re: Sessions in Scotland
The Royal Oak in Edinburgh has music most days.
# Posted on February 8th 2009 by tirvaluk
Re: Sessions in Scotland
I've asked this before but have forgotten the answer :(
What is the name of the pub in Edinburgh on the corner of Canongate(I think) it's across the road from the World's End Pub.
I was at a session there with Kevin Macleod and can't remember the name.
Thanks in advance
# Posted on February 20th 2009 by UKCITTERN
Re: Sessions in Scotland
Look it up in the "Sessions" section - might be this :
http://www.thesession.org/sessions/display/982
# Posted on February 21st 2009 by Kenny
Re: Sessions in Scotland
If anyone is still looking for sessions, we have information on many of the regulasr sesions around Edinburgh on our website here: http://www.scotsmusic.org//info/sessions/
# Posted on September 16th 2010 by Ros G
Re: Sessions in Scotland
I have a Twitter page for Scottish sessions around Edinburgh:
http://twitter.com/JackCampin
# Posted on September 16th 2010 by Jack Campin