Hello, I only just found this website (if only I had found it years ago when I first started playing sessions!) but it looks like a great little community.
I have one question for those of you residing in Ireland. I'm taking my first trip across the pond in September and I'm considering bringing my bodhran (easier to bring than my guitar or banjo). I'm just curious as to how receptive the sessions are in Ireland to outsiders sitting in. The last thing I want to come across as is some obnoxious "American" who wants his photo taken playing "real Irish music" with "real Irish musicians", know what I mean?
I've been playing in sessions locally for 6 or so years, playing bodhran pretty much exclusively, as well as just being a professional musician for 15 years. I think it's safe to say I know my way around the instrument as well as just how to play with other musicians.
I'm just looking to see what the etiquette is like in Ireland. I'll be in session heavy towns like Doolin and Cork, as well as the big cities of Dublin and Belfast (and everything in between). Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
The bodhran is one of the dodgiest instruments to take with you to Ireland. They have sensors on the door at the music pubs that set off alert lights near the table where musicians are playing when anyone carrying a large round case approaches. As it is, the locals who play the thing have had to endure hazing rituals that go on for months before being allowed to join in.
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
thanks Phantom, that's pretty much what I was thinking. Though I would love to sit in on some sessions, bringing the bodhran is just one more piece of luggage I'll have to carry and worry about, if my chances of sitting in are slim to none I might as well just leave it at home.
Too bad I went and picked the least popular instrument in trad music, but what can I say, I'm a rhythm player at heart, regardless of the style
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
I know, I play the bodhran too, and I love it. I've played all sorts of percussion instruments in my musical journey, and the bodhran is a fascinating variation. The problem of course is that too many people have used it as easy access to a session not realizing (or maybe caring) what effect they were having on the overall experience. This has given the Johnny-come-lately instrument a bad rep. You have to be known and have proven yourself to get by the guards.
I may be wrong about all this, and perhaps other people will offer different anecdotes that will be more encouraging, so don't base your decision on my input.
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
fair enough Phantom, I'm not leaving until September so there is lots of time for others to weigh in.
I totally hear you about these people who show up to sessions with a $50.00 bodhran and whack away having a grand old time at the expense of everyone else. Though the session I frequent is very beginner friendly and open (which I really like.. it's great to watch new players get better over time and more confident in their playing), sometimes it gets a bit much. We have had to ask people to stop playing. We tend to not see those people at following sessions But yeah, they have ruined the instrument for those of us who take it seriously.
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
In 20 yrs of sessioning in Ireland I have never come across this anti bodhran shtick, only since I came here. Strange that.....
Anyhow Im not saying it doesnt exist, just not in the sessions Ive been to.
Recently a local Bodhran player who has taught at the Feakle festival for many years has not been invited this year. I think its very strange, I wonder is this the effect of the internet? I am rather taken aback by this recent developement and I would like some Clarification.
Any one who comes in, no matter what instrument, or how good, would be unwelcome were they to attempt to dominate anothers session.
For example; one thing I noticed about the session.org session at Miltown this year was that, come the evening a couple of old session mates came in, they could easily have taken over and dominated the session. No one there would have stopped them , but they are gentlemen and they know the score. Its not about Egos, is about the Music, the tradition and the craic. As it is they came in drunk a few pints, we told silly jokes and stories to each other they fit in to the session, played some tunes, started some simple tunes off, played their damn waltzes and a great time was had by all.
No one that I know gives a toss what instrument you play. Its how well you play that you will be judged on , and also how well you know how to fit in. one fellow, a Frenchman, was there, playing loads of great tunes , solo , on his mouth harp. The slagging he was getting from our end of the table was fierce, not because he didnt know the tunes, I thought he played them well, but because he simply demonstrated that he didn't know the score at Irish sessions. Mind you one of the lads did reckon the Frenchman was murdering the tunes LOL, but he is a hard man to Impress and he certainly knows how to play them right! !
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
You would be made welcome at any session in this area of Ireland (Co Clare) no matter what Instrument you play. I have only ever come across one Incident where someone was not and that was in Doolin about 15 years ago. A nice session was going on in McDermots and two Amercan guys walked in sat down and started clacking away at spoons disrupting the whole event. Suddenly the Bazouki player stood up and loomed over the session like a giant, (he was a Skinhead wearing bovver boots and built like a brick shighthouse, he looked manacing but was really a great softie) he shouted "Look, would ye mind not playing those fecking spoons they are giving us the shights". The two Americans left to the cheers of the pub. That is the only incident I have ever witnessed. Like I said, if you don't try to dominate the session you will made made very welcome no matter what instrument you play.
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Yeah - the Bodhran has been given a bad name by people without much music in them who want to be part of the craic. I am not of course for a second suggesting that you conform to this type - clearly, from your bio, you are an accomplished rhythm man.
There is much talked re Session etiquette. I am not a bodhran player, but I have always found basic good manners to be very effective - be polite & friendly, wait to be asked, & don't try to dominate, & be sensitive to whatever effect you might be having & to the type of music that the regulars may favour. I probably err on the side of caution, but, I think, better that than to be insensitive.
In following this, sometimes I have been asked to play, sometimes not, sometimes I have been welcomed through an entire evening of play, and sometimes I have played a set or two then listened happily.
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Thanks for the input everyone. I'm really on the fence here, but it nice to hear that in at least some people's experience I wouldn't be given the cold shoulder if I did indeed show up with my bodhran in tow.
Maybe I can get a shirt that says "I know what I'm doing"
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
As much as I understand the argument for learning some tunes on the whistle (and I happen to own three whistles already) the reality is, with my other currently musical commitments, there just isn't the time for me to get anything under my fingers and have enough confidence to play them at a session.
A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Hello, I only just found this website (if only I had found it years ago when I first started playing sessions!) but it looks like a great little community.
I have one question for those of you residing in Ireland. I'm taking my first trip across the pond in September and I'm considering bringing my bodhran (easier to bring than my guitar or banjo). I'm just curious as to how receptive the sessions are in Ireland to outsiders sitting in. The last thing I want to come across as is some obnoxious "American" who wants his photo taken playing "real Irish music" with "real Irish musicians", know what I mean?
I've been playing in sessions locally for 6 or so years, playing bodhran pretty much exclusively, as well as just being a professional musician for 15 years. I think it's safe to say I know my way around the instrument as well as just how to play with other musicians.
I'm just looking to see what the etiquette is like in Ireland. I'll be in session heavy towns like Doolin and Cork, as well as the big cities of Dublin and Belfast (and everything in between). Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by thatpatguy
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
The bodhran is one of the dodgiest instruments to take with you to Ireland. They have sensors on the door at the music pubs that set off alert lights near the table where musicians are playing when anyone carrying a large round case approaches. As it is, the locals who play the thing have had to endure hazing rituals that go on for months before being allowed to join in.
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by Phantom Button
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
thanks Phantom, that's pretty much what I was thinking. Though I would love to sit in on some sessions, bringing the bodhran is just one more piece of luggage I'll have to carry and worry about, if my chances of sitting in are slim to none I might as well just leave it at home.
Too bad I went and picked the least popular instrument in trad music, but what can I say, I'm a rhythm player at heart, regardless of the style
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by thatpatguy
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
I know, I play the bodhran too, and I love it. I've played all sorts of percussion instruments in my musical journey, and the bodhran is a fascinating variation. The problem of course is that too many people have used it as easy access to a session not realizing (or maybe caring) what effect they were having on the overall experience. This has given the Johnny-come-lately instrument a bad rep. You have to be known and have proven yourself to get by the guards.
I may be wrong about all this, and perhaps other people will offer different anecdotes that will be more encouraging, so don't base your decision on my input.
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by Phantom Button
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
fair enough Phantom, I'm not leaving until September so there is lots of time for others to weigh in.
But yeah, they have ruined the instrument for those of us who take it seriously.
I totally hear you about these people who show up to sessions with a $50.00 bodhran and whack away having a grand old time at the expense of everyone else. Though the session I frequent is very beginner friendly and open (which I really like.. it's great to watch new players get better over time and more confident in their playing), sometimes it gets a bit much. We have had to ask people to stop playing. We tend to not see those people at following sessions
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by thatpatguy
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Be assured that it has nothing to do with the cost of the bodhran.
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by Steve Shaw
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
In 20 yrs of sessioning in Ireland I have never come across this anti bodhran shtick, only since I came here. Strange that.....
and a great time was had by all.
Anyhow Im not saying it doesnt exist, just not in the sessions Ive been to.
Recently a local Bodhran player who has taught at the Feakle festival for many years has not been invited this year. I think its very strange, I wonder is this the effect of the internet? I am rather taken aback by this recent developement and I would like some Clarification.
Any one who comes in, no matter what instrument, or how good, would be unwelcome were they to attempt to dominate anothers session.
For example; one thing I noticed about the session.org session at Miltown this year was that, come the evening a couple of old session mates came in, they could easily have taken over and dominated the session. No one there would have stopped them , but they are gentlemen and they know the score. Its not about Egos, is about the Music, the tradition and the craic. As it is they came in drunk a few pints, we told silly jokes and stories to each other they fit in to the session, played some tunes, started some simple tunes off, played their damn waltzes
No one that I know gives a toss what instrument you play. Its how well you play that you will be judged on , and also how well you know how to fit in. one fellow, a Frenchman, was there, playing loads of great tunes , solo , on his mouth harp. The slagging he was getting from our end of the table was fierce, not because he didnt know the tunes, I thought he played them well, but because he simply demonstrated that he didn't know the score at Irish sessions. Mind you one of the lads did reckon the Frenchman was murdering the tunes LOL, but he is a hard man to Impress and he certainly knows how to play them right! !
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by piobagusfidil
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Take it and hit it.
If you know the tune.
Goodnight All
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by mcknowall
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Right, M.
But why lug a drum about if you are not sure?
Spoons are compact.
As are kazoos and jawharps.
Good Luck.
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by Piece
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
You would be made welcome at any session in this area of Ireland (Co Clare) no matter what Instrument you play. I have only ever come across one Incident where someone was not and that was in Doolin about 15 years ago. A nice session was going on in McDermots and two Amercan guys walked in sat down and started clacking away at spoons disrupting the whole event. Suddenly the Bazouki player stood up and loomed over the session like a giant, (he was a Skinhead wearing bovver boots and built like a brick shighthouse, he looked manacing but was really a great softie) he shouted "Look, would ye mind not playing those fecking spoons they are giving us the shights". The two Americans left to the cheers of the pub. That is the only incident I have ever witnessed. Like I said, if you don't try to dominate the session you will made made very welcome no matter what instrument you play.
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by Bernie
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Shakey eggs are more portable, and if not as traditional, are at least as maligned as the bodhran, and cost less than $50.
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by drone
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Yeah - the Bodhran has been given a bad name by people without much music in them who want to be part of the craic. I am not of course for a second suggesting that you conform to this type - clearly, from your bio, you are an accomplished rhythm man.
There is much talked re Session etiquette. I am not a bodhran player, but I have always found basic good manners to be very effective - be polite & friendly, wait to be asked, & don't try to dominate, & be sensitive to whatever effect you might be having & to the type of music that the regulars may favour. I probably err on the side of caution, but, I think, better that than to be insensitive.
In following this, sometimes I have been asked to play, sometimes not, sometimes I have been welcomed through an entire evening of play, and sometimes I have played a set or two then listened happily.
# Posted on July 27th 2009 by Sean Lead Liath
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
You could learn a few tunes on the whistle, which is pretty darned portable--or cheap enough to just buy one, when you get there.
I can't say for sure, but I have a feeling that a beginner tune player would get a warmer welcome than an unknown bodhranista.
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by John Galt
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Thanks for the input everyone. I'm really on the fence here, but it nice to hear that in at least some people's experience I wouldn't be given the cold shoulder if I did indeed show up with my bodhran in tow.
Maybe I can get a shirt that says "I know what I'm doing"
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by thatpatguy
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Maybe one that says: "I'm not your worst nightmare"
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by Phantom Button
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Good idea from FT above, IMHO.
Learning the irish whistle, even just a bit, is spot on target for grasping the music better, even as a backer.
You will also gain a new sympathy for those trying to crank out a tune with a bodhran trying to accompany them.
All in all, it would have to make for a better drummer.
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by Piece
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
As much as I understand the argument for learning some tunes on the whistle (and I happen to own three whistles already) the reality is, with my other currently musical commitments, there just isn't the time for me to get anything under my fingers and have enough confidence to play them at a session.
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by thatpatguy
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
No guts, no glory.
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by John Galt
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
touché Forrest.. well played
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by thatpatguy
Re: A Canadian heading to Ireland - Session Etiquette
Just go along and play it.
Ionass is right. It is only on these boards you get opposition to bodhrans.
Some honestly believe it is traditional not to like them.
I have played with everybody, no-one has objected yet.
# Posted on July 28th 2009 by bodhran bliss