A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Wanda Wiccan
Bizaro hairylimbicus
Primary Instruments: Whistle, Flute, Fiddle, Shaky Egg
Features and Behavior: Raven-black hair; body piercings - most of which cannot be seen; Random Celtic knot tattoos; Describes herself as a 'Celtic Priestess' (Celtic always pronounced with hard K sound); Lives with at least three cats, owns every episode of Xena: Warrior Princess and Charmed on DVD.
Primary Habitat: Sessions, Renaissance Faires, Covens, and Whole Food stores throughout Northern California, Los Angeles, Oregon, and the woods of Northern New England. Some additional migratory patterns based on last Phish concert tour.
Occasionally found in the close company of:
Peter Pagan
Hedonisti Bongloadicus
Primary Habitat: Sessions, Renaissance Faires, Covens, and Whole Food stores throughout Northern California, Los Angeles, Oregon, and the woods of Northern New England. Some additional migratory patterns based on last Phish concert tour.
Primary Instruments: Djembe, 2-foot tall ceramic bong carved like a Sheila Na-gig.
Features and Behavior: Often shirtless, heavily tattooed and multiple body piercings; Prone to inexplicable spontaneous apoplectic dancing.
Primary Habitat: Roams freely in sessions, parks, orgies, and drum circles throughout California, Oregon and New England.
Sean Southie
Drunkarse Thugticae
Primary Instruments: Guitar, Banjo, Bodhran
Features and Behavior: Tam O’Shanter cap, Dropkick Murphy’s T-shirt, Facial hair resembling Leprechaun mascot from Notre Dame; Often has inflammatory Irish political tattoos such as Tiocfaidh ar La or Fianna na hEireann but cannot pronounce or understand their Gaelic meanings; Excess testosterone, unhealthy obsessions with brawling and booze; Idolizes Shane McGowan; Thinks The Departed is a wicked good movie.
Primary Habitat: Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, or any large town with high concentrations of 20-something Irish Americans. Can also be seen in the gutter vomiting, or jail after any St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Fred Folky
Arloguthrie Wrinklous
Primary Instruments: Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin
Features and Behavior: Long graying ponytail, beard. Drives VW bus filled with David Grisman and bootleg Grateful Dead cassette tapes. Came to Irish music late in life after briefly dating Wanda Wiccan.
Primary Habitat: Can be found in sessions, folk jams, bluegrass gatherings and working in the acoustic/accessories departments of every Guitar Center all across North America.
Mother Mary Margaret
Lacecurtain Hollywoodicus
Primary Instruments: Fiddle, Accordion
Features and Behavior: Cable Knit Sweater/Jumper, Claddagh ring, cheery disposition, looks exactly like somebody's dear Irish grammy. Knows at least nine recipes for soda bread, has seen The Quiet Man 411 times, weeps instantly whenever someone sings Danny Boy, believes the Irish are a 'blessed race.' Never misses Celtic Women, The Irish Tenors, or Riverdance when replayed on PBS during Pledge Drives.
Primary Habitat: Sessions, bingo nights, antique hunting, or anywhere else large numbers of retirees can be found
Paul Puredrop
Elitecus Snobulae
Primary Instruments: Fiddle, Flute, Whistle
Features and Behavior: Upturned nose, 'Holier than thou' condescending attitude; Large cinder-block sized chip on shoulder; Takes his music very seriously; Despises other species like Peter Pagan and Sean Southie and takes perverse pleasure in demoralizing newbies; Hates all backers and bodhran players; Regularly blogs on internet Irish music forums to complain how others are 'ruining' Irish Traditional Music; Hates the term ITM; Has been known to storm out of a session when someone plays a tune he thinks is inferior; Believes he is a true 'caretaker' of the tradition.
Primary Habitat: High level sessions in large cities, anger management therapy
Ace McCool
Beenthere Donethaticus
Primary Instruments: varies
Features and Behavior: No unusual markings, really – except perhaps a slightly disinterested, wry smile and a very dry wit. Can play every tune and multiple instruments remarkably well, doesn’t engage in petty session politics. Has toured and played sessions around the globe, but doesn’t talk about it. Makes everyone around him sound and play better.
Features and Behavior: Scottish Football Jersey, fake Brogue, desperate need to be seen as an authority on all things Irish; usually doesn’t have an Irish sir-name; Uses Irish slang words like eejit , brilliant, bullocks, and feck all in daily conversation; Noodles obnoxiously on nearly every tune.
Primary Habitat: Every pub, session, festival, feis and fleadh in North America
Jimmy Jokester
Craic Humeroustae
Primary Instruments: Fiddle, Banjo, whistle
Features and Behavior: Hawaiian print shirt; can play random tunes like My Sharona, La Bamba, and dozens of riffs from Led Zeppelin in between jig sets; Knows thousands of Irish, Scottish, English, and even a few Welsh jokes; Loves to provoke other species like Paul Puredrop and Sean Southie; Can 'burp-sing' the song Wild Rover. Intentionally mispronounces the names of tunes with something vulgar or suggestive.
Primary Habitat: Near the bar, flirting with the waitress, or outside for a smoke.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Once upon a time sad to say I think I was Sean Southie. The Paul Puredrop stage followed, but didn't last long until my natural Jimmy Jokester nature won over. Ace McCool is my role model though.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
They're very recognisable. Except the people I know who've toured the globe are fairly loquacious about it. This is because their experiences have been sufficiently varied and bizarre.
By "the globe", I mean anywhere south of Stockton.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
That was Brilliant!! I like the Ace McCool the best. The funny thing is that I have seen all of those stereotypes before, I mean exact replicas of them, even to the instruments lol.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
In Sarf London there are really only four stereotypes:
1. The wig glue fans at B B King's Wig Museum (Finchley, Tx)
2. The members of the Tooting Old Testament Re-Enactment Society (including the Mount Olympus Who Do You Do? Team)
3. The Hot Water Bottle Factory folks at Dulwich
4. The Catford Dog Track Ukulele Collective
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
This portion of the piece follows the stereotypes section -
"For anyone who has ever spent more than five minutes observing an Irish session, these stereotypes will seem quite familiar. However, it should be noted that the vast majority of people who attend sessions are actually quite pleasant and remarkably normal. Furthermore, if anyone has ever spent more than five minutes reading Irish music blogs, it must also be noted that people are not nearly as snide, spiteful or downright nasty as their postings might lead you to believe. In most cases, a healthy Irish session community is filled with all sorts of personalities who come together for the sheer pleasure of playing this music and having a laugh with people who share that common affliction.
For all the hyperbole and supposed rules regarding Proper Session Etiquette, most of it can be summed up in two simple phrases; don’t be an ass and only play on the tunes you know. All the stuff your mother taught you about nice manners, the things your spouse advised regarding what NOT to say and do at a dinner party; it’s all the same thing here in the pub. Just common sense interaction with other human beings or 'session species.'
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
It's funny 'cuz it's true as they say, right Oil? I must say that I do not wear Hawaiian print shirts though, but if it helps the illusion on here, folks are free to continue to imagine.
"...it must also be noted that people are not nearly as snide, spiteful or downright nasty as their postings might lead you to believe..."
Jusa, that should be on the front page of the mustard when you log in!
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Truth is SWFL, that little link you've stumbled across came off a web-page my buddy wrote with dreams of creating a new Chiff and Fipple or Session.org of his own design
He asked me to pen a few goofy things to fill in the dead space until something useful came along. I wrote that stereotype gag based on some of my travels to various sessions.
Unfortunately, my buddy got married, started a new job and the web-site dream now sits idle for the past 4 years. I prod him every so often to fire it up again, but my pleas fall on deaf, busy ears.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
@zippydw:
I believe you are Polish, and consort with Liturginazis and such.
In which case, and taking into account your other details, you are unquestionably JohnnusPaulus Secundus redivivus, put back on this planet to keep us in line.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Eulic wondered why no pipers? The truth is, most pipers I have met are the quintessential students of this music - the cost, the mythical 21-year learning curve, puts them in a class by themselves. Other than this curious mania itself, I have seen no obvious stereotype that covers that particular obsession. Some one else will have to craft that stereotype joke...
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
What about Johnny Jammer, who doesn't understand the need to know the tunes as long as you can manufacture great countermelodies on the spot? After all, isn't this just another type of jam session?
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
What, no 'zouk players ?
Also, I drive a Volvo estate, not a VW minibus.
Also, NO Grateful Dead lps or bootlegs.
Also never worked in a guitar shop. Hung around in a few, though.
Otherwise a Fred Folkie.
Trying to work out where partner fits in this. Any comment on the people with no ethnic connection who nevertheless love the music ?
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Pete, I believe the Latin for that species is Allus Arewelcomus, which is helped greatly by another Irish concept, known in its Latin form as Falteus Hospitalitii.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
"The truth is, most pipers I have met are the quintessential students of this music - the cost, the mythical 21-year learning curve, puts them in a class by themselves"
I dunno, what do you say about an uillean piper who's been playing several years while never managing to sound the drones? (and mostly turns up at Scottish sessions, without bothering to learn any Scottish tunes).
Mostly, you're right, having a very expensive instrument that only just works after years of slog does get results. But you can't count on it.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Keep in mind, these stereotypes are based on people I have met at sessions - the instruments are merely an accessory to their persona they have created
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
"Furthermore, if anyone has ever spent more than five minutes reading Irish music blogs, it must also be noted that people are not nearly as snide, spiteful or downright nasty as their postings might lead you to believe."
It's always been a good rule of thumb - going back before the world wide web, even - to believe the best impression you get of someone from their internet postings, and to question the worst. Unless, of course, there's money involved, in which case the reverse is true.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
"What do you say about an uilleann piper who's been playing several years while never managing to sound the drones?"
You mean like Paddy Moloney?
Anyhow these stereotypes are great! I'm closest to Willie Wannabe. I even have a Scottish football shirt!! Sorry no fake brogue... I hate it when Americans sing Irish songs in a fake accent. Yes and the lack of an Irish name, though the Irish side of my family is named Glancy. About the word "eejit" everyone in my family uses it, a very useful word we picked up from watching so many episodes of Father Ted.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
There's a funny and true uilleann piper stereotype in The Boys From County Clare: the ceili band run by the Colm Meaney character has a piper, and whenever the band is playing you see the piper adjusting his reeds, popping out a valve, etc.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
So in what category do the rest of we North Americans fit? Are we all obnoxious compared to our European counterparts? Are we simply dillusional posers who will never understand the true soul of the music because we were born on the wrong continent to do so?
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Some of us are obnoxious and some of us eventually learn not to be obnoxious about this music which we enjoy playing. Perhaps the people who learn not to be obnoxious are the ones who understand the "true soul" of this music because some of their ancestors came here (unwillingly) from Ireland and/or Scotland.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Well, I don't know about that. I think it just takes an open mind, working ears, manners and common sense. Experience and wisdom would probably help too. It all worked for me!
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Lovely notion, fauxcelt. But were I to endorse it, I would be one of the 'dillusional poser' mob. (Maybe I fit the description in other ways.) Last names would not seem to be reliable indicators of receptivity -- or for that matter, obtuseness.
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
My goodness - some folks are reading far more into this little bit of self-depreciating humor than needed. It's just a wee poke at some of the quirky, self-indulgent phases some folks go through as they grow into the session culture. If any one is offended - well then - you have some soul searching to do as I probably cut a little too close to the bone for some. And to that I say....
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
As for first names, I was originally supposed to be named after my grandfather whose name was George but my father decided to go in another direction and named me Laurence instead. The members of this web site who are also members of The Session.Org Appreciation Society know that my surname is an English name.
JNE, I want you to know that I enjoyed this "bit of self-depreciating humor" and wasn't the least bit offended by it. I thought it was funny.
When I mentioned people whose ancestors came here from Ireland and Scotland, I was thinking of some of my own family history.
According to some of my older relatives (who are dead and gone), some of my ancestors were forced off their land in Scotland during the infamous Highland Clearances and they emigrated here while this country was still thirteen British colonies on the eastern coast of North America.
Also, there was supposed to an Irish ancestor with the surname of Malone who was cheated or tricked out of his land by some Englishman who wanted his land. This Malone ancestor also emigrated here while this country was still thirteen colonies on the east coast.
Once these ancestors arrived here, they went inland as far as they could go to get away from the authorities (who were British) and some of them actually married Native American women (imagine that!) because most of the European women supposedly lived closer to the coast.
As I said above, most of this is hearsay from stories told me by older relatives. If I had the time and the money, I would try to investigate and find out how much of this is true but I have neither the time nor the money right now.
A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
(Stumbled across this in my internet travels, quite amusing.)
http://www.irishseisiun.org/about-irish-sessions.htm
A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Wanda Wiccan
Bizaro hairylimbicus
Primary Instruments: Whistle, Flute, Fiddle, Shaky Egg
Features and Behavior: Raven-black hair; body piercings - most of which cannot be seen; Random Celtic knot tattoos; Describes herself as a 'Celtic Priestess' (Celtic always pronounced with hard K sound); Lives with at least three cats, owns every episode of Xena: Warrior Princess and Charmed on DVD.
Primary Habitat: Sessions, Renaissance Faires, Covens, and Whole Food stores throughout Northern California, Los Angeles, Oregon, and the woods of Northern New England. Some additional migratory patterns based on last Phish concert tour.
Occasionally found in the close company of:
Peter Pagan
Hedonisti Bongloadicus
Primary Habitat: Sessions, Renaissance Faires, Covens, and Whole Food stores throughout Northern California, Los Angeles, Oregon, and the woods of Northern New England. Some additional migratory patterns based on last Phish concert tour.
Primary Instruments: Djembe, 2-foot tall ceramic bong carved like a Sheila Na-gig.
Features and Behavior: Often shirtless, heavily tattooed and multiple body piercings; Prone to inexplicable spontaneous apoplectic dancing.
Primary Habitat: Roams freely in sessions, parks, orgies, and drum circles throughout California, Oregon and New England.
Sean Southie
Drunkarse Thugticae
Primary Instruments: Guitar, Banjo, Bodhran
Features and Behavior: Tam O’Shanter cap, Dropkick Murphy’s T-shirt, Facial hair resembling Leprechaun mascot from Notre Dame; Often has inflammatory Irish political tattoos such as Tiocfaidh ar La or Fianna na hEireann but cannot pronounce or understand their Gaelic meanings; Excess testosterone, unhealthy obsessions with brawling and booze; Idolizes Shane McGowan; Thinks The Departed is a wicked good movie.
Primary Habitat: Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, or any large town with high concentrations of 20-something Irish Americans. Can also be seen in the gutter vomiting, or jail after any St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Fred Folky
Arloguthrie Wrinklous
Primary Instruments: Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin
Features and Behavior: Long graying ponytail, beard. Drives VW bus filled with David Grisman and bootleg Grateful Dead cassette tapes. Came to Irish music late in life after briefly dating Wanda Wiccan.
Primary Habitat: Can be found in sessions, folk jams, bluegrass gatherings and working in the acoustic/accessories departments of every Guitar Center all across North America.
Mother Mary Margaret
Lacecurtain Hollywoodicus
Primary Instruments: Fiddle, Accordion
Features and Behavior: Cable Knit Sweater/Jumper, Claddagh ring, cheery disposition, looks exactly like somebody's dear Irish grammy. Knows at least nine recipes for soda bread, has seen The Quiet Man 411 times, weeps instantly whenever someone sings Danny Boy, believes the Irish are a 'blessed race.' Never misses Celtic Women, The Irish Tenors, or Riverdance when replayed on PBS during Pledge Drives.
Primary Habitat: Sessions, bingo nights, antique hunting, or anywhere else large numbers of retirees can be found
Paul Puredrop
Elitecus Snobulae
Primary Instruments: Fiddle, Flute, Whistle
Features and Behavior: Upturned nose, 'Holier than thou' condescending attitude; Large cinder-block sized chip on shoulder; Takes his music very seriously; Despises other species like Peter Pagan and Sean Southie and takes perverse pleasure in demoralizing newbies; Hates all backers and bodhran players; Regularly blogs on internet Irish music forums to complain how others are 'ruining' Irish Traditional Music; Hates the term ITM; Has been known to storm out of a session when someone plays a tune he thinks is inferior; Believes he is a true 'caretaker' of the tradition.
Primary Habitat: High level sessions in large cities, anger management therapy
Ace McCool
Beenthere Donethaticus
Primary Instruments: varies
Features and Behavior: No unusual markings, really – except perhaps a slightly disinterested, wry smile and a very dry wit. Can play every tune and multiple instruments remarkably well, doesn’t engage in petty session politics. Has toured and played sessions around the globe, but doesn’t talk about it. Makes everyone around him sound and play better.
Primary Habitat: Anyplace people play Irish music
Willie Wannabe
Insecurous Overcompensatious
Primary Instruments: Bodhran, Banjo, Fiddle, Whistle
Features and Behavior: Scottish Football Jersey, fake Brogue, desperate need to be seen as an authority on all things Irish; usually doesn’t have an Irish sir-name; Uses Irish slang words like eejit , brilliant, bullocks, and feck all in daily conversation; Noodles obnoxiously on nearly every tune.
Primary Habitat: Every pub, session, festival, feis and fleadh in North America
Jimmy Jokester
Craic Humeroustae
Primary Instruments: Fiddle, Banjo, whistle
Features and Behavior: Hawaiian print shirt; can play random tunes like My Sharona, La Bamba, and dozens of riffs from Led Zeppelin in between jig sets; Knows thousands of Irish, Scottish, English, and even a few Welsh jokes; Loves to provoke other species like Paul Puredrop and Sean Southie; Can 'burp-sing' the song Wild Rover. Intentionally mispronounces the names of tunes with something vulgar or suggestive.
Primary Habitat: Near the bar, flirting with the waitress, or outside for a smoke.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Once upon a time sad to say I think I was Sean Southie. The Paul Puredrop stage followed, but didn't last long until my natural Jimmy Jokester nature won over. Ace McCool is my role model though.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
'tis a hoot!
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by Threewood
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
They're very recognisable. Except the people I know who've toured the globe are fairly loquacious about it. This is because their experiences have been sufficiently varied and bizarre.
By "the globe", I mean anywhere south of Stockton.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by nicholas
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
That was Brilliant!! I like the Ace McCool the best. The funny thing is that I have seen all of those stereotypes before, I mean exact replicas of them, even to the instruments lol.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by pipersgrip
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Aha, a multi-continental guide then? Glad it's use is universal!
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
'its', rats, and I have an apostrophe pet peeve too.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
In Sarf London there are really only four stereotypes:
1. The wig glue fans at B B King's Wig Museum (Finchley, Tx)
2. The members of the Tooting Old Testament Re-Enactment Society (including the Mount Olympus Who Do You Do? Team)
3. The Hot Water Bottle Factory folks at Dulwich
4. The Catford Dog Track Ukulele Collective
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by yhaalhouse
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
They missed a bunch of us
The late in the game folks trying to make up for lost time and stay ahead of the arthritis, high blood pressure and dietary restrictions.
My high schoolbiology/High Church Latin is rusty, but I think a species would be something like this
praepilatacisti chorauli, of the genus antiquibombuli
I have yet to come up with character name though.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by zippydw
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
This portion of the piece follows the stereotypes section -
"For anyone who has ever spent more than five minutes observing an Irish session, these stereotypes will seem quite familiar. However, it should be noted that the vast majority of people who attend sessions are actually quite pleasant and remarkably normal. Furthermore, if anyone has ever spent more than five minutes reading Irish music blogs, it must also be noted that people are not nearly as snide, spiteful or downright nasty as their postings might lead you to believe. In most cases, a healthy Irish session community is filled with all sorts of personalities who come together for the sheer pleasure of playing this music and having a laugh with people who share that common affliction.
For all the hyperbole and supposed rules regarding Proper Session Etiquette, most of it can be summed up in two simple phrases; don’t be an ass and only play on the tunes you know. All the stuff your mother taught you about nice manners, the things your spouse advised regarding what NOT to say and do at a dinner party; it’s all the same thing here in the pub. Just common sense interaction with other human beings or 'session species.'
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
I expect I'll meet a few of them in Cavan next week.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by Free Reed
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
SWFL—
Somebody has their eyes wide open. Absolutely nailed a lot of peoples’ motives for hanging in ‘seisiuns,’ just by listing their side interests.
We humans fit into categories more easily than we’d like to admit.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by NEW Pure Drop® Ear Canal Oil
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
It's funny 'cuz it's true as they say, right Oil? I must say that I do not wear Hawaiian print shirts though, but if it helps the illusion on here, folks are free to continue to imagine.
"...it must also be noted that people are not nearly as snide, spiteful or downright nasty as their postings might lead you to believe..."
Jusa, that should be on the front page of the mustard when you log in!
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Right on zippy, that species needs a common name though for sure. Victor Venerable? Oliver McOld?
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Mr. yhaalhouse, you sir defy all attempts at classification! A species unto yourself!
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
And not a piper among them! ;)
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by Eulic McGee
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Would that were true.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by Atahualpa Quigley
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Truth is SWFL, that little link you've stumbled across came off a web-page my buddy wrote with dreams of creating a new Chiff and Fipple or Session.org of his own design
He asked me to pen a few goofy things to fill in the dead space until something useful came along. I wrote that stereotype gag based on some of my travels to various sessions.
Unfortunately, my buddy got married, started a new job and the web-site dream now sits idle for the past 4 years. I prod him every so often to fire it up again, but my pleas fall on deaf, busy ears.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
@zippydw:
I believe you are Polish, and consort with Liturginazis and such.
In which case, and taking into account your other details, you are unquestionably JohnnusPaulus Secundus redivivus, put back on this planet to keep us in line.
# Posted on August 13th 2010 by nicholas
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Well done Jusa, I knew it had to be one of us!
# Posted on August 14th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Eulic wondered why no pipers? The truth is, most pipers I have met are the quintessential students of this music - the cost, the mythical 21-year learning curve, puts them in a class by themselves. Other than this curious mania itself, I have seen no obvious stereotype that covers that particular obsession. Some one else will have to craft that stereotype joke...
# Posted on August 14th 2010 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
What about Johnny Jammer, who doesn't understand the need to know the tunes as long as you can manufacture great countermelodies on the spot? After all, isn't this just another type of jam session?
# Posted on August 14th 2010 by AlBrown
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
What, no 'zouk players ?
Also, I drive a Volvo estate, not a VW minibus.
Also, NO Grateful Dead lps or bootlegs.
Also never worked in a guitar shop. Hung around in a few, though.
Otherwise a Fred Folkie.
Trying to work out where partner fits in this. Any comment on the people with no ethnic connection who nevertheless love the music ?
# Posted on August 14th 2010 by Guernsey Pete
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Pete, I believe the Latin for that species is Allus Arewelcomus, which is helped greatly by another Irish concept, known in its Latin form as Falteus Hospitalitii.
# Posted on August 14th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Al, I've seen Johnny Jammer! He hangs out with Bobby Bluegrass!
# Posted on August 14th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
"The truth is, most pipers I have met are the quintessential students of this music - the cost, the mythical 21-year learning curve, puts them in a class by themselves"
I dunno, what do you say about an uillean piper who's been playing several years while never managing to sound the drones? (and mostly turns up at Scottish sessions, without bothering to learn any Scottish tunes).
Mostly, you're right, having a very expensive instrument that only just works after years of slog does get results. But you can't count on it.
# Posted on August 14th 2010 by Jack Campin
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
He didn't say it was a 'good' class, more of a psychological ailment really.
# Posted on August 14th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Keep in mind, these stereotypes are based on people I have met at sessions - the instruments are merely an accessory to their persona they have created
# Posted on August 14th 2010 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
"Furthermore, if anyone has ever spent more than five minutes reading Irish music blogs, it must also be noted that people are not nearly as snide, spiteful or downright nasty as their postings might lead you to believe."
It's always been a good rule of thumb - going back before the world wide web, even - to believe the best impression you get of someone from their internet postings, and to question the worst. Unless, of course, there's money involved, in which case the reverse is true.
# Posted on August 15th 2010 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
How stupid is this thread ... let me count the ways ....
# Posted on August 15th 2010 by Hup
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
"What do you say about an uilleann piper who's been playing several years while never managing to sound the drones?"
You mean like Paddy Moloney?
Anyhow these stereotypes are great! I'm closest to Willie Wannabe. I even have a Scottish football shirt!! Sorry no fake brogue... I hate it when Americans sing Irish songs in a fake accent. Yes and the lack of an Irish name, though the Irish side of my family is named Glancy. About the word "eejit" everyone in my family uses it, a very useful word we picked up from watching so many episodes of Father Ted.
# Posted on August 15th 2010 by Richard D Cook
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Hup, does that make you Mr. Grumpy Nohumor, who takes it all too seriously?
# Posted on August 15th 2010 by AlBrown
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
The uilleann piper whose trek to mastery takes immense spans of time is obviously: Mayancalendarus Synchronus Getitalltogetherus Endoftheworldus.
# Posted on August 15th 2010 by nicholas
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
There's a funny and true uilleann piper stereotype in The Boys From County Clare: the ceili band run by the Colm Meaney character has a piper, and whenever the band is playing you see the piper adjusting his reeds, popping out a valve, etc.
# Posted on August 15th 2010 by Richard D Cook
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Al - it just amazes me why someone would bother writing it
up like that - oh well, back to work now
# Posted on August 16th 2010 by Hup
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
All work and no play will make Hup a dull boy!
# Posted on August 16th 2010 by AlBrown
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
So in what category do the rest of we North Americans fit? Are we all obnoxious compared to our European counterparts? Are we simply dillusional posers who will never understand the true soul of the music because we were born on the wrong continent to do so?
# Posted on August 17th 2010 by STLpiper
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
I would think not, considering a North American wrote it and a North American posted it.
# Posted on August 17th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Some of us are obnoxious and some of us eventually learn not to be obnoxious about this music which we enjoy playing. Perhaps the people who learn not to be obnoxious are the ones who understand the "true soul" of this music because some of their ancestors came here (unwillingly) from Ireland and/or Scotland.
Laurence
# Posted on August 17th 2010 by fauxcelt
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Well, I don't know about that. I think it just takes an open mind, working ears, manners and common sense. Experience and wisdom would probably help too. It all worked for me!
# Posted on August 17th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Lovely notion, fauxcelt. But were I to endorse it, I would be one of the 'dillusional poser' mob. (Maybe I fit the description in other ways.) Last names would not seem to be reliable indicators of receptivity -- or for that matter, obtuseness.
# Posted on August 17th 2010 by Atahualpa Quigley
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
My goodness - some folks are reading far more into this little bit of self-depreciating humor than needed. It's just a wee poke at some of the quirky, self-indulgent phases some folks go through as they grow into the session culture. If any one is offended - well then - you have some soul searching to do as I probably cut a little too close to the bone for some. And to that I say....
Yawn.
# Posted on August 17th 2010 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Y'all chill out. Seriously.
And Laurence... really??
# Posted on August 17th 2010 by DrSilverSpear
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
First names tell me everything I need to know. (How am I doing guys?)
# Posted on August 17th 2010 by Atahualpa Quigley
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
Fine fine, just watch out for them conquistadors!
# Posted on August 17th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: A Field Guide to North American Irish Session Stereotypes
As for first names, I was originally supposed to be named after my grandfather whose name was George but my father decided to go in another direction and named me Laurence instead. The members of this web site who are also members of The Session.Org Appreciation Society know that my surname is an English name.
JNE, I want you to know that I enjoyed this "bit of self-depreciating humor" and wasn't the least bit offended by it. I thought it was funny.
When I mentioned people whose ancestors came here from Ireland and Scotland, I was thinking of some of my own family history.
According to some of my older relatives (who are dead and gone), some of my ancestors were forced off their land in Scotland during the infamous Highland Clearances and they emigrated here while this country was still thirteen British colonies on the eastern coast of North America.
Also, there was supposed to an Irish ancestor with the surname of Malone who was cheated or tricked out of his land by some Englishman who wanted his land. This Malone ancestor also emigrated here while this country was still thirteen colonies on the east coast.
Once these ancestors arrived here, they went inland as far as they could go to get away from the authorities (who were British) and some of them actually married Native American women (imagine that!) because most of the European women supposedly lived closer to the coast.
As I said above, most of this is hearsay from stories told me by older relatives. If I had the time and the money, I would try to investigate and find out how much of this is true but I have neither the time nor the money right now.
Laurence
# Posted on August 18th 2010 by fauxcelt