Watching Geantrai last night on TG4 reminded me that this habit of playing with your eyes shut appears to be becoming more & more popular.
In one session two musicians were filmed, sitting staring at one another, with their eyes shut - if you know what I mean!
Is this just being done for effect, to look COOL?
If so, what is the point.
I suppose the practitioners believe that they look like they are - more in tune with 'their music man'?
It looks bloody silly if you ask me.
I mean to say, doesn't it make more sense to maintain eye contact for those all importartant changes & let's face it, don't we play music for fun, and part of that fun surely comes from seeing the pleasure in other musicians faces as you are all having fun with the tunes?
Can you picture your own session with everyone sitting for two hours with their eyes shut.
Wasn't it Breandan who coined the phrase 'shop dummies' recently?
Well to me these eyes shut merchants surely look more like shop dummies than anyone else!
I mean to say, the tapping with each foot, sometimes one at single time & one at double time strikes me as being a bit gimmicky too, but at least it is a sociable practice - bit like dancing, while sitting down!
I wonder, do you have 'Eyes Shut Dummies' in your session?
- and if so, is this practice then becoming a world wide phenomenon?
Hey! let's try & stop this before it gets really silly, altogether.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Yea... we have a few too. My brother for is one of them. When ever
he plays his whistles or when he's playing a slow air he startes to
close his eyes. I always stare at him wondering why. I can't picture
everybody in our session just closing their eyes. Thank God I'm not alone
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
About a month ago someone posted a link here to a 'scientific' article that said the musical bits of our brains get confused when we try to mix aural and visual stimuli. That was a relief to me, as I find I can get distracted from my playing when a saucy wench sashays her way across the room, us in flight mid tune, and I'm glad to know I'm not just a chauvinist pig--that it's really just the way my musical neurons are wired....
So I do tend to close my eyes a fair amount (we have lots of saucy wenches in these parts) while playing, not at all for show, but simly to focus more deeply on the sounds I'm making. But only on fiddle. On flute and banjo, my eyes mostly stay open.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I can understand why Banjo & Bodhran & Egg Shakers keep their eyes open. After all, don't those guys even need eyes in the back of their heads - just in case!
Ah, those saucy wenches........................................................
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Ptarmigan, it may sound pretentious to you, but none such was intended on my part. I'm just clinging to the tunes by the skin of my teeth.
It's not splitting the atom, just
"this Irish traditional music....
because first you have to learn it,
and first you must learn the Talk
and then you must learn the Grip
and after that you must learn the Truckly-How
and then
you have the whole lot
only just to keep on practising it."
And if Seamus Ennis felt that way, who am I to argue.
Besides, sometimes I just want to get lost in the tunes unencumbered by the spastic neon light in the window or the groupie making eyes at me or the pint teetering on the table's edge or the hornets at the door screen or the pug ugly punter making eyes at the groupie or the hour on the clock.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
On the fiddle, I only close my eyes, when we're getting terribly out of tune or out of sync etc. In other words, when I can't bear it anymore.
I usually stare down the fiddle and watch my left hand, because if I look around the pub and watch people I get distracted.
I just started with the box, and since there isn't really anything to focus my eyes on, I find myself staring vacantly in the air - I'm afraid *that* will make me look like a real dummy. (I think sometime in the near future, I have to start the drooling bit, don't I?) I haven't tried it yet, but the thought has crossed my mind that it might be (or at least - look) better if I'd close my eyes...
It definitely is a matter of concentration.
>After all, we're just playing wee tunes, aren't we, not trying to split the Atom!!!
Well, I dare say playing a tune on an instrument while listening to what everybody else is playing, remembering how the tunes goes, performing all the fine-motor activities requrires to lead the bow in exactly the way you want it and move the fingers in the sequence to the right position etc. requires a fair amount of active brain cells in quite a number of different brain regions - I wouldn't be surprised if musicians' brains show an overall higher level of activity than somebody actually splitting an atom!
>a 'scientific' article that said the musical bits of our brains get confused when we try to mix aural and visual stimuli
When I listened to a recording of our group playing, I could here all of our shortcomings very clearly. When watching a video of the same gig, we sounded so much better, even though I was consciously listening for certain passages. The only explanation I have for this phenomenon is that indeed the visual stimuli "override" the aural input to some extent.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
When I'm playing I'm concentrating so hard, I can't remember what my eyes have seen anyway. They might as well be shut, except when I have to play up the fret board. Then I need the eyes.
Yep, hanging on by the skin of my teeth as well.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Being concerned about whether your eyes are shut or not during a session is what's silly. I've never thought I was cool when I do, and I don't think anyone else I know has either. If you're concerned about your appearance while you're playing, maybe you should be in Riverdance or something like that. After you've performed on the stage in a show with your eyes open and looking around correctly whilst tapping your foot in the right way, drop by the pub for a tune and a pint and relax.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
It doesn't really help to look at your fingers when you're playing the fiddle, especially of your bow hand. Or is this a clever way to try and ban guitarists?
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
We can't possibly win!!!
If you're looking at your fingers "you're not very confident about your playing"
If you aren't, you're showing off!
If you play with your eyes shut or look at the ceiling (which I'm often guilty of doing), you're seen as a poseur.
Again, if you pay too much attention to what other musicians are doing you could be either very unconfident and "looking for clues" or showing off again.
I've actually done all of the above but only with the best of intentions.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
i did it a few times last week when i was really concentrating on making sure I don't loose that damn jig rythym, it was so fast, you have to once in a while,
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Better than wearing a paper bag over ones head. If I can't play with my eyes shut I may as well give up the music and jump over the cliffs of Moher. I always thought playing the music was for pleasure, obviously I was wrong. There's too much conforming in this world , better off in the next one I think.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Well, I'm even cooler than that - I put cotton wool in my ears and play an entire session. I'm currently working holding my breath too, but it's tough.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
If the music flows who gives a f..k if you close your eyes, tap your foot or scratch your arse... although the last might be a bit difficult unless your a folk singer. Anyway we are all poseurs to some degree, thats human nature innit?
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Just last night, it was just me on guitar and a fiddler. The cute waitress went by, and he almost lost his train of thought, right when we were switching from The Musical Priest to The Mason's Apron. So there are some risks to keeping one's eyes open. But in my mind, those risks are far outweighed by the additional connection with the audience and with the other musicians that come with keeping the eyes open.
Although, I must admit, sometimes I do get lost in the music to the point where my eyes glaze over....
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Speak for yourself Twiz!!
Although your comment does remind me of an old routine the Chieftains used to perform on stage. While playing a slide, each one would stand up in turn, scratch their arse & then sit down again - at least that's how I remember it!!
Perhaps I'll get the guys to try this at our next session - the four steps - shut your eyes, stand up, tap each foot in turn & scratch your arse, without falling over, before sitting down again, and all this while playing the Brosna Slide!!
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Oh No! I'm Gimmicky, Dow, Zina, Em...How come you guys never pointed it out to me before???!! I am sooo never tapping both my feet at a session ever ever again.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Oooohhh, oooohhh. I just thought of another gimmicky thing that some trad musicians are guilty of (not me thank god) Dressing up in period costumes when they do gigs.
A piper friend and I were asked to do a gig and the person who was hiring us asked us to dress up in 'Traditional Irish dress'.....WTF???? Needless to say we turned the gig down - who needs that kind of hassle?
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
We're usually trying to concentrate on what we're playing along side the many distractions: loaded punters requesting "The Irish Rover," yappy purists hurling their opinions, and the whirling, flitting, mass of errant or absent commas, questions marks, and hyphens that can be found zooming high above their correct places between clauses, and at the conclusion of interrogative statements.
We've infiltrated the sessions, and we're bringing the whole thing down from the inside.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Last night at our session, I tried closing my eyes during a set of tunes. When I opened them at the end, there was a fresh pint of Guinness on the table in front of me! YMMV.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Hey bb costumes didn't stop us winning third prize in last weekend's 1st Danny Boy Fiddle Competition, in Co. Derry - so na na, ne na na to that argument!!!
Speaking of costumes, what about the lack of them?
Or the ultimate distractions!! - e.g. Have any of you widely dispersed ITMs ever played a session in the scud? i.e. on a nude beach?
Sorry folks, guess I'm still thinking of all Will Harmon's piece and all those saucy wenches!!!
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Yup, I shut my eyes when I need to concentrate, either on my own playing or someone else's, although really if I want to hear what someone else is doing it's best to stop playing so I can, or I just blodge all over the tune trying to both play and listen.
Beebs, you're possibly the least gimmicky person I've ever known. Except for the makeup.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Great Curlew!
It's good to know theres another HD fan out there!
Good to know you enjoy the sound of the HD so much you just have to close your eyes to concentrate on it's wonderful sound.
You should try keeping your eyes open though to enjoy the hypnotic effect of the hammers moving across the strings at speed!
By the way, has anyone out there ever mastered the art of playing the Hammered Dulcimer with their eyes shut?
As for tuning the beasts, thank goodness for the electronic tuner!
No!! I haven't myself. It just sounds, to other people, like my eyes are shut when I play mine!!
Incidently Curlew, on a serious note (sorry). A Curlew was reportedly seen around here, in North Antrim, last week & it caused quite a bit of excitement. It would appear that you are fast becoming an endangered species.
I'd say it's time to keep your eyes open - just in case!!
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Why is it that although this is an Irish Traditional Music web site I find myself now--and on several others occasions--humming the tune of Bob Dylan's "Ballad of a Thin Man"?
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Since we're so concerned about our eyes being opened at sessions, maybe we should have a mailing list to make sure none of us are wearing the same outfit and we're all dressed smartly. There should also be smiling workshops offered at Willy Week.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
What Coleman P P - not even those enchanting CCE green jackets?
Never mind the classes, they could just sell masks of smiling faces for session musicians at the Willy Week, with optional eyes open or shut for the poseur & non poseur!
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Gary said above that after he closed his eyes during a set, a pint had appeared when he reopened them. If that happened every time, I am sure that every session player would have their eyes closed tight during the tunes!
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Hey Al, what about all the poor folk who don't drink pints!
After all we're not all beer swilling, fag dragging, eye shutting, sad faced louts you know!!
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I pose as a shut-eyed fiddle player when I am sleepy. Like last night, after a knock down drag out weekend of tunes. Or, when I am sitting next to a noodler or there's a bad bodhran or anti-rhythmic bouzouki nearby.
I found one day that if I closed my eyes, I could isolate the sound of the bad bodhran and block it out.
I wish it was acceptable to work with one's eyes closed.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Out of four of us at our session, only three of us close our eyes when reaching greatness, albeit not all the time. (always great, not always eyes shut) The fourth one isn't really interested in the music.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I once played a session blindfolded, with earplugs, wearing mittens on my hands and a clothes pin on my nose, but I could still taste the resentment brewing on the yellow web site. And I didn't use my sixth sense at all. Am I cool, or what?
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
You must be a young'un Ptar, or had access to better drugs than I did.
Don't you remember "Boogie Face"?
Do you have anything to complain about?
Or is this one of those "I'm bored: entertain me" things.
You really don't remember "Boogie Face"?
Yr probably happier than I am.
When I play the fiddle, I look cross-eyed at the strings. I’ve tried playing in front of a mirror just to see how stupid it looks, but I can’t seem to catch myself in the act.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I don't close my eyes, but I do practice my accordion in a dark room to break myself of the habit of watching my fingers. And from the other room, I can hear my wife requesting that I play "Far From Home."
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I'm most deffo an eyes shut dummie. Always have been. But then I'm just a trendy wee whippersnapper. But I didn't realise trendy wee keechs were intae drinking a gallon of guinness per sesh.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I think I've cracked it Conan.
The answer lies in his reply, when he said she calls "from the other room"!
So I bet, in fact, they are never in the same room.
The "other room" may well be across the road in another house, and she in fact calls him on her mobile phone!
Yes, it is starting to make more sense now.
Come on Al - deny it?
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Well if you care to read some of your earlier stuff on this thread ptarmigan. you'll see that you in fact brought up the subject of webbed feet. Not I.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I always close my eyes when playing, just open them for tune changes etc. It's not posing - I do it at home too.
How is it possible to concentrate with eyes open - all the tacky decor and other distractions - and as a woman I don't even have to worry about the saucy wenches! As for checking out the male talent - at an ITM session, forget it! (Or am I missing something because my eyes are always closed)!
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I guess I am just blessed with a fine wife, who is willing to tolerate eccentric, free-reed behavior. Had she known I would become an accordion player, she may have made some different choices in her youth, but for the time being, she is sticking with me. I can't take credit for planning it this way, I just got lucky.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
BB know your just jealous. A lot of it about today; Aussies jealous they don't live in Belfast and stuff.
On the subject of eyes wide shut or whatever, I need to keep mine open otherwise I'd make a worse raket than I do already.. However, I have caught myself on once or twice closing my eyes while playing the bodhrán. When I realised this, I opened them. Very embarrassing. Hope no-one noticed.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I may well be jealous Conan, but I don't get the "married" bit. Why should that stop anyone.
And Conan, one may be able to play pipes, flute, guitar, fiddle, button or piano box with their eyes open not paying full attention. The bodhran, being that tad more difficult, requires full attention, and that's why you found your eyes closing.
The expression "I could do that with my eyes shut" does not refer to music.
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
The reason why I close my eyes when I play whistle is either because a) I don't want to be distracted or messed up especially when playing something solo... or b) because I'm damn tired. B has only happened once anyway =P
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
My father was a bit hung up and always practised accordion with the light off. If you can do that, it is quite natural to play in the pub with your eyes shut. You will probably play better than some of the clowns who play rubbish with their eyes open and brains shut.
I can also talk whilst playing - are most people dummies because they can't?
Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Watching Geantrai last night on TG4 reminded me that this habit of playing with your eyes shut appears to be becoming more & more popular.
In one session two musicians were filmed, sitting staring at one another, with their eyes shut - if you know what I mean!
Is this just being done for effect, to look COOL?
If so, what is the point.
I suppose the practitioners believe that they look like they are - more in tune with 'their music man'?
It looks bloody silly if you ask me.
I mean to say, doesn't it make more sense to maintain eye contact for those all importartant changes & let's face it, don't we play music for fun, and part of that fun surely comes from seeing the pleasure in other musicians faces as you are all having fun with the tunes?
Can you picture your own session with everyone sitting for two hours with their eyes shut.
Wasn't it Breandan who coined the phrase 'shop dummies' recently?
Well to me these eyes shut merchants surely look more like shop dummies than anyone else!
I mean to say, the tapping with each foot, sometimes one at single time & one at double time strikes me as being a bit gimmicky too, but at least it is a sociable practice - bit like dancing, while sitting down!
I wonder, do you have 'Eyes Shut Dummies' in your session?
- and if so, is this practice then becoming a world wide phenomenon?
Hey! let's try & stop this before it gets really silly, altogether.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I wish I could watch Geantrai on TG4. Even if they keep their eyes shut.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by grego
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Yea... we have a few too. My brother for is one of them. When ever
he plays his whistles or when he's playing a slow air he startes to
close his eyes. I always stare at him wondering why. I can't picture
everybody in our session just closing their eyes. Thank God I'm not alone
Fiddler
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by paratroopers
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
About a month ago someone posted a link here to a 'scientific' article that said the musical bits of our brains get confused when we try to mix aural and visual stimuli. That was a relief to me, as I find I can get distracted from my playing when a saucy wench sashays her way across the room, us in flight mid tune, and I'm glad to know I'm not just a chauvinist pig--that it's really just the way my musical neurons are wired....
So I do tend to close my eyes a fair amount (we have lots of saucy wenches in these parts) while playing, not at all for show, but simly to focus more deeply on the sounds I'm making. But only on fiddle. On flute and banjo, my eyes mostly stay open.
Then again, I'm a dummy eyes open or closed.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Will CPT
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I can understand why Banjo & Bodhran & Egg Shakers keep their eyes open. After all, don't those guys even need eyes in the back of their heads - just in case!
Ah, those saucy wenches........................................................
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
....and before the pedants get going on me again - no I didn't mean Banjo Shakers or Bodhran Shakers!!
Although.....................................
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Re. a 'scientific' article that said the musical bits of our brains get confused when we try to mix aural and visual stimuli.
Aren't we just getting a wee bit pretentious here?
After all, we're just playing wee tunes, aren't we, not trying to split the Atom!!!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Darkwood.
Perhaps fiddlers keep their eyes shut to stop the Rosin dust getting in?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Greco, you should find a friend with satellite TV, or move to Ireland!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Ptarmigan, it may sound pretentious to you, but none such was intended on my part. I'm just clinging to the tunes by the skin of my teeth.
It's not splitting the atom, just
"this Irish traditional music....
because first you have to learn it,
and first you must learn the Talk
and then you must learn the Grip
and after that you must learn the Truckly-How
and then
you have the whole lot
only just to keep on practising it."
And if Seamus Ennis felt that way, who am I to argue.
Besides, sometimes I just want to get lost in the tunes unencumbered by the spastic neon light in the window or the groupie making eyes at me or the pint teetering on the table's edge or the hornets at the door screen or the pug ugly punter making eyes at the groupie or the hour on the clock.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Will CPT
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
All these young men trying to IGNORE groupies!!!
.. and NOT SEE saucy wenches!!!
What's the world coming to?
In my young day ......................reaches for Fiddle.............
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
On the fiddle, I only close my eyes, when we're getting terribly out of tune or out of sync etc. In other words, when I can't bear it anymore.
I usually stare down the fiddle and watch my left hand, because if I look around the pub and watch people I get distracted.
I just started with the box, and since there isn't really anything to focus my eyes on, I find myself staring vacantly in the air - I'm afraid *that* will make me look like a real dummy. (I think sometime in the near future, I have to start the drooling bit, don't I?) I haven't tried it yet, but the thought has crossed my mind that it might be (or at least - look) better if I'd close my eyes...
It definitely is a matter of concentration.
>After all, we're just playing wee tunes, aren't we, not trying to split the Atom!!!
Well, I dare say playing a tune on an instrument while listening to what everybody else is playing, remembering how the tunes goes, performing all the fine-motor activities requrires to lead the bow in exactly the way you want it and move the fingers in the sequence to the right position etc. requires a fair amount of active brain cells in quite a number of different brain regions - I wouldn't be surprised if musicians' brains show an overall higher level of activity than somebody actually splitting an atom!
>a 'scientific' article that said the musical bits of our brains get confused when we try to mix aural and visual stimuli
When I listened to a recording of our group playing, I could here all of our shortcomings very clearly. When watching a video of the same gig, we sounded so much better, even though I was consciously listening for certain passages. The only explanation I have for this phenomenon is that indeed the visual stimuli "override" the aural input to some extent.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by heike
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Or the moral of that last story could just be - "Keep your eyes open to enjoy it more"
- and yes, I'm still speaking about music!!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
When I'm playing I'm concentrating so hard, I can't remember what my eyes have seen anyway. They might as well be shut, except when I have to play up the fret board. Then I need the eyes.
Yep, hanging on by the skin of my teeth as well.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by _________
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
". . .we're just playing wee tunes, aren't we, not trying to split the Atom!!!"
I've split atoms. I've never noticed that it required any great attention to aural stimuli.
KFG
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by KFG
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
This is a wind up, right? Nobody cares what we look like. If that was the case, most of us would not be allowed in sessions.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Shrog
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Being concerned about whether your eyes are shut or not during a session is what's silly. I've never thought I was cool when I do, and I don't think anyone else I know has either. If you're concerned about your appearance while you're playing, maybe you should be in Riverdance or something like that. After you've performed on the stage in a show with your eyes open and looking around correctly whilst tapping your foot in the right way, drop by the pub for a tune and a pint and relax.
Here's not looking at you, kid.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
If he doesn't like it I don't see why he can't just shut his eyes and ignore it.
KFG
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by KFG
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Shrog's right.
Now let's move on to something important - should players be banned from looking at their fingers while playing?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by showaddydadito
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
It doesn't really help to look at your fingers when you're playing the fiddle, especially of your bow hand. Or is this a clever way to try and ban guitarists?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by kuec
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
We can't possibly win!!!
If you're looking at your fingers "you're not very confident about your playing"
If you aren't, you're showing off!
If you play with your eyes shut or look at the ceiling (which I'm often guilty of doing), you're seen as a poseur.
Again, if you pay too much attention to what other musicians are doing you could be either very unconfident and "looking for clues" or showing off again.
I've actually done all of the above but only with the best of intentions.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Johannes J
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Ptarmigan is an anagram of Rampant GI.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by showaddydadito
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Maybe folk shut their eyes so they don't have to see all the people like Ptarmigan who are so worried about appearances.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by kris
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
How are we supposed to get some kip if we can’t close our eyes?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ottery
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
i did it a few times last week when i was really concentrating on making sure I don't loose that damn jig rythym, it was so fast, you have to once in a while,
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by ecidralla
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Better than wearing a paper bag over ones head. If I can't play with my eyes shut I may as well give up the music and jump over the cliffs of Moher. I always thought playing the music was for pleasure, obviously I was wrong. There's too much conforming in this world , better off in the next one I think.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Bernie
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Oooooooooooooo!!
My oh my, but some folks are getting touchy about this one!
Could it be that I've touched a wee nerve here - truth always hurts etc etc.
Maybe there are in fact more poseurs out there than I thought, or that you would care to admit?
For example, who has the most show biz name on this site?
I vote for - showaddydadito!
(Well, I couldn't come up with a good anagram!!
)
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Bribanjoe - you try taking that much codeine, and see what it does to you.
That's why I close my eyes a lot.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by showaddydadito
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Jeez.. some people have nothing better to worry about have they. ( Btw, I typed that with my eyes closed just to show off)
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Cammy
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
A poseur?
Moi?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by showaddydadito
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I read it with my eyes closed (because I'm so cool).
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Shrog
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Well, I'm even cooler than that - I put cotton wool in my ears and play an entire session. I'm currently working holding my breath too, but it's tough.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Cammy
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I think I heard that session Cammy.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by showaddydadito
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
If the music flows who gives a f..k if you close your eyes, tap your foot or scratch your arse... although the last might be a bit difficult unless your a folk singer. Anyway we are all poseurs to some degree, thats human nature innit?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Twiz
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Just last night, it was just me on guitar and a fiddler. The cute waitress went by, and he almost lost his train of thought, right when we were switching from The Musical Priest to The Mason's Apron. So there are some risks to keeping one's eyes open. But in my mind, those risks are far outweighed by the additional connection with the audience and with the other musicians that come with keeping the eyes open.
Although, I must admit, sometimes I do get lost in the music to the point where my eyes glaze over....
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by AlBrown
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Speak for yourself Twiz!!
Although your comment does remind me of an old routine the Chieftains used to perform on stage. While playing a slide, each one would stand up in turn, scratch their arse & then sit down again - at least that's how I remember it!!
Perhaps I'll get the guys to try this at our next session - the four steps - shut your eyes, stand up, tap each foot in turn & scratch your arse, without falling over, before sitting down again, and all this while playing the Brosna Slide!!
I need a Coffee - Irish of course!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Yes Al, I've been there too.
I did fall asleep while playing Fiddle one night, just for a moment.
Another night my Bow did fly out of my hand too but at least I had my eyes open so was able to see where it landed!!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Oh No! I'm Gimmicky, Dow, Zina, Em...How come you guys never pointed it out to me before???!! I am sooo never tapping both my feet at a session ever ever again.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by bb Cruella de vil
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Oooohhh, oooohhh. I just thought of another gimmicky thing that some trad musicians are guilty of (not me thank god) Dressing up in period costumes when they do gigs.
A piper friend and I were asked to do a gig and the person who was hiring us asked us to dress up in 'Traditional Irish dress'.....WTF???? Needless to say we turned the gig down - who needs that kind of hassle?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by bb Cruella de vil
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
If you have the time and lack of concentration to worry about how you look then you are a poser.
If you let the music flow over your consciousness to a point where the music is all there is then posing is not on your mind.
Whatever state your body is in, if great music is the result then who cares?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by baglady
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
We're usually trying to concentrate on what we're playing along side the many distractions: loaded punters requesting "The Irish Rover," yappy purists hurling their opinions, and the whirling, flitting, mass of errant or absent commas, questions marks, and hyphens that can be found zooming high above their correct places between clauses, and at the conclusion of interrogative statements.
We've infiltrated the sessions, and we're bringing the whole thing down from the inside.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by grymater
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Last night at our session, I tried closing my eyes during a set of tunes. When I opened them at the end, there was a fresh pint of Guinness on the table in front of me! YMMV.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by GaryAMartin
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Hey bb costumes didn't stop us winning third prize in last weekend's 1st Danny Boy Fiddle Competition, in Co. Derry - so na na, ne na na to that argument!!!
Speaking of costumes, what about the lack of them?
Or the ultimate distractions!! - e.g. Have any of you widely dispersed ITMs ever played a session in the scud? i.e. on a nude beach?
Sorry folks, guess I'm still thinking of all Will Harmon's piece and all those saucy wenches!!!
Time for a cold shower I think!!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I shut my eyes sometimes when I play (quite a lot actually)
Always have, I think it's just my way of concentrating.
I shut them even tighter when theres a hammer dulcimer in the session. 'Know what I mean'
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by curlew
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Yup, I shut my eyes when I need to concentrate, either on my own playing or someone else's, although really if I want to hear what someone else is doing it's best to stop playing so I can, or I just blodge all over the tune trying to both play and listen.
Beebs, you're possibly the least gimmicky person I've ever known. Except for the makeup.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Great Curlew!
It's good to know theres another HD fan out there!
Good to know you enjoy the sound of the HD so much you just have to close your eyes to concentrate on it's wonderful sound.
You should try keeping your eyes open though to enjoy the hypnotic effect of the hammers moving across the strings at speed!
By the way, has anyone out there ever mastered the art of playing the Hammered Dulcimer with their eyes shut?
As for tuning the beasts, thank goodness for the electronic tuner!
No!! I haven't myself. It just sounds, to other people, like my eyes are shut when I play mine!!
Incidently Curlew, on a serious note (sorry). A Curlew was reportedly seen around here, in North Antrim, last week & it caused quite a bit of excitement. It would appear that you are fast becoming an endangered species.
I'd say it's time to keep your eyes open - just in case!!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Why is it that although this is an Irish Traditional Music web site I find myself now--and on several others occasions--humming the tune of Bob Dylan's "Ballad of a Thin Man"?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by grymater
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Oi Zeens, Dont be mean or I'll stick Emily Howard onto you!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by bb Cruella de vil
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Your certainly not thinking of me anyway gyrmater - even although I'm only 18 Stone & rising!!!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Since we're so concerned about our eyes being opened at sessions, maybe we should have a mailing list to make sure none of us are wearing the same outfit and we're all dressed smartly. There should also be smiling workshops offered at Willy Week.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
LOL -- I love puppies, so I'll be mean all day if you promise, beebs!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
What Coleman P P - not even those enchanting CCE green jackets?
Never mind the classes, they could just sell masks of smiling faces for session musicians at the Willy Week, with optional eyes open or shut for the poseur & non poseur!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Heh, shes really cute too zeens, and no, I'm not being biased. shes a little black lab
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by bb Cruella de vil
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Lab puppies are just sooooo cute! All feet and whiskers and ears and happy!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Gary said above that after he closed his eyes during a set, a pint had appeared when he reopened them. If that happened every time, I am sure that every session player would have their eyes closed tight during the tunes!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by AlBrown
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Hey Al, what about all the poor folk who don't drink pints!
After all we're not all beer swilling, fag dragging, eye shutting, sad faced louts you know!!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Sooooo weird being in the same time zone as you fellas! I say stuff and it gets answered right away.....weird!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by bb Cruella de vil
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Can I get back to you on that?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Welcome to life in the Zone, beebs.
Give Cores a kiss for me, would you? I have to go work now. *sigh*
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I pose as a shut-eyed fiddle player when I am sleepy. Like last night, after a knock down drag out weekend of tunes. Or, when I am sitting next to a noodler or there's a bad bodhran or anti-rhythmic bouzouki nearby.
I found one day that if I closed my eyes, I could isolate the sound of the bad bodhran and block it out.
I wish it was acceptable to work with one's eyes closed.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Jode
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Perhaps being a non-poseur is like being humble--the moment you think you are, you're not.
Whom shall we nominate as the Poseur Child for ITM?
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by woman of the house
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Out of four of us at our session, only three of us close our eyes when reaching greatness, albeit not all the time. (always great, not always eyes shut) The fourth one isn't really interested in the music.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by bodhran bliss
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
LOL, WOTH!
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
The last time I seen a 'ptarmigan' was at Auchtermuchty some years ago. Certainly wasn't an 18 stone one though, must have flown south and prospered.
Well you've found one way to promote your website,I suppose.
# Posted on August 15th 2005 by curlew
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
What is WOTH, must have had my eyes shut when that one was explained.
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by bodhran bliss
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Woman Of The House..!
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I'm glad you asked curlew - it went straight over my head too!
Oh boy, I'm never gonna get anything done now that I have a laptop and no job......
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by bb Cruella de vil
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I once played a session blindfolded, with earplugs, wearing mittens on my hands and a clothes pin on my nose, but I could still taste the resentment brewing on the yellow web site. And I didn't use my sixth sense at all. Am I cool, or what?
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by GaryAMartin
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Yip Curlew - got as far as Auchendinny.
Then I started a website - for webbed feet species to visit!
I wonder, is the Curlew a relative of the rare Poolewe?
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
You must be a young'un Ptar, or had access to better drugs than I did.
Don't you remember "Boogie Face"?
Do you have anything to complain about?
Or is this one of those "I'm bored: entertain me" things.
You really don't remember "Boogie Face"?
Yr probably happier than I am.
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Owell Mabee
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
..................AND YOU THINK I'M ON DRUGS!!
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
$%^#! @^*&*( !
Forgot the $%^*^&*! Smilies again!
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Owell Mabee
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Well I have successfully found another way that doesn't work!
... try again later, maybe.....
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Owell Mabee
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Andy is waving bye bye, bye bye........................................
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
By the way Ptarmigan, curlews don't have webbed feet.
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by curlew
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
neither do ptarmigans.
The plot thickens...
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Conán McDonnell
What about cross-eyed dummies?
When I play the fiddle, I look cross-eyed at the strings. I’ve tried playing in front of a mirror just to see how stupid it looks, but I can’t seem to catch myself in the act.
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Bob himself
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I don't close my eyes, but I do practice my accordion in a dark room to break myself of the habit of watching my fingers. And from the other room, I can hear my wife requesting that I play "Far From Home."
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by AlBrown
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I'm most deffo an eyes shut dummie. Always have been. But then I'm just a trendy wee whippersnapper. But I didn't realise trendy wee keechs were intae drinking a gallon of guinness per sesh.
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
What Al!
You play the Accordion & you managed to find a wife to live with you? !!!!!!!!!!!!!
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Yes, Al; what's your secret? I need to know.
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Curlew, why would a Ptarmigan care whether you had webbed feet or not?
Now smelly feet, that's different!
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I think I've cracked it Conan.
The answer lies in his reply, when he said she calls "from the other room"!
So I bet, in fact, they are never in the same room.
The "other room" may well be across the road in another house, and she in fact calls him on her mobile phone!
Yes, it is starting to make more sense now.
Come on Al - deny it?
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Maybe just Avian species at the session, with webbed feet shut their eyes?
Mweep Mwaw
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Conan dear, if I wasn't married, I'd come after you right enough. PA notwithstanding. ;)
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
mick moloney is infamous for this....
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by DADGADLad
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Did I just miss something..............
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Yes... you had your eyes closed
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I find sometimes when I close my eyes during sessions I tend to nod off.
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Fudge
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Care to elaborate on who the 4th man is Bliss??
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by jfiddlerh
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Well if you care to read some of your earlier stuff on this thread ptarmigan. you'll see that you in fact brought up the subject of webbed feet. Not I.
Can we get back to Irish music now, please?
Eyes open or closed.
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by curlew
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I always close my eyes when playing, just open them for tune changes etc. It's not posing - I do it at home too.
How is it possible to concentrate with eyes open - all the tacky decor and other distractions - and as a woman I don't even have to worry about the saucy wenches! As for checking out the male talent - at an ITM session, forget it! (Or am I missing something because my eyes are always closed)!
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Sharon the Flute
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I guess I am just blessed with a fine wife, who is willing to tolerate eccentric, free-reed behavior. Had she known I would become an accordion player, she may have made some different choices in her youth, but for the time being, she is sticking with me. I can't take credit for planning it this way, I just got lucky.
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by AlBrown
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Psssst.
I think Curlew is getting a bit pi**ed off, so I'm off to find a thread which is dealing with Irish Music, for a wee change!
[ Well, you have to humour him, don't you. ]
Still, it was fun while it lasted.
Soon be time to shut my eyes again - & go to sleep!
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Al, the best way of making sure the little darlings enjoy your music is just make sure you marry a musician - simple really!
Well of course, she HAS to love Irish Music - surely I didn't need to say that?
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
'night night ' ptarmigan 'night night' another busy day tomorrow.
# Posted on August 17th 2005 by curlew
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
The fourth man Jfiddlerh would be "The ambient one".
Zina, what has being married got to do with chasing after Conan or not. What is this, "Little House on the Prairie".
# Posted on August 17th 2005 by bodhran bliss
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Aye yer right curlew, you can't beat a bit of shut eye - Doh!!
# Posted on August 17th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Saw Mozaic last night, and Lunny sang a song, eyes firmly shut – bloody poseur….I’ve gone and last all respect for the lad !
# Posted on August 17th 2005 by BegF
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
BB know your just jealous. A lot of it about today; Aussies jealous they don't live in Belfast and stuff.
On the subject of eyes wide shut or whatever, I need to keep mine open otherwise I'd make a worse raket than I do already.. However, I have caught myself on once or twice closing my eyes while playing the bodhrán. When I realised this, I opened them. Very embarrassing. Hope no-one noticed.
# Posted on August 17th 2005 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
Nobody noticed, Conan. They all had their eyes shut.
# Posted on August 17th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
..and their ears
# Posted on August 17th 2005 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
I may well be jealous Conan, but I don't get the "married" bit. Why should that stop anyone.
And Conan, one may be able to play pipes, flute, guitar, fiddle, button or piano box with their eyes open not paying full attention. The bodhran, being that tad more difficult, requires full attention, and that's why you found your eyes closing.
The expression "I could do that with my eyes shut" does not refer to music.
# Posted on August 17th 2005 by bodhran bliss
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
The reason why I close my eyes when I play whistle is either because a) I don't want to be distracted or messed up especially when playing something solo... or b) because I'm damn tired. B has only happened once anyway =P
Cheers,
Armand
# Posted on August 18th 2005 by fiddlinviolinin
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
No one can play a whistle with their eyes open.
# Posted on August 18th 2005 by bodhran bliss
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
My father was a bit hung up and always practised accordion with the light off. If you can do that, it is quite natural to play in the pub with your eyes shut. You will probably play better than some of the clowns who play rubbish with their eyes open and brains shut.
I can also talk whilst playing - are most people dummies because they can't?
# Posted on August 23rd 2005 by geoffwright
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
There's other people at my session?
# Posted on August 25th 2005 by chautauqua
Re: Do you have "Eyes Shut Dummies" in your session?
All that said, I think if this guy was at our session, I would ask him to keep his eyes - shut!
http://www.whoatemyburrito.com/
P.S. You need to move his 'burrito' around to get the full effect!
# Posted on February 22nd 2006 by Ptarmigan