just wondering do any of ye actually ever just play in a session and enjoy it without complaining about something or someone or without something crazy happening.every seond discussion on here is about some stupit thing or opinion that happened at a session.i play at sessions every week,theres no racism,show offs,out of tune players,or people talking crap.if someone isnt able to play the tunes or play an instrument fairly well then they just dont play.simple as that.
moan moan moan (yes i know i am moaning now)
some of ye on here should try enjoying a session once in a while.!!!! just a thought! and something gives me the feeling a lot of these sessions arent in ireland!
"something gives me the feeling a lot of these sessions arent in ireland!" A lot of people here are in Ireland -- so that shoots down that theory.
If everyone was perfect and had good manners I suppose we'd never think of anything to say except how great sessions are. I think most people have a good time at sessions or else they wouldn't go to them all the time. One thing that doesn't happen at sessions is sitting around discussing sessions. This website provides people with a unique opportunity to do that. If that doesn't interest you, don't read the threads about it -- but don’t make errant assumptions about people that do decide to talk about it.
I love sessions and I love the music. I'm not from Ireland, and I know that Ireland is "the home of Irish Traditional Music" as your profile says, but I grew up with a lot of music and musicians, and what I play is part of my culture in the states just as much as what you play is a part of your culture in Ireland. There's no need to be condescending to non-Irish musicians who love the music too.
Discussion threads are for.....discussion. Endeth the lesson.
Ireland may be "the home of ITM" but you will find more music, and better exponents, all over the globe.
So all you Bostonians, New Yorkers, S.F, French, German, Italian, Aussie, Czech, Canadian, African, and elsewhere players and contributors to these pages, do not be offended.
Being Irish is an accident of birth, the music is worldwide.
Well, we had a really good session tonight. Guess what? we had real musicians turned up and we played tons and tonsa tunes, all sorts. No controversy there. Sh!t, that sounds really boring but it's true.
Hell. I've got nothing to complain about now...let me think...Aha! I know..I'll moan about threads which moan about threads which moan about things going on at sessions. After all, it's a free website.
So here's my current moan: Hey fused, stop moaning about other threads and just get on with it. Deal with it. Oh what do I care? 9 tenths of the world are starving and this is the best we can come up with. Why do I bother wasting even a small part of my life coming on here just to read..and write.. this discordant mental flatulence?
I played in sessions for years in Ireland, grew up listening to Irish music, and can unequivocally say that the problems at sessions- bad playing, rude people, flat beer,-are universal. A good way to air and educate people is to make these transgressions public. Thus we have a forum with which to discuss. If you don't like it, don't read. There are plenty of internet forums I avoid. Also, there are plenty of positive things that we discuss in these threads. What, exactly is your point?
IMO It doesn't matter where you're from...trad music is a universal thing; anyone can play it and anyone can enjoy it and that's what it's all about.
It doesn't matter if you're from "Ireland da hom ov Irish music and dont forget dat!" it makes no differance people from all over the world are generally just as capable and sometimes even more capable of playing the music - that's an almost racist thing in your profile.
Sorry, just thought i'd point that error from your profile out
Phil
There *are* normal sessions, in my short experience I've been to a few. Actually, the fact that this board is full of descriptions of extraordinary sessions or behaviours is a valid proof that most sessions we all go to are normal.
The thing is if the session is normal, you don't go over to the discussion board every time just to say "Hey, lads and lassies, what a normal session we had today". But just by reading the board you can get the impression that everywhere we go is wrong or crazy, or at least unexpected - it's like watching the 'breaking news' makes you believe that only bad things happen in the world and we are all heading towards inescapable disaster.
But, browsing through discussions, I actually found a lot of positive threads, descripting the other end of Gaussian curve - fantastic sessions, great players, memorable festivals etc. I firmly believe that we all enjoy ourselves well in sessions - otherwise we wouldn't be bothering with going to them, n'est pas?
I agree with "phil (zoukman)," as you may have gathered from earlier. I'm glad that I'm not the only one who found your profile to be a bit bigoted. I've gotten crap from people before for being an American who plays Irish music, and I have to say, that the best Irish musicians I've encountered appreciated the music a lot more than the nationality. I think caring about the nationality too much is stupid, because you stand to miss out on some great music and people that way.
Well, in fairness, fused actually does have a point. I know I've come on here and droned on about some eejit wrecking our session for one reason or another. But those very occasional sessions are the exception rather than the norm. But there's nothing in principle wrong with a good auld moan, the only downside being that this is a public site and non-musicians, or non-Irish session players, might get put off coming along to a sesh if they think all we ever do is moan about headcases, eggists, out of tune players and so on.
Hey, are we not performing a public service if we are discouraging non-musicians, or non-Irish session players from coming along to a sesh?
Do you not think that anyone who might be thinking of bringing along their shakey egg could do worse than spend a couple of hours searching the archives here for their chosen "instrument"?
Nah, John. Actually it was a bit quiet, but nice enough. Maybe I should start a thread bewailing the mediocrity of just an average session. Just for the sake of it.
Boy, no trying to hide the insult to the Yanks!! -- or at least that's the way I took your post and your bio (nice spelling by the way.) My family is first generation Irish and out of the 50 or so first cousins I have (not to mention 2nd and 3rd!) myself, my children and my siblings are the only ones who play Irish music!!-- Go figure!!--at least we're keeping the tradition alive.
As for having something to complain about--who doesn't? This is the place to discuss problems and ask questions or to simply say one had a great time playing here or there.
I’d say there is quite a home for traditional Irish music in this area, wouldn’t you fiddlefamily? By the by I liked the yoga comparison. I’ll miss the mighty goings on this Sunday coming and I ain’t all that happy about it either. I’ll be in the Shenandoah Valley playing some of that American derivative stuff. DM and I are traveling to North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with her folks.
I must admit though the seeming daily discussion of an individual’s “session rules” here does grow tiresome. However I really like the occasional tales of zany happenings from around the world. Lets me know that the folks in this little slice of Heaven are not much different than most other places.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate the day! Happy sessions to all and to all a goodnight (well actually mid-morning).
Our local sessions are usually pretty satisfying. I would say about one out of 10 rises above the rest to be truly memorable in a good way, and a similar number have some sort of irritating event that occurs.
Happy Thanksgiving to all--I am off to DisneyWorld this week, after years of me and my wife hosting the extended family gathering. They have a new "Irish" pub that has opened, I will check it out, and report back on what their take on Irish music is (I have a feeling it won't fall into the "normal" parameters)!
just a question, perhaps i didn't understand well, but, what IS a normal session??? does that really exist???
i went to a session last Tuesday(as any people on this site know, now)-it was in France-, and i thought it was strange, as nobody really played altogether...but, anyway, does that really matter? if you play, even if you don't play as Mike Mc Goldrick, or whoever, if you play, that's the most important, isn't it? and if we want to moan about it, let's just do it. But it doesn't mean we don't enjoy going to sessions. Not at all. moaning is perhaps natural, reassuring somehow, funny as well..."
And last thing, sessions in france or anywhere else ain't worse than Real Irich Sessions. And an irsh muscian doesn't play necessarily better than a Croatian or an American...
"Trad music is a universal thing", keep that in mind, thanks Phil for saying such sensible things!
You know what p*sses me off? Bloody Limeys and Irish trying to play American Traditional Blues that's what! Beatles, Stones... Rory Gallagher! I ask you! ...you can have 'em!
Hey Farr, I won't hear a bad word said about Rory Gallagher! I saw him live twice and he was one class musician, a wonderful guitarist & a great blues man.
Must say I'm very glad your zenophobia doesn't extend to the Scots, cause believe me, you've never lived till you've seen blues being performed in a kilt, Farr! - Far out!
Curious, I've started reading this thread from the wrong end. It looks interesting - I'll be back........................................
Yeah,
and eminem doin' hiphop.
and Bob Dylan doin' Woody Guthrie
and Andy Irvine doin' Bulgarian
and Kate Bush doin She moved through the Fair
and ... and ... and ...
Easy Michael, you’re not casting any aspersions on my man from Brooklyn are you?
You want to know what really gets my blood to boiling? Well I’ll tell you then!
One goes to great lengths to hide their driveway (carpark for those on the other side of the pond) and the next thing you know the highway department comes along and puts a big sign up cautioning everyone that there is a hidden driveway ahead. Sheesh, you’d think they would respect a man’s efforts!
Fused, I love that line from your bio - "im from ireland.the home of IRISH TRADIONAL MUSIC!!!!!. lets not forget that!!"
Aye, Ireland, the home of Irish Music, which has for centuries borrowed so heavily from it's neighbours, both near & far.
For example, most of the instruments involved in ITM were in fact invented and developed outside Ireland & I think perhaps it is only the Uilleann Pipes, as they are now, & only really the two octave & regulator elements, that could actually claim to be truly 'Irish'.
As for tunes, the Reel, Jig, Hornpipe, Mazurka, Fling, Polka etc were in fact all adapted from other cultures & it is perhaps only the Slide and Planxty which can be claimed as truly Irish!
As for Pub Sessions, I believe they first started in London, so could claim to be English in origin, as could the word Craic, which started out as the word Crack in the North of England.
So when we say Irish Music, let's remember that it owes so much to so many other cultures that the Irish shouldn't be too selfish with it & certainly should be delighted to see folks from all over Europe enjoying it, as they recognise elements of their own countries music in it's make up.
So if we're Irish, let's not get too possesive about this music, it is now, after all, just one aspect of European Traditional Music & also World Music, it's up there for all to enjoy & share, & no, you don't need to born in a cottage on a bog, choking on turf fire smoke to be able to understand & play Irish Music.
Now where's that bottle of Coke - I'd like to teach the world to sing.......................
As for folk moaning here, I'd say it's the moans and groans & especially the amusing replies to them, that help to keep this discussion page alive.
"this discordant mental flatulence?" - the best description yet. - Goodonya Danny.
"Easy Michael, you’re not casting any aspersions on my man from Brooklyn are you?"
Duluth and Okemah, respectively. Dylan just likes to pretend he's from Coney Island because that's where Woody liked to be. On the other hand Jamaica Farewell, one of the two Calypso songs that everyone knows and recognizes was written by a native of that island known as "Long," and Brooklyn specifically.
That other calypso song was written by Alan Arkin and Erik Darling and the cononical recordings were done by Harry Belafonte, all natives of that island known as Manhatten, where the Irish session originated. An island that was once home to more native born Irish than Dublin.
The idea that music has geographic or political boundries is silly and even culture is mobile.
"I'd like to teach the world to sing......................."
I once saw a bodhran player smack a fiddler on the head with her tipper because he started a jig instead of a reel. Clearly, this is not normal, but it is worthy of note. And in our little slice of the virtual world, this is where you post such notes.
Fused second contribution to his thread demonstrates how con-FUSED he really is. It illustrates as well how some people only see what they want to see. He says, "i stand by what i said.ye are always compaining about sessions!!!!!!!!" If he were to review the threads and comments in this forum he would find plenty that express what a great joy sessions are.
About the concept of a "normal" session. My emphasis in here has always been that a session is whatever the people starting it want it to be, and that visitors should respect that when visiting that session. In other words -- any session is "normal" as it relates to itself. The problems stem from the point where visitors try to manipulate or change it in any way that is unwelcome by the founders. As I said before, it all comes down to good manners and common sense.
Crack is an English word? What's the etymology? Also, I want to add ( did you know I would want to add? ) that the O'Niel's collection that so many players use today and in fact saved many, many tunes from extinction was collected exclusively in, yes, Chicago, Illinois. And its spelled "Manhattan" K.
I remember, a few years ago, being on Staten Island in my Coast Guard uniform, discussing with another officer where we could find some good "craic" in Manhattan that evening. Got us some strange looks from our uniformed brethren who were not familiar with the term.
First time I heard the word "Craic" was when I first moved to SF and went to the Plough and Stars. I over heard two Irish guys talking and one of them said, "Gerry's great crack, isn't he?" Needless to say I wondered what district they were from. Then the other fella said, "There was some great crack there all right." and I figured they were talking about drugs instead of sex.
Oh, I know what it means, JT, I just meant where does it come from. Someone up there just mentioned its North of England roots. I assumed it was one of those impenetrable Gaelic words...
http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-english-words-of-irish-origin
crack
fun. Although, strictly speaking, not a word of Irish origin, it is often spelled craic in an Irish style by those who mistakenly believe it is an Irish language word. It originates in the north of England and Scotland. Nothing whatsoever to do with the drug crack.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Words_of_Irish_origin
crack
fun. Although, strictly speaking, not a word of Irish origin, it roughly corresponds in meaning and pronunciation to the Irish craic and is often written with that spelling. It originates in the north of England and Scotland. Nothing whatsoever to do with the drug crack.
Craic
Craic, is a pseudo-Gaelic spelling of the English slang term crack, meaning good fun. Most commonly this word is associated with Ireland and its slang.
Crack can mean, convey or imply several things. For example, the question "What is the crack?" can mean, firstly, How are you? or Is there any news? (either 'news' in general or news about a particular topic/event). Crack can also be used as a description, such as good, exciting, fun or interesting. Examples of this would be a reply to the question, "How was your evening?" such as "Aye* it was good crack." Which could mean several things but implies that the evening was in some way enjoyable. Crack is almost deliberately vague in its explantion, as it is used in several contexts, particularly and usually by Irish people, to convey or imply many different feelings or convictions.
*The word 'Aye' is commonly used in the north of Ireland as a substitute for the word 'yes'
Most of us here understand that, Dick. But you can see the obvious confusion for Yanks when they first encounter this word and you take into account the current drug and sex climate... right?
Oh sure, and me who was born there is now being told how to spell Manhates by someone from 'Frisco.
"but.. where.. does... it... come from?"
It's a synonym of bash, smash, bang and the like, all of which have had the meaning of "a good time" in English for a long time. The English associate fun with the practice of knocking in heads and blowing stuff up. So do the Irish for that matter, so you can see why the term would have been attractive to adopt.
I'm back, what's the crack?, as we used to say in the oilfield. (2 on, 2 off you know)
I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks "crake" when he sees it spelt "craic"
Michael's "and ... and ... and " post above was about the nearest he's made to something I'd post myself.
I was a great fan of Rory Gallagher though. Seeing him do "Goin' to my Hometown" at the Dallas Brookes in Melbourne 1974 made up my mind I was going for mandolin.
Yeah I'm an old oilman meself Bren, well, when I say oilman, I wasn't actually a driller or anything like that........ OK, truth is, I only spent a day, & night, on Conoco's Murchison Platform in 1991, which then, was situated 300 miles out in the North Sea. My mission, while on board, was to track down a serious 'mystery' insect infestation in the kitchens.
Now the interesting part of this story was the fact that the insects turned out to be Ptinus tectus [ yup, with a silent P & yeah I know, all 'pests' have a name like that! ] but the point is, these are actually called in English - Australian Spider Beetles.
Now following my extermination of this infestation, Interpol commissioned me to track down an Australian who could have been the source of this infestation - So Bren, it's a fair cop, yer knicked! You have the right........................
im not confused like someone as said above.its actually quite funny the amount of daft threads that are started(like this one) anyways i wont be getting involved in any of them.
i hope im not upsetting anybody by not using capital letters. i just dont feel the need.i dont read or check half yer posts anyway!
You realise these beetles might have been the only decent source of protein in the galley? The Muchie hasn't moved by the way - it's fixed to teh sea bed so that would be quite an undertaking.
We had some great sessions offshore - in 91, I had a drill crew of Kerrymen (culchies) and Corconians (southsiders). At one point we were tied alongside in South Shields for 3 months. My liver's still recovering. We had guitars, mandolins, whistles, the medic was on the fiddle and the crane operator was a dab hand ( tongue?) on the big chromatic moothie. And everyone reckoned they could sing. Some really could.
God knows what the good residents of lower Tyneside thought as we rolled back to the rig at 2am for the next morning's 6am start to spend the days crawling about the derrick beams with a hangover.
Oooops sorry Bren. I hope nobody starved because of my actions?
Gordon Bennett, so the Murchison is still out there!
I'm looking at a photograph of it on my desk, as I write.
It's amazing how those big red rigs blend into the natural environment out there!
I remember being told that one of it's legs was actually rooted in Norwegian waters!
Sounds like happy days Bren, but I trust your crane operator didn't honk on his 'tin sandwich', while operating the crane?
dear fused, i have a question for you, if you bother reading what i'm writing, of course...did you send such a post just to make people react or to have a proper explanation about why we like so much moaning at sessions?
if you don't read half the things we're telling you, is it really useful for you, then? what's the point?, i don't understand..!!
i was talking about the other discussions that have daft titles,but if ye have fun discussing it then go right ahead..i have read all of the posts on this thread.
a few people just tried to be smart by pointing out my spelling mistakes and bad grammer.oh well,im sure if they spent more time practicing and less time checking my quality of typing they would be better off..
ok, i deeply apologize then...
ye're right abt practising and quality of typing(i wonder how we got to such a link between music and grammar...makes me scared!)
Fused, I spent an hour busking this morning, an hour at the library looking for good books, half an hour shopping for groceries, I came home and did the dishes, tidied my room, had lunch at noon then practised for two hours. And I still had time to notice your spelling! If you don't make an effort, you see, we may start think you just don't care about us...
It was my first time out busking... ever! I made 8 quid - is that good?
Fused, I'm reading between the lines of your discussion posts and profile, and they're saying to me: "hey, look at ME, I'm a fantastic player, I basically might as well be McGoldrick cuz I'm so fooking skill, and the sessions I go to are totally amazing, with top quality musicians that you lame, lowly lot could hardly even dream of, since you're all not even in Ireland. You know you want to be like me, but you can never be cuz you're not Irish so ner ner ner-ner ner". The whole "moaning" thing is just a red herring right? So that we're supposed to think you're actually giving us a worthwhile and challenging topic to discuss, as opposed to a virtual strutting into centre stage?
well excuse me for starting a discussion.im just giving my opinion about some of the discussions on here and it would seem i have become the enemy.your above post is your opinion and i have given mine.no need to make assumptions about me that you cant back up!!
and just to let you know i am not as good as,or never will be as good as mcgoldrick and neither will anyone else!
I ain't got a choice... I *have* to keep it up... gotta eat somehow. Seriously. When I said I was coming to London to play tunes and live in abject poverty, apparently I really meant it!
as far as i can see ye are the ones with the big heads.not me.at least im normal not like people who spend there time making up some sort of rap/song aginst me because i upset them.this discussion board is of no use to me and my comments are of no use to you so.at least i know i can play music.im away now to get typing lessons. GOOD BYE.
normal session!!!
normal session!!!
just wondering do any of ye actually ever just play in a session and enjoy it without complaining about something or someone or without something crazy happening.every seond discussion on here is about some stupit thing or opinion that happened at a session.i play at sessions every week,theres no racism,show offs,out of tune players,or people talking crap.if someone isnt able to play the tunes or play an instrument fairly well then they just dont play.simple as that.
moan moan moan (yes i know i am moaning now)
some of ye on here should try enjoying a session once in a while.!!!! just a thought! and something gives me the feeling a lot of these sessions arent in ireland!
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by fused
Re: normal session!!!
Yes. Whether other people complain about me is another story.
KFG
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by KFG
Re: normal session!!!
"something gives me the feeling a lot of these sessions arent in ireland!" A lot of people here are in Ireland -- so that shoots down that theory.
If everyone was perfect and had good manners I suppose we'd never think of anything to say except how great sessions are. I think most people have a good time at sessions or else they wouldn't go to them all the time. One thing that doesn't happen at sessions is sitting around discussing sessions. This website provides people with a unique opportunity to do that. If that doesn't interest you, don't read the threads about it -- but don’t make errant assumptions about people that do decide to talk about it.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: normal session!!!
I love sessions and I love the music. I'm not from Ireland, and I know that Ireland is "the home of Irish Traditional Music" as your profile says, but I grew up with a lot of music and musicians, and what I play is part of my culture in the states just as much as what you play is a part of your culture in Ireland. There's no need to be condescending to non-Irish musicians who love the music too.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by heth
Re: normal session!!!
home is where the heart is
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by llig leahcim
Re: normal session!!!
"A normal person is just someone you don't know very well yet."
I suppose the same could be said of sessions.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Will CPT
Re: normal session!!!
When I was a child I used to think my family was normal.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Ottery
Re: normal session!!!
"home is where the heart is"
In a box on Stephen King's desk?
KFG
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by KFG
Re: normal session!!!
LOL, KFG.
No one is normal. Especially musicians.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by TJ
Re: normal session!!!
fused, I'm confused. What exactly is TRADIONAL music?
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by woops
Re: normal session!!!
Discussion threads are for.....discussion. Endeth the lesson.
Ireland may be "the home of ITM" but you will find more music, and better exponents, all over the globe.
So all you Bostonians, New Yorkers, S.F, French, German, Italian, Aussie, Czech, Canadian, African, and elsewhere players and contributors to these pages, do not be offended.
Being Irish is an accident of birth, the music is worldwide.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by bodhran bliss
Re: normal session!!!
Well, we had a really good session tonight. Guess what? we had real musicians turned up and we played tons and tonsa tunes, all sorts. No controversy there. Sh!t, that sounds really boring but it's true.
Hell. I've got nothing to complain about now...let me think...Aha! I know..I'll moan about threads which moan about threads which moan about things going on at sessions. After all, it's a free website.
So here's my current moan: Hey fused, stop moaning about other threads and just get on with it. Deal with it. Oh what do I care? 9 tenths of the world are starving and this is the best we can come up with. Why do I bother wasting even a small part of my life coming on here just to read..and write.. this discordant mental flatulence?
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: normal session!!!
It's human nature to gripe. It gives people something interesting to talk about. Heck, griping about griping is still griping.
I don't I've ever "not enjoyed" a session unless I was in a foul mood when I arrived, but that's not anybody else's fault.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by wormdiet
Re: normal session!!!
"think" should be in that last sentence somewhere.
Wormholes are what you get when you get to much of a wormdiet.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by wormdiet
Re: normal session!!!
Danny you've said all that needs to be said about this - thanks.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Donough
Re: normal session!!!
I played in sessions for years in Ireland, grew up listening to Irish music, and can unequivocally say that the problems at sessions- bad playing, rude people, flat beer,-are universal. A good way to air and educate people is to make these transgressions public. Thus we have a forum with which to discuss. If you don't like it, don't read. There are plenty of internet forums I avoid. Also, there are plenty of positive things that we discuss in these threads. What, exactly is your point?
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Farr
Re: normal session!!!
IMO It doesn't matter where you're from...trad music is a universal thing; anyone can play it and anyone can enjoy it and that's what it's all about.
It doesn't matter if you're from "Ireland da hom ov Irish music and dont forget dat!" it makes no differance people from all over the world are generally just as capable and sometimes even more capable of playing the music - that's an almost racist thing in your profile.
Sorry, just thought i'd point that error from your profile out
Phil
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by ecidralla
Re: normal session!!!
There *are* normal sessions, in my short experience I've been to a few. Actually, the fact that this board is full of descriptions of extraordinary sessions or behaviours is a valid proof that most sessions we all go to are normal.
The thing is if the session is normal, you don't go over to the discussion board every time just to say "Hey, lads and lassies, what a normal session we had today". But just by reading the board you can get the impression that everywhere we go is wrong or crazy, or at least unexpected - it's like watching the 'breaking news' makes you believe that only bad things happen in the world and we are all heading towards inescapable disaster.
But, browsing through discussions, I actually found a lot of positive threads, descripting the other end of Gaussian curve - fantastic sessions, great players, memorable festivals etc. I firmly believe that we all enjoy ourselves well in sessions - otherwise we wouldn't be bothering with going to them, n'est pas?
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by EastPole
Re: normal session!!!
I agree with "phil (zoukman)," as you may have gathered from earlier. I'm glad that I'm not the only one who found your profile to be a bit bigoted. I've gotten crap from people before for being an American who plays Irish music, and I have to say, that the best Irish musicians I've encountered appreciated the music a lot more than the nationality. I think caring about the nationality too much is stupid, because you stand to miss out on some great music and people that way.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by heth
Re: normal session!!!
Well, in fairness, fused actually does have a point. I know I've come on here and droned on about some eejit wrecking our session for one reason or another. But those very occasional sessions are the exception rather than the norm. But there's nothing in principle wrong with a good auld moan, the only downside being that this is a public site and non-musicians, or non-Irish session players, might get put off coming along to a sesh if they think all we ever do is moan about headcases, eggists, out of tune players and so on.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: normal session!!!
Hey, are we not performing a public service if we are discouraging non-musicians, or non-Irish session players from coming along to a sesh?
Do you not think that anyone who might be thinking of bringing along their shakey egg could do worse than spend a couple of hours searching the archives here for their chosen "instrument"?
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by llig leahcim
Re: normal session!!!
Ha-ha, they'd certainly get the message. But maybe out of a shakey eggist would sometimes hatch a musician, once they saw sense.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: normal session!!!
It must have been a *really* good night down at The Blythe, Danny. You've not started any new threads in the early hours today.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Johannes J
Re: normal session!!!
I'm guessing you mean "non-Irish-session-players" instead of "non-Irish session players" Michael, or at least I hope you do.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by grego
Re: normal session!!!
of course grego. goes without saying. I copy pasted it from the thread above and wasn't paying atention
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by llig leahcim
Re: normal session!!!
Nah, John. Actually it was a bit quiet, but nice enough. Maybe I should start a thread bewailing the mediocrity of just an average session. Just for the sake of it.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: normal session!!!
Boy, no trying to hide the insult to the Yanks!! -- or at least that's the way I took your post and your bio (nice spelling by the way.) My family is first generation Irish and out of the 50 or so first cousins I have (not to mention 2nd and 3rd!) myself, my children and my siblings are the only ones who play Irish music!!-- Go figure!!--at least we're keeping the tradition alive.
As for having something to complain about--who doesn't? This is the place to discuss problems and ask questions or to simply say one had a great time playing here or there.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by fiddlefamily
Re: normal session!!!
I’d say there is quite a home for traditional Irish music in this area, wouldn’t you fiddlefamily? By the by I liked the yoga comparison. I’ll miss the mighty goings on this Sunday coming and I ain’t all that happy about it either. I’ll be in the Shenandoah Valley playing some of that American derivative stuff. DM and I are traveling to North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with her folks.
I must admit though the seeming daily discussion of an individual’s “session rules” here does grow tiresome. However I really like the occasional tales of zany happenings from around the world. Lets me know that the folks in this little slice of Heaven are not much different than most other places.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate the day! Happy sessions to all and to all a goodnight (well actually mid-morning).
Peace,
Ed
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by ejsant
Re: normal session!!!
Our local sessions are usually pretty satisfying. I would say about one out of 10 rises above the rest to be truly memorable in a good way, and a similar number have some sort of irritating event that occurs.
Happy Thanksgiving to all--I am off to DisneyWorld this week, after years of me and my wife hosting the extended family gathering. They have a new "Irish" pub that has opened, I will check it out, and report back on what their take on Irish music is (I have a feeling it won't fall into the "normal" parameters)!
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by AlBrown
Re: normal session!!!
just a question, perhaps i didn't understand well, but, what IS a normal session??? does that really exist???
i went to a session last Tuesday(as any people on this site know, now)-it was in France-, and i thought it was strange, as nobody really played altogether...but, anyway, does that really matter? if you play, even if you don't play as Mike Mc Goldrick, or whoever, if you play, that's the most important, isn't it? and if we want to moan about it, let's just do it. But it doesn't mean we don't enjoy going to sessions. Not at all. moaning is perhaps natural, reassuring somehow, funny as well..."
And last thing, sessions in france or anywhere else ain't worse than Real Irich Sessions. And an irsh muscian doesn't play necessarily better than a Croatian or an American...
"Trad music is a universal thing", keep that in mind, thanks Phil for saying such sensible things!
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by lucie
Re: normal session!!!
"Real IriSh Sessions", sorry
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by lucie
Re: normal session!!!
You know what p*sses me off? Bloody Limeys and Irish trying to play American Traditional Blues that's what! Beatles, Stones... Rory Gallagher! I ask you! ...you can have 'em!
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Farr
Re: normal session!!!
Hey Farr, I won't hear a bad word said about Rory Gallagher! I saw him live twice and he was one class musician, a wonderful guitarist & a great blues man.
Must say I'm very glad your zenophobia doesn't extend to the Scots, cause believe me, you've never lived till you've seen blues being performed in a kilt, Farr! - Far out!
Curious, I've started reading this thread from the wrong end. It looks interesting - I'll be back........................................
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: normal session!!!
Yeah,
and eminem doin' hiphop.
and Bob Dylan doin' Woody Guthrie
and Andy Irvine doin' Bulgarian
and Kate Bush doin She moved through the Fair
and ... and ... and ...
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by llig leahcim
Re: normal session!!!
“and Bob Dylan doin' Woody Guthrie”
Easy Michael, you’re not casting any aspersions on my man from Brooklyn are you?
You want to know what really gets my blood to boiling? Well I’ll tell you then!
One goes to great lengths to hide their driveway (carpark for those on the other side of the pond) and the next thing you know the highway department comes along and puts a big sign up cautioning everyone that there is a hidden driveway ahead. Sheesh, you’d think they would respect a man’s efforts!
Peace,
Ed
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by ejsant
Re: normal session!!!
Fused, I love that line from your bio - "im from ireland.the home of IRISH TRADIONAL MUSIC!!!!!. lets not forget that!!"
Aye, Ireland, the home of Irish Music, which has for centuries borrowed so heavily from it's neighbours, both near & far.
For example, most of the instruments involved in ITM were in fact invented and developed outside Ireland & I think perhaps it is only the Uilleann Pipes, as they are now, & only really the two octave & regulator elements, that could actually claim to be truly 'Irish'.
As for tunes, the Reel, Jig, Hornpipe, Mazurka, Fling, Polka etc were in fact all adapted from other cultures & it is perhaps only the Slide and Planxty which can be claimed as truly Irish!
As for Pub Sessions, I believe they first started in London, so could claim to be English in origin, as could the word Craic, which started out as the word Crack in the North of England.
So when we say Irish Music, let's remember that it owes so much to so many other cultures that the Irish shouldn't be too selfish with it & certainly should be delighted to see folks from all over Europe enjoying it, as they recognise elements of their own countries music in it's make up.
So if we're Irish, let's not get too possesive about this music, it is now, after all, just one aspect of European Traditional Music & also World Music, it's up there for all to enjoy & share, & no, you don't need to born in a cottage on a bog, choking on turf fire smoke to be able to understand & play Irish Music.
Now where's that bottle of Coke - I'd like to teach the world to sing.......................
As for folk moaning here, I'd say it's the moans and groans & especially the amusing replies to them, that help to keep this discussion page alive.
"this discordant mental flatulence?" - the best description yet. - Goodonya Danny.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: normal session!!!
"see folks from all over Europe" - sorry ye all, forgot to add - '& the rest of the World' - to that sentence!
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: normal session!!!
"Easy Michael, you’re not casting any aspersions on my man from Brooklyn are you?"
Duluth and Okemah, respectively. Dylan just likes to pretend he's from Coney Island because that's where Woody liked to be. On the other hand Jamaica Farewell, one of the two Calypso songs that everyone knows and recognizes was written by a native of that island known as "Long," and Brooklyn specifically.
That other calypso song was written by Alan Arkin and Erik Darling and the cononical recordings were done by Harry Belafonte, all natives of that island known as Manhatten, where the Irish session originated. An island that was once home to more native born Irish than Dublin.
The idea that music has geographic or political boundries is silly and even culture is mobile.
"I'd like to teach the world to sing......................."
And to drink Pepsi.
KFG
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by KFG
Re: normal session!!!
I once saw a bodhran player smack a fiddler on the head with her tipper because he started a jig instead of a reel. Clearly, this is not normal, but it is worthy of note. And in our little slice of the virtual world, this is where you post such notes.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by IC Keith
Re: normal session!!!
i had a felling there would be a lot of replies.anyways i stand by what i said.ye are always compaining about sessions!!!!!!!!
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by fused
Re: normal session!!!
The bodhran is the other traditional instrument, the first.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by bodhran bliss
Re: normal session!!!
Fused second contribution to his thread demonstrates how con-FUSED he really is. It illustrates as well how some people only see what they want to see. He says, "i stand by what i said.ye are always compaining about sessions!!!!!!!!" If he were to review the threads and comments in this forum he would find plenty that express what a great joy sessions are.
About the concept of a "normal" session. My emphasis in here has always been that a session is whatever the people starting it want it to be, and that visitors should respect that when visiting that session. In other words -- any session is "normal" as it relates to itself. The problems stem from the point where visitors try to manipulate or change it in any way that is unwelcome by the founders. As I said before, it all comes down to good manners and common sense.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: normal session!!!
Crack is an English word? What's the etymology? Also, I want to add ( did you know I would want to add? ) that the O'Niel's collection that so many players use today and in fact saved many, many tunes from extinction was collected exclusively in, yes, Chicago, Illinois. And its spelled "Manhattan" K.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Farr
Re: normal session!!!
He can't spell or use capital letters either.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by ecidralla
Re: normal session!!!
I remember, a few years ago, being on Staten Island in my Coast Guard uniform, discussing with another officer where we could find some good "craic" in Manhattan that evening. Got us some strange looks from our uniformed brethren who were not familiar with the term.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by AlBrown
Re: normal session!!!
First time I heard the word "Craic" was when I first moved to SF and went to the Plough and Stars. I over heard two Irish guys talking and one of them said, "Gerry's great crack, isn't he?" Needless to say I wondered what district they were from. Then the other fella said, "There was some great crack there all right." and I figured they were talking about drugs instead of sex.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: normal session!!!
Oh, I know what it means, JT, I just meant where does it come from. Someone up there just mentioned its North of England roots. I assumed it was one of those impenetrable Gaelic words...
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Farr
Re: normal session!!!
Just to end the debate on craic:
http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-english-words-of-irish-origin
crack
fun. Although, strictly speaking, not a word of Irish origin, it is often spelled craic in an Irish style by those who mistakenly believe it is an Irish language word. It originates in the north of England and Scotland. Nothing whatsoever to do with the drug crack.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Words_of_Irish_origin
crack
fun. Although, strictly speaking, not a word of Irish origin, it roughly corresponds in meaning and pronunciation to the Irish craic and is often written with that spelling. It originates in the north of England and Scotland. Nothing whatsoever to do with the drug crack.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: normal session!!!
Hey Glen... I sent you an email.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: normal session!!!
- & just in case there was still any doubt:
http://www.answers.com/Craic
Craic
Craic, is a pseudo-Gaelic spelling of the English slang term crack, meaning good fun. Most commonly this word is associated with Ireland and its slang.
Crack can mean, convey or imply several things. For example, the question "What is the crack?" can mean, firstly, How are you? or Is there any news? (either 'news' in general or news about a particular topic/event). Crack can also be used as a description, such as good, exciting, fun or interesting. Examples of this would be a reply to the question, "How was your evening?" such as "Aye* it was good crack." Which could mean several things but implies that the evening was in some way enjoyable. Crack is almost deliberately vague in its explantion, as it is used in several contexts, particularly and usually by Irish people, to convey or imply many different feelings or convictions.
*The word 'Aye' is commonly used in the north of Ireland as a substitute for the word 'yes'
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: normal session!!!
Most of us here understand that, Dick. But you can see the obvious confusion for Yanks when they first encounter this word and you take into account the current drug and sex climate... right?
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: normal session!!!
but.. where.. does... it... come from? Rhyming slang? A crack off the bat? I should post a new thread.
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Farr
Re: normal session!!!
Just trying to be helpful Button. After all, the 'man' [?] did ask me the question - & you just know how obliging I am!
# Posted on November 18th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: normal session!!!
"its spelled "Manhattan" "
Oh sure, and me who was born there is now being told how to spell Manhates by someone from 'Frisco.
"but.. where.. does... it... come from?"
It's a synonym of bash, smash, bang and the like, all of which have had the meaning of "a good time" in English for a long time. The English associate fun with the practice of knocking in heads and blowing stuff up. So do the Irish for that matter, so you can see why the term would have been attractive to adopt.
KFG
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by KFG
Re: normal session!!!
Sorry abut the sp; I assumed you might be from abroad and unversed in our strange american spelling culture.
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Farr
Re: normal session!!!
I'm back, what's the crack?, as we used to say in the oilfield. (2 on, 2 off you know)
I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks "crake" when he sees it spelt "craic"
Michael's "and ... and ... and " post above was about the nearest he's made to something I'd post myself.
I was a great fan of Rory Gallagher though. Seeing him do "Goin' to my Hometown" at the Dallas Brookes in Melbourne 1974 made up my mind I was going for mandolin.
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Bren
Re: normal session!!!
You mean, you've been away.......?
Yeah I'm an old oilman meself Bren, well, when I say oilman, I wasn't actually a driller or anything like that........ OK, truth is, I only spent a day, & night, on Conoco's Murchison Platform in 1991, which then, was situated 300 miles out in the North Sea. My mission, while on board, was to track down a serious 'mystery' insect infestation in the kitchens.
Now the interesting part of this story was the fact that the insects turned out to be Ptinus tectus [ yup, with a silent P & yeah I know, all 'pests' have a name like that! ] but the point is, these are actually called in English - Australian Spider Beetles.
Now following my extermination of this infestation, Interpol commissioned me to track down an Australian who could have been the source of this infestation - So Bren, it's a fair cop, yer knicked! You have the right........................
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: normal session!!!
im not confused like someone as said above.its actually quite funny the amount of daft threads that are started(like this one) anyways i wont be getting involved in any of them.
i hope im not upsetting anybody by not using capital letters. i just dont feel the need.i dont read or check half yer posts anyway!
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by fused
Re: normal session!!!
You realise these beetles might have been the only decent source of protein in the galley? The Muchie hasn't moved by the way - it's fixed to teh sea bed so that would be quite an undertaking.
We had some great sessions offshore - in 91, I had a drill crew of Kerrymen (culchies) and Corconians (southsiders). At one point we were tied alongside in South Shields for 3 months. My liver's still recovering. We had guitars, mandolins, whistles, the medic was on the fiddle and the crane operator was a dab hand ( tongue?) on the big chromatic moothie. And everyone reckoned they could sing. Some really could.
God knows what the good residents of lower Tyneside thought as we rolled back to the rig at 2am for the next morning's 6am start to spend the days crawling about the derrick beams with a hangover.
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Bren
Re: normal session!!!
and id just like to post on this daft thread to say that like fused im not going to post on any of these daft threads and punctuations for sissies
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Bren
Re: normal session!!!
Oooops sorry Bren. I hope nobody starved because of my actions?
Gordon Bennett, so the Murchison is still out there!
I'm looking at a photograph of it on my desk, as I write.
It's amazing how those big red rigs blend into the natural environment out there!
I remember being told that one of it's legs was actually rooted in Norwegian waters!
Sounds like happy days Bren, but I trust your crane operator didn't honk on his 'tin sandwich', while operating the crane?
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: normal session!!!
dear fused, i have a question for you, if you bother reading what i'm writing, of course...did you send such a post just to make people react or to have a proper explanation about why we like so much moaning at sessions?
if you don't read half the things we're telling you, is it really useful for you, then? what's the point?, i don't understand..!!
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by lucie
Re: normal session!!!
i was talking about the other discussions that have daft titles,but if ye have fun discussing it then go right ahead..i have read all of the posts on this thread.
a few people just tried to be smart by pointing out my spelling mistakes and bad grammer.oh well,im sure if they spent more time practicing and less time checking my quality of typing they would be better off..
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by fused
Re: normal session!!!
ok, i deeply apologize then...
ye're right abt practising and quality of typing(i wonder how we got to such a link between music and grammar...makes me scared!)
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by lucie
Re: normal session!!!
Fused, I spent an hour busking this morning, an hour at the library looking for good books, half an hour shopping for groceries, I came home and did the dishes, tidied my room, had lunch at noon then practised for two hours. And I still had time to notice your spelling! If you don't make an effort, you see, we may start think you just don't care about us...
It was my first time out busking... ever! I made 8 quid - is that good?
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Q
Re: normal session!!!
Fused, I'm reading between the lines of your discussion posts and profile, and they're saying to me: "hey, look at ME, I'm a fantastic player, I basically might as well be McGoldrick cuz I'm so fooking skill, and the sessions I go to are totally amazing, with top quality musicians that you lame, lowly lot could hardly even dream of, since you're all not even in Ireland. You know you want to be like me, but you can never be cuz you're not Irish so ner ner ner-ner ner". The whole "moaning" thing is just a red herring right? So that we're supposed to think you're actually giving us a worthwhile and challenging topic to discuss, as opposed to a virtual strutting into centre stage?
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Dow
Re: normal session!!!
well excuse me for starting a discussion.im just giving my opinion about some of the discussions on here and it would seem i have become the enemy.your above post is your opinion and i have given mine.no need to make assumptions about me that you cant back up!!
and just to let you know i am not as good as,or never will be as good as mcgoldrick and neither will anyone else!
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by fused
Re: normal session!!!
"It was my first time out busking... ever! I made 8 quid - is that good?"
Hey, 8 quid is 8 quid. Keep it up. It's a s***load of fun.
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node=s***load
KFG
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by KFG
Re: normal session!!!
I ain't got a choice... I *have* to keep it up... gotta eat somehow. Seriously. When I said I was coming to London to play tunes and live in abject poverty, apparently I really meant it!
But it's all good: I still have broadband.
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Q
Re: normal session!!!
Hey you guys, check it out. I just loaded all of fused comments into this bullsh*te translation software -- and this is what came out.
~~~
I'm too sexy for this thread, too sexy for this thread
You must all believe me
I'm too sexy for my flute, too sexy for my flute
So sexy it hurts
And I'm too sexy for Trad music, too sexy for Trad music
Ireland and Japan
And I'm too sexy for your website
Too sexy for your website
No way I'm talking to you
I'm a genius you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the message board
Yeah on the message board without any capitals yeah
I do my little turn on the message board
I'm too sexy for my country too sexy for my country
Too sexy by far
And I'm too sexy for my spelling
Too sexy for my spelling what do you think about that
I'm brilliant you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the message board
Yeah on the message board with bad grammer yeah
I shake my little ego on the message board
I'm too sexy for my too sexy for my too sexy for my
'Cos I'm brilliantl you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the message board
Yeah on the message board without any punctuation yeah
I shake my little ego on the message board
I'm too sexy for my bodhran too sexy for my bodhran
and my accordion and my guitar
I'm too sexy for this music too sexy for the music
The music''s going to leave me
And I'm too sexy for the session.org
# Posted on November 19th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: normal session!!!
ROFFLMFAO
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by Dow
Re: normal session!!!
It's not funny, Dow. Now go apologise for laughing in the APOLOGY thread right this minute.
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by Q
Re: normal session!!!
as far as i can see ye are the ones with the big heads.not me.at least im normal not like people who spend there time making up some sort of rap/song aginst me because i upset them.this discussion board is of no use to me and my comments are of no use to you so.at least i know i can play music.im away now to get typing lessons. GOOD BYE.
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by fused
Re: normal session!!!
Haha, Jack's not normal? So tell us something we don't know
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by Dow
Re: normal session!!!
The only thing that has impressed me so far is that fused didn't recognize the source for my parody.
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: normal session!!!
Poor kid; he's probably like 13 or something.
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by Farr