For those of you who turned up tonight to the one-off session at the Crown and Cushion, what was your impression?
So, there were a fair few The Session.orgers in attendance, so forgive me if I miss anyone -- me, Zina, Nell, Conan, Q, Ottery, Jerry, Geoff, Neil, Orson, Aidan, Simon, Lisaniska...sorry, I'm sure I've missed some folks....but log something on this thread anyway.
My thoughts? A lovely session and a great time was had by all. Many's a great tune came out. Some very fine playing by various members and others not signed up. The pub is very nice, simple decor, good acoustics as it is all wood-panelled. The free food was a great touch, and the tunes went on for a fair time, as well as a generous interpretation of closing time...any craic after Aidan and I left?
I'm particularly interested as I don't envisage our collective visits to end here.
I had a great time last night Danny but I'm suffering this morning.
Tired, NOT hungover (four gigs and two sessions in eight days). Thank goodness for amphetamines
I thought the Cushion was a great place for a session. A welcoming landlord and the regulars seemed to enjoy it but it's a bit far for me to come too often (I can't afford the parking)! If I were local it would be perfect.
So which one was Orson?
Thanks for organising it Danny. It will be a long time before that same line-up is together I fear
I was sorry to have to sneak out - last snesible train back out the wilds of Guildford! I had a great time and it was good to put faces (and music!) to the characters I've read here. For me it was also a humbling experience realising just how far I have to go, how many tunes I need to learn. The pace blew me away a little even on tunes I thought I had nailed! So a lesson for me - more time in sessions and less spent polishing my twiddly bits in solitary To that end I hope we can do it again there soon, and thanks again to Danny.
Well, I got in about 2am, and dropped Aidan off, so I think we left maybe a bit after 1.30am....and it was still going strong, with Zina, Mulvey, Orson, Simon, Helen and Conán...er, I think that's all who were still there.
Geoff - I'll let Orson reveal his identity himself if he so wishes :~}
As for that line up together again, if we got it going as a regular thing, maybe make the occasional big effort to get the troops assembled again. I suppose that'll mean us all clubbing in to pay for Zina's return flight over to here....
Well, he did make the funniest comment of the evening, describing one of Helen's songs to be about a lesbian trapped in a man's body... nearly ruined her rendition, folk lying around in convulsions of mirth.
I think you pulled off a bit of a coup there Danny! You finally managed to arrange the Session mega-session that people have threatened for so long. It was really great to meet you and all those other faces that have only been names on the yeller board up till now. The evening was a bit of a blur - I’m sure we must have played some tunes, but I can’t remember what they were. They must have sounded passable, because I vaguely remember people applauding. I do remember Conan regaling Mrs. Ottery with porky Pies about things I’d said about her on the board. I remember Helen trying to sing a song against a running commentry from Zina and various others. And I remember us being plied with ridiculous amounts of food. A session that consisted as much of eating and talking as playing - perfect really? A good venue too. Acoustics were good and a friendly atmosphere. What more can I say? You done good, Danny!
Mark
Not really wishing to be showered with approbation, but gee thanks guys. But I really am more concerned as to the pub's viabilty as a future regular session venue. Thanks really should go most of all to John the governor who was up for it and laid on all that food...and then also to you guys for turning up. And Zina for inspiring the whole venture. All I did was think of a venue we'd used before and phoned the guy up.
We don't know one another Danny but if you're trying to gauge whether there's demand for a more regular thing then you can count me in for one. I'd be sure to come along if it happens on a week night. It's on my way home from work. I think there's a couple of other folk from Southampton who might well come up as it's so convenient for Waterloo.
A strange thing happened last night though. There were six people from this board whom I'd never met before: Zina, Geoff, Ottery, Neil, Jerry and Simon (well, five and a half, cos Simon assures me we'd met before at the Horse!) Yet within the space of short introductions, handshakes, a few tunes and a bit of chat, I got the feeling I'd known these people for ages! The same has happened before when meeting people off of here. How strange. And I got the vibe the're nice folks also. (Course, I don't know for a fact that they *don't*eat their victims or anything but I strongly suspect they don't.)
Any ideas when this might be repeated ?
I know it's south of the river, but if it's close to good public transport then it might be worthwhile for us Norn londoners.
It was a lovely session and a wonderful time, and I feel quite honored to have met everyone. Had some wonderful tunes with everyone. Usually I don't interrupt singers while singing, but you've got me dead to rights there, Mark -- but it's Helen's own damned fault for changing up lyrics to poke fun at me!
Um. I'm still in London. I missed my flight, I'm afraid. Very long story. I've been on the Underground for...let's see, it's half past five now, and I left this morning at 10:30. I'm feeling rather frayed. Q ever so kindly ran me round Heathrow and half of London, and Orson ever so kindly met me, hair standing on end from stress and tiredness, in Hackney to walk me back to Helen's. (There was, rather horrifyingly, a "body under the Circle line train", according to the lady's voice.) So now I go out tomorrow. *sigh*
Helen is decompressing me with a hot port. Bad pennies...
I had a great time, although I don't actually remember playing any tunes. It was good to put faces to all these names you see on the board, although none of them looked like they should in my opinion.
I've also never eaten so many onion bhajis at a session before. I'd like it to be a regular thing, but as it takes about an hour and a half to get there, maybe not too often
That sounds like a bummer, Zina. But if you're around tonight and feel bright and breezy, and fancy some more train travel there is a session in Reading that Geoff and I may be going to - only 40 minutes from Paddington....
Zina! that's a terrible shame. How dreadful (for you, as well as, of course, for the poor unfortunate soul at the cause of this.) Hope the delay isn't gonna cost you too much extra $.
If it's any recompense, I really enjoyed finally meeting up with you and hearing your playing. You're a great lass altogether. Good old Orson and Q, and of course Helen. Best of luck with your next attempt to escape from London.
It was such a great night! Well done Danny!!
I really hope it becomes a regular thing, it's a great pub - the landlord is a star. It was great to meet a few more faces, too.
Poor 'ol Zina, missing the flight - she does at least have the consolation prize of my brother's shepherd's pie for supper tonight!
And we get to keep her for another day - yayyy!
Xxx Helen
By the way... when you're all "clubbing in" to get Zina back over there... don't forget to chip in for her husband too (If my ticket is completely paid for, I promise I'll leave the banjo at home and only bring the 'zouk...)
Aw Zeens sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience this morning. I suppose given the circumstances we should all count our blessings. Well it was great to see you again and play some tunes.I think I may have gone beyond the quota for starting sets; hope that didn't annoy people too much. Good luck for the next flight. Well done Danny for a belter of a night and nice to finally meet all those erstwhile mysterious session.org-ers. Let's hope this happens again. Quick question for Nell: does flour figure much in Sebs famous recipes? Just curious... :¬|
Mr. MACKAY -- Can we put you in charge of organizing the next session.org convention? Sounds like you did a great job on this one. I have been waiting to read about last night's fun since last week. Wish I could have been there.
In a rush, getting back out to Heathrow: Conan, don't be silly, your sets were the best for getting everyone playing together because you're not the witless types the rest of us are playing tunes that no one else knows, Tish, we'll just have to make sure we're all in the same place next time, Seb says "no" and reminds you that his cooking at this point is mainly gluten-free because otherwise misery ensues, you all would love to play with Pete but I'd like to remind him that London is MY city and they're MY people and no one else gets to have them...
okay, that last was silly, but I have to say that I love London and its denizens to death. Now I'd better get a move-on before I miss the plane AGAIN!
When's Zinafest Portugal happening? Talking of extra-TheSession meetings, I've managed to get in touch with Pitnekit (Marco) here in Portugal, and we've arranged to meet for some tunes on Tuesday - although I might have to postpone it because there's some kind of little 'ethnic' music festival happening here in Porto, which might be, apart from anything else, a valuable opportunity to meet some likish minded musicians.
Darn... London is yours, huh? OK, I call Australia and New Zealand! Nah, that won't work... I won't have anybody to play with if you aren't there to introduce me to them...
I'm home, jet lagged and up far too early for my current time zone. I had a lovely time, thanks to all.
BTW, I think the new session at the Cushion ought to def keep one bench reserved for the ever-so-attractive corner that we had going on Wednesday -- Polly, Matty, and Neil won the Most Attractive Players awards hands down...I quite enjoyed oggling that end of the session. ;)
I hear it was a good show, if a bit small on the turnout. Too bad you couldn't make it, but it's still good that you're working, yes? How's the new job shaking down?
Well it's 7pm now, and I've been here since 8am, and the CMS has been down all day so not only have I done nothing all day but I get to stay late and continue doing nothing just in case something - anything! - happens.
Your Impressions on the Cushion
Your Impressions on the Cushion
For those of you who turned up tonight to the one-off session at the Crown and Cushion, what was your impression?
So, there were a fair few The Session.orgers in attendance, so forgive me if I miss anyone -- me, Zina, Nell, Conan, Q, Ottery, Jerry, Geoff, Neil, Orson, Aidan, Simon, Lisaniska...sorry, I'm sure I've missed some folks....but log something on this thread anyway.
My thoughts? A lovely session and a great time was had by all. Many's a great tune came out. Some very fine playing by various members and others not signed up. The pub is very nice, simple decor, good acoustics as it is all wood-panelled. The free food was a great touch, and the tunes went on for a fair time, as well as a generous interpretation of closing time...any craic after Aidan and I left?
I'm particularly interested as I don't envisage our collective visits to end here.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
I had a great time last night Danny but I'm suffering this morning.
Tired, NOT hungover (four gigs and two sessions in eight days). Thank goodness for amphetamines
I thought the Cushion was a great place for a session. A welcoming landlord and the regulars seemed to enjoy it but it's a bit far for me to come too often (I can't afford the parking)! If I were local it would be perfect.
So which one was Orson?
Thanks for organising it Danny. It will be a long time before that same line-up is together I fear
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Geoff Pollitt
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
It were tops, I say. Tops. Hope it continues!
What time did y'all finish up?
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Q
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
I was sorry to have to sneak out - last snesible train back out the wilds of Guildford! I had a great time and it was good to put faces (and music!) to the characters I've read here. For me it was also a humbling experience realising just how far I have to go, how many tunes I need to learn. The pace blew me away a little even on tunes I thought I had nailed! So a lesson for me - more time in sessions and less spent polishing my twiddly bits in solitary
To that end I hope we can do it again there soon, and thanks again to Danny.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by NeilC
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Well, I got in about 2am, and dropped Aidan off, so I think we left maybe a bit after 1.30am....and it was still going strong, with Zina, Mulvey, Orson, Simon, Helen and Conán...er, I think that's all who were still there.
Geoff - I'll let Orson reveal his identity himself if he so wishes :~}
As for that line up together again, if we got it going as a regular thing, maybe make the occasional big effort to get the troops assembled again. I suppose that'll mean us all clubbing in to pay for Zina's return flight over to here....
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Orson was the shy retiring fiddle player in the corner by the window
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Just a person
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
... who was playing too fast. Sorry
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Just a person
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Shy & retiring? Hah! You've left Geoff none the wiser!
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Now I know. We didn't actually meet or speak. :(
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Geoff Pollitt
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Well, he did make the funniest comment of the evening, describing one of Helen's songs to be about a lesbian trapped in a man's body... nearly ruined her rendition, folk lying around in convulsions of mirth.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Why didn't my inverted smiley come out?
Don't any smartarse say because he's not ready to admit it yet!!
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Geoff Pollitt
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Closet smiley :(
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Just a person
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Straight smiley :¬¦
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
I think you pulled off a bit of a coup there Danny! You finally managed to arrange the Session mega-session that people have threatened for so long. It was really great to meet you and all those other faces that have only been names on the yeller board up till now. The evening was a bit of a blur - I’m sure we must have played some tunes, but I can’t remember what they were. They must have sounded passable, because I vaguely remember people applauding. I do remember Conan regaling Mrs. Ottery with porky Pies about things I’d said about her on the board. I remember Helen trying to sing a song against a running commentry from Zina and various others. And I remember us being plied with ridiculous amounts of food. A session that consisted as much of eating and talking as playing - perfect really? A good venue too. Acoustics were good and a friendly atmosphere. What more can I say? You done good, Danny!
Mark
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Ottery
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Not really wishing to be showered with approbation, but gee thanks guys. But I really am more concerned as to the pub's viabilty as a future regular session venue. Thanks really should go most of all to John the governor who was up for it and laid on all that food...and then also to you guys for turning up. And Zina for inspiring the whole venture. All I did was think of a venue we'd used before and phoned the guy up.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
We don't know one another Danny but if you're trying to gauge whether there's demand for a more regular thing then you can count me in for one. I'd be sure to come along if it happens on a week night. It's on my way home from work. I think there's a couple of other folk from Southampton who might well come up as it's so convenient for Waterloo.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by quinn
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Yeah, but can you get a train to So'ton at 1.30am?
:~}
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Aye you can. Last one leaves at 1.05 am.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by quinn
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Aye well, there ye go. Watch this space.
A strange thing happened last night though. There were six people from this board whom I'd never met before: Zina, Geoff, Ottery, Neil, Jerry and Simon (well, five and a half, cos Simon assures me we'd met before at the Horse!) Yet within the space of short introductions, handshakes, a few tunes and a bit of chat, I got the feeling I'd known these people for ages! The same has happened before when meeting people off of here. How strange. And I got the vibe the're nice folks also. (Course, I don't know for a fact that they *don't*eat their victims or anything but I strongly suspect they don't.)
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Any ideas when this might be repeated ?
I know it's south of the river, but if it's close to good public transport then it might be worthwhile for us Norn londoners.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
It was a lovely session and a wonderful time, and I feel quite honored to have met everyone. Had some wonderful tunes with everyone. Usually I don't interrupt singers while singing, but you've got me dead to rights there, Mark -- but it's Helen's own damned fault for changing up lyrics to poke fun at me!
Um. I'm still in London. I missed my flight, I'm afraid. Very long story. I've been on the Underground for...let's see, it's half past five now, and I left this morning at 10:30. I'm feeling rather frayed. Q ever so kindly ran me round Heathrow and half of London, and Orson ever so kindly met me, hair standing on end from stress and tiredness, in Hackney to walk me back to Helen's. (There was, rather horrifyingly, a "body under the Circle line train", according to the lady's voice.) So now I go out tomorrow. *sigh*
Helen is decompressing me with a hot port. Bad pennies...
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
I had a great time, although I don't actually remember playing any tunes. It was good to put faces to all these names you see on the board, although none of them looked like they should in my opinion.
I've also never eaten so many onion bhajis at a session before. I'd like it to be a regular thing, but as it takes about an hour and a half to get there, maybe not too often
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by JerryH
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
That sounds like a bummer, Zina. But if you're around tonight and feel bright and breezy, and fancy some more train travel there is a session in Reading that Geoff and I may be going to - only 40 minutes from Paddington....
OK, I'll get my coat ...
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Ottery
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Zina! that's a terrible shame. How dreadful (for you, as well as, of course, for the poor unfortunate soul at the cause of this.) Hope the delay isn't gonna cost you too much extra $.
If it's any recompense, I really enjoyed finally meeting up with you and hearing your playing. You're a great lass altogether. Good old Orson and Q, and of course Helen. Best of luck with your next attempt to escape from London.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Oh poo! another good session missed. I was thinking about going but had to write end of term reports instead and didn't leave work til 11.30pm.
There HAS to be a repeat
Sarah (miffed!)
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Sarah the Flute
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
It was such a great night! Well done Danny!!
I really hope it becomes a regular thing, it's a great pub - the landlord is a star. It was great to meet a few more faces, too.
Poor 'ol Zina, missing the flight - she does at least have the consolation prize of my brother's shepherd's pie for supper tonight!
And we get to keep her for another day - yayyy!
Xxx Helen
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Nell
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Oh, and ps, it was *me* doing most of the interrupting of my own songs...
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Nell
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Interrupting your own songs?
Is that like hitting your eye on someone's fist?
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
yeah, yeah, yeah...the "consolation prize" of anything Sebastian cooks is like winning the blue ribbon anywhere else...
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
By the way... when you're all "clubbing in" to get Zina back over there... don't forget to chip in for her husband too (If my ticket is completely paid for, I promise I'll leave the banjo at home and only bring the 'zouk...)
Sorry I missed it all... Sounds like it was fun!
Pete
# Posted on December 2nd 2005 by Reverend
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Aw Zeens sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience this morning. I suppose given the circumstances we should all count our blessings. Well it was great to see you again and play some tunes.I think I may have gone beyond the quota for starting sets; hope that didn't annoy people too much. Good luck for the next flight. Well done Danny for a belter of a night and nice to finally meet all those erstwhile mysterious session.org-ers. Let's hope this happens again. Quick question for Nell: does flour figure much in Sebs famous recipes? Just curious... :¬|
# Posted on December 2nd 2005 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Now Zina, why couldn't you have been there in August?
# Posted on December 2nd 2005 by Tish
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Mr. MACKAY -- Can we put you in charge of organizing the next session.org convention? Sounds like you did a great job on this one. I have been waiting to read about last night's fun since last week. Wish I could have been there.
# Posted on December 2nd 2005 by John Culhane
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
In a rush, getting back out to Heathrow: Conan, don't be silly, your sets were the best for getting everyone playing together because you're not the witless types the rest of us are playing tunes that no one else knows, Tish, we'll just have to make sure we're all in the same place next time, Seb says "no" and reminds you that his cooking at this point is mainly gluten-free because otherwise misery ensues, you all would love to play with Pete but I'd like to remind him that London is MY city and they're MY people and no one else gets to have them...
okay, that last was silly, but I have to say that I love London and its denizens to death. Now I'd better get a move-on before I miss the plane AGAIN!
# Posted on December 2nd 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
(Waving) Bye, Zina!
# Posted on December 2nd 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Oh, and, please...no "domestics" here at the sesh, thanks...
:~}
# Posted on December 2nd 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
When's Zinafest Portugal happening? Talking of extra-TheSession meetings, I've managed to get in touch with Pitnekit (Marco) here in Portugal, and we've arranged to meet for some tunes on Tuesday - although I might have to postpone it because there's some kind of little 'ethnic' music festival happening here in Porto, which might be, apart from anything else, a valuable opportunity to meet some likish minded musicians.
# Posted on December 2nd 2005 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Darn... London is yours, huh? OK, I call Australia and New Zealand! Nah, that won't work... I won't have anybody to play with if you aren't there to introduce me to them...
Pete
# Posted on December 2nd 2005 by Reverend
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Ach, Revd., yer welcome in London, always, for Pete's sake!
# Posted on December 3rd 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
*your* country, you say? Do you have a flag?
/eddieizzard
# Posted on December 3rd 2005 by Q
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
I'm home, jet lagged and up far too early for my current time zone. I had a lovely time, thanks to all.
BTW, I think the new session at the Cushion ought to def keep one bench reserved for the ever-so-attractive corner that we had going on Wednesday -- Polly, Matty, and Neil won the Most Attractive Players awards hands down...I quite enjoyed oggling that end of the session. ;)
# Posted on December 3rd 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
*splorf*
g'wan with you, you saucy minx. Glad you're home safe. No bodies under the plane, then?
Was hoping to go to Helen & Buffalo Smoke's concert tonight, but it looks like I'll be working late. Sigh.
# Posted on December 3rd 2005 by Q
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
I hear it was a good show, if a bit small on the turnout. Too bad you couldn't make it, but it's still good that you're working, yes? How's the new job shaking down?
# Posted on December 3rd 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Well it's 7pm now, and I've been here since 8am, and the CMS has been down all day so not only have I done nothing all day but I get to stay late and continue doing nothing just in case something - anything! - happens.
I *love* this job!
# Posted on December 3rd 2005 by Q
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Poor boy.
it's probably karma for something or other.
# Posted on December 3rd 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
You won't believe how priveleged and honoured I feel having met both of ye's, Q & Z. megalove, Danny.
# Posted on December 4th 2005 by Rudall the time
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Hey, who's the one who managed to get the thing together? Hopefully I'll get back to a hugely popular C&C regular session...
# Posted on December 4th 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: Your Impressions on the Cushion
Ach, it'll never be the same without you Zeens, No kidding. That night was special. I think we all feel that. Just so one-off special.
# Posted on December 4th 2005 by Rudall the time