dear folks:
could people please comment about good sessions that they go to and please let us know what made them good session? from just reading your comments, sessions sound like the most riling frustrating events ever. thanks. mutepointe
Someone else started a thread with this same question not that long ago. There are loads of positive comments about the joys of sessions, and obviously everyone enjoys them or they wouldn't care about this website or even bother talking about sessions. The fact that people are so fond of sessions is evident in the about of concern they express. In this forum we are able to air the issues surrounding sessions in ways that we never could at an actual session. This forum allows us to explore these issues and see how each other feels. It's all ultimately aimed at improving the session experience.
No specific formulas, sometimes it just is better than other times. I go to three separate sessions on a regular basis, sometimes the pub crowd is great and the musicians are having fun, sometimes not. No rules. Each time I come in, I wait and see and hope for the best.
c
The good v. problem session issue can sometimes be a matter of personal preference.
My own ideas of what makes a good session have evolved over time. At first, I was annoyed by sessions with strong leaders who started almost every tune. I preferred the "circle of death" approach, where everybody gets to start a tune.
Lately, I still do enjoy a friendly, supportive session, but I have also learned to appreciate the sessions with strong leaders--provided that the leader is qualified for the role--because frankly a beginner can learn a lot by listening to more advanced players. If a lot of beginners take up session time, you don't get to hear as much from the better players.
Well, we had a great one last night, somewhat enlivened by a group of young japanese tourists, or maybe they were language students. Much clicking of those camera thingies on mobile phones. Also an impromptue irish dance class - helps to remind us what the music is supposed to be for.
The worst bit was that they played about half-a-dozen tunes I knew while I was up at the bar getting in the free round. At least they can't get through more than about one tune while you're in the jakes.
I agree about the aftereffects - the worst one currently is coming home kippered from the tobacco smoke. When are "Irish" pubs going to go authentic by banning smoking unilaterally ?
Some do. I think the smoking is what gives my flute its lovely gravelly tone
Seriously, though, the sooner they ban it the better. It'll seem weird having a pint without a ciggy, and it might kill off the pub trade as we know it (and therefore sessions), and lead to a revival of kitchen sessions, which wouldn't be such a bad thing.
Many of the posts here are negative, 'cos people tend to want to discuss problems or frustrations, seeking advice. Most people are less inclided to say "had funa again last night", unless something spectacularly funny, or noteworthy happened.
I think the single most important factor in making a good session is socialising with folks that you like. Sessioneer with people whose company you enjoy and you can relax with.
If you have that, then what can make the difference between a relatively indifferent and a great day for a given session will depend on the set up of the particular session.
- And doesn't that sound clear OK, using my regular session as an example, we have a pool of people who all get on, no personality problems. What makes a great night for me is the right blend of instruments turning up, and turning up early (in practice this means a slightly larger to larger session).
The reason for this is that the most reliable of regulars (including myself) all turn up with tenor banjos (x3) and mandolin (x1) as favoured instument. I try to bring a mandolin or mandola to swap with and one of the other guys brings a guitar. Most weeks the 4 of us arrive first and hope some fiddle/flutes/boxes arrive so we can a session that doesn't sound like the Black & White Mistrel Show.
I sit out a lot of tunes I know, or join in on mando so there are not multiple banjos playing at once.
cw67q - Yeah, I would totally echo that, *most* sessions are good-to-great imho. It's a tiny minority where there are problems, though I guess if it leaves a bad taste in someone's mouth there's a (natural?) tendency to come on here and chew it over with people, maybe to see what could have gone better. Or just to seek sympathy? Having said that, I'm in London, so it's pretty easy to find a session that suits your proclivities, whatever they may be
It seems the best sessions are those that have an identified leader, someone who can exercise the understated authority and has the people skills to keep the session on track. I attend an excellent session weekly that is led by an accomplished musician who knows the tunes, and just as immportantly, knows hundreds of sets of tunes. He knows the crowd, their capabilities and is thoughtful enought to mix in "something for everyone".
We are fortunate to have one or two out of town visitors , almost weekly. Sometimnes these players are truly accomplished musicians. Others are nice people who are either bad players and don't know it or they just don't understand the chemistry of a great session and they inadvedently disrupt things. This is where a mature and seasoned leader can keep things on track .
I played in 8 diferent sessions in Ireland last fall and they were, each in their own way, all great experiences. In every case there were one or two "leaders" who kept things on track, recognized the talent pool available , and helped to make each evening a pleasant experience.
I'd be willing to bet that those responding to this thread who are having difficult experiences at their local sessions probably suffere from either:1. No leader or 2., Almost worse, a leader who won't keep things under control or runs the session with too much authority.
90 percent of my session experience is good, but it seems like I talk more about the other 10 percent that isn't good!
But if it weren't more fun than chore, I wouldn't be doing it.
Good tunes, good company, free beer--a bad time at a session is better than a good day at work, or something like that.
good sessions v. problem sessions
good sessions v. problem sessions
dear folks:
could people please comment about good sessions that they go to and please let us know what made them good session? from just reading your comments, sessions sound like the most riling frustrating events ever. thanks. mutepointe
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by mutepointe
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
Someone else started a thread with this same question not that long ago. There are loads of positive comments about the joys of sessions, and obviously everyone enjoys them or they wouldn't care about this website or even bother talking about sessions. The fact that people are so fond of sessions is evident in the about of concern they express. In this forum we are able to air the issues surrounding sessions in ways that we never could at an actual session. This forum allows us to explore these issues and see how each other feels. It's all ultimately aimed at improving the session experience.
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by Phantom Button
Edit
about = amount
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
No specific formulas, sometimes it just is better than other times. I go to three separate sessions on a regular basis, sometimes the pub crowd is great and the musicians are having fun, sometimes not. No rules. Each time I come in, I wait and see and hope for the best.
c
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by Cath
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
The good v. problem session issue can sometimes be a matter of personal preference.
My own ideas of what makes a good session have evolved over time. At first, I was annoyed by sessions with strong leaders who started almost every tune. I preferred the "circle of death" approach, where everybody gets to start a tune.
Lately, I still do enjoy a friendly, supportive session, but I have also learned to appreciate the sessions with strong leaders--provided that the leader is qualified for the role--because frankly a beginner can learn a lot by listening to more advanced players. If a lot of beginners take up session time, you don't get to hear as much from the better players.
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by mickray
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
I have yet to regret going to a session. I do, however, regret some of the aftereffects
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by wormdiet
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
Well, we had a great one last night, somewhat enlivened by a group of young japanese tourists, or maybe they were language students. Much clicking of those camera thingies on mobile phones. Also an impromptue irish dance class - helps to remind us what the music is supposed to be for.
The worst bit was that they played about half-a-dozen tunes I knew while I was up at the bar getting in the free round. At least they can't get through more than about one tune while you're in the jakes.
I agree about the aftereffects - the worst one currently is coming home kippered from the tobacco smoke. When are "Irish" pubs going to go authentic by banning smoking unilaterally ?
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by Guernsey Pete
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
People still smoke tobacco in Britain?
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by oldstrings
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
Some do. I think the smoking is what gives my flute its lovely gravelly tone
Seriously, though, the sooner they ban it the better. It'll seem weird having a pint without a ciggy, and it might kill off the pub trade as we know it (and therefore sessions), and lead to a revival of kitchen sessions, which wouldn't be such a bad thing.
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by Wurzel
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
Many of the posts here are negative, 'cos people tend to want to discuss problems or frustrations, seeking advice. Most people are less inclided to say "had funa again last night", unless something spectacularly funny, or noteworthy happened.
I think the single most important factor in making a good session is socialising with folks that you like. Sessioneer with people whose company you enjoy and you can relax with.
If you have that, then what can make the difference between a relatively indifferent and a great day for a given session will depend on the set up of the particular session.
- And doesn't that sound clear
OK, using my regular session as an example, we have a pool of people who all get on, no personality problems. What makes a great night for me is the right blend of instruments turning up, and turning up early (in practice this means a slightly larger to larger session).
The reason for this is that the most reliable of regulars (including myself) all turn up with tenor banjos (x3) and mandolin (x1) as favoured instument. I try to bring a mandolin or mandola to swap with and one of the other guys brings a guitar. Most weeks the 4 of us arrive first and hope some fiddle/flutes/boxes arrive so we can a session that doesn't sound like the Black & White Mistrel Show.
I sit out a lot of tunes I know, or join in on mando so there are not multiple banjos playing at once.
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
cw67q - Yeah, I would totally echo that, *most* sessions are good-to-great imho. It's a tiny minority where there are problems, though I guess if it leaves a bad taste in someone's mouth there's a (natural?) tendency to come on here and chew it over with people, maybe to see what could have gone better. Or just to seek sympathy? Having said that, I'm in London, so it's pretty easy to find a session that suits your proclivities, whatever they may be
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by Just a person
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
"Edit
about = amount"
Phadtob - Have you got a cold?
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by ragaman
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
hahahaha
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
It seems the best sessions are those that have an identified leader, someone who can exercise the understated authority and has the people skills to keep the session on track. I attend an excellent session weekly that is led by an accomplished musician who knows the tunes, and just as immportantly, knows hundreds of sets of tunes. He knows the crowd, their capabilities and is thoughtful enought to mix in "something for everyone".
We are fortunate to have one or two out of town visitors , almost weekly. Sometimnes these players are truly accomplished musicians. Others are nice people who are either bad players and don't know it or they just don't understand the chemistry of a great session and they inadvedently disrupt things. This is where a mature and seasoned leader can keep things on track .
I played in 8 diferent sessions in Ireland last fall and they were, each in their own way, all great experiences. In every case there were one or two "leaders" who kept things on track, recognized the talent pool available , and helped to make each evening a pleasant experience.
I'd be willing to bet that those responding to this thread who are having difficult experiences at their local sessions probably suffere from either:1. No leader or 2., Almost worse, a leader who won't keep things under control or runs the session with too much authority.
# Posted on January 29th 2006 by briankc
Re: good sessions v. problem sessions
90 percent of my session experience is good, but it seems like I talk more about the other 10 percent that isn't good!
But if it weren't more fun than chore, I wouldn't be doing it.
Good tunes, good company, free beer--a bad time at a session is better than a good day at work, or something like that.
# Posted on January 30th 2006 by AlBrown