To hear yez all yakkin' and blatherin' on about all yer high held opinions and fetishes. Jasus ye must be all perfect. So many EGOS flying around yer sessions ye must have to duck to miss em.
Nowhere in this, or any other ITM forum, have I read that the best thing is to get together for a chinwag and a laugh with the best people in the world.
That's what a session is and always was for, to bond the community.
Stick that in yer pipes.
About time someone said this. I often feel alot of the antagonists on this site don't get the time to attend REAL sessions as they seem to be on the damn computer slagging people off all day and night.
Well said. If you're sitting around typing stuff into a computer, you're not out doing whatever it is that you're typing about. It reminds me of the bad old days at Compuserve (I'm showing my age, now), with all of their on-line "experts" dispensing incorrect information and ill-formed opinions, non-stop. Don't these guys have day jobs? We're primarily a bunch of amateurs doing this because we love the music and the camaraderie. And I think that the idea of amateur group music making, of whatever sort, is about the coolest thing there is.
Tassie, I may want to pick your brains about tuning a trap set that I picked up for my son. But I enjoy noodling on them, too.
"Nowhere in this, or any other ITM forum, have I read that the best thing is to get together for a chinwag and a laugh with the best people in the world."
Actually... I've seen this sentiment expressed many times in this forum. How long have you been lurking here?
Well, Martin (Spok), I suppose it has to be said that time spent on this site does take away from practice and session time. But for some on this forum there is limited opportunity for sessions and you can't practice all day. Besides some of us go online while sort of "at work". Who ME?!!
For sure some slagging goes on here just like real life and real sessions but there is also a lot of useful info and dialogue. It's easier when you get to know the people involved and you are always able to just not read, if you want. I tend to scan briefly through some threads and only get involved on rare occasions.
Anyway do come visit us again though I can't promise the next session will be as good as that one was.
Cheers
Well yes, I am fairly new here, and sure there must be others here who feel like me....... I suppose there has to be a foil for the cynics....... mebbe just wanted to stir yer pots a little. We all feel the same deep down in the sess.
Thanks for support and advice.
Martin
Thanks Donough. It is a damn long way over there, by train.
Tomorrow I fly back to snow dusted Bristol -8 at night!
Yes it was a grand sess.
Who knows.....next year......
I'm on my friends computer, so it's me, not her, really, it is..........
The session IS my link to Irish Traditional Music!
Yes, it is, and should be a community, albeit widespread and diverse in experiences and opinions. And like mcknowall, I quote from Jeff Fenech, a one time world champion Aussie boxer, "I love youse all" too. :-}
"If you're sitting around typing stuff into a computer, you're not out doing whatever it is that you're typing about."
yes - so long as you realise that includes you, Tom.
Many of the contributors do this as a short recreational break during the working day - you can spend 5 minutes on a website when you can't just whip out your instrument and have a diddle.
And as Jack said, and others have echoed, the sentiment spokulator has never seen here is expressed so frequently that one has to wonder where he's been all the time.
There was some of that shtuff recently, but I guess in every case when you have such a large group of people, you get all types of people. And as in every case, the few loudest and the most extreme, who are obviously the most visible, steer the opinion of the 'outsiders' about the whole community.
I like this forum and it's one of the few websites I visit every day (except for work-related ones), and the only discussion board I, ahem, "contribute" to (no, not "pollute", "count-ree-bute") - just because of friendly atmosphere that goes on most of the time. Not always, but this is the way of discussion boards - if you judged e.g. the readers of any given e-newspaper by comments they post after some articles, you would inevitably start to believe that they are a bunch of frustrated extremists with Turret's syndrome and distorted personalities.
This board allowed me the pleasure of meeting several of the members, including Mairtin (who might not remember, as that session was mighty and the drinks were numerous ), Ottery, Conan, Lizzy and Flauta Dolce, and they all proved to be great people with a who enjoyed playing in sessions for -guess what - fun, chirwag and a laugh. And most of contributors are very helpful.
So I guess even though there are egos flying high, like everywhere else, there's plenty of room for us, ordinary not-always-so-well-rounded sessioneers, to have a friendly chat and exchange tips and tricks of trade.
It's important to take some of the things said here with a pinch of salt.
You'll always get "talkers" and "doers", even in the real world or "meatspace" as it's known. How many times have you seen some musicians and other "interested" parties hanging around the bar pontificating about "the music", "folk" and/or session scenes but never apparently getting involved themseves?
Of course, they might be having a night off, can't get a seat or it just "doesn't suit" them for some reason. However, there is also a significant percentage who prefer to talk/moan about things than actually get involved.
Yes, there are some of those here too but, as others have commented, many of us do both. You can't judge a person by the number of posts(or lack of them) here. For instance, I'm lucky enough to be retired so I can spend a bit more time in front of the screen. However, I'm also frequently to be seen at sessions and attending festivals and gigs.
Also, I'm also listening to CDs or practising/learning tunes at the same time. Also, this site is a valuable resource for new tunes and ideas. I've discovered a lot of great stuff that would have just passed me by otherwise.
Last but not least, I've had a lot of fun and laughs, (craic even) with many of the regulars here over the years.
I'm likewise retired, so can sit at the computer more than I would otherwise. Just got back to Bristol from Belgium (from where I was able to contribute about 20 posts to this site), and hope to be at said Barley Mow session this evening.
Like the Old Scraper, this is my main connection to the session world. The nearest real Irish session is a 120-mile round trip from my home and the nearby sessions are 95% American old time and bluegrass. The five-minute break from work to check on the yellow board helps to keep me from losing touch completely. I had almost given up fiddling when I discovered this forum. A little remote inspiration can go a long way when you’re physically isolated.
Seems to me that the people who continually bitch about people having egos usually have huge egos themselves ('do any of you actually play irish music'....'have any of you actually been to a session' etc etc. Just an observation.
Well I've certainly learned a lot from this site, and there are some *very* well-informed people here. And I don't see why people shouldn't post a lot *and* play a lot. Surely it's more to do with their access to a PC? And people do have a bit of a gab here in the Discussions section, just like they would in real life. But there's an awful lot of good stuff going on here, and over in the Tunes section too. imho.
bb, sure what do you know? Have you actually ever played that fiddle? Every time I asked you to play a tune you dodged the issue. Methinks the lady doth protest too much. AND you've got nits.
Dear Mr. Spoke,
People on this board are free to speak up, and those with bigger egos probably tend to weigh in more, and with more pointed comments-so they are more noticable. But that doesn't mean they represent the bulk of sentiments of people who post here, and especially of people who lurk here.
So when you see someone get too big for their britches, feel free to post something to poke a pin in those big egos. You don't need to be nasty--that just starts a flaming war--but a little healthy feedback once in a while is good for everyone.
Actually, Ive just finished admitting to Bodhran Bliss that I know 10 tunes and that I becaues interested in trad after seeing 'Lord Of the Dance'.....I loves that show
Well this is my first attempt at this discussion thingy so I hope you will forgive any mistakes I make. Having read all the above comments, and only just recently learning the Irish fiddle, I am not at all well versed in these matters BUT I have seen a fair few sessions, both in the Old Country and elsewhere in my time, and my overriding impression is that yes there are some Prima Donnas (or Donalds) out there, but the majority of folk who play are just there to get that ....what can I call it....essence of playing "da music" or whatever else you want to call it. I have seen people disappear into almost trancelike states whilst playing, and it seems obvious to me that if you really love what you play, and you love your instrument, nothing else matters.... the rest will just carry you away to that Nirvana of bliss, everything else will just melt away and there will just be you playing. I can't really describe it, its a feeling that I am starting to be aware of, being a relative novice in these matters, but it just makes you feel so damn good!! so I hope that clarifies matters a little more.. or may be not!
My observations as well, exactly - and it's what makes all the anxieties and long hours worthwhile. I've been at it only 4 years now myself. I don't worry so much about othere's egos at sessions so much as controlling my own...not being too afraid to make mistakes, but also not being too rash to play when it's not appropriate. It takes a great deal of patience and hard work (for me anyway!).
Thanks for that, Keith! You say you are playing tenor banjo (well we all have our cross to bear!) no seriously good luck with that and the tunes; funny how both the bars you attend have the words "plough" and "stars" in them!!
The session I go to since moving here (Wales) is at a pub called the Coopers Arms (or Y Cwps, to give it its Welsh name) and there are some outstanding players from the "old " tradition who play there, and quite a few who just go for the craic, or maybe even a bit of lesser stardom amongst the student population that often attends, who knows, but either way, you can be sure listenting to some good tunes.
I miss sessions that I used to go to in Sheffield, and also in various other parts of the country; by the way, if anybody out there knows of good session bars in Philadelphia, I'm on my way there shortly......... all info gratefully received.
Yeah, I believe the two pubs were started by the same folks, but have been under separate ownership for a long time.
You can search for sessions on this website, under Sessions>Search; if that fails (this function doesn't seems to be working right now), a google search will surely turn up something, like this:
I attend an "underground" session on the fringes of UTA (University of Texas @ Arlington ) The session leader (duet concertina) is earnest, the hammered dulcimer player is academically detatched, the guitarist is ,um er, "inexperienced". Bein gthe fiddler, it is my duty to supply all the ego. I'll tell ya, it's hard work, show some respect.
Hold everything... "The session leader (duet concertina) is earnest" You can play ITM on a "duet" system? I've never heard that. What does it sound like?
It's called a "Duet" because theoretically you can play a melody, or counter-melody with either hand. It's fully chromatic, but not linear. Fearless Leader only plays the melody, but uses both hands.
There was a link on concertina.dot net that had an article about it (them), but danged if I can find it now.
Maybe Linkmeister Ptarmo can help us?
"What does it sound like?" I don't think this one is loud enough, but it has a nice sound that blends well with the fiddle and vielle.
Hey Phantom,
A duet concertina sounds the same note on push or pull like an English. It differs from the English in that the lowest notes are on the left and the highest notes are on the right like an Anglo. There is some overlap of coverage in the mid range. There are four main systems and other less common ones. Hayden and Crane are the ones I've seen. Here are keyboard layouts of the systems. http://www.concertina.com/fingering/
Phantom,
From the concertina.net recorded tunes link page, this is Kurt Braun playing a Crane system duet manufactured by Crabb. http://www.scraggy.net/~tina/joy.mp3
Yes, Ptarmigan - but that kind of spoils the wordplay a bit doesn't it? Anyway, if we go into phonetics, I think you will find that the Shetland 'da' is not the same as the Dublin 'de' (where the 'e' represents a 'schwa' - sorry, this text editor doesn't support phonetic symbols - and the 'd' is slightly aspirated).
Craic v Ego
Craic v Ego
To hear yez all yakkin' and blatherin' on about all yer high held opinions and fetishes. Jasus ye must be all perfect. So many EGOS flying around yer sessions ye must have to duck to miss em.
Nowhere in this, or any other ITM forum, have I read that the best thing is to get together for a chinwag and a laugh with the best people in the world.
That's what a session is and always was for, to bond the community.
Stick that in yer pipes.
Tin hat on....
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by spokulator36
Re: Craic v Ego
About time someone said this. I often feel alot of the antagonists on this site don't get the time to attend REAL sessions as they seem to be on the damn computer slagging people off all day and night.
Cheers, Jeremy
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Tassiebodhran
Re: Craic v Ego
Hey Guys:
Well said. If you're sitting around typing stuff into a computer, you're not out doing whatever it is that you're typing about. It reminds me of the bad old days at Compuserve (I'm showing my age, now), with all of their on-line "experts" dispensing incorrect information and ill-formed opinions, non-stop. Don't these guys have day jobs? We're primarily a bunch of amateurs doing this because we love the music and the camaraderie. And I think that the idea of amateur group music making, of whatever sort, is about the coolest thing there is.
Tassie, I may want to pick your brains about tuning a trap set that I picked up for my son. But I enjoy noodling on them, too.
Cheers,
Tom
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by tomw
Re: Craic v Ego
I love youse all
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by mcknowall
Re: Craic v Ego
I forgot one thing: "...because we love the music and the camaraderie and we're hoping to get laid. Lovingly and well."
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by tomw
Re: Craic v Ego
"Nowhere in this, or any other ITM forum, have I read that the best thing is to get together for a chinwag and a laugh with the best people in the world."
Actually... I've seen this sentiment expressed many times in this forum. How long have you been lurking here?
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Craic v Ego
Well, Martin (Spok), I suppose it has to be said that time spent on this site does take away from practice and session time. But for some on this forum there is limited opportunity for sessions and you can't practice all day. Besides some of us go online while sort of "at work". Who ME?!!
For sure some slagging goes on here just like real life and real sessions but there is also a lot of useful info and dialogue. It's easier when you get to know the people involved and you are always able to just not read, if you want. I tend to scan briefly through some threads and only get involved on rare occasions.
Anyway do come visit us again though I can't promise the next session will be as good as that one was.
Cheers
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Donough
Re: Craic v Ego
"Actually... I've seen this sentiment expressed many times in this forum"
Me too, Jack.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Donough
Re: Craic v Ego
Well yes, I am fairly new here, and sure there must be others here who feel like me....... I suppose there has to be a foil for the cynics....... mebbe just wanted to stir yer pots a little. We all feel the same deep down in the sess.
Thanks for support and advice.
Martin
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by cliona_molins
Re: Craic v Ego
Thanks Donough. It is a damn long way over there, by train.
Tomorrow I fly back to snow dusted Bristol -8 at night!
Yes it was a grand sess.
Who knows.....next year......
I'm on my friends computer, so it's me, not her, really, it is..........
Martin
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by cliona_molins
Re: Craic v Ego
?Martin = Cliona? I'm a little confused here
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Donough
Re: Craic v Ego
Crossposted as opposed to cross-dressing
Now I have got it - I'm a bit slow.
Have a good trip back to Bristol
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Donough
Re: Craic v Ego
The session IS my link to Irish Traditional Music!
Yes, it is, and should be a community, albeit widespread and diverse in experiences and opinions. And like mcknowall, I quote from Jeff Fenech, a one time world champion Aussie boxer, "I love youse all" too. :-}
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Clear Drops
Re: Craic v Ego
"If you're sitting around typing stuff into a computer, you're not out doing whatever it is that you're typing about."
yes - so long as you realise that includes you, Tom.
Many of the contributors do this as a short recreational break during the working day - you can spend 5 minutes on a website when you can't just whip out your instrument and have a diddle.
And as Jack said, and others have echoed, the sentiment spokulator has never seen here is expressed so frequently that one has to wonder where he's been all the time.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by showaddydadito
Re: Craic v Ego
well said spokulator36. don't think he was talking about the 5 minuters though showaddydadito...
another martin.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by martin t
Re: Craic v Ego
There was some of that shtuff recently, but I guess in every case when you have such a large group of people, you get all types of people. And as in every case, the few loudest and the most extreme, who are obviously the most visible, steer the opinion of the 'outsiders' about the whole community.
I like this forum and it's one of the few websites I visit every day (except for work-related ones), and the only discussion board I, ahem, "contribute" to (no, not "pollute", "count-ree-bute") - just because of friendly atmosphere that goes on most of the time. Not always, but this is the way of discussion boards - if you judged e.g. the readers of any given e-newspaper by comments they post after some articles, you would inevitably start to believe that they are a bunch of frustrated extremists with Turret's syndrome and distorted personalities.
This board allowed me the pleasure of meeting several of the members, including Mairtin (who might not remember, as that session was mighty and the drinks were numerous
), Ottery, Conan, Lizzy and Flauta Dolce, and they all proved to be great people with a who enjoyed playing in sessions for -guess what - fun, chirwag and a laugh. And most of contributors are very helpful.
So I guess even though there are egos flying high, like everywhere else, there's plenty of room for us, ordinary not-always-so-well-rounded sessioneers, to have a friendly chat and exchange tips and tricks of trade.
It's important to take some of the things said here with a pinch of salt.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by EastPole
Re: Craic v Ego
"Tomorrow I fly back to snow dusted Bristol -8 at night!"
Plenty of time to get your arse down to the craic at the Barleymow session at 9 eh?
& there ain't no snow here, more like slightly damp Bristol
It'll be good to have you back.
Richard
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by farmer barleymow
Re: Craic v Ego
You'll always get "talkers" and "doers", even in the real world or "meatspace" as it's known. How many times have you seen some musicians and other "interested" parties hanging around the bar pontificating about "the music", "folk" and/or session scenes but never apparently getting involved themseves?
Of course, they might be having a night off, can't get a seat or it just "doesn't suit" them for some reason. However, there is also a significant percentage who prefer to talk/moan about things than actually get involved.
Yes, there are some of those here too but, as others have commented, many of us do both. You can't judge a person by the number of posts(or lack of them) here. For instance, I'm lucky enough to be retired so I can spend a bit more time in front of the screen. However, I'm also frequently to be seen at sessions and attending festivals and gigs.
Also, I'm also listening to CDs or practising/learning tunes at the same time. Also, this site is a valuable resource for new tunes and ideas. I've discovered a lot of great stuff that would have just passed me by otherwise.
Last but not least, I've had a lot of fun and laughs, (craic even) with many of the regulars here over the years.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Johannes J
Re: Craic v Ego
I'm likewise retired, so can sit at the computer more than I would otherwise. Just got back to Bristol from Belgium (from where I was able to contribute about 20 posts to this site), and hope to be at said Barley Mow session this evening.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by lazyhound
Re: Craic v Ego
Like the Old Scraper, this is my main connection to the session world. The nearest real Irish session is a 120-mile round trip from my home and the nearby sessions are 95% American old time and bluegrass. The five-minute break from work to check on the yellow board helps to keep me from losing touch completely. I had almost given up fiddling when I discovered this forum. A little remote inspiration can go a long way when you’re physically isolated.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Bob himself
Re: Craic v Ego
Seems to me that the people who continually bitch about people having egos usually have huge egos themselves ('do any of you actually play irish music'....'have any of you actually been to a session' etc etc. Just an observation.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by bb
Re: Craic v Ego
Well I've certainly learned a lot from this site, and there are some *very* well-informed people here. And I don't see why people shouldn't post a lot *and* play a lot. Surely it's more to do with their access to a PC? And people do have a bit of a gab here in the Discussions section, just like they would in real life. But there's an awful lot of good stuff going on here, and over in the Tunes section too. imho.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Just a person
Re: Craic v Ego
Spukkulator, you just mind your own business about my opinions and fetishes. Especially my fetishes.
So what compels YOU to share your wisdom on the yellow board? (In the absence of an ego that is)
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Ottery
Re: Craic v Ego
bb, sure what do you know? Have you actually ever played that fiddle? Every time I asked you to play a tune you dodged the issue. Methinks the lady doth protest too much. AND you've got nits.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Craic v Ego
Dear Mr. Spoke,
People on this board are free to speak up, and those with bigger egos probably tend to weigh in more, and with more pointed comments-so they are more noticable. But that doesn't mean they represent the bulk of sentiments of people who post here, and especially of people who lurk here.
So when you see someone get too big for their britches, feel free to post something to poke a pin in those big egos. You don't need to be nasty--that just starts a flaming war--but a little healthy feedback once in a while is good for everyone.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by AlBrown
Re: Craic v Ego
Actually, Ive just finished admitting to Bodhran Bliss that I know 10 tunes and that I becaues interested in trad after seeing 'Lord Of the Dance'.....I loves that show
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by bb
Re: Craic v Ego
I cant believe that you told everyone I have nits! Dont forget Conan - I will be seeing you in 4 weeks so you'd better be nice to me or else
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by bb
Re: Craic v Ego
And you totally eat your own scabs.
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Dow
Re: Craic v Ego
dowsie - isnt it like 5:30 in the morning over there?? You drunkard!
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by bb
Re: Craic v Ego
Well, compared to C&F youse guys are angels. Much more
polite, more knowledgible, and funnier too. Have I kissed
enough ass now?
Mr. Mike
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by Mr. Mike the Tavern Keeper
Re: Craic v Ego
Well this is my first attempt at this discussion thingy so I hope you will forgive any mistakes I make. Having read all the above comments, and only just recently learning the Irish fiddle, I am not at all well versed in these matters BUT I have seen a fair few sessions, both in the Old Country and elsewhere in my time, and my overriding impression is that yes there are some Prima Donnas (or Donalds) out there, but the majority of folk who play are just there to get that ....what can I call it....essence of playing "da music" or whatever else you want to call it. I have seen people disappear into almost trancelike states whilst playing, and it seems obvious to me that if you really love what you play, and you love your instrument, nothing else matters.... the rest will just carry you away to that Nirvana of bliss, everything else will just melt away and there will just be you playing. I can't really describe it, its a feeling that I am starting to be aware of, being a relative novice in these matters, but it just makes you feel so damn good!! so I hope that clarifies matters a little more.. or may be not!
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by madame bonaparte
Re: Craic v Ego
Dear Madame B,
My observations as well, exactly - and it's what makes all the anxieties and long hours worthwhile. I've been at it only 4 years now myself. I don't worry so much about othere's egos at sessions so much as controlling my own...not being too afraid to make mistakes, but also not being too rash to play when it's not appropriate. It takes a great deal of patience and hard work (for me anyway!).
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by Keith Dubinsky
Re: Craic v Ego
Thanks for that, Keith! You say you are playing tenor banjo (well we all have our cross to bear!) no seriously good luck with that and the tunes; funny how both the bars you attend have the words "plough" and "stars" in them!!
The session I go to since moving here (Wales) is at a pub called the Coopers Arms (or Y Cwps, to give it its Welsh name) and there are some outstanding players from the "old " tradition who play there, and quite a few who just go for the craic, or maybe even a bit of lesser stardom amongst the student population that often attends, who knows, but either way, you can be sure listenting to some good tunes.
I miss sessions that I used to go to in Sheffield, and also in various other parts of the country; by the way, if anybody out there knows of good session bars in Philadelphia, I'm on my way there shortly......... all info gratefully received.
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by madame bonaparte
Re: Craic v Ego
MP,
Yeah, I believe the two pubs were started by the same folks, but have been under separate ownership for a long time.
You can search for sessions on this website, under Sessions>Search; if that fails (this function doesn't seems to be working right now), a google search will surely turn up something, like this:
http://www.phillydance.com/music.html
or this, another Plough & Stars, in Philly:
http://www.ploughstars.com/
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by Keith Dubinsky
Re: Craic v Ego
thanks again, for that, Keith! Jolly good linx you have passed on to me; very useful info!
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by madame bonaparte
Re: Craic v Ego
Linx...is that a Welsh term?
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by Keith Dubinsky
Re: Craic v Ego
Dear Keith
No not Cymru (Welsh) my friend, just me being lazy, speaking in "text" speak!!
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by madame bonaparte
Re: Craic v Ego
Sorry just in case there are any proper Welsh speakers out there, apologies for bad grammar (possibly) on above!
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by madame bonaparte
Re: Craic v Ego
"da music"
Only Ali G and Aly Bain call it that.
Anyway, welcome to the asylum, Mrs. Napoleon.
As for my ego, it's utterly uncontrollable - Egos wherever e wants to go.
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by ragaman
Re: Craic v Ego
Dear Spoon
sorry it was my rather crass attempt at an Irish accent!! Love ya joke by the way!
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by madame bonaparte
Re: Craic v Ego
"da music" Only Ali G and Aly Bain call it that. Aye spoon, plus every inhabitant of Dublin - last count 1.1 million!
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: Craic v Ego
Dear Spoon
Have just read up your profile; nowt wrong with Portuguese traditional music, have a copy of Amalia's CD here meself
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by madame bonaparte
Re: Craic v Ego
Not forgetting the population of Shetland too, Spoon - last count in 1998 - 22,910.
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: Craic v Ego
I attend an "underground" session on the fringes of UTA (University of Texas @ Arlington ) The session leader (duet concertina) is earnest, the hammered dulcimer player is academically detatched, the guitarist is ,um er, "inexperienced". Bein gthe fiddler, it is my duty to supply all the ego. I'll tell ya, it's hard work, show some respect.
<smirk>
# Posted on March 6th 2006 by Owell Mabee
Re: Craic v Ego
Hold everything... "The session leader (duet concertina) is earnest" You can play ITM on a "duet" system? I've never heard that. What does it sound like?
# Posted on March 6th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Craic v Ego
It's called a "Duet" because theoretically you can play a melody, or counter-melody with either hand. It's fully chromatic, but not linear. Fearless Leader only plays the melody, but uses both hands.
There was a link on concertina.dot net that had an article about it (them), but danged if I can find it now.
Maybe Linkmeister Ptarmo can help us?
"What does it sound like?" I don't think this one is loud enough, but it has a nice sound that blends well with the fiddle and vielle.
# Posted on March 6th 2006 by Owell Mabee
Re: Craic v Ego
Hey Phantom,
A duet concertina sounds the same note on push or pull like an English. It differs from the English in that the lowest notes are on the left and the highest notes are on the right like an Anglo. There is some overlap of coverage in the mid range. There are four main systems and other less common ones. Hayden and Crane are the ones I've seen. Here are keyboard layouts of the systems. http://www.concertina.com/fingering/
# Posted on March 7th 2006 by joesmith
Re: Craic v Ego
Phantom,
From the concertina.net recorded tunes link page, this is Kurt Braun playing a Crane system duet manufactured by Crabb. http://www.scraggy.net/~tina/joy.mp3
# Posted on March 7th 2006 by joesmith
Re: Craic v Ego
Yes, Ptarmigan - but that kind of spoils the wordplay a bit doesn't it? Anyway, if we go into phonetics, I think you will find that the Shetland 'da' is not the same as the Dublin 'de' (where the 'e' represents a 'schwa' - sorry, this text editor doesn't support phonetic symbols - and the 'd' is slightly aspirated).
# Posted on March 10th 2006 by ragaman
Re: Craic v Ego
Spoon, I think whatever your drinking might perhaps have been a little over-aspirated too - hmmm?
# Posted on March 10th 2006 by Ptarmigan