How "open" is "open"? I ask because I once ventrued to wangle an invitation to anoyther South London session and I'm afroaid I ended up receiving some thinly-veiled abuse. I am a guitar player and, although I dont know a grate deal about Irish music, I know the main chords used (G, C and D - D, G and A, voila as my old French teacher - oo la la! - used to say) and would like to contribute on my old guit-box. WOud you guise have any objection?
. . . is the 'open' answer and is really meant _ bring your guitar down and don't be worrying
hosted by sean mc'donagh (box), the mullens family (banjo, box, whistle) and john gaughan (guitar) we had 18 players down for a lovely start (including piano box, fiddle, mandolin and bodhran)
this sunday 16th november we welcome an inspiring 'london sligo fiddler' down from luton, Aidan Burke (Comas) who will join in with us
nice and relaxed series of tunes and a song from maggie, jo and john
with 5 fiddles, whistle, mandolin, 2 guitars and 2 bodhrons _ we're a friendly bunch that warms to beginners and this sunday welcomes back the mullens family (banjo, box, fiddle, whistle) and sean mc'donagh (box)
The person that wasn't very nice (an understatement) is nasty to everyone, and is widely disliked, so don't take it personally. He has actually been banned from posting on here for a few weeks due to his abuse of other session members.
I went along to the first week's session and it was great! I didn't go last week due to not having a babysitter, but I can highly recommend it!
My spies have been out and last week it was dire apparently - me widely disliked? speaking personally are you? don't come to the blythe again then. ever.
fair play to frank for giving this one a go as yet low on the punter front but it will grow . . . rainy old night too
but an impressive throughput of friendly players (16) with combinations of 5 fiddles, 3 boxes, whistle, 3 banjos, 5-string banjo, mandolin, guitar, bodhron and wooden spoons with jo, john and brian giving a few songs
next sunday the mullins family are back (fiddle, whistle, box, banjo, mandolin)
with aidan burke (fiddle with Comas) the following one december 7th
Hungry, I hope it does grow and become a regular quality session. Just that its a shame your spot on this site has been used to attack me; not that I care about such attacks, but this thread for your session shouldn't be used for that. And it IS me they're having a go at. Good luck for the future and hoping you attract a regular core of competent players and good respectful people.
best ''buzz'' so far according to some of the regulars in the pub and i thought so too
with 20 players through the evening, the combinations varied between 7 fiddles, 3 boxes, whistle, 2 tenor banjos, 5-string banjo, 2 mandolins, 3 guitars, 3 bodhrons and wooden spoons _ what a pick 'n' mix
but the growing numbers exceed comfort capacity on the raised 'wooden floor' area in the big corner windows so we're switching down to the 'stone tiled' floor next week _ either way this house was made for acoustics (it's a naturally loud house)
so Frank Hennelly's open 'oak fire', aidan and i again welcome everyone to :
'The Gypsy Hill Tavern'
79 Gypsy Hill
Upper Norwood
London SE19 1QH
t : 020 8761 6533
e : hungrygrass @ yahoo.co.uk
w : www.myspace.com / hungrygrass
next to Gypsy Hill Station (National Rail / South Central)
sorry this is getting a bit boring but for the record . . .
12 players on 3 fiddles, 3 boxes, 3 banjos, whistle, guitar, bodhron and wooden / metal spoons with jo doing a couple of songs
the gentleman at the bar didn't make it ( _ useless information) and we have a NEW START TIME 3-7 PM NEXT WEEK _ so beware
with Sean McDonagh (legendary box player from connemara) and the Mullens family (serious youngsters with a trad mission in life) _ easily the finest music this side of the thames and if you don't believe me . . .
Re: Sunday 21 Dec 08
I was there...
But too late.
Forgot the early start.
Caught thirty seconds of the Mullenseses' last tune!
But had nice chat to groovy lady with fiddle (Sorry! I've forgotten your name) who also turned up too late.
I had a pint or two and the lady with a fiddle had a hot chocolate.
Krick sorry about that but i'm pleased to know that one of the fiddle players is exceptional as i already know they all are
last week we had 10 players down with 5 boxes, 2 banjos, 2 fiddles, whistle and guitar and Harry (the mystery box man at the bar) gave a song this time
the quitest yet and a cold old night with music 5.30-11.30pm
yet another healthy throughput of a girl vocalist and 20 players variously on 3 boxes, 2 piano boxes, 4 banjos, 4 fiddles, whistle, baritone ukulele / spoons, mouthorgan, 3 guitars, bodhron and wooden spoons
6 of us gave a song or two and next week sees the return of Sean McDonagh on the box _ START TIME NOW 5.00 PM
ta for those updates lisaniska but i'll do the last one as i started it
as yet another quitish night finally nailed it . . .
but 11 came out to play on 3 boxes, 4 fiddles, whistle, 2 banjos, ukulele banjo, 2 guitars and 2 bodhrons with jo, kate and john giving a couple of songs
thanks to Frank for trying it out and a big THANKS to all the 35-odd musicians that came down not forgetting the few that came but didn't play _ i'll post up again the next adventure in this neck of the woods . . .
'Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better.'
Richard Hooker (1554-1600) English theologian & writer
the answer to Cosmic Ray this morning was YES, but this evening it's NO as it appears to of switched to a Monday night now with an uillean piper, fiddle and guitarist down last night
Some of us who used to go on Sunday have been joined by a piper and a fiddler. Usually start at 9:30 pm and play late. The punters seem to like it (and so does Frank!) More musicians would be most welcome. Come and share your tunes.
This session has been going every Monday since early February.
Last night - five fiddles, one mandolin and two bodhrans.
It's on again next Monday. Other instruments/musicians are most welcome.
Seven of us down tonight - fiddles, whistle, mandolin, guitar and bodhran. Played 10 til midnight.
We were joined by a visitor from Armagh who gave us a couple of Christy Moore songs - Thank you, whoever you were.
Thanks also to the appreciative punter who recorded us on his camera/phone and insisted on immediately playing it back to us, whilst raving about one player's virtuoso bowing. LOL
Good session tonight. Got through loads of good tunes. There were five of us on fiddles, mandolin, whistle and bodhran. Played from 9:30 to midnight. Just to remind everyone in south east London, we do this every Monday and you are very welcome to come and join us.
We have been reliably informed that The Piper will return next week. (This is starting to sound like "Waiting for Godot")
Nine of us tonight - fiddles, whistles, flute, mandolin and bodhran. Up on the punter front too. Was it us or was there an important football match on? Great night anyway and the landlord bought us a final round.
I meant to say "Pleased you're pleased, lisaniska".
Last night was great. Ten of us in all on pipes, fiddles (6), whistles, flutes, mandolin and bodhrans. We were making so much noise that we did bring in a passerby who thought it was a recording. Hopefully he'll be back to listen next week.
Turned up for our regular session to find Murray's vital match in the final set. Didn't get playing till 11 pm. Pipes, whistles, bodhran, fiddle and great backing from John on guitar..... and some songs too from George and John.
Great tunes complemented by a workman well-lubricated with Guinness. He insisted on dancing a jig to most tunes we started. His very enthusiastic stamping had us in serious fear for the Georgian tiled floor.
nice little session last night with a visiting whistler from lincolnshire (some interesting tunes plus a great one his mate wrote), a local first-timer on banjo, plus a guitar and four fiddlers
Six of us to start the evening on pipes, fiddles, whistles, bodhran, mandola, mandolin. John joined us with his guitar at just gone midnight. We shiifted up a gear and played for another hour and a half. That put paid to Frank's early night.
Pipes, whistle, fiddles, bodhran, mandola and guitar. We were joined by a local passerby, Mike, who went off to fetch his bodhran and played with us for the rest of the evening. For anyone else who fancies participating.... next week we will be attempting to start at 9:00 pm.
3 fiddles with the uilleann pipes, banjo and guitar with some whistle, mandola and bodhron, plus a few songs to close a grand little session we're lucky enough to have in this neck of the woods
usual suspects there last week plus a couple of visitors on fiddle and flute, one of them up from West Sussex
unfortunately it's NOT ON TONIGHT as we have North of Ireland rock band 'Ash' appearing plus support, sold out in 20 mins when tickets went on line (through The Croydon Advertiser) weeks ago
in the mid-90's, Ash charted for 34 weeks with nine hits, three of which were top 10's with Goldfinger reaching no. 5 _ now that's quite an achievement and i thought i'd flag all this up as i've heard that the lads have great time for Trad too
i know the feeling billy and sashiko calico reported 11 players last week so this one is on the map and growing, can't make tonight but can't wait 'til next week . . . i've had a long 'love' relationship with the pipes and can't help it _ this is a lovely open session and we're proud to be part of it
Last week was indeed special - pipes, whistles, flutes, mandolin, banjo, mandola, guitar, bodhran. (hope I haven't forgotten anyone) Plenty of fresh tunes and some great sets, I even managed to record some of them. And yes billy I think I know what you mean.
the way the music was played last week made me realise why i fell in love with itm in the first place.unfortunately i have no car or banjo ,so i am going to turn up with a conways lorry and play the jackhammer tonight.see you about 9.30.
Another great night on Monday. Eleven musicians over the course of the evening - pipes, fiddles, banjo, mandolin, mandola, whistle, bodhran, box, harmonica. Thank you to our visitors.
Shame you couldn't make it Billy, would've been good to hear your jigs on the jackhammer.
Using your Oyster on trains (not tubes) in South London...
I had a great time going off and changing my trousers with the Gypsy Hillbillies.
Lots a great playing and even plenty of time to discuss in depth their hot water bottle collection and
frank exchanges regarding the appropriate wig glue for a chilly, blustery December evening in London.
I did tickle the ivories but the special modal tuning of the pianoforte there rendered the simplest diads
in D mixolydian into a rhapsody of Thelonius Monk flavoured harmonic complexity and free dissonance. Also
some of the black notes are not actually glued down!
I'd like to thank John who thought he recognised me when he arrived but then decided it wasn't me and then did!
I knew it was him all the time.
Yes, great night was had by all and thanks to yhaalhouse for unveiling the mysteries of advanced trouser changing within a session context. The GHT will never be the same (and the piano is having counselling.)
Having recently arrived in South London, I decided to give the tunes a listen at this pub. Some great playing, in particular from the piper, the fiddler, the guitarist and a banjo player I recognised from the Old Dispensary session in nearby Camberwell. But ruined for me by someone playing an unnecessary, untraditional instrument like a wee guitar. (A very knowledgeable lady at the bar told me it was a bass ukelele and that it's a very popular instrument in the North of England, made famous by a singer/comedian called George Foreman. Not the boxer, who makes indoor barbecues.) I would like to join in this session, but I think the "yook" (as players of this instrument call them) might put me off. It's just simply not the sort of sound that I expect to hear in a session. But then, maybe I'm a bit too much of a purist, having rgown up all my life with the good stuff all around me.
Aw ... galteemountainboy..... don't be mean to our first time visitor
We've had a lot of visiting musicians the last few weeks, which has been fantastic and has brought a different "flavour" to every week. Bring your instrument next time and join us.
Well galteemountainboy you'll certainly be popular at plenty of sessions if you visit them once and then go on an internet forum like this and make negative comments about players/instruments which dont fit perfectly with your tastes. I think the sort of session that would suit you is where you make mad passionate love to your right hand.
Galtee is correct. The eegit on the ukelele has no idea about Irish music, and to be honest gets away with murdering every session he goes to. I've seen him around at other sessions and he is put up with, because Irish people and their English families are generally kind and welcoming. And also many musicians are a bit shy. But that fella is an absolute boll ox. Just as well he stays in tame South London because he wouldn't last a minute north of the Thames in Kilburn, Maybe he knows that and never strays out of his little patch.
I was just about to write a note here to say that I thoroughly enjoyed last week's session in this pub and to thank the boys and girls for their tunes. But on seeing some of the things written above. In particular the one by "ncy". You wouldn't need to be a genius (and I'm not one) to work out who wrote that. And when I next bump into him, I'll be having words. To think that I bought him a pint in The Golden Lion a few months back ... last pint the big Northern backstabber ever gets from me.
And one more thing... it was thanks to the person who I thought was "ncy" that I was directed to this session, one in Camberwell (closest where I'm now holed up) and to one in Catford, which I have yet to get across to. When I mentioned to him at a session after a Return to Camden Town gig that I was moving south of the river, he seemed very very welcoming and interested to see me get myself established in a few sessions. I can't understand the change of attitude, particularly since he said he doesn't use this website anyomre because he doesnt have internet access after moving house. So now I'm not actually so sure any more that it is the person I thought it was. Maybe somebody's got a grudge against him?
Just got this text from the person who I thought was "ncy". Glad t hear that not the person I thought it was, but now some myestery. "Seamie. Not got internet access. No BT line. So cant look up the link to the session. Don't really spend much time in SE London these days. More likely to bump into you in Camden again. Best."
Many thanks for the email erlier today. Meant everything about the fineness of the session generally and relise I was a bit outspoken, perhaps, about the non-trad instrument. Hell if you people like it, then none of my business. Doubt if I'll be able to make any more sessions for a while. Back in Tipp for a while and having serious thoughts about moving back. Retired last year and never thought in my 30s, 40s or 50s that I'd have any notion to move back to Ireland, but now I'm in my mid-60s I have a hankering to go home (and hopefully get some fresh air to take the edge of my late-onset asthma). so it's make or break time, I think. Good luck to yiz all, whether or not I get to hear any of your tunes or not any more. God bless and keep the jigs and reels coming.
one of the best nights yet.3 banjos,me seamie and can't remember your name but your'e very good,,matt on the pipes,4 fiddles,one of which was played by another ruth,a whistle,concertina flute and guitar.if i wasn't up early it would have been a sleepover.we all left before we turned to pumpkins otherwise it would have been difficult to get out .great night.
glad to here that billy, i had a gig in harrow that night, but went down the previous week (feb 8th) knowing ruth and george couldn't make that one but in case anyone else showed, which they didn't . . . bar a punter who came in for the music who i chatted to all evening
i'd like to see this sesh survive here as so many have folded so easily over the years and this is a big old rambling pub with good acoustics run by sympathetic governor Frank, who has supported live music for decades now in london and a list of named artists and bands respect him for that to this day
That's a real shame. I know my coments were a bit misunderstood at first. But I felt that this was a great session and sad to hear that people not turning out. I have some mates who live nearby (box, banjo, flute/whistle, fiddle), and I'll get in touch with them to see if they can make it along in the next few weeks to show their support. Too right that this session can, and must, survive. Precious little music in this corner of London and need to do all we can to help it along. Good luck and God bless.
hey, so no-one replied to me in time, so i spent an hour on the train down to gypsy hill, only to find an empty bar, thought i'd give it a while as i got there at 9 and the window said session from 10. but no. i sat there till half 10, no session. so... i went to brixton.... no music, then a £55 cab ride later, i found a session in slough. thanks for the info guys!
Crab and squid curry, two veechu roti and a bottle of Necto...
Well, myself and my son Outsidevenus (22 and a half) went to the Kilkenny had a pint, got the tube to Balham and the train to Gypsy Hill (Hooray for Oyster card!). The Gypsy Hill Tav is next to the station.
We arrived and there were three blokes, whose names I can’t recall, playing flute, fiddle and pipes. Two of them (the fiddler and flautist) had come down from Cambridge. I introduced myself and joined in. The friendly piper chatted and bought me a pint. Presently the familiar faces of Billy the Banjo and Mr McKay with his flute and box turned up. The Cambridge two chaps knew an awful lot of clever tunes us South Londoners didn’t know! But when Billy started a set off we were back in good old habitual South London repertoire territory!
I had a lot of tuning problems and frankly played like a charlie.
We left early to facilitate the journey back to civilization.
And I was also expecting to see Lisaniska but didn’t!
It was a pleasant enough evening though Yhaal. Many clever and obscure (to me, anyway, boring old phart traddie that I am) tunes were indeed played. I did start up a couple of sets - and completed one almost solo - that which I was heartened to see was being recorded - meaning the young wizz-kid whippersnappers at least didn't know ALL the tunes on the planet. Joking, lads, if you read this. Enjoyed playing with you guys and would be happy to pick up more of your repertoire. And this ould fella might have a few you don't know.
Crystal palace nearby session
weekly open session 6-10 pm
tunes with a bit of song, everyone welcome, great acoustics at frank (and teds) re-vamp of this fine pub
on the hill of the ancient Great North Wood, now musicians come forth out of the woodwork
beside gypsy hill station (national rail / south central)
# Posted on November 7th 2008 by hungry grass
How "open" is "open"? I ask because I once ventrued to wangle an invitation to anoyther South London session and I'm afroaid I ended up receiving some thinly-veiled abuse. I am a guitar player and, although I dont know a grate deal about Irish music, I know the main chords used (G, C and D - D, G and A, voila as my old French teacher - oo la la! - used to say) and would like to contribute on my old guit-box. WOud you guise have any objection?
# Posted on November 9th 2008 by occasionalvisitor
Anyone from adam . . .
. . . is the 'open' answer and is really meant _ bring your guitar down and don't be worrying
hosted by sean mc'donagh (box), the mullens family (banjo, box, whistle) and john gaughan (guitar) we had 18 players down for a lovely start (including piano box, fiddle, mandolin and bodhran)
this sunday 16th november we welcome an inspiring 'london sligo fiddler' down from luton, Aidan Burke (Comas) who will join in with us
''we're so lucky to be here right now''
# Posted on November 15th 2008 by hungry grass
south london session with Aidan Burke (Comas)
this sunday gypsey hill tavern se19 near crystal palace
come down you skinheads . . .
# Posted on November 15th 2008 by hungry grass
2nd week
nice and relaxed series of tunes and a song from maggie, jo and john
with 5 fiddles, whistle, mandolin, 2 guitars and 2 bodhrons _ we're a friendly bunch that warms to beginners and this sunday welcomes back the mullens family (banjo, box, fiddle, whistle) and sean mc'donagh (box)
# Posted on November 19th 2008 by hungry grass
To Beardyman
The person that wasn't very nice (an understatement) is nasty to everyone, and is widely disliked, so don't take it personally. He has actually been banned from posting on here for a few weeks due to his abuse of other session members.
I went along to the first week's session and it was great! I didn't go last week due to not having a babysitter, but I can highly recommend it!
# Posted on November 21st 2008 by yaelsmusic
My spies have been out and last week it was dire apparently - me widely disliked? speaking personally are you? don't come to the blythe again then. ever.
# Posted on November 22nd 2008 by Rudall the time
3rd week
fair play to frank for giving this one a go as yet low on the punter front but it will grow . . . rainy old night too
but an impressive throughput of friendly players (16) with combinations of 5 fiddles, 3 boxes, whistle, 3 banjos, 5-string banjo, mandolin, guitar, bodhron and wooden spoons with jo, john and brian giving a few songs
next sunday the mullins family are back (fiddle, whistle, box, banjo, mandolin)
with aidan burke (fiddle with Comas) the following one december 7th
# Posted on November 24th 2008 by hungry grass
Hungry, I hope it does grow and become a regular quality session. Just that its a shame your spot on this site has been used to attack me; not that I care about such attacks, but this thread for your session shouldn't be used for that. And it IS me they're having a go at. Good luck for the future and hoping you attract a regular core of competent players and good respectful people.
# Posted on November 24th 2008 by Rudall the time
your grand Maniac _ life is too short for mucking around with this kind of * * * *
# Posted on November 28th 2008 by hungry grass
Exactly.
All the best.
# Posted on November 28th 2008 by Rudall the time
And the 4th week . . .
best ''buzz'' so far according to some of the regulars in the pub and i thought so too
with 20 players through the evening, the combinations varied between 7 fiddles, 3 boxes, whistle, 2 tenor banjos, 5-string banjo, 2 mandolins, 3 guitars, 3 bodhrons and wooden spoons _ what a pick 'n' mix
but the growing numbers exceed comfort capacity on the raised 'wooden floor' area in the big corner windows so we're switching down to the 'stone tiled' floor next week _ either way this house was made for acoustics (it's a naturally loud house)
so Frank Hennelly's open 'oak fire', aidan and i again welcome everyone to :
'The Gypsy Hill Tavern'
79 Gypsy Hill
Upper Norwood
London SE19 1QH
t : 020 8761 6533
e : hungrygrass @ yahoo.co.uk
w : www.myspace.com / hungrygrass
next to Gypsy Hill Station (National Rail / South Central)
every Sunday night 6-10pm or so and so be it
# Posted on December 3rd 2008 by hungry grass
5th
bit of a cold night milder by midnight but
11 heads came out to play with 4 fiddles, 5-string banjo, tenor banjo, mandolin, baritone ukulele, 2 guitars, bodhron and wooden spoons
and fair play to Roger who sang a couple of songs
a gentleman at the bar is to bring his box down next week when we have the Mullens family back (on 2 boxes, 2 banjos, fiddle, whistle and mandolin)
# Posted on December 8th 2008 by hungry grass
6th
sorry this is getting a bit boring but for the record . . .
12 players on 3 fiddles, 3 boxes, 3 banjos, whistle, guitar, bodhron and wooden / metal spoons with jo doing a couple of songs
the gentleman at the bar didn't make it ( _ useless information) and we have a NEW START TIME 3-7 PM NEXT WEEK _ so beware
with Sean McDonagh (legendary box player from connemara) and the Mullens family (serious youngsters with a trad mission in life) _ easily the finest music this side of the thames and if you don't believe me . . .
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by hungry grass
From Sunday 21st December new time 3-7 pm
you've been warned
and i love the whole lot of ye
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by hungry grass
From Sunday 28th december 5-9 pm
last week the mullens family and sean mc'donagh were joined by clare egan (fiddle) and mark conyard (guitar)
please note NEW START TIME 5 PM and bare with us if you will _ franks giving this a go and fair play to him . . .
# Posted on December 27th 2008 by hungry grass
Being late and hot chocolate...
Re: Sunday 21 Dec 08
I was there...
But too late.
Forgot the early start.
Caught thirty seconds of the Mullenseses' last tune!
But had nice chat to groovy lady with fiddle (Sorry! I've forgotten your name) who also turned up too late.
I had a pint or two and the lady with a fiddle had a hot chocolate.
# Posted on December 29th 2008 by Krick Stahlschwanz
Krick sorry about that but i'm pleased to know that one of the fiddle players is exceptional as i already know they all are
last week we had 10 players down with 5 boxes, 2 banjos, 2 fiddles, whistle and guitar and Harry (the mystery box man at the bar) gave a song this time
# Posted on December 30th 2008 by lisaniska
9th week
the quitest yet and a cold old night with music 5.30-11.30pm
yet another healthy throughput of a girl vocalist and 20 players variously on 3 boxes, 2 piano boxes, 4 banjos, 4 fiddles, whistle, baritone ukulele / spoons, mouthorgan, 3 guitars, bodhron and wooden spoons
6 of us gave a song or two and next week sees the return of Sean McDonagh on the box _ START TIME NOW 5.00 PM
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by lisaniska
10 and out for a birdie
ta for those updates lisaniska but i'll do the last one as i started it
as yet another quitish night finally nailed it . . .
but 11 came out to play on 3 boxes, 4 fiddles, whistle, 2 banjos, ukulele banjo, 2 guitars and 2 bodhrons with jo, kate and john giving a couple of songs
thanks to Frank for trying it out and a big THANKS to all the 35-odd musicians that came down not forgetting the few that came but didn't play _ i'll post up again the next adventure in this neck of the woods . . .
'Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better.'
Richard Hooker (1554-1600) English theologian & writer
# Posted on January 16th 2009 by hungry grass
Switched now to every MONDAY 9.00PM
the answer to Cosmic Ray this morning was YES, but this evening it's NO as it appears to of switched to a Monday night now with an uillean piper, fiddle and guitarist down last night
watch this space . . .
# Posted on January 21st 2009 by lisaniska
Monday night session
Been going several weeks now - fiddles, whistle, bodhran and an uillean piper - more welcome! Check out the new Session submitted for Monday
# Posted on February 12th 2009 by sashiko calico
Monday Night Session
Some of us who used to go on Sunday have been joined by a piper and a fiddler. Usually start at 9:30 pm and play late. The punters seem to like it (and so does Frank!) More musicians would be most welcome. Come and share your tunes.
# Posted on February 12th 2009 by sashiko calico
Gypsy Hill Tavern, London - Mondays
This session has been going every Monday since early February.
Last night - five fiddles, one mandolin and two bodhrans.
It's on again next Monday. Other instruments/musicians are most welcome.
# Posted on March 10th 2009 by sashiko calico
Monday 16th March
Seven of us down tonight - fiddles, whistle, mandolin, guitar and bodhran. Played 10 til midnight.
We were joined by a visitor from Armagh who gave us a couple of Christy Moore songs - Thank you, whoever you were.
Thanks also to the appreciative punter who recorded us on his camera/phone and insisted on immediately playing it back to us, whilst raving about one player's virtuoso bowing. LOL
# Posted on March 17th 2009 by sashiko calico
Monday 30th March
erm.......bit quiet tonight. Just two fiddles. Should be back to normal next week.
# Posted on March 31st 2009 by sashiko calico
Not tonight
Bank Holiday here so will resume next Monday 20th April when the piper may be back
Last week saw 5 fiddles, 2 guitars and a bodhron / mandolin, and local singer songwriter Sashia gave a couple of songs
# Posted on April 13th 2009 by lisaniska
20th April
Good session tonight. Got through loads of good tunes. There were five of us on fiddles, mandolin, whistle and bodhran. Played from 9:30 to midnight. Just to remind everyone in south east London, we do this every Monday and you are very welcome to come and join us.
We have been reliably informed that The Piper will return next week. (This is starting to sound like "Waiting for Godot")
# Posted on April 21st 2009 by sashiko calico
Ah, just an Order of Magnitude out sashiko _ the 'drone' sound of the uilleanne pipes is infinitely the best man-made sound on earth
# Posted on April 22nd 2009 by lisaniska
27th April
and last night the pub was filled again with the wonderful sound of the pipes and fiddles
# Posted on April 28th 2009 by sashiko calico
May 4th
May Bank Holiday here so some people away. At last minute decided to have the session anyway. Glad we did. Pub was lively and appreciative.
# Posted on May 5th 2009 by sashiko calico
May 11th
Nine of us tonight - fiddles, whistles, flute, mandolin and bodhran. Up on the punter front too. Was it us or was there an important football match on? Great night anyway and the landlord bought us a final round.
# Posted on May 12th 2009 by sashiko calico
i'm really pleased to hear that . . .
# Posted on May 16th 2009 by lisaniska
Pleased your pleased lisaniska....and I'll be even more pleased when you and your lovely guitar show up and play!
Likewise all you Blythers and Old Dispensary Tappers. You know who you are. You'll be very welcome.
# Posted on May 16th 2009 by sashiko calico
May 18th
I meant to say "Pleased you're pleased, lisaniska".
Last night was great. Ten of us in all on pipes, fiddles (6), whistles, flutes, mandolin and bodhrans. We were making so much noise that we did bring in a passerby who thought it was a recording. Hopefully he'll be back to listen next week.
# Posted on May 19th 2009 by sashiko calico
May 25th
Yet another Bank Holiday Session. Fiddles, pipes, whistles, flute, bodhran and, for the first time, a banjo.
# Posted on May 28th 2009 by sashiko calico
Andy Murray Night
Turned up for our regular session to find Murray's vital match in the final set. Didn't get playing till 11 pm. Pipes, whistles, bodhran, fiddle and great backing from John on guitar..... and some songs too from George and John.
# Posted on June 30th 2009 by sashiko calico
July and August
Monday 17th August.
Pipes, fiddles, whistle, bodhran and guitar.
Great tunes complemented by a workman well-lubricated with Guinness. He insisted on dancing a jig to most tunes we started. His very enthusiastic stamping had us in serious fear for the Georgian tiled floor.
# Posted on August 20th 2009 by sashiko calico
nice little session last night with a visiting whistler from lincolnshire (some interesting tunes plus a great one his mate wrote), a local first-timer on banjo, plus a guitar and four fiddlers
# Posted on September 16th 2009 by lisaniska
and don't forget the bodhran!
# Posted on September 17th 2009 by sashiko calico
sorry sashiko . . . and you were right beside me
# Posted on September 17th 2009 by lisaniska
Monday 12th October
Six of us to start the evening on pipes, fiddles, whistles, bodhran, mandola, mandolin. John joined us with his guitar at just gone midnight. We shiifted up a gear and played for another hour and a half. That put paid to Frank's early night.
# Posted on October 13th 2009 by sashiko calico
hit post and realised I'd forgotten to mention the banjo. Sorry Billy.
# Posted on October 13th 2009 by sashiko calico
Monday 19th October
Pipes, whistle, fiddles, bodhran, mandola and guitar. We were joined by a local passerby, Mike, who went off to fetch his bodhran and played with us for the rest of the evening. For anyone else who fancies participating.... next week we will be attempting to start at 9:00 pm.
# Posted on October 20th 2009 by sashiko calico
3 fiddles with the uilleann pipes, banjo and guitar with some whistle, mandola and bodhron, plus a few songs to close a grand little session we're lucky enough to have in this neck of the woods
# Posted on October 28th 2009 by lisaniska
usual suspects there last week plus a couple of visitors on fiddle and flute, one of them up from West Sussex
unfortunately it's NOT ON TONIGHT as we have North of Ireland rock band 'Ash' appearing plus support, sold out in 20 mins when tickets went on line (through The Croydon Advertiser) weeks ago
in the mid-90's, Ash charted for 34 weeks with nine hits, three of which were top 10's with Goldfinger reaching no. 5 _ now that's quite an achievement and i thought i'd flag all this up as i've heard that the lads have great time for Trad too
# Posted on November 16th 2009 by lisaniska
i'm in love
# Posted on November 24th 2009 by billy
i know the feeling billy and sashiko calico reported 11 players last week so this one is on the map and growing, can't make tonight but can't wait 'til next week . . . i've had a long 'love' relationship with the pipes and can't help it _ this is a lovely open session and we're proud to be part of it
# Posted on November 29th 2009 by lisaniska
Gipsy Hill Tavern
Last week was indeed special - pipes, whistles, flutes, mandolin, banjo, mandola, guitar, bodhran. (hope I haven't forgotten anyone) Plenty of fresh tunes and some great sets, I even managed to record some of them. And yes billy I think I know what you mean.
# Posted on November 29th 2009 by sashiko calico
the way the music was played last week made me realise why i fell in love with itm in the first place.unfortunately i have no car or banjo ,so i am going to turn up with a conways lorry and play the jackhammer tonight.see you about 9.30.
# Posted on November 30th 2009 by billy
Trousers...
Must get over to you and do a bit of trouser changing. It's been too long...
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by yhaalhouse
Another great night on Monday. Eleven musicians over the course of the evening - pipes, fiddles, banjo, mandolin, mandola, whistle, bodhran, box, harmonica. Thank you to our visitors.
Shame you couldn't make it Billy, would've been good to hear your jigs on the jackhammer.
# Posted on December 2nd 2009 by sashiko calico
The competition!!
go on then,tell us who turned up on the banjwagon?
# Posted on December 3rd 2009 by billy
Not a competition
It was Aidan, Billy
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by sashiko calico
No competition !
you're right there's no competition,aidan's way better !!!
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by billy
That was a great competition . . .
nice complement of players down last night on bodhron, banjo (billy), whistles, fiddles, pipes, mandola, ukalele, guitar and someone touched the piano
and a lone punter enquired about bookig us for his weddind in 2011
# Posted on December 8th 2009 by lisaniska
Using your Oyster on trains (not tubes) in South London...
I had a great time going off and changing my trousers with the Gypsy Hillbillies.
Lots a great playing and even plenty of time to discuss in depth their hot water bottle collection and
frank exchanges regarding the appropriate wig glue for a chilly, blustery December evening in London.
I did tickle the ivories but the special modal tuning of the pianoforte there rendered the simplest diads
in D mixolydian into a rhapsody of Thelonius Monk flavoured harmonic complexity and free dissonance. Also
some of the black notes are not actually glued down!
I'd like to thank John who thought he recognised me when he arrived but then decided it wasn't me and then did!
I knew it was him all the time.
# Posted on December 8th 2009 by yhaalhouse
Everyone's a winner and all must have prizes
Have you got a code John?
Yes, great night was had by all and thanks to yhaalhouse for unveiling the mysteries of advanced trouser changing within a session context. The GHT will never be the same (and the piano is having counselling.)
# Posted on December 8th 2009 by sashiko calico
Oh dear...
Having recently arrived in South London, I decided to give the tunes a listen at this pub. Some great playing, in particular from the piper, the fiddler, the guitarist and a banjo player I recognised from the Old Dispensary session in nearby Camberwell. But ruined for me by someone playing an unnecessary, untraditional instrument like a wee guitar. (A very knowledgeable lady at the bar told me it was a bass ukelele and that it's a very popular instrument in the North of England, made famous by a singer/comedian called George Foreman. Not the boxer, who makes indoor barbecues.) I would like to join in this session, but I think the "yook" (as players of this instrument call them) might put me off. It's just simply not the sort of sound that I expect to hear in a session. But then, maybe I'm a bit too much of a purist, having rgown up all my life with the good stuff all around me.
# Posted on December 16th 2009 by Seamie Lyons
Oh dearie me .....
Aw ... galteemountainboy..... don't be mean to our first time visitor
We've had a lot of visiting musicians the last few weeks, which has been fantastic and has brought a different "flavour" to every week. Bring your instrument next time and join us.
# Posted on December 16th 2009 by sashiko calico
Oh dearie dearie me
Well galteemountainboy you'll certainly be popular at plenty of sessions if you visit them once and then go on an internet forum like this and make negative comments about players/instruments which dont fit perfectly with your tastes. I think the sort of session that would suit you is where you make mad passionate love to your right hand.
# Posted on December 17th 2009 by nadia c. yosser
not to worry, i was at both sessions,
and
i'm pretty sure who this is.
i'll have a word with some of the walworth boys
# Posted on December 17th 2009 by one nation under chicken
Galtee is correct. The eegit on the ukelele has no idea about Irish music, and to be honest gets away with murdering every session he goes to. I've seen him around at other sessions and he is put up with, because Irish people and their English families are generally kind and welcoming. And also many musicians are a bit shy. But that fella is an absolute boll ox. Just as well he stays in tame South London because he wouldn't last a minute north of the Thames in Kilburn, Maybe he knows that and never strays out of his little patch.
# Posted on December 17th 2009 by DMQ
you too, DMQ
# Posted on December 17th 2009 by one nation under chicken
Plunka, plunka, plunka...
Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me!
# Posted on December 17th 2009 by yhaalhouse
Well...
I was just about to write a note here to say that I thoroughly enjoyed last week's session in this pub and to thank the boys and girls for their tunes. But on seeing some of the things written above. In particular the one by "ncy". You wouldn't need to be a genius (and I'm not one) to work out who wrote that. And when I next bump into him, I'll be having words. To think that I bought him a pint in The Golden Lion a few months back ... last pint the big Northern backstabber ever gets from me.
# Posted on December 20th 2009 by Seamie Lyons
And one more thing... it was thanks to the person who I thought was "ncy" that I was directed to this session, one in Camberwell (closest where I'm now holed up) and to one in Catford, which I have yet to get across to. When I mentioned to him at a session after a Return to Camden Town gig that I was moving south of the river, he seemed very very welcoming and interested to see me get myself established in a few sessions. I can't understand the change of attitude, particularly since he said he doesn't use this website anyomre because he doesnt have internet access after moving house. So now I'm not actually so sure any more that it is the person I thought it was. Maybe somebody's got a grudge against him?
# Posted on December 20th 2009 by Seamie Lyons
Just got this text from the person who I thought was "ncy". Glad t hear that not the person I thought it was, but now some myestery. "Seamie. Not got internet access. No BT line. So cant look up the link to the session. Don't really spend much time in SE London these days. More likely to bump into you in Camden again. Best."
# Posted on December 21st 2009 by Seamie Lyons
Thanks, Sashiko
Many thanks for the email erlier today. Meant everything about the fineness of the session generally and relise I was a bit outspoken, perhaps, about the non-trad instrument. Hell if you people like it, then none of my business. Doubt if I'll be able to make any more sessions for a while. Back in Tipp for a while and having serious thoughts about moving back. Retired last year and never thought in my 30s, 40s or 50s that I'd have any notion to move back to Ireland, but now I'm in my mid-60s I have a hankering to go home (and hopefully get some fresh air to take the edge of my late-onset asthma). so it's make or break time, I think. Good luck to yiz all, whether or not I get to hear any of your tunes or not any more. God bless and keep the jigs and reels coming.
# Posted on December 22nd 2009 by Seamie Lyons
Monday 28th December
No session tonight but back to normal next Monday. See you all there.
# Posted on December 28th 2009 by sashiko calico
Where were you ruth and george?
one of the best nights yet.3 banjos,me seamie and can't remember your name but your'e very good,,matt on the pipes,4 fiddles,one of which was played by another ruth,a whistle,concertina flute and guitar.if i wasn't up early it would have been a sleepover.we all left before we turned to pumpkins otherwise it would have been difficult to get out .great night.
# Posted on February 16th 2010 by billy
I am in Chamonix, France on holiday with the husband and kids. Great to hear it's going well.
# Posted on February 16th 2010 by sashiko calico
Determined to survive
glad to here that billy, i had a gig in harrow that night, but went down the previous week (feb 8th) knowing ruth and george couldn't make that one but in case anyone else showed, which they didn't . . . bar a punter who came in for the music who i chatted to all evening
i'd like to see this sesh survive here as so many have folded so easily over the years and this is a big old rambling pub with good acoustics run by sympathetic governor Frank, who has supported live music for decades now in london and a list of named artists and bands respect him for that to this day
# Posted on February 17th 2010 by lisaniska
That's a real shame. I know my coments were a bit misunderstood at first. But I felt that this was a great session and sad to hear that people not turning out. I have some mates who live nearby (box, banjo, flute/whistle, fiddle), and I'll get in touch with them to see if they can make it along in the next few weeks to show their support. Too right that this session can, and must, survive. Precious little music in this corner of London and need to do all we can to help it along. Good luck and God bless.
# Posted on February 18th 2010 by Seamie Lyons
is this session still going????
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by FastEddie
Sadly, this sesh is no more (for now)
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by sashiko calico
hey, so no-one replied to me in time, so i spent an hour on the train down to gypsy hill, only to find an empty bar, thought i'd give it a while as i got there at 9 and the window said session from 10. but no. i sat there till half 10, no session. so... i went to brixton.... no music, then a £55 cab ride later, i found a session in slough. thanks for the info guys!
# Posted on May 4th 2010 by FastEddie
£55 cab ride? Just to get to a session? More money than sense.
# Posted on May 5th 2010 by 'S dat you, O'Flibberty?
also, could n't u have phioned the pub first to check if it was on?
# Posted on May 5th 2010 by 'S dat you, O'Flibberty?
Ignore the map, but a sneaky one . .
tonight from 8.30pm . . .
# Posted on September 27th 2010 by lisaniska
The sneaky one...
I quite like the map that implies Gypsy Hill is somewhere near the Severn Bridge...
Might show up myself!
# Posted on September 27th 2010 by yhaalhouse
Crab and squid curry, two veechu roti and a bottle of Necto...
Well, myself and my son Outsidevenus (22 and a half) went to the Kilkenny had a pint, got the tube to Balham and the train to Gypsy Hill (Hooray for Oyster card!). The Gypsy Hill Tav is next to the station.
We arrived and there were three blokes, whose names I can’t recall, playing flute, fiddle and pipes. Two of them (the fiddler and flautist) had come down from Cambridge. I introduced myself and joined in. The friendly piper chatted and bought me a pint. Presently the familiar faces of Billy the Banjo and Mr McKay with his flute and box turned up. The Cambridge two chaps knew an awful lot of clever tunes us South Londoners didn’t know! But when Billy started a set off we were back in good old habitual South London repertoire territory!
I had a lot of tuning problems and frankly played like a charlie.
We left early to facilitate the journey back to civilization.
And I was also expecting to see Lisaniska but didn’t!
# Posted on September 28th 2010 by yhaalhouse
It was a pleasant enough evening though Yhaal. Many clever and obscure (to me, anyway, boring old phart traddie that I am) tunes were indeed played. I did start up a couple of sets - and completed one almost solo - that which I was heartened to see was being recorded - meaning the young wizz-kid whippersnappers at least didn't know ALL the tunes on the planet. Joking, lads, if you read this. Enjoyed playing with you guys and would be happy to pick up more of your repertoire. And this ould fella might have a few you don't know.
# Posted on September 28th 2010 by Rudall the time