This session will commence on Thursday, 18th September 2003.
Starts 9.00 - 9.30, in the back bar. Con, the governor, has been known to give out a couple of pints to the players, but I can't promise that. There have been sessions here, off and on, for a number of years, so it is known as a session pub.
Train: to Catford or Catford Bridge. Get onto South Circular. Walk away from Catford (not a bad idea anyway!), about quarter of a mile, then Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your aunt, you're there.
Can also get a train to Honor Oak Park/Forest Hill - both on the same line but those stations are a wee bit further. Check the map to work out your route too complex to describe here!
Buses: 185, 171 122. Also 202 and 75.
Getting back to Central North London? Emm..cab? Night bus N171 (I think.)
Having been underway now for what ... three, four months ... this session has taken on a life of its own. The hallmarks of good sessions, in my opinion are a) that they're not reliant on one or two people and b) they evolve. On both of these counts The Blythe Hill scores. We're now at the stage where if one or two of the regulars don't/can't show, the music carries on. Their presence might be missed, but c'est la vie, there's enough confident players to keep the show on the road. On the other score, the session attracts the occasional "outsider" - some of whom quickly become insiders, others are content to sit in now and again. What's remarkable is that almost without exception all of the visiting musicians are of a wavelength with the regular players ... the cringe factor that sometimes accompanies the arrival of a stranger, who then proceeds to play music which is out of kilter with the overall timbre of the session hasn't happened yet! There have been one or two nights where a few visitors have been a little "challenging", but these occasions haven't been a blight so much as a nuisance. And the session has the ability to surprise such as on New Year's Night when whatever combination of circumstances (surely unplannable!) conspired to inspire the players and the punters into a late-night orgy of music, song and dancing that was quintessential "session takes off" territory. Long may it last!
When the Chaucers get their act together and stop drinking the night away at Mels we WILL come and join in. Well Mike does sometimes anyway and I'm not brave enough to go on my own......Oh what an admission!
Sarah, I understand what you're saying, but give it a lash. It's not a daunting session by any means (says he who's been to a few that have been daunting!).
Hello Aidan & others, I happened upon this while I was looking for something else. I got yr message the session had moved to another pub but was unaware of the reasons why (and didn't really need to know of course). Sounds like it's all going off with a bang at the new place and hopefully I will get to London in a week or two and poke my nose in for some of that cringe factor.
The situation described at the Duke is not unusual in my experience, being barely tolerated and having to ask for the jukebox or telly to be turned off is pretty common to sessions just about everywhere at one time or another. I've been at sessions where 90% of the bar is into the music, but one member of staff will put on the telly loudly without warning in the middle of a tune cos "people want to watch the footy" (or in one memorable case, the golf!)
Similarly with lock-ins, pubs up here don't like giving lock-ins to regulars or locals for fear they'll be expecting it every week. Bit crappy if you see others inside getting a drink but I can tell by the abuse I get from staff up here at closing time that they have a hell of a time getting musicians to stop playing once they get primed up, then punters are reluctant to leave and so it goes.
It would be good to see you again (and the oul Donmo). It was a right good laugh last time we met!
Sarah ...
Unfortunately I won't be able to make it this Thursday (29th Jan). But should be back on track thereafter! All the others will be there, however and they'll make you feel most welcome.
I had a great time last thurs... I found some good tunes and altho Mike and Brian were there for support it was nice to meet everyone else too. Danny is just brilliant on the flute ... ah well one day one day! We have practice this Thurs but maybe the week after I'll be there again.
What are you after in a session? Sometimes you don't know till it's happening around you - then you step back and say ... this is IT! The Blythe's one of those ITs. What's going on here to make it such a good night out? Well, first off there's a small core of players who turn out come hell or high water. We've played together for a while now, but not for so long that familiarity has bred contempt (not that it ever will, in my opinion ... we all seem genuinely to enjoy each others' company). There's a mix of levels; we have players in our midst who play incredibly well, yet who are happy to sit alongside those whose playing is a few generations back along the evolutionary curve! (And, as it happens, the more advanced players bring out the best in those who are less advanced, less confident, whatever ...) The sets are a variety of old warhorses, classy sets of less "standard" tunes and interspersed with this one or that one's latest obsession. If someone strikes up a tune that we don't know, the other players give him or her due attention (and gradually some of those left-fielders make it into the communal repertoire). Anyone is free to kick a set off and the "active listening" is obvious ... there are no assumptions that the tune sets will always be the same (even though nine times out of ten, as in any session, sets will follow the patterns we've established earlier in our life-cycle). Above all, though, the crack's 90! The asides, the false starts, the leg-pulling, blind alleys, back-slapping, good-natured slagging; all enlivened through the copious (though rarely ludicrous!) consumption of the devil's buttermilk. The Blythe Session is one where, I'd wager, the session-regulars feel at home as much as they do in their own living rooms. That for me is the hallmark of a decent sesh. Anyway, here's to us and who's like us?! And long may we toot, scrape, wheeze and diddle ...
...With all of Aidan's comments above. I personally can add that its proximity is a big plus factor for me! - I live about 2-300 metres up on the Hill itself!
Also the quality of the Guinness (very often free, for musicians!) and the pub itself - it really is a nice wee pub, with 3 little bars, and the service is usually first class - even from Grumpy Chris. Most of the regulars, although kinda geezer-ish, are at worst tolerant of our efforts but most often appreciative. I always look forward to Thursday nights.
What a great session last night. The best I've been to for a long time and most likely the best the Blythe has seen for...???....probably ever.
17 musicians there (I think!) all playing in time and in tune. Loadsa great tunes. Nice players, nice people all, including meself, Cath, Billy, BigDave, Dan Beimborn, Paddy Gallagher, Paul Gross, Aidan, Brian and his mate a box player from Suffolk....and many others. Thanks guys, what a great session.
Just wanted to thank Danny Mackay, Brian, Maxy, Dave, Mitch and several others (hope I have the names right) for being so open and friendly to a visiting American fiddle player at this warm and lively session. The music and the craic were both first rate, and I've been to many sessions around the States and Ireland. This was my first session in England, and I take it as a good sign. I'll be back soon, I hope, and I've passed the word about the Blythe Hill Tavern to sessionmates here in Washington, DC. Cheers to all.
You were very welcome. We've had quite a few visitors across to the Blythe ... a few from America (including James Morrison's great-granddaughter ... visting royalty, eh!). Always a pleasure to hear from new people and to extend our hospitality to visitors, especially when they have loadsa tunes and lift as you yourself had! G'luck and visit again when you're in London. Aidan (mandolin/octave mandola)
A bit of a crisis at the Blythe Hill Tavern tonight - our Lord of the Flies and other session friends/regulars are away due to holiday/illness, anyone at a loose end who fancies a session in south london TONIGHT(listed on this site)- free drinks - will be welcome with open arms.
yours, with fingers crossed,
Cath
Thanks Paul. I'll just have to play twice as hard tonight but the pot will be bottomless and I'm not working tomorrow so I'll get my fill at least.
All the best
Just in case it looks like a case of "the sky is falling", three of the seven hardcore members of the Blythe session looked as if they weren't going to show, two because they were on holiday and one (yours truly) because he wasn't well. There were question marks over another two! So it looked at one stage as if Cath and Billy would have to carry the day. At the very point where I was trudging upstairs to an early bed I decided that I might as well be ill and miserable in the Blythe than ill and miserable in bed, gathered up my gear and got a taxi! Glad I did!
You weren't miserable anyway Aidan, in fact you were well enough to crack a couple of dirty jokes (I nearly blushed).
The pot was bottomless that night, I kept going to the bar and taking some money out, only to be told 'don't worry' - I would not expect it every week, with such a great number as we ended up with - and there was me worrying there'd only be me and Billy. John Offord does not normally go out Thursdays so it was really great to see him. And of course, Ken. It was his first time but I hope he feels he can come up anytime. The best session guitarist I can think of: able to play most tunes but modest enough to stop when he's unsure. He stays away from any B flat augmented minor fancy chord when he know a simpe D will sound just right. And, he's a gentle player so that you don't always know he's playing, except that we all sound that little bit smoother together. Sod 'pure drop', a little bit of tune 'padding' does not hurt.
The most blushworthy jokes (comments, asides, non-sequiturs, double entendres, ooh-missus-how's-your-father-well-I-never!) tend to get aired in Billy's car en route to and fro more so than in the Blythe itself. Given that it's a tiny wee vehicle, its enforced intimacy provokes the occasional "bluey". But I'll see if I can be coaxed into being lascivious, foul-mouthed and generally corrupt and putrid if this is, as I suspect one of the glues that binds the session. Heaven knows what Father Dollard would have made of it all though (even it though it would be grist to the mill of MacGowan's grotesque creation, Father Emmett).
Aidan, Susan who came from Chicago with a friend (who did not play but seemed to be enjoying himself), was disappointed you weren't there. There was another fiddler who came from America but I did not catch his name. Both were lovely fiddle players, the chap knew most of our tunes too. Reassuringly, Susan has played only a little while longer than I have, so I was not too intimidated, although she's got a superb tone. Paul, John (Offord) and Brian joined us so it was a night for fiddlers. No Max though. Hope he's not decided to go through a non-playing phase, he'd be sorely missed.
It's always great to get visitors from everywhere, and it's quite flattering that tourists will find their way from Central London to Catford to join us. Hope they weren't disappointed.
I'm disappointed not to have been able to meet Susan as well! It's one of those things ... wife's mate with whom she was very close is visiting from Australia for a few days and Thursday was the one night she had free from family commitments; being summer the babysitters who we normally use are neck-deep in exams and don't want to have late nights and distratctions from their A Levels ...
Susan ... if you read this, apologies for not being one of the welcoming party. Hope your new job brings you over to London again and if so, would love to meet up with you!
Cath was the other fiddle player called Dave from Portsmouth New Hampshire? I met him at the Kilkenny on Tues nite and recommended he visit The Blythe. He had a very amusing tale to tell about how he stopped 2 people carrying fiddle cases in the street in Hammersmith and asked them what kind of music they played. They just said "we'll show you" took out their fiddles and played. people even chucked money at them.... and that's how he found out about the Kilkenny!
Yes Sarah, he is the same one, I found out he was called Dave this morning, and he told us he was from Boston but mentioned he was staying in Hammersmith.
He and Paul hit it off well last night.
I was in fiddle heaven - 6 of us!
See you next Thursday hopefully
Catherine
Sarah - yes that's the same guy - he told me about meeting someone at the Kilkenny - Sorry, it was me who spread the rumour he was from the Boston Area. Due to the general session hubbub I only could follow half of what he was saying. Nice guy, very nice player. He'll be at the Catskills week where meself and some other The Session members will be meeting up.
Aidan - Susan is from The Other Place. Very nice lass, and as Cath says her fiddle tone was very clean.
Shame it finished so (inordinately) early.
Will the Blythe be affected by the Football this week or is it safe???? Mentioned it to a few people at the Kilkenny last night including some more overseas visitors.
NO BLYTHE SESSION THURSDAY 24TH JUNE BECAUSE OF THE BL**DY FOOTBALL - CON TOLD BRIAN THAT IT WOULD BE ON UNTIL NEARLY 10.00 SO NO POINT. LUCKY OUR AMERICAN SESSION PALS TURNED UP LAST WEEK.
surely there's a positive surfeit of southern sessions (try saying that after a skiknful) in these here parts of the metropolis these days.
so you can hardly complain of withdrawal symptoms.musically,i mean...
Well I must apologise to Cath, Aidan and A.N.Other for England's dreadful performance tonight. If the game had been over at full time we could have played. Should we blame it on the ref?
Calling all contributors to this beloved session - it might be a bit of a lean one tomorrow so if you're in two minds about attending, hope you decide to come.
I'm afraid there will be no Danny or Aidan and I doubt that Billy'll make it as his partner is just about ready to bring a bundle of joy into their lives!
It's a shame ... but my missus has been been saying for years that she would have loved to have seen Simon and Garfunkel live. Well, tomorrow they're playing live in Hyde Park. I couldn't stand in her way, could I? Any you London crew can bail Cath out, I'm sure she'll appreciate it!
Well, we had a quorum last night after all, two whistles, two fiddles and future dad Billy on the banjo & mandolin. A young guy came up, borrwed the mandolin and did a couple of songs. A great evening, albeit quite sweaty. Roll on winter...
Whooohay - i'm keeping an eye on you guys! I miss the whole thing, really badly, from Philadelphy. Just keep it happening, guys, you have no idea how much our efforts are noted worldwide. Big serious point.
Just heard that Danny cannot make it tonight (5th), I'll be a bit late and it may also be a similar problem with Billy as we both agreed to a fund raiser earlier this evening. Alastair is in Scotland and Max in Spain. Any regular(or super)can make it, it would be very lovely to see you at around 9.00.
actually am around tonight - in scotland next week - misunderstanding must be the result of my unsober ramblings last week - looking forward to a few tunes even if it's a small crowd
actually will be around tonight - in scotland next week - misconception must be result of unsober ramblings last week - looking forward to a few tunes even if it's a small crowd
Sorry Alasdair - and it was quite a good session too, hope you weren't too overwhelmed by the strings, since you were the only whistle player there. It was very nice to meet and hear Kathleen O'Sullivan sing in her very strong and distinctive voice. Weirdly enough I bought "Track across the deep" by London Lasses, featuring Kathleen, only last Sunday.
Danny, who do you think is going to be there?
All the regulars and semis are out this week apart from me and you. Are you still going ahead? And if anyone else is thinking of coming, please let me know
c
Damn ... she'd hinted a good while back that she might make it over to the Blythe. And her journey "across the deep" *would* happen to coincide with my holidays! Grrrrr!
And what a voice! Oh no, we've dropped another name! Oh well, while I'm at it, Brendan Power was playing at a session in a pub in Broadstairs last week, and I was chuffed to be attending the same, along with Ken and Sheila.
So, now that Con's decided we'll have a permanent seating arrangement, things are starting to look up again. Good crack last night and we're starting to get some serious punter attention. I spotted two guys at the bar who were very attentive all night.
Right Guys, praying that tonight will be an improvement on last week with those w@nkers hopefully absent.As I said on the recent thread we'll have to formulate a very pro-active strategy for discouraging these "passengers"...and I'm being very polite!
Given what you've said about the crack last night, Danny, and given that the Blythe has a fair amount of disdain for the session, I'm inclined to throw in the towel on this one.
Con had promised to sort out a permanent table for the players, but that promise never materialised.
Given the fact that we have to scramble for space; that the place attracts its fair share of the pig-ignorant and pig-arrogant; the episode with yer man who wouldn't give up his FOOTSTOOL (fer Chrissakes!) to let Chris sit in with us; the episode when my sister, Kathleen O'Sullivan and Mick Mulvey were in the house and a number of people walked away from the bar making a big gesture out of sticking fingers in their ears (and the bar staff encouraged them); the "folkies" from last week who don't know scheidt from custard; Chris's (ie barman Chris, not Chris nagopaleen) miserable big face and then, the reported further arrogance of last night.
Sod it, Danny! It's hard enough to get a few tunes together without having to deal with all that crack at the same time. The Blythe is just too big, too busy and too "mainstream" a pub to do justice to a session. I'm sorry for pulling out for Con's sake, cos he always gave great support and the guy put his hand in his pocket for us. But some of the practicialities are beyond his control (unless he fancies building a little annexe where musicians can retire and play unhindered by punters).
Yer comments about wanting to give somebody a wee dunt just hammer home the point. You go out to play a few tunes, not to get so wound up that you're comtemplating violence. It's not good for the music and anyway two-thirds of that shower who carp from the bar are mates of each other. If you were to get the better of one of them, half a dozen of them would lie in wait for you one night and fit or not, you'd end up in Rushey Green for six months with tubes sticking out at every angle!
I didn't make it last night despite earlier intentions (last minute desperate Christmas shopping baa humbug etc - I am expecting 3 ghosts to visit me tonight) I don't know what happened last night but if the Blythe folds it will be a shame from a personal point of view. This was the first session I ever really got involved with and I just found the core group very friendly accepting people with a very relaxed easy going feel to the session most of the time. I never picked up some of the other subtle carry on present on the periphery being an inexperienced sessioner as I am - but last week was bleedin' obvious - you guys know the form of these things better than me and I'll watch this page for developments - oh yeh just one more thing - Happy Holidays to you all - I must say that throughout 2004 I have always looked forward to Thursdays
Tho an infrequent visitor it wold be a real shame if the Blythe folds. Now we've finished recording we are hoping to get back to regular Thurs Practices and the Blythe is just the perfect end to the evening.
Are you guys meeting next Thurs? I may need the Blythe after a surfeit of being nice to elderly relatives!!!! It can't be as bad as that can it????
Happy Christmas everyone
Sarah
(Now I'm going to do the religious bit and watch Carols from Kings as a reward for all the shopping, tidying up, present wrapping, not shouting at anybody YET etc etc...)
Sarah ... I don't think that there's any suggestion that the Blythe should fold. It's just that I'm a particularly intolerant individual and I get no enjoyment out of playing when the vibes just aren't right. I envy others' ability to play on regardless. But I've reached the end of my tether with only half-enjoying the sessions at the Blythe. Half isn't good enough; the crack used to be well-ninety. And the diminished enjoyment factor isn't down to the musicians, it's caused by those outside the session.
It would be no great shakes to me if the Blythe folded, the way the geezer contingent are remorselessly and relentlessly regaining their (no doubt in their view) hold on the pub.
Look, why not try West Greenwich House, very close to where Cath stays? We used to have sessions in there on a Friday night, when John Driver was alive.
Is anyone going to be at the Blythe tonight???? Or has it ceased to be??? I am on hols and thought I might venture over tonight if its on - bit late in the day but if anyone is out there can you let me know
The whistle playing session spoiler did not come, it was a bit of an anticlimax in a way, but we had a pretty perfect one. We had the small room, a few customers lcame over from the other bars to listen, thanks for coming Sarah & Alistair has increased his range of tunes tenfold. And two flutes, two whistles and two fiddles kicked @ass playing Farewell to Ireland (or Erin) but we're not going to disagree on that
Kevin, a regular fiddler from Tir na nog joined us last night, and Bob the Brickie came for a visit, minus his fiddle. We hope to see him again, with his fiddle. He borrowed mine for a couple of tunes - made me feel a bit small I must say, what a sweet tone!
And words were exchanged with the unmentionable whistle player. Funnily enough, he was the one who started complaining - Danny reckons the man won't be back, but I'm not so sure...
Still, I told hime what I had to.
Bob - thanks for notifying Ed the fiddle and Maureen the whistle about the Blythe. Their presence was most welcome (as is yours of course). Ed is a superb player, up among the top people. I know a shed load of tunes (I don't *have* to boast this - most folks will attest to it), but we ended up playing a very good-natured game of musical tennis, and every time I served him up a set of tunes he was right back with another set when it was his serve - and thus we reciprocated for a good hour after the session proper had ended. *And* they are very nice people on top of that! I also would welcome the return of Michael the box player any time, whose style on the piano box is quite remarkable, how he makes that staccato pulsing noise of a Kerry button box player. As another player of the "wrong" instrument (Boehm flute), it's all the more proof that it's not *what* you play, but *how* you play.
Might be best if you emailed one or 2 of us regulars rather than post here at such short notice, CB.
Yes it was on last night, and a really nice relaxed session it was too. Shame you missed it. No abusive or mental people, just a core of good players/friends, and a shedload of tunes. Michael's box playing in particular, is superb.
Hi Cath - I'll try & get down. I had a couple of pints last night, and today is the first day I've not felt like daith het up the day after a few drinks.
Well tempered tunes - bad tempered musicians!
Sorry I missed the Blythe (flu) and will miss it again next Thursday - I've got a gig (bluegrass) - definitely back the week after.
Great session last night - some very classy musicians turned up.... just to say sorry to Ed, Mick, Chris and David (Ed and David both having come a long way), as I had to leave early at 11.45pm since I had promised to get back to watch the election. Wish I'd left it for a bit longer now as the first hour of results wasn't very exciting, whereas the tunes were. Make sure you come again guys.
Great night tonight lads!
Many thanks to Padhraig, Micheal, Sadie, and especially the lovely Estelle for your weepy and charming songs. Just goes to show, "a night away from the Blythe is a night wasted"
So much for Ms. VS, but never mind. Hopefully we'll be graced by her presence some other time. But the idea of her presence got you lot out! Thanks a million, guys. What a great session. Great singing from Helen, extraordinary playing from Chris, Geoff, Mick...everyone in fact. There seemed to be boundless energy going round.
Rubbish, we were coming anyway!!!!
Quite a few people were on holiday last week that was the real reason of the quiet previous week. We don't need a media presence to turn up!!!!!!!!!!
Personally I only turned up cos of the media presence or lack of.......Oh ok no I didn't..... it was cos I wanted to hear Bluebell Polka followed by Tam Lin!!!!!! Great evening ...who needs VIPs????
PS I thought a Weegie Boor was what you used in a dark candlelit room to summon up the dead.....has the Scots person got plans for the Blythe attendance next week????
Youse probably haven't been following the Dow & Danny Show, the latest soap here at the sesh. I said he came across online like a typical feckless Geordie boor, then with persuasion regretted it, so as penance I thought I'd metaphorically walk around here for a while wearing the hairshirt of the term, tailored , of course for a Glaswegian, or Weegie.
Yeah, I know it didn't need a celeb to winkle youse out of yer shells, but no harm done. The irony of course is that when I mentioned all this to Paul, he said the good lady herself is already a semi-regular at the English session in Greenwich!
Hope Tish enjoyed last night. It was top class in all departments. Well done, team!
It was nice meeting you Tish, you chose a nice busy night to come and join us. It can be a bit quiet at this time of year, but we had a good turnout as people have started to come back from holiday.
Wahey!! Yaboy ye!
Yafikkinboy ye!
Great to meet ye ya bollox! Very nice guy, nice attitude, nice tunes. Now that you're a Londoner, don't be a stranger ...to us remote SE Londoners.
In case you've come here for info about this session tonight (10th Nov), but haven't looked in on the Discussions, I don't think there'll be many people, if any, turning up, due to the Teada gig in the nearby Lewisham Irish Centre. However, it IS possible that there will be a session on at the Blythe after the gig, say 10.30ish onwards...maybe even with the lads.....we'll see...
Phoowwaaarrrhhh...
Wot a bliddy sesh! Talk about whiskey galore!
One thing's for sure. You'll never beat a Blythe session when it's on form. I've travelled far far from my own native home, far away o'er the mountains, etc, etc, but there's none to compare with the Tavern of Blythe Hill.
It's now nearly three years since the session at the Blythe commenced. I think it might be a good idea to have some kind celebration, a kind of mega-session, on either the 14th or the 21st September, my feeling would be for 21st, as a kind of "thank you" to Con.
Maybe try and get everyone who ever ateended to attend.
Any thoughts folks?
Great session last night lads and lassies. Myself, Billy, BigDave, Mick M, Paul Gross, Brian, Max, 3 East Dulwich contingent fiddlers, Frankie & Gordon played a load of fine tunes despite.....erm....a certain class of piano box player. Say no more.
Key Maniac Lad, I am the 'certain class of piano box player'. I am only a beginner and have never claimed to be anything else having only played for 3 years. I have a burning passion for irish music and session playing so how about a bit of encouragment or advice (preferably to my face) instead of whinging about me on here? I'll probably be back there tonight so if you've got a problem you know where to come. The rest of the crowd certainly didn't seem to have any problems with me so why should you?
No worries, Daniel - I will reply by email and if there is a chance, I'll have a chat with you tonight. What I said above hardly constitues a whinge, though.
Personally speaking I love 'em all...Hows the session been recently?- I haven't been for a few weeks. Anyway, just you wait 'til I get my highland pipes for xmas!!! The Blythe will never be the same again.
it's not bad, i only get down about once a month. The landlord has moved it into the other side room to try to fill up the bars. Personally i think he should put it in the room at the back by the fireplace? Nice crowd and players, if not slightly slower and laid back in style than myself but it's always nice for a change and the practise. BRING YOUR PIPES!
Truth be told, it has gone way, way downhill of late.
There was a time when some great players and characters would turn up regularly. They just don't want to come any more, I know for a fact. Just a bunch of old hacks (except Paul) and learners go regularly now. I'm seriously contemplating giving up on it as of now.
hi,Daniel - re blythe session,i can assure you that the person i was thinking of is not yrself!
i meant a rather negative fiddle player who lives nearby.
best wishes,dave
The storms outside were equally matched in ferocity by those within the premises. The said fiddler made a wannabe humorous comment to me about turning my flute round the other way so that Mr. J.O. (fiddle) could squeeze in. It must be the way he tells them because I saw red and told him he could f\/ck off for a start. He made some other condescending remark then turned his back on me to play tunes while I sat there fuming. At the end of another set, which I didn't applaud, he turned to me saying I was too miserable to clap. I said “I meant what I just said there, Br!@*”
There followed a lengthy, obsequious, nauseating appeal from him for me to lighten up, that I should start drinking again and relax, this delivered with sickening beery breath in my face and not keeping his distance, pawing me as if we were brothers just after having had a wee tiff. I finally relented and apologized, as much to get him off my case as to allay my guilt feelings for not only having fallen from grace, but for using him, Jade Goody style, as a scapegoat for the relative demise of the session. So at my suggestion, we started up playing a few tunes.
If not necessarily good news, it came at least as a vindication to me when I later heard from the bodhrán player that said fiddle player player had subsequently first pushed him out of the way, then “ordered” him to make room for JO. So maybe I was not scapegoating him – he seems to have done a good job all by himself.
At about ten-ish a young fella, obviously oblivious to all that had previously transpired, walked into the session, came up to me and made me guess his identity – this turned out to be Dow! As I mentioned elsewhere, this turned out to be a thoroughly disappointing experience as Dow proved to be a really nice guy and a very fine player, with a shed load of tunes at his disposal. So we launched into several before time was finally called.
Disappointing, because I now have nothing to slag him about. And by his presence he had inadvertently saved the session from an ungracious end. Dow, of all people. He whose mission in life at The Session.org is to start arguments! Joking, of course, Dow, was great to meet and play tunes with you.
Good job I wasn't there any earlier otherwise I might have joined in the fight and sided against you for the craic
You're right - I was totally oblivious to the tensions you mention. To the untrained eye it looked like you were all getting on perfectly well.
Thanks for the tunes. Off to learn the Cat's Meow as I've been meaning to learn it for ages and I still kind of have it in my head from when you were playing it on Thurs night.
PS, bit of drama trying to get "home": managed to get a Stratford bus but in my state of tiddliness only thought to ask the driver for directions halfway through the trip. I was told I was on the wrong bus and to get off at the next stop. I was dumped in the absolute middle of nowhere (Blackheath??) and it was incredibly cold and bleak and raining, and I realised that the driver had been suggesting that I should go back to Lewisham and try again. Waited about 20mins and a bus arrived. Tried to flag it down but it sailed on past at about 100mph. Wondered who would contact my parents if I died out there of hypothermia. Then I gave up and decided to carry on to Stratford as I had planned, and then cab it. Finally made it home and was glad b/c it meant I could say goodbye properly to my friend in the morning and get some decent sleep for my long drive. So I'm still alive and will come to your session again some time to terrorise you!
Yes of course, by that time we were all buddies again -- at least to the untrained eye. Although I think I'll probably leave it for a bit and go instead to other sessions. Shame cause it's such a lovely pub, especially for having a session in, and it'd be doing Irish music a disservice NOT to have a session there, if that's what eventually transpired.
Sorry it took you so long to get back, Mark, you could have crashed out here, but you seemed quite intent on getting back over to E. London. I thought that bus service you checked out was meant to be 24 hours?
There's a few of the tunes you started up that I've since been giving a blast to also - goodness knows what they'd be called though. And now you can do more name-dropping on top of Finbar Dwyer - Paul Gross and John Offord - so it had to be worth it for that alone!
The real reason was not that I had to give the house key back to my friend, but that I thought you had hatched a plan to wait till I was asleep and then creep in and cut my throat with a kitchen knife in the middle of the night.
Can we get back to being horrible to each other now? You're freaking me out with your smiley faces! I can't stand the thought of having to be nice to you from now on. At least if you really insult me I now know where you live so I can go and chuck a brick through your front window. LOL.
Huh! I might have known - a leopard never changes his spots - something like that would be the only reason you came down to the Blythe. Anyway, what are you talking about MY smiley faces - you put one up there as well.
One thing I agree with you though - all this niceness is so contrived. I can't wait till you say something silly again so I can give you the good slagging you so rightly deserve. As for me - by definition, it's impossible for me to say anything daft cos I know everything - you said so yourself.
That's more like it. I shoulda chucked a brick through your window while I had the chance, or even better burn your house down. that'll have to wait till next year now.
Old Potato Head Saddam Hussein wasn't there last night. Presumably in a huff from last week. That said, I turned up late myself as I thought he'd be there. And there were only a handful of players there. But it turned out great craic, nice and relaxed, no big egos trying to prove something, going on until 1.30am. Let's hope it stays like this.
Dow a 'young fella'? How old are you Key Maniac, my preconceptions are dissolving, I already find out your can't play your flute ambidexterously ~ wasn't that enough of a shock... Now I'm picturing you with a Zimmer frame... Maybe that's why your grumpy? You're a grumpy old man... Oh no, and worrying about a kitchen extension and insurance ~ you're a short fat bald grumpy old man in a polyester suit, or worse, in a shell or track suit, with a stripe... Damn, now I am depressing myself. I had a completely other impression of you, alway feeling up when I saw the KML, now if feels like KFC...
Further disappointment, I'd always thought the 'Key' must be in the free reed sense. Now it turns out to be more sedate, flute keys...they probably don't even get used, there just for decoration... ~ I think I'm going to cry in my bourbon... You probably also drink Shirley Temples and spring water from blue glass bottles... Now I'm really hurting...
Hey 'c' I haven't even started about Danny yet. I'll have to ring you this weekend and we can have a good old gossip. You're on the right lines with the stripey shell suit. All the more flammable for when I douse him in pertol and set alight to him next time I'm in Catford
How gratifying to be this unwarranted centre of attention. As you will see from the pictures in my bio - old, short, fat, grumpy, bald & be-shell-suited can all be applied variously to describe me, though not entirely accurately. But you may retain such impressions if you will, especially if they depress you, cos that'll give me a laugh!
Oh and Dow - be careful with the spelling - and also be very careful with the petrol...don't get up tight --- if you feel nervous whilst handling it, make sure you light up a ciggie to calm you down..........
The last few weeks has seen a revival of fortunes of this session. Last week we had four flutes for example (along with other players). Last night we had three fiddles, mando, box, two flutes, three whistles, bodhran & spoons (but a smaller head count than instrument count work it out! )
It hit a real low point when this Aussie Northumbrian character turned up a few weeks ago. Since then it has recovered from the shock and it's got better and better. But thanks for asking, Dow, knowing how genuinely concerned you really are, being such a caring person.
Last night's personnel - Frankie, Gordon, Brian, Chris, a guitarist (Rich?), Aidan, myself. Plus a beginner spoons player (!), who used his lady friend to practise on quite a lot - she didn't look too pleased; I must admit I burst out laughing at his antics in the middle of one tune - oh dear! Definitely a "two tables" feel for most of the evening but after 1 or 2 had left it got more relaxed and homogenous. Also discussed the Patrick's night plan (see Aidan for more details - not the BHT.)
Sorry to have missed the Blackfen gig the other night, btw, heard there was a handy fiddle player.
Odhu ntinggo,
Max
Yes, Max, it was Danny Meehan. Dow, are you listening? I played a load of tunes with Danny Meehan. http://www.dannymeehan.com/
And he invited me to play a gig with him on March 10th, but unfortunately I won't be able to make it due to a prior engagement. How's that for a name drop?
come on guys what's happening at the BHT - I am missing it and haven't been able to get back yet but am wandering what the action is - has Brian returned? have there been any particularly ace nights? who has had a row with who? which new random musicians have turned up and how has it changed things? are the regulars still there? maybe I should just get my arce down there to find all this out!!!!!
No news must be good news, Al. No big arguments now that Br!@^ isn't there to wind people up. The usual suspects have been regulars of late: me, Max, Aidan, Paul Gross, Kate and her mate, Frankie and Gordon...and sometimes John the Bodhran as well. If this is how it is panning out these days I'd rather do without the aggro. But it would be great to see *you* down again if you can make it. Hope the wee wean is doing well.
I had the pleasure of visiting this famous session last Thursday and had a great time.
Of course I've been to the pub before but not on a Thursday.
It was very nice to meet Mr. KML in the flesh and his mates.
I hope to get down there more often now...
Maybe someone should have wryly smiled at my grave error and pleasantly explained to the “new boy” precisely why this tune was, in fact, “Irish”.
As I say I’m new to this and I am very willing to learn!
My remark was not designed to offend; I was merely saying what I thought based on my personal experience of music generally, perhaps naive in certain areas as that may be.
I thank you all and I look forward to learning more from the Gentlemen of the Blythe soon!!
Please God, no! Don't. Stay away. The Blythe session has suffered from enough session-wreckers without some lippy controversialist"deciding to grace the pub with his presence and merely upsetting some very nice, genuine people who devote more time and energy to keeeping Irish Traditional Music alive and kicking than you'd ever appreciate. (Yes ... even to the extent that they can't be bothered to express an opinion on other types of music ... big deal!) Come back and join in when you know some tunes. Don't come to strum your ludicrous instrument badly over the music, spoiling the fragile vibe that the guys have spent years trying to preserve in the face of all sorts of hassle from all sorts of blow-ins. You really add nothing. Sorry for being blunt. But the Blythe session will get along very nicely without you.
It is a mazurka, which is a tune type commonly regarded as being within the canon of Irish traditional music tune types.
It was written by an Irishman.
It is played by same Irishman.
It is played in Irish music sessions, in a purely Irish traditional music context.
It was played, on that occasion, and any other time I've heard it, on the wooden flute, commonly regarded as one of the principal instruments in Irish music.
It is also played, by its composer, using Irish flute music technique, such as rolls and cuts. Since it was thus played by its composer, I suspect that as an Irish tune, that's how he intended it to be played, ie in an Irish fashion.
It has a very Irish "feel" to it, not English.
Since on the occasion you heard it, he played it 3 or 4 times, it beggars belief how you were unable to divine at least some of that, all by yourself, as did the rest of the pub. rather than making inappropriate, and consequently, in those circumstances, foolish comments. To the extent that I can see why SE-Ender would prefer if you graced the pub with your absence. Either that or you could learn a few tunes and wow us all, since you claim Irish music is easy. I would suggest you learn for starters:
Splendid Isolation.
The J.B.
The Curlew
Jenny's Welcome to Charlie.
Good one last Thursday (23rd). Free-flowing, rhythmic, Kate & Jo turned up, Paul G was there and John (the famous author) fiddle also came. Billy, Frankie, Gordon and myself in attendance.
Great session last night - as well as the regulars: me, Max, Billy, Paul, Gordon, Frankie, we were joined by semi-regulars Cath, BigDave and Steve, then by Rob Millner, then Alex and Tess who had come all the way up from Brighton to join us. Blinding playing. Thanks for making the trip guys. Hope to see you all again soon.
Frank, Frankie, Billy and moi - well small is beautiful right - given I have been out of the session habit since the arrival of my wee'un it certainly was a good exercise in remembering all those forgotten and half-recalled tunes - and then Con joined us about 10.30 - if there is a more hospitable landlord in welcoming traditional musicians and wannabes into his hostelry I think I will have to go a very long way to find them - but regular BHT folk will know more or less how the rest of the evening went - I left with everyone still there about 11.45 - late for me .......priceless
Come one, come all. Special session tonight, Sunday 27th January, in honour of the pub's 20th anniversary. Hosted by Catford's own fiddlemeister Brian Keane. A bit of a different vibe to the usual Thursday night fare. Fair play to you, Con, for sticking it out for so long. Best pub in SE London (and handiest!).
Apologies to all for the short notice. Only just got to grips with this website today. All welcome ... unlike the Thursday night session, we appreciate all players and all levels from the absolute beginner through to seasoned "heads" like myself. See you there. catfordfiddler
Well... as luck wold have it, I coldn't make it tonight. Significant other down with norovirus and so I couldnt leave the kids at home on theirown. Such a pity. I'd even baked a cake for the occasion. Nextt time? I'm sure i"ll find out how it went.
Regular Thursday session - unlike last Sunday's session's premise, it has some consistently good players as well as a good range of visitors. I only wish Kate and Jo would return because they were always greatly appreciated there by the regular players and customers alike. That would make it 5 regular fiddlers there. Never too many. They would be competing with two box players, several flutes, a pair of spoons, a bodhran or two, and the old banjo.
I've been returning as a regular, after a long unintended absence, and always come away feeling uplifted because of the great vibes, great sound, and some pretty witty banter in between the tunes.
You don't mind if I call you by your first name do you?
You're right, we're not competing but playing, but I meant the volume produced by all instruments, ie a decibel competition. And of course, I forgot to mention the whistle.
Thank you for mentioning Jo and Kate. Both friends of mine (we learned at one stage and anorher from same teachres) and both, as you say, excellent fiddlers who would lend a lot to the Thursday night session in the Blythe Hill Taverna. I will mention to them and see if they can be perusaded to give the Blythe another go. I underastand that there was a bit of an episode several months ago involving one of the less tolerant regukars in your session which caused some uneasiness. I'm sure if the person concerned culd be persuaded to be slightly more accepting, then a return to the fold culd no doubt be arranged.
And apologies to all that my invitation to the Sunday session a few weeks ago was a bit ill-judged. I sense by the tone of some of the replies that I may have trampled a few toes, for which I'm sorry. In any event, I learn that the session didnt materialise ad I'm sorry if people turned up only to be disappointed. One of those mix-ups which arises when not everyone's on everyone else's mobile phone text lists (tsk, tsk girls ... you know who you are!).
Anyway. Sorry again. I'm hoping to hook up with Kate and Jo shortly and I'll mention Cath's kind invite. You're right, of course, Cath. You never can have too many fiddles and I'm glad that you're back in the driving seat; I love it when the fiddlers are in charge! I was playing at a session recently where we had 12 fiddles at one point (not anorher instrument to be seen or heard) and it was pure heaven. CAn you imagine 12 fiddlers in the small rooom in the Blythe Hill Tabernacle? We would need so much elbow room other musicians woud have to play in theother bar! Gawd... it would be "powerful, altogether" - as my mate from Belfast would say. (Hey... maybe we shoud swap contacts ... I'm sure we could muster a right old fiddle frenzy some night. )
As one of the "regukars" at the "Tabernacle" for the past 4 years, do any of the others share my misgivings at the bizarre tone taken by this person? Perhaps they could say who they are for a start and stop sounding as if they know what they're talking about (or "aboput", aboopt", etc.).
Max... sorry for the spelling mistakes. I'm not too hot on spelling. Get a bit carried away on the keyboard (whoa there, Liberace! ha ha). AS you can gather, catfordfiddler is definitely not my real name. Unless of course I was called Catherine Fforde, and a fiddler. But although I'm play the fiddle, I'm not called Catherine (no Katherine, nor Katherine, nor Kathyrn) Fforde (nor Ford), so my chosen name on this website perhaps isnt quite so apt as yours. Mind you, if yuou ythink what I've written here is a bizarre tone, you should have heard what my fiddling sounded like when I was started out!
If you are Brian Keane you are not welcome. He has upset and ripped off so many people, including several of the incumbent sessioneers, including telling everyone that he started up the present incarnation of the Blythe session.
If you are near enough anyone else you are welcome.
police reports suggest a known phsyciatric patient with links to the catford area has escaped from broadmoor.he has been known to bite so staff have attached a long metallic object with airholes in front of his mouth to protect both staff and the public.unfortunatly when he breathes through this object strange noises can be heard which may cause anyone within listening distance some pain of the ear drum,if heard retreat immediately to a safe distance (2-300 metres minimum depending on weather)and call the police.DO NOT APPROACH !! he is also known to carry a weapon shaped much like a guitar,however do not be fooled.unlike a guitar this weapon cares not for silly things like timing,rhythm or tuning ,instead shrill noises with the intent on disabling anyone within earshot .the user of this weapon then shouts aggressively at his victim in a further attempt to disable.police have nicknamed this monster as E.xtremlely A.gressive M.onster M.usicless O.nly N.oise.....police have issued guidlines to deal with this nuisance 1.DO NOT INVITE TO A MUSIC ENVIROMENT AS THIS DRIVES THE MONSTER WILD 2.DO NOT APPROACH 3.DO NOT REMOVE METALLIC OBJECT HOWEVER IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO BLOCK THE HOLES WITH A WELDER WITHOUT ENDANGERING YOURSELF THEN THIS WOULD BE A GREAT PUBLIC SERVICE 4.IF THE GUITAR LIKE WEAPON IS LEFT WITHIN KICKING DISTANCE TRY TO DETACH THE NECK OF THE INSTRUMENT/WEAPON AS THIS DISABLES IT'S NAUSEATING EFFECT......REMEMBER STAY AWAY FROM THIS MONSTER AND HOOOOOPEFULLLLLY THIS MONSTER WILL FECKING STAY AWAY FROM THE BLYTHE!!!
Lately we have been invaded by crass, useless individuals, who have barged into the session with their f**king guitars, citterns (FFS), without so much as a hallo, is it all right if I play? (no it isn't actually, it isn't - GET IT?) and proceeded to ruin the night (at least for me).
Am I TOTALLY out of order to suggest that, as someone who's played there almost every week for over 4 years, I can expect some kind of courtesy from complete strangers?? I'm not asking for the f**king moon, am I?
Hi Mrs!
I think I may have identified you. Are you partial to a glass of red wine? If so then I know and hope any of you 3 ladies will check up on us again. But then, I saw the latest post :-o
I must admit, Max's last post is totally uncharacteristic of him, certainly the shouty bit but I do know he is allergic to guitars and other strummed instruments. All the same, I must have upset him by asking honey-voiced Keith to give us a song last Thursday - sorry!
Neat acrostic Danny!!
Eamonn is a knob end. How old Keaney (if "blyther" IS in fact him) got to find out about him turning up would be a mystery if I was remotely bothered enough to find out.
Just put it this way.
The session is in a very robust healthy state despite any putative attempts at sabotage, if that was what was going on. The best it has been for a long time, in fact.
I'll second that Danny, the session is really great and I'm happy to be back there as a regular.
It was unusual to see young Keith without Sean the accordion player - is Sean alright?
Looks like all those people I paid to ruin Danny's session are doing as I requested. All is going according to plaaan [sniggers creepily and rubs hands together with glee].
Gawd, I might have known YOU'D be behind all this, Markiavelli.
You won't succeed in your wicked plan you know. Good never triumphs over evil...erm sorry, evil never goods over Triumph heralds...ermm...ehh...where was I??.....
well I've really been missing out - that'll teach me to become a dad - will try and get back to regularity soonest - the Blythe on a Thurs is great - I went there 4 yrs ago knowing one and a half tunes on a dodgy low D whistle - I have always felt at home there - great people - great session - i have learned a few mored tunes too
Great again tonight Al. One flute, one concertina, two whistles (but mostly one), two fiddles, one banjo, spoons; all played well - and not a single Gypsy/Eastern European tune around to worry about. Great.
Hi Danny,
I don't recall ever hearing Gypsy-Eastern European tune at the Blythe!!!!!
Admittedly I'm quite a fan of these myself as they can be more challenging on the fiddle involving 3rd position playing, but the Blythe has never had that. Very strange.
They're not my cup of tea, whatever position you play them in. I prefer just sitting down, like a normal session player. And like a normal session player, I feel there is easily enough variety of tunes within the Irish/Scottish, even English, tradition to keep me interested for a while without all those unnecessary showy diversions.
OK, maybe I'm being a bit harsh. I wasn't aware people were so thin-skinned around here these days.
This is a whole new "The Session.org experience" for me. Let's all just be nice and polite and I lorve everybody and everything and have a nice da-ay ya'll.
The point Danny is your comment was not so much harsh (it is not), it's the fact that it was unwarranted. I don't have a problem with your being upset at some of the visitors and your comments about those, I agree with most of them, but you were making a comment about someone who was not there that night and about something which has never happened at the Blythe, namely Gyspsy tunes, so what drove you to write that?
Oh no, even Danny's friends are turning on him now. What to do? Maybe he'll get all depressed and jump into the Thames and drown or something. Oh god Danny, don't do that, pleeeease... You're a good enemy - I'd miss you dearly
Just how irritated are you, Cath? Are you irritated enough to... I dunno... maybe, like, do something, well, a little bit evil to Danny? There's good money in it for you. Flick me an e-mail and we'll talk, yeah?
Shift work, you poor thing! Sorry to disappoint on this occasion, but I'm not irritated enough, however I will keep your details on file for future reference and wish you good luck in your mischief making endeavours
Great session last night. Three boxes, two fiddles, two whistles, two banjos - good to see Jack back; flute, low whistle, bodhran and other percussion, and no dead wood.
Oh god I love this thread. I'm thriving off this bitchiness like mould takes to rotten fruit. Keep it going lads. Rip big chunks out of each other for my entertainment! (I'm the only person reading )
In a rare moment of industry i have learnt a new tune to bring out next time I am down the BL:T (I'm on a good run at the moment having been to 2 in a row) - the Lochaber Badger - it is on the tumes section here and I below is the you tube link to a version of it
This session nowadays seems to be of consistently high quality...well, if not high as in virtuosos, certainly very solid musically. Last night I counted 13 players, and although that was a "good" night, this is becoming, if not the norm, certainly not unusual. Among the 13 the following instruments were played (or sung):
2 flutes
2 whistles
1 spoons
1 bodhrán
1 box
1 mandolin
2 banjos
2 singers
4 fiddles
I may have missed one or two. Some turned up a wee bit late and one or two left earlier.
Oh, shoots, did I miss again last night?
I guess not when instead I got to play with
the wonderful Mick O'Connor on banjo as well as a clutch
of seasoned and professional musicians down in Sidcup.
Session organised by gifted young Dan on the accordion.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!
Thank you very much, Mick for joining us!!
Cath
Of gosh, we mere mortals at the Blythe are just so awe-struck by the calibre of musicians you're mixing with these days Cath. The huge collossal gifted genius of yourself and of course the inimitable young Daniel, and then if that wasn't enough...a clutch of seasoned AND PROFESSIONAL *musicians*!
And there we are at the Blythe, ploughing the same old furrow, while you're up there glitzing it with the stars!
You've really spread your wings now. There's no stopping you. Watch out Frankie Gavin!
My point is Danny, and sorry to name drop but I've met musicians I would call illustrious, you've met some of them yourself: Liam Farrell and Joe Whelan, Reg Hall, Mick O'Connor, and Charlie Lennon. The one thing they had in common, apart from being experienced musicians is that they were all very kind, gentlemanly, encouraging and welcoming to session starters. Not one of these qualities, including musicianship, can be applied to you.
Yet another lovely session - 2 fiddles, 3 boxes, 2 flutes, 3 whistles, 2 bodhrans, spoons, 2 banjos and acoustic bass! And a few regulars were missing! Thanks to go to, apart from our regulars, to Eimear, Helen, Kathy, young Steve (?), and John.
Good to hear things still going well in the BHT rather than irrelevant other sessions. I consider myself a regular even though a regular non-attender nowadays. I am busy doing a load of things including a (yawn) management course which I have had to give up time for and Thursday evenings is out - until August when hope to be back in the session saddle so to speak. Best wishes to all.
The Blythe
This session will commence on Thursday, 18th September 2003.
Starts 9.00 - 9.30, in the back bar. Con, the governor, has been known to give out a couple of pints to the players, but I can't promise that. There have been sessions here, off and on, for a number of years, so it is known as a session pub.
Roll on next Thursday!
# Posted on September 10th 2003 by Key Maniac Lad
Yee-haw!
I'll see if I can get a few heads together for the opening night!
Aidan
# Posted on September 10th 2003 by Aidan Crossey
Map, directions and transport..
Train: to Catford or Catford Bridge. Get onto South Circular. Walk away from Catford (not a bad idea anyway!), about quarter of a mile, then Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your aunt, you're there.
Can also get a train to Honor Oak Park/Forest Hill - both on the same line but those stations are a wee bit further. Check the map to work out your route too complex to describe here!
Buses: 185, 171 122. Also 202 and 75.
Getting back to Central North London? Emm..cab? Night bus N171 (I think.)
# Posted on September 10th 2003 by Key Maniac Lad
First night a big success ...
Could - subject to all the usual caveats, often beyond the players' control - well become unmissable!
# Posted on September 22nd 2003 by Aidan Crossey
Review
The blythe is reviewed here (shame they couldn't have done it with a session in full flow):
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/pubspy/pubspypubs/display.var.417786.0.0.php
# Posted on October 6th 2003 by Key Maniac Lad
The Blythe Hill ... some thoughts
Having been underway now for what ... three, four months ... this session has taken on a life of its own. The hallmarks of good sessions, in my opinion are a) that they're not reliant on one or two people and b) they evolve. On both of these counts The Blythe Hill scores. We're now at the stage where if one or two of the regulars don't/can't show, the music carries on. Their presence might be missed, but c'est la vie, there's enough confident players to keep the show on the road. On the other score, the session attracts the occasional "outsider" - some of whom quickly become insiders, others are content to sit in now and again. What's remarkable is that almost without exception all of the visiting musicians are of a wavelength with the regular players ... the cringe factor that sometimes accompanies the arrival of a stranger, who then proceeds to play music which is out of kilter with the overall timbre of the session hasn't happened yet! There have been one or two nights where a few visitors have been a little "challenging", but these occasions haven't been a blight so much as a nuisance. And the session has the ability to surprise such as on New Year's Night when whatever combination of circumstances (surely unplannable!) conspired to inspire the players and the punters into a late-night orgy of music, song and dancing that was quintessential "session takes off" territory. Long may it last!
# Posted on January 8th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
I'm there...
Sounds really good. I'm going to have to make it up to Lewisham some Thursday night.
# Posted on January 9th 2004 by Jeremy
Jeremy ...
You'd be very welcome. Drop Danny or myself a line a few days beforehand and we'll see if we can ensure that it's a full house!
# Posted on January 10th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
I will get meself and the boys there one day
When the Chaucers get their act together and stop drinking the night away at Mels we WILL come and join in. Well Mike does sometimes anyway and I'm not brave enough to go on my own......Oh what an admission!
Sarah
# Posted on January 15th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Brave!?
Sarah, I understand what you're saying, but give it a lash. It's not a daunting session by any means (says he who's been to a few that have been daunting!).
# Posted on January 16th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Thanks Aidan....maybe I can get those boys to get there after practice this Thurs and if not well maybe I'll just be brave the week after!
SSSSSSCCCCCCCAAAAAARY!!!
Cheers Sarah
# Posted on January 17th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
We NEARLY made it but then Chris brought out the beer! However Mike says he'll go next week and take me along!
# Posted on January 22nd 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Cringe factor?
I'll give you bloody cringe factor.
Hello Aidan & others, I happened upon this while I was looking for something else. I got yr message the session had moved to another pub but was unaware of the reasons why (and didn't really need to know of course). Sounds like it's all going off with a bang at the new place and hopefully I will get to London in a week or two and poke my nose in for some of that cringe factor.
The situation described at the Duke is not unusual in my experience, being barely tolerated and having to ask for the jukebox or telly to be turned off is pretty common to sessions just about everywhere at one time or another. I've been at sessions where 90% of the bar is into the music, but one member of staff will put on the telly loudly without warning in the middle of a tune cos "people want to watch the footy" (or in one memorable case, the golf!)
Similarly with lock-ins, pubs up here don't like giving lock-ins to regulars or locals for fear they'll be expecting it every week. Bit crappy if you see others inside getting a drink but I can tell by the abuse I get from staff up here at closing time that they have a hell of a time getting musicians to stop playing once they get primed up, then punters are reluctant to leave and so it goes.
# Posted on January 26th 2004 by Bren
Bren and Sarah ...
Bren ...
It would be good to see you again (and the oul Donmo). It was a right good laugh last time we met!
Sarah ...
Unfortunately I won't be able to make it this Thursday (29th Jan). But should be back on track thereafter! All the others will be there, however and they'll make you feel most welcome.
# Posted on January 26th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
So long as it doesn't do any more snowing I'm hoping to make it over tomorrow
Sarah
# Posted on January 27th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
I had a great time last thurs... I found some good tunes and altho Mike and Brian were there for support it was nice to meet everyone else too. Danny is just brilliant on the flute ... ah well one day one day! We have practice this Thurs but maybe the week after I'll be there again.
Thanks again for making me feel welcome.
Sarah
# Posted on February 2nd 2004 by Sarah the Flute
An update - just over 6 months in ...!
What are you after in a session? Sometimes you don't know till it's happening around you - then you step back and say ... this is IT! The Blythe's one of those ITs. What's going on here to make it such a good night out? Well, first off there's a small core of players who turn out come hell or high water. We've played together for a while now, but not for so long that familiarity has bred contempt (not that it ever will, in my opinion ... we all seem genuinely to enjoy each others' company). There's a mix of levels; we have players in our midst who play incredibly well, yet who are happy to sit alongside those whose playing is a few generations back along the evolutionary curve! (And, as it happens, the more advanced players bring out the best in those who are less advanced, less confident, whatever ...) The sets are a variety of old warhorses, classy sets of less "standard" tunes and interspersed with this one or that one's latest obsession. If someone strikes up a tune that we don't know, the other players give him or her due attention (and gradually some of those left-fielders make it into the communal repertoire). Anyone is free to kick a set off and the "active listening" is obvious ... there are no assumptions that the tune sets will always be the same (even though nine times out of ten, as in any session, sets will follow the patterns we've established earlier in our life-cycle). Above all, though, the crack's 90! The asides, the false starts, the leg-pulling, blind alleys, back-slapping, good-natured slagging; all enlivened through the copious (though rarely ludicrous!) consumption of the devil's buttermilk. The Blythe Session is one where, I'd wager, the session-regulars feel at home as much as they do in their own living rooms. That for me is the hallmark of a decent sesh. Anyway, here's to us and who's like us?! And long may we toot, scrape, wheeze and diddle ...
# Posted on March 30th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
I totally agree!
...With all of Aidan's comments above. I personally can add that its proximity is a big plus factor for me! - I live about 2-300 metres up on the Hill itself!
Also the quality of the Guinness (very often free, for musicians!) and the pub itself - it really is a nice wee pub, with 3 little bars, and the service is usually first class - even from Grumpy Chris. Most of the regulars, although kinda geezer-ish, are at worst tolerant of our efforts but most often appreciative. I always look forward to Thursday nights.
# Posted on April 1st 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Captain's Log: Friday 2nd April
Duhhh...
What a great session last night. The best I've been to for a long time and most likely the best the Blythe has seen for...???....probably ever.
17 musicians there (I think!) all playing in time and in tune. Loadsa great tunes. Nice players, nice people all, including meself, Cath, Billy, BigDave, Dan Beimborn, Paddy Gallagher, Paul Gross, Aidan, Brian and his mate a box player from Suffolk....and many others. Thanks guys, what a great session.
# Posted on April 1st 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Thanks, folks: 13 May, 2004 at the Blythe
Just wanted to thank Danny Mackay, Brian, Maxy, Dave, Mitch and several others (hope I have the names right) for being so open and friendly to a visiting American fiddle player at this warm and lively session. The music and the craic were both first rate, and I've been to many sessions around the States and Ireland. This was my first session in England, and I take it as a good sign. I'll be back soon, I hope, and I've passed the word about the Blythe Hill Tavern to sessionmates here in Washington, DC. Cheers to all.
Bob Engelman
# Posted on May 28th 2004 by rengelman
Bob ...
You were very welcome. We've had quite a few visitors across to the Blythe ... a few from America (including James Morrison's great-granddaughter ... visting royalty, eh!). Always a pleasure to hear from new people and to extend our hospitality to visitors, especially when they have loadsa tunes and lift as you yourself had! G'luck and visit again when you're in London. Aidan (mandolin/octave mandola)
# Posted on May 28th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Hands wanted urgently!
A bit of a crisis at the Blythe Hill Tavern tonight - our Lord of the Flies and other session friends/regulars are away due to holiday/illness, anyone at a loose end who fancies a session in south london TONIGHT(listed on this site)- free drinks - will be welcome with open arms.
yours, with fingers crossed,
Cath
# Posted on June 2nd 2004 by Cath
Re: Hands wanted urgently!
Open arms AND fingers crossed.
hmmmmmm.
# Posted on June 2nd 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: Hands wanted urgently!
Legs crossed!!!!
# Posted on June 2nd 2004 by Cath
Re: Hands wanted urgently!
Unfortunately my Helicopter is in for it's annual service at the moment so I will not be able to attend, but good luck.
PP
# Posted on June 3rd 2004 by Pied Piper
Re: Hands wanted urgently!
Cheers - why couldn't this be Manchester!!
# Posted on June 3rd 2004 by Cath
Re: Hands wanted urgently!
Cath, I'd love to - and I owe you a favour, but no transport rules it out. With you in spirit.
# Posted on June 3rd 2004 by sergeant fox
Re: Hands wanted urgently!
Thanks Paul. I'll just have to play twice as hard tonight but the pot will be bottomless and I'm not working tomorrow so I'll get my fill at least.
All the best
# Posted on June 3rd 2004 by Cath
Blythe session emergency
Thank you all of you who came last night, it was quite a biggie in the end and brilliant fun. Best wishes to all
# Posted on June 3rd 2004 by Cath
Blythe Emergency
Just in case it looks like a case of "the sky is falling", three of the seven hardcore members of the Blythe session looked as if they weren't going to show, two because they were on holiday and one (yours truly) because he wasn't well. There were question marks over another two! So it looked at one stage as if Cath and Billy would have to carry the day. At the very point where I was trudging upstairs to an early bed I decided that I might as well be ill and miserable in the Blythe than ill and miserable in bed, gathered up my gear and got a taxi! Glad I did!
# Posted on June 4th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Blythe Thursday
You weren't miserable anyway Aidan, in fact you were well enough to crack a couple of dirty jokes (I nearly blushed).
The pot was bottomless that night, I kept going to the bar and taking some money out, only to be told 'don't worry' - I would not expect it every week, with such a great number as we ended up with - and there was me worrying there'd only be me and Billy. John Offord does not normally go out Thursdays so it was really great to see him. And of course, Ken. It was his first time but I hope he feels he can come up anytime. The best session guitarist I can think of: able to play most tunes but modest enough to stop when he's unsure. He stays away from any B flat augmented minor fancy chord when he know a simpe D will sound just right. And, he's a gentle player so that you don't always know he's playing, except that we all sound that little bit smoother together. Sod 'pure drop', a little bit of tune 'padding' does not hurt.
# Posted on June 5th 2004 by Cath
the day i see you blush,Cath,will be the day a certain infernal region freezes!
# Posted on June 7th 2004 by biggus dave
I might get there this week .... will there be a repeat of the blushable jokes?
Sarah
# Posted on June 7th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Blushable
The most blushworthy jokes (comments, asides, non-sequiturs, double entendres, ooh-missus-how's-your-father-well-I-never!) tend to get aired in Billy's car en route to and fro more so than in the Blythe itself. Given that it's a tiny wee vehicle, its enforced intimacy provokes the occasional "bluey". But I'll see if I can be coaxed into being lascivious, foul-mouthed and generally corrupt and putrid if this is, as I suspect one of the glues that binds the session. Heaven knows what Father Dollard would have made of it all though (even it though it would be grist to the mill of MacGowan's grotesque creation, Father Emmett).
# Posted on June 7th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Aidan, Susan who came from Chicago with a friend (who did not play but seemed to be enjoying himself), was disappointed you weren't there. There was another fiddler who came from America but I did not catch his name. Both were lovely fiddle players, the chap knew most of our tunes too. Reassuringly, Susan has played only a little while longer than I have, so I was not too intimidated, although she's got a superb tone. Paul, John (Offord) and Brian joined us so it was a night for fiddlers. No Max though. Hope he's not decided to go through a non-playing phase, he'd be sorely missed.
It's always great to get visitors from everywhere, and it's quite flattering that tourists will find their way from Central London to Catford to join us. Hope they weren't disappointed.
# Posted on June 17th 2004 by Cath
Bummer
I'm disappointed not to have been able to meet Susan as well! It's one of those things ... wife's mate with whom she was very close is visiting from Australia for a few days and Thursday was the one night she had free from family commitments; being summer the babysitters who we normally use are neck-deep in exams and don't want to have late nights and distratctions from their A Levels ...
Susan ... if you read this, apologies for not being one of the welcoming party. Hope your new job brings you over to London again and if so, would love to meet up with you!
# Posted on June 17th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Cath was the other fiddle player called Dave from Portsmouth New Hampshire? I met him at the Kilkenny on Tues nite and recommended he visit The Blythe. He had a very amusing tale to tell about how he stopped 2 people carrying fiddle cases in the street in Hammersmith and asked them what kind of music they played. They just said "we'll show you" took out their fiddles and played. people even chucked money at them.... and that's how he found out about the Kilkenny!
Hope to get to the Blythe next week
Sarah
# Posted on June 17th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Yes Sarah, he is the same one, I found out he was called Dave this morning, and he told us he was from Boston but mentioned he was staying in Hammersmith.
He and Paul hit it off well last night.
I was in fiddle heaven - 6 of us!
See you next Thursday hopefully
Catherine
# Posted on June 17th 2004 by Cath
Sarah - yes that's the same guy - he told me about meeting someone at the Kilkenny - Sorry, it was me who spread the rumour he was from the Boston Area. Due to the general session hubbub I only could follow half of what he was saying. Nice guy, very nice player. He'll be at the Catskills week where meself and some other The Session members will be meeting up.
Aidan - Susan is from The Other Place. Very nice lass, and as Cath says her fiddle tone was very clean.
Shame it finished so (inordinately) early.
# Posted on June 20th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Aidan - Hope you don't mind me posting a link to your webpage of the Blythe to show a few pix
http://www.paythereckoning.com/blythehill.html
# Posted on June 20th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Will the Blythe be affected by the Football this week or is it safe???? Mentioned it to a few people at the Kilkenny last night including some more overseas visitors.
Hope to make it tomorrow
Sarah
# Posted on June 22nd 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Sarah, last week we were ok where we usually play - the footie was in the main bar, so we were unaffected. I'd say it's safe to come out.
# Posted on June 22nd 2004 by Cath
Football interference
NO BLYTHE SESSION THURSDAY 24TH JUNE BECAUSE OF THE BL**DY FOOTBALL - CON TOLD BRIAN THAT IT WOULD BE ON UNTIL NEARLY 10.00 SO NO POINT. LUCKY OUR AMERICAN SESSION PALS TURNED UP LAST WEEK.
# Posted on June 23rd 2004 by Cath
Oh poo! I was looking forward to that... mind you the thought of driving thru croydon if ENGERLAND lost doesn't bear thinking about!
Hope the man with his 5 string fiddle from Canada doesn't turn up! Whoops!
# Posted on June 23rd 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Glad you got the message Sarah - what a shame - I do hope you man stays put.
# Posted on June 23rd 2004 by Cath
Perhaps he and his girlfriend like football!!!! Hmmmm??????
# Posted on June 23rd 2004 by Sarah the Flute
The beautiful game - my @ss!
# Posted on June 23rd 2004 by Cath
Cath- i think you had better calm down!
surely there's a positive surfeit of southern sessions (try saying that after a skiknful) in these here parts of the metropolis these days.
so you can hardly complain of withdrawal symptoms.musically,i mean...
# Posted on June 24th 2004 by biggus dave
Well I must apologise to Cath, Aidan and A.N.Other for England's dreadful performance tonight. If the game had been over at full time we could have played. Should we blame it on the ref?
# Posted on June 24th 2004 by Paul_draper
Paul, the ref always gets the blame, so yes.
You should hear a song by Matt McGinn, called 'football referee' - it's pretty funny.
# Posted on June 24th 2004 by Cath
Nice alliteration Dave
# Posted on June 24th 2004 by Cath
Calling all contributors to this beloved session - it might be a bit of a lean one tomorrow so if you're in two minds about attending, hope you decide to come.
I'm afraid there will be no Danny or Aidan and I doubt that Billy'll make it as his partner is just about ready to bring a bundle of joy into their lives!
# Posted on July 13th 2004 by Cath
ANOTHER BLYTHE EMERGENCY
.
# Posted on July 13th 2004 by Cath
It's a shame ... but my missus has been been saying for years that she would have loved to have seen Simon and Garfunkel live. Well, tomorrow they're playing live in Hyde Park. I couldn't stand in her way, could I? Any you London crew can bail Cath out, I'm sure she'll appreciate it!
# Posted on July 14th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
So it's the sound of silence from you then, Aidan
# Posted on July 14th 2004 by Cath
Cath - so sorry but me and the Chaucers gang are recording again tonight ... even tho I am back from deepest devon. Hope some people turn up for you.
Sarah
# Posted on July 15th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Well, we had a quorum last night after all, two whistles, two fiddles and future dad Billy on the banjo & mandolin. A young guy came up, borrwed the mandolin and did a couple of songs. A great evening, albeit quite sweaty. Roll on winter...
# Posted on July 15th 2004 by Cath
Whooohay - i'm keeping an eye on you guys! I miss the whole thing, really badly, from Philadelphy. Just keep it happening, guys, you have no idea how much our efforts are noted worldwide. Big serious point.
Till next thursday
Kindest Regards,
Danny.
# Posted on July 22nd 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Blythe hill tonight - who's coming?
Just heard that Danny cannot make it tonight (5th), I'll be a bit late and it may also be a similar problem with Billy as we both agreed to a fund raiser earlier this evening. Alastair is in Scotland and Max in Spain. Any regular(or super)can make it, it would be very lovely to see you at around 9.00.
# Posted on August 5th 2004 by Cath
Sorry Cath but I'm recording in Croydon with the boys tonight then off on hols for 2 and a bit weeks. Twas a good sesh last week tho'!
# Posted on August 5th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
actually am around tonight - in scotland next week - misunderstanding must be the result of my unsober ramblings last week - looking forward to a few tunes even if it's a small crowd
# Posted on August 5th 2004 by Alasdair
actually will be around tonight - in scotland next week - misconception must be result of unsober ramblings last week - looking forward to a few tunes even if it's a small crowd
# Posted on August 5th 2004 by Alasdair
Sorry Alasdair - and it was quite a good session too, hope you weren't too overwhelmed by the strings, since you were the only whistle player there. It was very nice to meet and hear Kathleen O'Sullivan sing in her very strong and distinctive voice. Weirdly enough I bought "Track across the deep" by London Lasses, featuring Kathleen, only last Sunday.
# Posted on August 6th 2004 by Cath
BLYTHE HILL TONIGHT
Danny, who do you think is going to be there?
All the regulars and semis are out this week apart from me and you. Are you still going ahead? And if anyone else is thinking of coming, please let me know
c
# Posted on August 12th 2004 by Cath
Kathleen
Damn ... she'd hinted a good while back that she might make it over to the Blythe. And her journey "across the deep" *would* happen to coincide with my holidays! Grrrrr!
# Posted on August 16th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Kathleen
And what a voice! Oh no, we've dropped another name! Oh well, while I'm at it, Brendan Power was playing at a session in a pub in Broadstairs last week, and I was chuffed to be attending the same, along with Ken and Sheila.
# Posted on August 16th 2004 by Cath
Tonight
Just what I needed after a few weeks of total scheidt! Good on you!
# Posted on September 24th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
So, now that Con's decided we'll have a permanent seating arrangement, things are starting to look up again. Good crack last night and we're starting to get some serious punter attention. I spotted two guys at the bar who were very attentive all night.
# Posted on October 8th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Right Guys, praying that tonight will be an improvement on last week with those w@nkers hopefully absent.As I said on the recent thread we'll have to formulate a very pro-active strategy for discouraging these "passengers"...and I'm being very polite!
# Posted on December 23rd 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Farewell To The Blythe ... ???
Given what you've said about the crack last night, Danny, and given that the Blythe has a fair amount of disdain for the session, I'm inclined to throw in the towel on this one.
Con had promised to sort out a permanent table for the players, but that promise never materialised.
Given the fact that we have to scramble for space; that the place attracts its fair share of the pig-ignorant and pig-arrogant; the episode with yer man who wouldn't give up his FOOTSTOOL (fer Chrissakes!) to let Chris sit in with us; the episode when my sister, Kathleen O'Sullivan and Mick Mulvey were in the house and a number of people walked away from the bar making a big gesture out of sticking fingers in their ears (and the bar staff encouraged them); the "folkies" from last week who don't know scheidt from custard; Chris's (ie barman Chris, not Chris nagopaleen) miserable big face and then, the reported further arrogance of last night.
Sod it, Danny! It's hard enough to get a few tunes together without having to deal with all that crack at the same time. The Blythe is just too big, too busy and too "mainstream" a pub to do justice to a session. I'm sorry for pulling out for Con's sake, cos he always gave great support and the guy put his hand in his pocket for us. But some of the practicialities are beyond his control (unless he fancies building a little annexe where musicians can retire and play unhindered by punters).
Yer comments about wanting to give somebody a wee dunt just hammer home the point. You go out to play a few tunes, not to get so wound up that you're comtemplating violence. It's not good for the music and anyway two-thirds of that shower who carp from the bar are mates of each other. If you were to get the better of one of them, half a dozen of them would lie in wait for you one night and fit or not, you'd end up in Rushey Green for six months with tubes sticking out at every angle!
# Posted on December 24th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
I didn't make it last night despite earlier intentions (last minute desperate Christmas shopping baa humbug etc - I am expecting 3 ghosts to visit me tonight) I don't know what happened last night but if the Blythe folds it will be a shame from a personal point of view. This was the first session I ever really got involved with and I just found the core group very friendly accepting people with a very relaxed easy going feel to the session most of the time. I never picked up some of the other subtle carry on present on the periphery being an inexperienced sessioner as I am - but last week was bleedin' obvious - you guys know the form of these things better than me and I'll watch this page for developments - oh yeh just one more thing - Happy Holidays to you all - I must say that throughout 2004 I have always looked forward to Thursdays
# Posted on December 24th 2004 by Alasdair
Tho an infrequent visitor it wold be a real shame if the Blythe folds. Now we've finished recording we are hoping to get back to regular Thurs Practices and the Blythe is just the perfect end to the evening.
Are you guys meeting next Thurs? I may need the Blythe after a surfeit of being nice to elderly relatives!!!! It can't be as bad as that can it????
Happy Christmas everyone
Sarah
(Now I'm going to do the religious bit and watch Carols from Kings as a reward for all the shopping, tidying up, present wrapping, not shouting at anybody YET etc etc...)
# Posted on December 24th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Not my call ...
Sarah ... I don't think that there's any suggestion that the Blythe should fold. It's just that I'm a particularly intolerant individual and I get no enjoyment out of playing when the vibes just aren't right. I envy others' ability to play on regardless. But I've reached the end of my tether with only half-enjoying the sessions at the Blythe. Half isn't good enough; the crack used to be well-ninety. And the diminished enjoyment factor isn't down to the musicians, it's caused by those outside the session.
# Posted on December 25th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Testosterone and alcohol..
..A deadly combination.
It would be no great shakes to me if the Blythe folded, the way the geezer contingent are remorselessly and relentlessly regaining their (no doubt in their view) hold on the pub.
Look, why not try West Greenwich House, very close to where Cath stays? We used to have sessions in there on a Friday night, when John Driver was alive.
# Posted on December 26th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Blythe
Where's West Greenwich House?
That would certainly be handy!
# Posted on January 5th 2005 by Cath
Is anyone going to be at the Blythe tonight???? Or has it ceased to be??? I am on hols and thought I might venture over tonight if its on - bit late in the day but if anyone is out there can you let me know
Cheers
Sarah
# Posted on January 6th 2005 by Sarah the Flute
HARMONY AT THE BLYTHE
The whistle playing session spoiler did not come, it was a bit of an anticlimax in a way, but we had a pretty perfect one. We had the small room, a few customers lcame over from the other bars to listen, thanks for coming Sarah & Alistair has increased his range of tunes tenfold. And two flutes, two whistles and two fiddles kicked @ass playing Farewell to Ireland (or Erin) but we're not going to disagree on that
# Posted on January 7th 2005 by Cath
Eireann
# Posted on January 7th 2005 by Conán McDonnell
So is Aidan coming back?
This is better than Eastenders.
Southeastenders maybe?
Anyway glad you had a good one.
# Posted on January 7th 2005 by Bren
Ha!
Nice one, Bren ... Southeastenders.
Anyway ... if Aidan does come back, in true soap fashion he'll be played by a different actor!
# Posted on January 8th 2005 by Aidan Crossey
Blythe
Kevin, a regular fiddler from Tir na nog joined us last night, and Bob the Brickie came for a visit, minus his fiddle. We hope to see him again, with his fiddle. He borrowed mine for a couple of tunes - made me feel a bit small I must say, what a sweet tone!
And words were exchanged with the unmentionable whistle player. Funnily enough, he was the one who started complaining - Danny reckons the man won't be back, but I'm not so sure...
Still, I told hime what I had to.
# Posted on January 14th 2005 by Cath
Thankyou
Cath thank you for the welcome you and Danny gave me last night at the Blythe.I hope I can make it next week.
# Posted on January 14th 2005 by Bob .C.
So yet again the Blythe has a few trixupitsseeve ... good and bad! Jayz!
# Posted on January 28th 2005 by Aidan Crossey
Ed the Fiddle
Bob - thanks for notifying Ed the fiddle and Maureen the whistle about the Blythe. Their presence was most welcome (as is yours of course). Ed is a superb player, up among the top people. I know a shed load of tunes (I don't *have* to boast this - most folks will attest to it), but we ended up playing a very good-natured game of musical tennis, and every time I served him up a set of tunes he was right back with another set when it was his serve - and thus we reciprocated for a good hour after the session proper had ended. *And* they are very nice people on top of that! I also would welcome the return of Michael the box player any time, whose style on the piano box is quite remarkable, how he makes that staccato pulsing noise of a Kerry button box player. As another player of the "wrong" instrument (Boehm flute), it's all the more proof that it's not *what* you play, but *how* you play.
# Posted on February 8th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Danny they found the Blythe without my help,I think they got it of this board.See ya soon Bob
# Posted on February 8th 2005 by Bob .C.
I think I might venture in a Blythy kind of direction tonight. Will anyone be there ...or is it still whistle wars?????
Sarah
# Posted on February 10th 2005 by Sarah the Flute
Sarah ... the lion has lain down with the lamb and swords have been beaten into ploughshares ... well, on that particular front anyway!
# Posted on February 10th 2005 by Aidan Crossey
Is it on tonight?
thanks
# Posted on March 3rd 2005 by country bumpkin
Might be best if you emailed one or 2 of us regulars rather than post here at such short notice, CB.
Yes it was on last night, and a really nice relaxed session it was too. Shame you missed it. No abusive or mental people, just a core of good players/friends, and a shedload of tunes. Michael's box playing in particular, is superb.
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
BLYTHE
Did plan to come myself but was invited to a gig at the Borderline instead. Can you make Saturday anyone?
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by Cath
Hi Cath - I'll try & get down. I had a couple of pints last night, and today is the first day I've not felt like daith het up the day after a few drinks.
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Hey guys - I found this review about the Blythe:
http://www.fancyapint.com/main_site/thepubs/pub2513.htm
# Posted on March 10th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
and this:
http://www.london-drinking.com/789.htm
# Posted on March 10th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
and:
http://eatdrink.timeout.com/search2/view/3433.html
# Posted on March 10th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
No more spam or popups!
Please will all the regulars read my "well tempered tunes" thread before coming gonight as there will be a theory test. Thank you.
M
# Posted on April 7th 2005 by maxF
Erratum
"Tonight", I think.
# Posted on April 7th 2005 by maxF
Well tempered tunes - bad tempered musicians!
Sorry I missed the Blythe (flu) and will miss it again next Thursday - I've got a gig (bluegrass) - definitely back the week after.
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by Cath
Great session last night - some very classy musicians turned up.... just to say sorry to Ed, Mick, Chris and David (Ed and David both having come a long way), as I had to leave early at 11.45pm since I had promised to get back to watch the election. Wish I'd left it for a bit longer now as the first hour of results wasn't very exciting, whereas the tunes were. Make sure you come again guys.
# Posted on May 6th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Lovely night last night - very relaxed but on form, and a half crazed audience!
# Posted on May 27th 2005 by maxF
Stunning!
Great night tonight lads!
Many thanks to Padhraig, Micheal, Sadie, and especially the lovely Estelle for your weepy and charming songs. Just goes to show, "a night away from the Blythe is a night wasted"
# Posted on August 12th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Meanwhile in East London
It wasn't wasted for some of us. We had a great night at the Chevy Chase.
# Posted on August 12th 2005 by Cath
There should be some very interesting players turning up this coming Thursday...say no more....
# Posted on August 16th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Well, it was a bit different tonight and quite a varied lot it was. Greatly enjoyed all of it...
# Posted on August 19th 2005 by Cath
So much for Ms. VS, but never mind. Hopefully we'll be graced by her presence some other time. But the idea of her presence got you lot out! Thanks a million, guys. What a great session. Great singing from Helen, extraordinary playing from Chris, Geoff, Mick...everyone in fact. There seemed to be boundless energy going round.
# Posted on August 19th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Blythe
Rubbish, we were coming anyway!!!!
Quite a few people were on holiday last week that was the real reason of the quiet previous week. We don't need a media presence to turn up!!!!!!!!!!
# Posted on August 19th 2005 by Cath
Personally I only turned up cos of the media presence or lack of.......Oh ok no I didn't..... it was cos I wanted to hear Bluebell Polka followed by Tam Lin!!!!!! Great evening ...who needs VIPs????
# Posted on August 19th 2005 by Sarah the Flute
PS I thought a Weegie Boor was what you used in a dark candlelit room to summon up the dead.....has the Scots person got plans for the Blythe attendance next week????
# Posted on August 19th 2005 by Sarah the Flute
Good one Sarah!
No, the Weegie's staying put next week, but the paddies and frog and others will be there. See you in a fortnight's time
# Posted on August 19th 2005 by Cath
Weegies Rile, OK?
Youse probably haven't been following the Dow & Danny Show, the latest soap here at the sesh. I said he came across online like a typical feckless Geordie boor, then with persuasion regretted it, so as penance I thought I'd metaphorically walk around here for a while wearing the hairshirt of the term, tailored , of course for a Glaswegian, or Weegie.
Yeah, I know it didn't need a celeb to winkle youse out of yer shells, but no harm done. The irony of course is that when I mentioned all this to Paul, he said the good lady herself is already a semi-regular at the English session in Greenwich!
Hope Tish enjoyed last night. It was top class in all departments. Well done, team!
BTW, where is that English session based now?
# Posted on August 19th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
What's in a name
And there was me thinking you were trying for the longest name of any session member
# Posted on August 19th 2005 by Cath
Yay! And there was me asking Danny if his name was still Pingu after all this time I've been Internet-less.
Did enjoy it greatly, Danny - will be a little more effusive later as I have to get off my host's telephone line just now.
# Posted on August 21st 2005 by Tish
Blythe
It was nice meeting you Tish, you chose a nice busy night to come and join us. It can be a bit quiet at this time of year, but we had a good turnout as people have started to come back from holiday.
# Posted on August 22nd 2005 by Cath
Blythe Hill Tavern
Thanks for coming all the way down to Forest Hill Q , hope you got home alright and that you'll come and see us again soon.
# Posted on September 16th 2005 by Cath
Q!
Wahey!! Yaboy ye!
Yafikkinboy ye!
Great to meet ye ya bollox! Very nice guy, nice attitude, nice tunes. Now that you're a Londoner, don't be a stranger ...to us remote SE Londoners.
See ye soon ---Danny!!
# Posted on September 16th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Aiight
Hey hey
had a great time last night at the Blythe - thanks again you guys for making me feel so welcome!
The trip out and back is actually pretty straightforward if you get the timing right, which thank god I managed somehow!
I'll definitely be back - wild horses etc.
# Posted on September 16th 2005 by Q
Great to meet you, Q. Lovely playing, man! See you soon
Max
# Posted on September 17th 2005 by maxF
Teada gig
In case you've come here for info about this session tonight (10th Nov), but haven't looked in on the Discussions, I don't think there'll be many people, if any, turning up, due to the Teada gig in the nearby Lewisham Irish Centre. However, it IS possible that there will be a session on at the Blythe after the gig, say 10.30ish onwards...maybe even with the lads.....we'll see...
# Posted on November 10th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Blythe
Is it on this Thursday 29th?
# Posted on December 27th 2005 by Cath
Well if it doesn't snow anymore I can get there. I need a recovery after christmas!!!!
# Posted on December 27th 2005 by Sarah the Flute
Blythe
Ok, Sarah, I'll be there.
# Posted on December 28th 2005 by Cath
Phoowwaaarrrhhh...
Wot a bliddy sesh! Talk about whiskey galore!
One thing's for sure. You'll never beat a Blythe session when it's on form. I've travelled far far from my own native home, far away o'er the mountains, etc, etc, but there's none to compare with the Tavern of Blythe Hill.
# Posted on December 31st 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Thanks
Was a pleasure to meet all at the Blythe Hill session thanks for being so welcoming and for the lightning fast tune book location when needed!
# Posted on January 23rd 2006 by Richard Luckman
It's now nearly three years since the session at the Blythe commenced. I think it might be a good idea to have some kind celebration, a kind of mega-session, on either the 14th or the 21st September, my feeling would be for 21st, as a kind of "thank you" to Con.
Maybe try and get everyone who ever ateended to attend.
Any thoughts folks?
# Posted on July 21st 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
good idea Danny lets pick a date and keep to it - 21st is good for me
# Posted on August 15th 2006 by Alasdair
21st September it is then..
I spoke to Con (the Govnr) last night. He was keen on that date (21st).
See youse all there!
# Posted on September 1st 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Great session last night lads and lassies. Myself, Billy, BigDave, Mick M, Paul Gross, Brian, Max, 3 East Dulwich contingent fiddlers, Frankie & Gordon played a load of fine tunes despite.....erm....a certain class of piano box player. Say no more.
# Posted on September 22nd 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Forgot mention Big Al, though you did come in late!
# Posted on September 22nd 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Last weeks session
Key Maniac Lad, I am the 'certain class of piano box player'. I am only a beginner and have never claimed to be anything else having only played for 3 years. I have a burning passion for irish music and session playing so how about a bit of encouragment or advice (preferably to my face) instead of whinging about me on here? I'll probably be back there tonight so if you've got a problem you know where to come. The rest of the crowd certainly didn't seem to have any problems with me so why should you?
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by Daniel Gott
No worries, Daniel - I will reply by email and if there is a chance, I'll have a chat with you tonight. What I said above hardly constitues a whinge, though.
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Box players
Personally speaking I love 'em all...Hows the session been recently?- I haven't been for a few weeks. Anyway, just you wait 'til I get my highland pipes for xmas!!! The Blythe will never be the same again.
# Posted on November 20th 2006 by Kate Jones
it's not bad, i only get down about once a month. The landlord has moved it into the other side room to try to fill up the bars. Personally i think he should put it in the room at the back by the fireplace? Nice crowd and players, if not slightly slower and laid back in style than myself but it's always nice for a change and the practise. BRING YOUR PIPES!
# Posted on November 24th 2006 by Daniel Gott
Truth be told, it has gone way, way downhill of late.
There was a time when some great players and characters would turn up regularly. They just don't want to come any more, I know for a fact. Just a bunch of old hacks (except Paul) and learners go regularly now. I'm seriously contemplating giving up on it as of now.
# Posted on December 5th 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Old hacks
Well, I quite enjoyed it last week so I must be either an 'old hack' or a beginner having only been playing for 20+ years!
# Posted on December 5th 2006 by Kate Jones
don't worry - I'm one of the hacks. But it has lost the plot big time. Keep enjoying it - I don't any more.
# Posted on December 6th 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Much better and very relaxed tonight. I wonder why?
# Posted on January 5th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Absence makes the heart grow fonder or possibly not...
well i was n't there myself but i can probably guess!
good luck and hope the vibe continues,dave
# Posted on January 5th 2007 by biggus dave
...and if so, we might see you back there Dave?
# Posted on January 6th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
because I wasn't there? well no worries, I should be down on thursday night. Glad to hear it's running well again.
# Posted on January 9th 2007 by Daniel Gott
Yes and no. Someone else's absence mostly. Yesterday was quite good. Should be better by March or April.
# Posted on January 12th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Blythe
hi,Daniel - re blythe session,i can assure you that the person i was thinking of is not yrself!
i meant a rather negative fiddle player who lives nearby.
best wishes,dave
# Posted on January 14th 2007 by biggus dave
An eventful evening
An eventful evening was had last night.
The storms outside were equally matched in ferocity by those within the premises. The said fiddler made a wannabe humorous comment to me about turning my flute round the other way so that Mr. J.O. (fiddle) could squeeze in. It must be the way he tells them because I saw red and told him he could f\/ck off for a start. He made some other condescending remark then turned his back on me to play tunes while I sat there fuming. At the end of another set, which I didn't applaud, he turned to me saying I was too miserable to clap. I said “I meant what I just said there, Br!@*”
There followed a lengthy, obsequious, nauseating appeal from him for me to lighten up, that I should start drinking again and relax, this delivered with sickening beery breath in my face and not keeping his distance, pawing me as if we were brothers just after having had a wee tiff. I finally relented and apologized, as much to get him off my case as to allay my guilt feelings for not only having fallen from grace, but for using him, Jade Goody style, as a scapegoat for the relative demise of the session. So at my suggestion, we started up playing a few tunes.
If not necessarily good news, it came at least as a vindication to me when I later heard from the bodhrán player that said fiddle player player had subsequently first pushed him out of the way, then “ordered” him to make room for JO. So maybe I was not scapegoating him – he seems to have done a good job all by himself.
At about ten-ish a young fella, obviously oblivious to all that had previously transpired, walked into the session, came up to me and made me guess his identity – this turned out to be Dow! As I mentioned elsewhere, this turned out to be a thoroughly disappointing experience as Dow proved to be a really nice guy and a very fine player, with a shed load of tunes at his disposal. So we launched into several before time was finally called.
Disappointing, because I now have nothing to slag him about. And by his presence he had inadvertently saved the session from an ungracious end. Dow, of all people. He whose mission in life at The Session.org is to start arguments! Joking, of course, Dow, was great to meet and play tunes with you.
# Posted on January 19th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Good job I wasn't there any earlier otherwise I might have joined in the fight and sided against you for the craic
You're right - I was totally oblivious to the tensions you mention. To the untrained eye it looked like you were all getting on perfectly well.
Thanks for the tunes. Off to learn the Cat's Meow as I've been meaning to learn it for ages and I still kind of have it in my head from when you were playing it on Thurs night.
PS, bit of drama trying to get "home": managed to get a Stratford bus but in my state of tiddliness only thought to ask the driver for directions halfway through the trip. I was told I was on the wrong bus and to get off at the next stop. I was dumped in the absolute middle of nowhere (Blackheath??) and it was incredibly cold and bleak and raining, and I realised that the driver had been suggesting that I should go back to Lewisham and try again. Waited about 20mins and a bus arrived. Tried to flag it down but it sailed on past at about 100mph. Wondered who would contact my parents if I died out there of hypothermia. Then I gave up and decided to carry on to Stratford as I had planned, and then cab it. Finally made it home and was glad b/c it meant I could say goodbye properly to my friend in the morning and get some decent sleep for my long drive. So I'm still alive and will come to your session again some time to terrorise you!
# Posted on January 21st 2007 by Dow
Yes of course, by that time we were all buddies again -- at least to the untrained eye. Although I think I'll probably leave it for a bit and go instead to other sessions. Shame cause it's such a lovely pub, especially for having a session in, and it'd be doing Irish music a disservice NOT to have a session there, if that's what eventually transpired.
Sorry it took you so long to get back, Mark, you could have crashed out here, but you seemed quite intent on getting back over to E. London. I thought that bus service you checked out was meant to be 24 hours?
There's a few of the tunes you started up that I've since been giving a blast to also - goodness knows what they'd be called though. And now you can do more name-dropping on top of Finbar Dwyer - Paul Gross and John Offord - so it had to be worth it for that alone!
# Posted on January 22nd 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
The real reason was not that I had to give the house key back to my friend, but that I thought you had hatched a plan to wait till I was asleep and then creep in and cut my throat with a kitchen knife in the middle of the night.
Can we get back to being horrible to each other now? You're freaking me out with your smiley faces! I can't stand the thought of having to be nice to you from now on. At least if you really insult me I now know where you live so I can go and chuck a brick through your front window. LOL.
# Posted on January 22nd 2007 by Dow
Huh! I might have known - a leopard never changes his spots - something like that would be the only reason you came down to the Blythe. Anyway, what are you talking about MY smiley faces - you put one up there as well.
One thing I agree with you though - all this niceness is so contrived. I can't wait till you say something silly again so I can give you the good slagging you so rightly deserve. As for me - by definition, it's impossible for me to say anything daft cos I know everything - you said so yourself.
# Posted on January 22nd 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
That's more like it. I shoulda chucked a brick through your window while I had the chance, or even better burn your house down. that'll have to wait till next year now.
# Posted on January 22nd 2007 by Dow
Well, couldn't you wait till we get the kitchen extension done so we get more out of the insurance? Or is that asking too much of a wandering psycho?
# Posted on January 23rd 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Sigh of relief!
Old Potato Head Saddam Hussein wasn't there last night. Presumably in a huff from last week. That said, I turned up late myself as I thought he'd be there. And there were only a handful of players there. But it turned out great craic, nice and relaxed, no big egos trying to prove something, going on until 1.30am. Let's hope it stays like this.
# Posted on January 26th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Dow a 'young fella'? How old are you Key Maniac, my preconceptions are dissolving, I already find out your can't play your flute ambidexterously ~ wasn't that enough of a shock... Now I'm picturing you with a Zimmer frame... Maybe that's why your grumpy? You're a grumpy old man... Oh no, and worrying about a kitchen extension and insurance ~ you're a short fat bald grumpy old man in a polyester suit, or worse, in a shell or track suit, with a stripe... Damn, now I am depressing myself. I had a completely other impression of you, alway feeling up when I saw the KML, now if feels like KFC...
Dow, what's a 'state of tiddliness'?
# Posted on January 26th 2007 by ceolachan
Further disappointment, I'd always thought the 'Key' must be in the free reed sense. Now it turns out to be more sedate, flute keys...they probably don't even get used, there just for decoration... ~ I think I'm going to cry in my bourbon... You probably also drink Shirley Temples and spring water from blue glass bottles... Now I'm really hurting...
# Posted on January 26th 2007 by ceolachan
Hey 'c' I haven't even started about Danny yet. I'll have to ring you this weekend and we can have a good old gossip. You're on the right lines with the stripey shell suit. All the more flammable for when I douse him in pertol and set alight to him next time I'm in Catford
# Posted on January 27th 2007 by Dow
Pertol, by the way, is a very flammable substance only sold in Australia.
# Posted on January 27th 2007 by Dow
How gratifying to be this unwarranted centre of attention. As you will see from the pictures in my bio - old, short, fat, grumpy, bald & be-shell-suited can all be applied variously to describe me, though not entirely accurately. But you may retain such impressions if you will, especially if they depress you, cos that'll give me a laugh!
# Posted on January 27th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Oh and Dow - be careful with the spelling - and also be very careful with the petrol...don't get up tight --- if you feel nervous whilst handling it, make sure you light up a ciggie to calm you down..........
# Posted on January 27th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Going great guns
The last few weeks has seen a revival of fortunes of this session. Last week we had four flutes for example (along with other players). Last night we had three fiddles, mando, box, two flutes, three whistles, bodhran & spoons (but a smaller head count than instrument count
work it out! )
# Posted on February 9th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
"The last few weeks has seen a revival of fortunes of this session"
Why, have you stopped going?
# Posted on February 9th 2007 by Dow
It hit a real low point when this Aussie Northumbrian character turned up a few weeks ago. Since then it has recovered from the shock and it's got better and better. But thanks for asking, Dow, knowing how genuinely concerned you really are, being such a caring person.
# Posted on February 9th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
I won't be there this coming Thursday 15/02/07, you'll be relieved to hear. So have a good one!
# Posted on February 14th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
I could hear their collective sigh of relief from here in Australia.
# Posted on February 15th 2007 by Dow
Assessment and evaluation report
Last night's personnel - Frankie, Gordon, Brian, Chris, a guitarist (Rich?), Aidan, myself. Plus a beginner spoons player (!), who used his lady friend to practise on quite a lot - she didn't look too pleased; I must admit I burst out laughing at his antics in the middle of one tune - oh dear! Definitely a "two tables" feel for most of the evening but after 1 or 2 had left it got more relaxed and homogenous. Also discussed the Patrick's night plan (see Aidan for more details - not the BHT.)
Sorry to have missed the Blackfen gig the other night, btw, heard there was a handy fiddle player.
Odhu ntinggo,
Max
# Posted on February 16th 2007 by maxF
Yes, Max, it was Danny Meehan. Dow, are you listening? I played a load of tunes with Danny Meehan. http://www.dannymeehan.com/
And he invited me to play a gig with him on March 10th, but unfortunately I won't be able to make it due to a prior engagement. How's that for a name drop?
# Posted on February 19th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
come on guys what's happening at the BHT - I am missing it and haven't been able to get back yet but am wandering what the action is - has Brian returned? have there been any particularly ace nights? who has had a row with who? which new random musicians have turned up and how has it changed things? are the regulars still there? maybe I should just get my arce down there to find all this out!!!!!
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by Alasdair
No news must be good news, Al. No big arguments now that Br!@^ isn't there to wind people up. The usual suspects have been regulars of late: me, Max, Aidan, Paul Gross, Kate and her mate, Frankie and Gordon...and sometimes John the Bodhran as well. If this is how it is panning out these days I'd rather do without the aggro. But it would be great to see *you* down again if you can make it. Hope the wee wean is doing well.
# Posted on June 4th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Visitation...
I had the pleasure of visiting this famous session last Thursday and had a great time.
Of course I've been to the pub before but not on a Thursday.
It was very nice to meet Mr. KML in the flesh and his mates.
I hope to get down there more often now...
# Posted on July 7th 2007 by yhaalhouse
I trust there were no blows swapped after last Thursday, gentlemen?
A pretty dumb thing to say, saying one of Chris's own compositions sounded like an English tune.
# Posted on August 6th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Maybe someone should have wryly smiled at my grave error and pleasantly explained to the “new boy” precisely why this tune was, in fact, “Irish”.
As I say I’m new to this and I am very willing to learn!
My remark was not designed to offend; I was merely saying what I thought based on my personal experience of music generally, perhaps naive in certain areas as that may be.
I thank you all and I look forward to learning more from the Gentlemen of the Blythe soon!!
# Posted on August 7th 2007 by yhaalhouse
Please God, no! Don't. Stay away. The Blythe session has suffered from enough session-wreckers without some lippy controversialist"deciding to grace the pub with his presence and merely upsetting some very nice, genuine people who devote more time and energy to keeeping Irish Traditional Music alive and kicking than you'd ever appreciate. (Yes ... even to the extent that they can't be bothered to express an opinion on other types of music ... big deal!) Come back and join in when you know some tunes. Don't come to strum your ludicrous instrument badly over the music, spoiling the fragile vibe that the guys have spent years trying to preserve in the face of all sorts of hassle from all sorts of blow-ins. You really add nothing. Sorry for being blunt. But the Blythe session will get along very nicely without you.
# Posted on August 8th 2007 by Southeastender
The tune is Irish because:
It is a mazurka, which is a tune type commonly regarded as being within the canon of Irish traditional music tune types.
It was written by an Irishman.
It is played by same Irishman.
It is played in Irish music sessions, in a purely Irish traditional music context.
It was played, on that occasion, and any other time I've heard it, on the wooden flute, commonly regarded as one of the principal instruments in Irish music.
It is also played, by its composer, using Irish flute music technique, such as rolls and cuts. Since it was thus played by its composer, I suspect that as an Irish tune, that's how he intended it to be played, ie in an Irish fashion.
It has a very Irish "feel" to it, not English.
Since on the occasion you heard it, he played it 3 or 4 times, it beggars belief how you were unable to divine at least some of that, all by yourself, as did the rest of the pub. rather than making inappropriate, and consequently, in those circumstances, foolish comments. To the extent that I can see why SE-Ender would prefer if you graced the pub with your absence. Either that or you could learn a few tunes and wow us all, since you claim Irish music is easy. I would suggest you learn for starters:
Splendid Isolation.
The J.B.
The Curlew
Jenny's Welcome to Charlie.
# Posted on August 10th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Last week
Good one last Thursday (23rd). Free-flowing, rhythmic, Kate & Jo turned up, Paul G was there and John (the famous author) fiddle also came. Billy, Frankie, Gordon and myself in attendance.
# Posted on August 26th 2007 by maxF
Glad to hear you lot have been behaving yourselves in my absence!
# Posted on September 3rd 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Great session last night - as well as the regulars: me, Max, Billy, Paul, Gordon, Frankie, we were joined by semi-regulars Cath, BigDave and Steve, then by Rob Millner, then Alex and Tess who had come all the way up from Brighton to join us. Blinding playing. Thanks for making the trip guys. Hope to see you all again soon.
# Posted on September 21st 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Frank, Frankie, Billy and moi - well small is beautiful right - given I have been out of the session habit since the arrival of my wee'un it certainly was a good exercise in remembering all those forgotten and half-recalled tunes - and then Con joined us about 10.30 - if there is a more hospitable landlord in welcoming traditional musicians and wannabes into his hostelry I think I will have to go a very long way to find them - but regular BHT folk will know more or less how the rest of the evening went - I left with everyone still there about 11.45 - late for me .......priceless
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by Alasdair
Catford on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq6KYdQnPHk
# Posted on January 5th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
A typical Catford person on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_tVlMprhKM&feature=related
# Posted on January 6th 2008 by Alasdair
Come one, come all. Special session tonight, Sunday 27th January, in honour of the pub's 20th anniversary. Hosted by Catford's own fiddlemeister Brian Keane. A bit of a different vibe to the usual Thursday night fare. Fair play to you, Con, for sticking it out for so long. Best pub in SE London (and handiest!).
# Posted on January 27th 2008 by catfordfiddler
BLYTHE HILL TAVERN, SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY
Apologies to all for the short notice. Only just got to grips with this website today. All welcome ... unlike the Thursday night session, we appreciate all players and all levels from the absolute beginner through to seasoned "heads" like myself. See you there. catfordfiddler
# Posted on January 27th 2008 by catfordfiddler
Drat...
Well... as luck wold have it, I coldn't make it tonight. Significant other down with norovirus and so I couldnt leave the kids at home on theirown. Such a pity. I'd even baked a cake for the occasion. Nextt time? I'm sure i"ll find out how it went.
# Posted on January 28th 2008 by catfordfiddler
Let's get this clear...
This has nothing to do with the proper session on Thursdays. Fiddlemeister? Yeah right.
See the entry above entitled "An eventful evening"
# Posted on February 1st 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Let's get this clear indeed
Regular Thursday session - unlike last Sunday's session's premise, it has some consistently good players as well as a good range of visitors. I only wish Kate and Jo would return because they were always greatly appreciated there by the regular players and customers alike. That would make it 5 regular fiddlers there. Never too many. They would be competing with two box players, several flutes, a pair of spoons, a bodhran or two, and the old banjo.
I've been returning as a regular, after a long unintended absence, and always come away feeling uplifted because of the great vibes, great sound, and some pretty witty banter in between the tunes.
# Posted on February 4th 2008 by Cath
Well said, Cath....
Only, I don't know about "competing with"...I'd rather "play with"....
But the session is going great right now, for sure.
# Posted on February 4th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Why, thank you Key ...
You don't mind if I call you by your first name do you?
You're right, we're not competing but playing, but I meant the volume produced by all instruments, ie a decibel competition. And of course, I forgot to mention the whistle.
# Posted on February 4th 2008 by Cath
Many thanks, Cath ...
Cath,
Thank you for mentioning Jo and Kate. Both friends of mine (we learned at one stage and anorher from same teachres) and both, as you say, excellent fiddlers who would lend a lot to the Thursday night session in the Blythe Hill Taverna. I will mention to them and see if they can be perusaded to give the Blythe another go. I underastand that there was a bit of an episode several months ago involving one of the less tolerant regukars in your session which caused some uneasiness. I'm sure if the person concerned culd be persuaded to be slightly more accepting, then a return to the fold culd no doubt be arranged.
And apologies to all that my invitation to the Sunday session a few weeks ago was a bit ill-judged. I sense by the tone of some of the replies that I may have trampled a few toes, for which I'm sorry. In any event, I learn that the session didnt materialise ad I'm sorry if people turned up only to be disappointed. One of those mix-ups which arises when not everyone's on everyone else's mobile phone text lists (tsk, tsk girls ... you know who you are!).
Anyway. Sorry again. I'm hoping to hook up with Kate and Jo shortly and I'll mention Cath's kind invite. You're right, of course, Cath. You never can have too many fiddles and I'm glad that you're back in the driving seat; I love it when the fiddlers are in charge! I was playing at a session recently where we had 12 fiddles at one point (not anorher instrument to be seen or heard) and it was pure heaven. CAn you imagine 12 fiddlers in the small rooom in the Blythe Hill Tabernacle? We would need so much elbow room other musicians woud have to play in theother bar! Gawd... it would be "powerful, altogether" - as my mate from Belfast would say. (Hey... maybe we shoud swap contacts ... I'm sure we could muster a right old fiddle frenzy some night. )
# Posted on February 6th 2008 by catfordfiddler
Er...
As one of the "regukars" at the "Tabernacle" for the past 4 years, do any of the others share my misgivings at the bizarre tone taken by this person? Perhaps they could say who they are for a start and stop sounding as if they know what they're talking about (or "aboput", aboopt", etc.).
Max (my real, actual, name)
# Posted on February 6th 2008 by maxF
Bizarre
Max... sorry for the spelling mistakes. I'm not too hot on spelling. Get a bit carried away on the keyboard (whoa there, Liberace! ha ha). AS you can gather, catfordfiddler is definitely not my real name. Unless of course I was called Catherine Fforde, and a fiddler. But although I'm play the fiddle, I'm not called Catherine (no Katherine, nor Katherine, nor Kathyrn) Fforde (nor Ford), so my chosen name on this website perhaps isnt quite so apt as yours. Mind you, if yuou ythink what I've written here is a bizarre tone, you should have heard what my fiddling sounded like when I was started out!
# Posted on February 6th 2008 by catfordfiddler
Come on, own up, who are, you catfordfiddler?
If you are Brian Keane you are not welcome. He has upset and ripped off so many people, including several of the incumbent sessioneers, including telling everyone that he started up the present incarnation of the Blythe session.
If you are near enough anyone else you are welcome.
# Posted on February 7th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Last nights fun
police reports suggest a known phsyciatric patient with links to the catford area has escaped from broadmoor.he has been known to bite so staff have attached a long metallic object with airholes in front of his mouth to protect both staff and the public.unfortunatly when he breathes through this object strange noises can be heard which may cause anyone within listening distance some pain of the ear drum,if heard retreat immediately to a safe distance (2-300 metres minimum depending on weather)and call the police.DO NOT APPROACH !! he is also known to carry a weapon shaped much like a guitar,however do not be fooled.unlike a guitar this weapon cares not for silly things like timing,rhythm or tuning ,instead shrill noises with the intent on disabling anyone within earshot .the user of this weapon then shouts aggressively at his victim in a further attempt to disable.police have nicknamed this monster as E.xtremlely A.gressive M.onster M.usicless O.nly N.oise.....police have issued guidlines to deal with this nuisance 1.DO NOT INVITE TO A MUSIC ENVIROMENT AS THIS DRIVES THE MONSTER WILD 2.DO NOT APPROACH 3.DO NOT REMOVE METALLIC OBJECT HOWEVER IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO BLOCK THE HOLES WITH A WELDER WITHOUT ENDANGERING YOURSELF THEN THIS WOULD BE A GREAT PUBLIC SERVICE 4.IF THE GUITAR LIKE WEAPON IS LEFT WITHIN KICKING DISTANCE TRY TO DETACH THE NECK OF THE INSTRUMENT/WEAPON AS THIS DISABLES IT'S NAUSEATING EFFECT......REMEMBER STAY AWAY FROM THIS MONSTER AND HOOOOOPEFULLLLLY THIS MONSTER WILL FECKING STAY AWAY FROM THE BLYTHE!!!
# Posted on February 8th 2008 by blyther
What's happening?
Lately we have been invaded by crass, useless individuals, who have barged into the session with their f**king guitars, citterns (FFS), without so much as a hallo, is it all right if I play? (no it isn't actually, it isn't - GET IT?) and proceeded to ruin the night (at least for me).
Am I TOTALLY out of order to suggest that, as someone who's played there almost every week for over 4 years, I can expect some kind of courtesy from complete strangers?? I'm not asking for the f**king moon, am I?
DON'T COME BACK
Max
# Posted on February 9th 2008 by maxF
Catford Fiddler? at the Blythe
Hi Mrs!
I think I may have identified you. Are you partial to a glass of red wine? If so then I know and hope any of you 3 ladies will check up on us again. But then, I saw the latest post :-o
I must admit, Max's last post is totally uncharacteristic of him, certainly the shouty bit but I do know he is allergic to guitars and other strummed instruments. All the same, I must have upset him by asking honey-voiced Keith to give us a song last Thursday - sorry!
Neat acrostic Danny!!
# Posted on February 11th 2008 by Cath
Eamonn is a knob end. How old Keaney (if "blyther" IS in fact him) got to find out about him turning up would be a mystery if I was remotely bothered enough to find out.
Just put it this way.
The session is in a very robust healthy state despite any putative attempts at sabotage, if that was what was going on. The best it has been for a long time, in fact.
# Posted on February 12th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Silly old tits at Blythe, storm in a D-cup
I'll second that Danny, the session is really great and I'm happy to be back there as a regular.
It was unusual to see young Keith without Sean the accordion player - is Sean alright?
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by Cath
Looks like all those people I paid to ruin Danny's session are doing as I requested. All is going according to plaaan [sniggers creepily and rubs hands together with glee].
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by Dow
Now all I have to do is organise that leettle... "accident", mwahahaha [purses lips and strokes white cat on knee].
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by Dow
Gawd, I might have known YOU'D be behind all this, Markiavelli.
You won't succeed in your wicked plan you know. Good never triumphs over evil...erm sorry, evil never goods over Triumph heralds...ermm...ehh...where was I??.....
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
BTW, it's not MY session. It's BRIAN's ...snigger, snigger, snort, splorff....
# Posted on February 13th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
well I've really been missing out - that'll teach me to become a dad - will try and get back to regularity soonest - the Blythe on a Thurs is great - I went there 4 yrs ago knowing one and a half tunes on a dodgy low D whistle - I have always felt at home there - great people - great session - i have learned a few mored tunes too
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Alasdair
Great again tonight Al. One flute, one concertina, two whistles (but mostly one), two fiddles, one banjo, spoons; all played well - and not a single Gypsy/Eastern European tune around to worry about. Great.
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
!!!!
Hi Danny,
I don't recall ever hearing Gypsy-Eastern European tune at the Blythe!!!!!
Admittedly I'm quite a fan of these myself as they can be more challenging on the fiddle involving 3rd position playing, but the Blythe has never had that. Very strange.
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Cath
They're not my cup of tea, whatever position you play them in. I prefer just sitting down, like a normal session player. And like a normal session player, I feel there is easily enough variety of tunes within the Irish/Scottish, even English, tradition to keep me interested for a while without all those unnecessary showy diversions.
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Blythe
Sure, but what's a normal session player?
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Cath
OK, maybe I'm being a bit harsh. I wasn't aware people were so thin-skinned around here these days.
This is a whole new "The Session.org experience" for me. Let's all just be nice and polite and I lorve everybody and everything and have a nice da-ay ya'll.
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Point missed
The point Danny is your comment was not so much harsh (it is not), it's the fact that it was unwarranted. I don't have a problem with your being upset at some of the visitors and your comments about those, I agree with most of them, but you were making a comment about someone who was not there that night and about something which has never happened at the Blythe, namely Gyspsy tunes, so what drove you to write that?
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Cath
Oh no, even Danny's friends are turning on him now. What to do? Maybe he'll get all depressed and jump into the Thames and drown or something. Oh god Danny, don't do that, pleeeease... You're a good enemy - I'd miss you dearly
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Dow
Howdy Dow?
Surely it's the middle of the night where you are! And yes, I'm a little irritated here.
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Cath
It is. I just got back from work at 1am.
Just how irritated are you, Cath? Are you irritated enough to... I dunno... maybe, like, do something, well, a little bit evil to Danny? There's good money in it for you. Flick me an e-mail and we'll talk, yeah?
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Dow
You little devil
Shift work, you poor thing! Sorry to disappoint on this occasion, but I'm not irritated enough, however I will keep your details on file for future reference and wish you good luck in your mischief making endeavours
# Posted on February 15th 2008 by Cath
Great session last night. Three boxes, two fiddles, two whistles, two banjos - good to see Jack back; flute, low whistle, bodhran and other percussion, and no dead wood.
# Posted on February 29th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Except you...
# Posted on February 29th 2008 by Cath
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/7902/comments#comment169514
# Posted on February 29th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Yawn....
# Posted on March 4th 2008 by Cath
Oh god I love this thread. I'm thriving off this bitchiness like mould takes to rotten fruit. Keep it going lads. Rip big chunks out of each other for my entertainment! (I'm the only person reading
)
# Posted on March 4th 2008 by Dow
"....like mould takes to rotten fruit..."
I was wondering what the smell was.
Anyway I learned all the best bitching from you Dow. Except the thread I linked to was from way back, when I was trying to be polite about it.
# Posted on March 4th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
I can't wait to get back to this session. Next time I go, I'll have to do something controversial so I can join in the bitching action
# Posted on March 5th 2008 by Dow
*You*'d be welcome Dow.
# Posted on March 5th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Lochaber Badger
In a rare moment of industry i have learnt a new tune to bring out next time I am down the BL:T (I'm on a good run at the moment having been to 2 in a row) - the Lochaber Badger - it is on the tumes section here and I below is the you tube link to a version of it
# Posted on March 8th 2008 by Alasdair
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVztCC37wlc
# Posted on March 8th 2008 by Alasdair
Looking forward to it Al
# Posted on March 8th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Hey guys, have you seen this video of The Blyth:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=loQfcjao-io
# Posted on March 9th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
......not.
# Posted on March 9th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
hey,what do you reckon to this?? http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get_involved/fundraise/oxjam/index.php?ito=2867 . could advertise it and get a few quid for con?what shall we call it? squeezebOXJAM? oxjam jig? bollOXJAM?
# Posted on March 9th 2008 by billy
Yeah, I saw that before, Bill. Trouble enough getting you lot to play a gig though!
# Posted on March 9th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Some old pix from the Blythe and the Woodman.............
http://medion-photoalbum.co.uk/plugin;jsessionid=i8pd5olp0923.maasp12?action=0
# Posted on March 19th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
That site ist derzeit nicht verfügbar.
# Posted on March 21st 2008 by Bren
No pix
I say, Bren. This is a family site, you know.
# Posted on March 21st 2008 by maxF
Sorry guys - don't know what happened there. It doesn't help that I can't read German
# Posted on March 23rd 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE
This session nowadays seems to be of consistently high quality...well, if not high as in virtuosos, certainly very solid musically. Last night I counted 13 players, and although that was a "good" night, this is becoming, if not the norm, certainly not unusual. Among the 13 the following instruments were played (or sung):
2 flutes
2 whistles
1 spoons
1 bodhrán
1 box
1 mandolin
2 banjos
2 singers
4 fiddles
I may have missed one or two. Some turned up a wee bit late and one or two left earlier.
# Posted on March 28th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Missing the Blythe
Oh, shoots, did I miss again last night?
I guess not when instead I got to play with
the wonderful Mick O'Connor on banjo as well as a clutch
of seasoned and professional musicians down in Sidcup.
Session organised by gifted young Dan on the accordion.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!
Thank you very much, Mick for joining us!!
Cath
# Posted on April 18th 2008 by Cath
How Wonderful!
Of gosh, we mere mortals at the Blythe are just so awe-struck by the calibre of musicians you're mixing with these days Cath. The huge collossal gifted genius of yourself and of course the inimitable young Daniel, and then if that wasn't enough...a clutch of seasoned AND PROFESSIONAL *musicians*!
And there we are at the Blythe, ploughing the same old furrow, while you're up there glitzing it with the stars!
You've really spread your wings now. There's no stopping you. Watch out Frankie Gavin!
# Posted on April 20th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Ploughing on
My point is Danny, and sorry to name drop but I've met musicians I would call illustrious, you've met some of them yourself: Liam Farrell and Joe Whelan, Reg Hall, Mick O'Connor, and Charlie Lennon. The one thing they had in common, apart from being experienced musicians is that they were all very kind, gentlemanly, encouraging and welcoming to session starters. Not one of these qualities, including musicianship, can be applied to you.
# Posted on April 21st 2008 by Cath
Yeah I know.
# Posted on April 21st 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Ah want that one.
# Posted on April 25th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1OuwyZCY7UA
# Posted on April 25th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Yet another lovely session - 2 fiddles, 3 boxes, 2 flutes, 3 whistles, 2 bodhrans, spoons, 2 banjos and acoustic bass! And a few regulars were missing! Thanks to go to, apart from our regulars, to Eimear, Helen, Kathy, young Steve (?), and John.
# Posted on May 2nd 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Good to hear things still going well in the BHT rather than irrelevant other sessions. I consider myself a regular even though a regular non-attender nowadays. I am busy doing a load of things including a (yawn) management course which I have had to give up time for and Thursday evenings is out - until August when hope to be back in the session saddle so to speak. Best wishes to all.
# Posted on May 7th 2008 by Alasdair
We consider you a regular as well, Al. Good luck with the course. See you August.
# Posted on May 9th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Nice to hear from you, Alasdair.
All the best
Max
# Posted on May 11th 2008 by maxF