I am with Allan and Willie-O. Can we keep on with the modesty please.

I spent the Sunday afternoon in a pub session at a small village folk festival. There were all sorts of people, tastes and abilities. Most of them were unknown to me and most to each other. There were the usual awkward moments but no one 'hogged' it and there was a general respect by and for everyone there. The music was very varied and enjoyable……. Then the 'star' walked in.

I have no idea who he was and I do not wish to. He gave me the impression however that I should know. He sat in the middle of the session and proceeded to take control. He played flute but borrowed a guitar to sing a song and instructed a fiddle player to play a break. The fiddle player was reluctant and said he did not know the melody but was told that by the 'star' that he would hum it for him, during the song. Which he did, loudly.

He gave the definite impression that he could play all of the instruments there far better than those that were playing them and had the effect of inhibiting all present by looking at what they were playing and sighing.

He told the guitar player who was sitting next to me and playing very tastefully, that he should be playing an A minor. The guitar player took this very well, I thought.

A whistle player started a tune. I had chosen not to play as I did not immediately recognise the tune and I was very surprised, that having not spoken up to that point and having sat with his back toward me, he turned to look at me and unasked and knowingly informed me that the tune was G major modal.

He appeared quite surprised at my reaction?

Our music is about enjoyment and playing well, yes but it is not really about stars…………. I vote to keep on with the modesty please?