Hmmm, Albatross, this people thinks that...

To my ear much of the modern session of traditional music, particularly Irish, is taken much too fast. I'm no expert, but when I hear the same tunes done for dancing, they are slower. I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing except when speed reduces or degrades the tune, or when most of the musicians sacrifice interpretation for speed because they can't keep up. It can be magic however when everyone can realistically play at an increased tempo, but this isn't usually the case.

The great jazz guitarist, Howard Roberts, once said of players that "Without understanding in the ear, all the speed in the world is worthless." I agree, and I might add that the listener needs "understanding in the ear" also.

A popular singer in my neck-of-the-woods once refered to the session players as the "diddley-diddleys" because to his ear they all start to sound the same after a while. Too few aires and waltzes among the reels, and jigs taken at a ridiculous clip, to his ear. His opinion has merit. If only there was a bit more variety. I've often thought that a bodhran player who could set the time is most helpful in this regard.

Thoughtful thread, Albatross.

Peace, Mooh.