The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #119096   Message #2582038
Posted By: Big Mick
05-Mar-09 - 03:57 PM
Thread Name: breakneck speed and Irish Music
Subject: RE: breakneck speed and Irish Music
What is a reel? It's a dance.
What is a jig? It's a dance.
What is a treble jig? It's a dance.

Young speedy, one day you will mature and figure out where the skill really lies. What you have now is reflexes and talent. As time goes on, you will have wisdom. Then you will see that music played so fast as too miss the expressiveness, is simply an exercise in fitness and reflex. There is a correct speed to play, and it is not the same for every player, or every situation. Playing very fast is very cool, if it can be done and still allow the tune's expressiveness to come through. If your goal in a session is to leave everyone in the dust, you will be successful at accomplishing your goal. But you will be invited to fewer and fewer sessions. If your goal is to do justice to the music, and enjoy the camaradie of friends/fellow musicians, then you will find the right tempo and your music will not all sound the same to the listeners.

And maybe that is being done already. One thing is sure. I am glad you are playing the music.

Mick