And from Claire's bandmate, Sharon, the fiddler (also a sometimes guest here):

I've been trying to digest this, & see what I have to offer...
Not being a singer or rhythm accompanist- I find I have to listen to the songs- then ponder how I can fit in. Sometimes I feel like I am trying not to interfere, and don't always know what I can add that will enhance the song.

As fiddle is mainly a melody instrument- I look for ways to not drown out the vocal melody- to support it but not play in unison. I know I cannot mirror the vocal part exactly - where the vocalist is going to emphasize a word or note, or take a breath is going to change or be different from how I hear the melody. I think there are two choices I lean to- to add some kind of filling or ornamentation behind & between the song verses,   or conversely- to play a more simplified version that drones the important notes and adds some body. Sometimes I do both. The nature of the song shapes the accompaniment- whether it needs a strong rhythmic accompaniment or sweet sound with less rhythm and drive. An area we haven't truly explored in RTH is developing sparse accompaniment in the verses or choruses, with substantially more complex development of instrumental breaks or short tags in between (I think a number of the successful Irish bands tend to do this).

Since we're focusing mostly on Irish traditional songs- there isn't a great emphasis on harmony. I try to choose alternate melodic notes that seem to be in the same scale as the song if I'm varying the melody, much as I would for a melodic variation in a jig or reel.

As a band, I think we need to be in agreement about the treatment for the song. We try to listen to each other- encourage each other to try this or that. Sometimes it works, and sometimes we go back to some version of the first idea. Some of it reflects our skill levels.

I think it's important to have both an identity an a variety. What I mean is- wouldn't it be great if someone could listen to the first 4 bars and say "That's Round the House" or "That's the Pusch Ridge Ramblers"!   because there is some intrinsic band identity or style imbedded into each tune or song.   At the same time- if every song has the same kind of intro or breaks then it's going to be boring for the band and the listeners. So it takes a certain amount of creativity and open minded-ness to approach each song and keep it fresh.

Hope that's helpful....
Sharon