Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 10:40 AM

why weelittledrummer, Al? you played guitar...or am I being dense?!
We do use pa when we do gigs elsewhere but the Folk club set up is usually acoustic so if some artists early in the night use pa then others don't afterwards, it doesn't always work. However, if the last act uses pa, like you did, that is fine or if the last x amount of acts use pa, it is also fine because no one has to do an acoustic set after them, which is difficult. I have had experience of that happening and it is difficult to follow someone with pa if you are doing an acoustic spot. Thanks, Al for the offer re pa, it was generous of you to offer the use of yours and in different circumstances, we would have probably used it. woffle woffle zzzzzz! :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:02 PM

I think you did put that over pretty well and humerously Big
Can I call you big?
I just missed it out in trying to do reveiw.
I avoid trying to list songs and stuff 'cos although I do listen and enjoy I have terrible memory ,hence inability to remember titles etc.
and meant to put bluesy jazzy folky country but hey typing bad as memory.
All in all I thought was a great night of music for £3.
I also think that due to my lack of musical education I get extra pleasure from the club because of the variety of music on offer and the fact that most of the stuff we get to hear is new to me.
So that is my excuse for not singing many of the chorus's etc
Rockhen tells me she made four mistake in her playing and seems quite put out by that .
I think that if you guys can sit there and entertain us for twenty five or fourty minutes and play how many thousand notes? pefectly you would have to be a machine of some sort and none of you are mechanical.
Just people with love of and gift for music. The more you perform with your heart and the less with your intellects the more enjoyable I find the music.
Discuss!
(he he all answers to Mr. Les Worral please!)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:06 PM

i made more than 4 mistakes...i can never count them...it was his lordship said 4 mistakes not me!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:20 PM

thats the great thing about doing your own songs - nobody knows if thats the way its meant to be. On the second song - my mind just seized up and I couldn't remeber the intro at all - luckily, only my dear wife knew I was playing COMPLETE crap - although a few people may have twigged something was awry.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:26 PM

Hey Les just a thought but could we have a visitors book for the club so everyone that came along could leave details and mudcat names etc
Might be fun to look back on over time

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:29 PM

It all added to the charm Rockhen.
Its so nice to see you all conversing with each other.
I can never remember titles Twangy. Its hard enough trying to remember names.
It just amazes me how singers remember all the words.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:29 PM

Doh! we could make it like a scrap boook and have photose in it etc

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:33 PM

Thats a very good idea Tim. Do I have a volunteer for looking after the Visitors Book ?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:41 PM

Is a great idea but...er...not volunteering...could u just have it like a visitor's book that is left out and people sign if they want to when visiting the club? Would it need any maintaining?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sooz
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 12:57 PM

Sorry to have missed Big Al - it sounds as if you had a great time. It's time the Fence appeared at MRFC (like the new colour scheme on the website BTW) Click here to find out about his new CD and to hear some soundbites.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 02:03 PM

Hello everyone,well thanks again for a great night.Did you make any mistakes Helen?Oh well i guess i was too busy trying to look anything but nervous while you sat behind me.I think i understood what Big Al means about not liking folk.I am glad clubs like this are around to give everyone a crack at any song they want to play.Being judged on the songs and not if they fit with the folk scene is how i see it.
I sit and wonder why i bother performing when i see and hear all the other wonderful performers.It is so humbling to even be a part of it all.I hope i did not wreck the Tracy Chapman number for anyone who may have liked it before.Thanks for remark on my attempt at Clive Gregson song Big Al.
Look forward to seeing you all at Big Les venue again very soon.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 03:10 PM

I never made any mistakes, no, not me, never did nuffink wrong whatsoever, was note-perfect performance...
I like the fact that the club is open-minded about lots of music and not just interested in a narrow band of certain types of traditional folk music.(Not that I dislike, 'traditional folk music', however you define it, far from it...) Clubs have to work hard to keep people interested and if they become too specific in the requirements of types of music, or songs, for acts, can be a bit off-putting for newcomers.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 03:52 PM

As I said before, you are not going to be able to please everyone, and one wouldn't expect that.

I endorse what Tim said

Quote

I think that if you guys can sit there and entertain us for twenty five or fourty minutes and play how many thousand notes? pefectly you would have to be a machine of some sort and none of you are mechanical.
Just people with love of and gift for music. The more you perform with your heart and the less with your intellects the more enjoyable I find the music.

Unquote

I am not really sure how long MRFC has been running (two years or more), but in all honesty, I cannot remember one evening where I can say that I didn't enjoy the evening. Just to see performers go up there and give of their best for 25 minutes or more is just amazing. OK there are performers who are learning to perform in such an environment, some who are past that stage and are honing their skills to attain a higher level and some who have obtained that higher level. However at the end of the day, they have all contributed to a smashing evening and should be proud as a team of what they have achieved. Most audiences will never know just how much effort and sense of pride in wanting to please the audience goes with all performers. Its not just a question of rolling up and just doing it. Every person who has appeared at MRFC has put a lot of hard work into honing their performance, and the majority have day jobs to do as well and play for the love of it.

Discuss :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 08 Apr 06 - 06:45 PM

Sorry...I think this sounds a bit pretentious but,in my opinion...the day you think you have sung every song perfectly, and played every note exactly right...is maybe the day you should take a deep breath and think why you are bothering. I love music, I love writing, playing and listening to it. In my view, it is more than just a mechanical performance or series of correctly executed notes at the correct time and volume etc. It is a wonderful medium of expression and can make those performing or listening, feel lifted or deeply moved by it...it can make you cry with laughter or feel any one of 1000 other emotions.
It is a fantastic way of sharing time with others and I for one cannot imagine life without it...ok, so I am a bit of an addict and ever-so slightly obsessed with music and all that it goes with it...! Life can be great, terrible, tedious, beautiful and music, for me, is a way of responding to all that life throws at you good, bad or indifferent and sharing that response with others. A way of switching off from the hassles of everyday life in our times.
You are right, Villan, when you say, we work hard if we are performing, to produce hopefully our best efforts. If you are fortunate enough to be able to play well enough, or sing tunefully enough, share it with others and be grateful for the opportunities you have had and any skills you have been able to develop, as well as justly proud of the work you have put in practising to achieve whatever level you reach.
I know some musicians who turn their noses up at playing unless it is somewhere with sufficient 'status' or cash reward to make it appear worthwhile to them. OK, in theory, maybe it would be nice to be paid wads of dosh every time you played or met with adoring fans before and after every performance...most of us, like a bit of encouragement and recognition...but it is good to be able to get pleasure out of playing purely for the fun and friendship of the experience. I also know some musicians who rate others by the exams they have passed or musical qualifications plonked (haha) after their names. I think that is narrow-minded and, in itself, ignorant.
In this technological age, it would be easy for music making to become a thing which only happened in gadget-swamped studios...thank goodness for the 'Villans' of the world, LOL and all those who try to keep live music available to all.

Blooming heck what a load of old rubbish I've just written..and not touched a drop of red wine, honest! Thanks to all who put up with me talking rubbish as usual, especially those poor souls who actually manage to tolerate playing along and singing with me...LOL
Think I'm going to go off here and play that masterpiece, The Birdie Dance' to uplift me spiritually...

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Sooz
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 04:13 AM

What she said (again)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 04:33 AM

LOL Rockhen, the thought of you doing the Birdie Dance, can't you think of something better.
I think your comments etc show that you have your feet firmly on the ground and I don't think you are talking rubbish.
I love music and to me, it makes the world go around, and is a very social thing. Met so many nice poeple through the folk world.
I don't know why I never took up playing an instrument. Drumming was always my favourite. LOL, when I was young and the old man and woman had gone out, I used to get all the saucepans, glasses, cans etc, out and the knitting needles and at that time it was Rock n Roll and belt the hell out of the saucepans etc.My mother always wondered why her knitting pins were out of shape LOL.
Sandy Nelson was a role model for drumming at that time, then I got hooked with Ginger Baker and his drumming. Who is Rockcocks drumming icon?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 06:23 AM

Pleeeeeez! He needs a new name....he can't be called that! Makes me cringe everytime I read that! Desperately, trying to think of a suitably 'cool' name to replace it..!
He says you can come round and have a go on his drums and laughed at the saucepan bit, cos he actually broke the handle off one of mine once when he was doing a comedy sketch using saucepans as replacement drum kit, (Don't worry, I would lock my saucepans away while you were here and haven't got any knitting needles, phew!)
His main drumming icon is/was Keith Moon because of his performance style, as much as for his actual drumming.
Re my woffle above, I guess musical tolerance towards others is important, in the same way as it is in life, itself. I don't like all music but not everyone likes the music I do, either. So, I figure, if I respect other's efforts, they are more likely to be patient about mine and give me a fair hearing, or least not throw tomatoes...
By the way, when I use the word 'musician', I also include vocalists, sorry if I didn't make that clear. To me, their voices are one of the most valuable instruments, there are. Maybe, I should have just used words 'music lover' to mean all those who appreciate or make music in a positive way...doh!
I guess, I could have just said 'Keep Music Live' and Live and Let Live' it would have been quicker!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 06:32 AM

I was playing you up with that name LOL

From now on, its Mr Rockhen - is that OK.

Now there is an offer playing Mr Rockhen's drums. I think I will have to take you up on that one, at a convenient time to suit you two :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 07:33 AM

You ought to have a go mate he gave me a quick lesson and I am hooked on the idea.
He is a good teacher and although he laughed at my efforts quite a lot he actualy got me doing it in half an hour os so.
Maybe not Keith Moon standard,but then I,ll never play guitar like Dick Appleton or Julie Ellison but my god it is satisfying when you get even a little bit right.
I was fascinated on friday to see the different guitar styles of the artistes close up.They are all different and all achieve the desired end.
Now one of the players would say (Cos I heard em say it) their guitar playing is awful!But I would say that it was perfect to accompany the way they sing which is passionate and thrilling.
The other three were more accomplished technically IMHO,and their performances, or that of the singer were equally well served by their style and skilled playing.
Big Al said something which rings bells with me,the music snobs and instrument fetishists that you get.
Unfortuantly,to have a collection of fine instruments you usualy have a collection of fine bank accounts to go with it.
And money talks.
One of the best things about MRFC and Gainsbro FC is that they are not Tarquin and Jemmima,s pet project for when the hunt is taking a break or Venezualian Donkey trekking is out of season.
I visited a few clubs when we were camping last year and the welcome and the fun to be had is proportionaly higher the less of a history lesson you are given in the intro to each song.
Yes it is great that someone bothered to collect a lot of the old songs before neglect sent them to oblivion, but it is also true that the people that had them originaly must have benn fed up with hearing them and gotten some good new ones or they would have not needed saving would they?
Does a song that is so far from relevent to the modern way of life that it needs a university lecturer to introduce it properly and explain all the strange out of use words and translate the dead dialect, have a place in a living breathing folk club or should they find a better audience at Historic music clubs and events?
Discuss hehehe sorry Les!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 09:38 AM

Sorry, was me before, (Rockhen,) not sure why appearing as guest there...
I think a song that "that is so far from relevent to the modern way of life that it needs a university lecturer to introduce it properly and explain all the strange out of use words and translate the dead dialect" as you put it, Twangy, does have a place, along with any other songs that the artist may choose. It probably wouldn't be my cup of tea but, so what? I'll try really hard not to snooze if it has 43 verses...LOL
The only songs I would not like to hear being played, are ones that are not considerate of the audience, eg if there are children present, contain excessively offensive language or material...(now 'what' is offensive? Another hugely personal debate, depending also on the time and place, too!)
So, Villan...have a word and I'm sure we can sort out a day when my saucepans are safely locked away..! 'Mr Rockhen' is a nicely subservient name (hee hee) but I have a feeling he won't go for that either...guess he'll have to start thinking fast! :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 09:56 AM

So its think of a suitable name for Rockhen's hubby :-)

Mooney
Let there be drums
BeatHen :-)
The Little Drummer Boy
HumDrum


off to the drawing board :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 12:50 PM

I think a name should reflect the person when thinking of some one like Rockhen's old fella.How about Ben Benjamin Bennett.Ok part of it is right but you will never be get it all wrong.Sorry mate i could not resist the chance to come up with that one.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 01:09 PM

So Ben Ben Ben then Ian :-)

what about Drumstick - that goes well with Rockhen LOL

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 03:00 PM

Ha Ha!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 07:11 PM

All right let 'em play the music!
Its the bloomin'10 minute explanation that does me in.
I like to hear unacommpanied haromony singing but if it is a 20 verse song and then there is a small booklet to read and a power point presentation to get through before the singing starts that is a lot of wasted time in an evening.
Then there may be others who dont get a go because of it.
Another annoying waste of time is the really good guitar players who play each song or tune in a different tuning,have one guitar,wont use a tuning aid,and then put the bloody capo on and start tuning again!!!!! grrrrr
Oh and I am reliably infored that the difficulty in tuning that some experience at MRFC could be due to the candles in the room .
Dont ask me how,I dont know.
I got all excited about tuning hammers for pianoes once but it was a joke!
He he he Could call him Henpecked

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 12:17 AM

>>Oh and I am reliably infored that the difficulty in tuning that some experience at MRFC could be due to the candles in the room .
Dont ask me how,I dont know.<<

Must be the hot air they create. Its probably more to do with the alcoholic fumes coming from the audiences bottles and cans.

I like your suggestion Tim LOL

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 04:11 AM

I know her favourite composer is Shophenhour.
Could call him Henman I suppose but he aint no loser.
I been askin my much better half about her Mudcat name
She just smiles sweetly and says "there,there Dear"
SO how about Whstling jenny,or Saint Jenny,or Mona Jenny?
Widow twangy?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 06:13 AM

LOL
RockJen

Yours is Tim the Twangler - what about for other alf

Jen the Strangler

Jentle

Injen

Mrs Bo Jengles

and my last one drmmm drmmmm


Jen It Tools

I'll go and get me coffee

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 07:54 AM

Tim, using a 'tuning aid' probably makes no difference - (a) they are frequently inaccurate, and (b) even if they're accurate, they will only check the frequency each individual string's vibrating at, they won't make any allowance for Temperament (which is too complicated to explain here but I'll tell you about it next time I'm at MRFC). It's usually these small adjustments for Temperament that are made in the 'second tuning'.

Also, many of us (and I'm definitely one) enjoy the explanations about the songs, the anecdotes, informal chat etc., and regard them as an important part of the performance. It's one of the two important differences between folk clubs and open-mike-nights (the second being the Folkies' preference for in-tune guitars!). :-)

Cheers & Beers M'Dears,
S:0)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 10:00 AM

And how many less songs will I be able to hear in the time left to me if a third of each performance is woffle?
I have heard you perform three times at the MRFC and you do not indulge in time wasting or undue verbosity.
What amount of pre music discussion would have you grinding your teeth and muttering get on with it under your breath?
I would have thought that the temperature of the string at the time of tuning was all ready settled by the allowance of the ambient temperature of the room into the instrument for a proper amount of time before its intended use.
The use of a tuning aid tends to focus the person using it on the task in hand with its cute little lights and buzzers.
Will welcome all advice offered seeing as need all help can get especially from a maestro such as yourself.
Open mikes are the place to go to hear the Folk music of today IMHO

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Oooh i do like a good row
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 11:26 AM

There there you lot,most of the patter is humour based i think.I would like someone to woffle on about how i wrote a song everyone sings once in my lifetime.It seems such a closed club of writers who sing one anothers songs.Guess if you are from a larger folk scene this is better for patting each others backs.I don't mean that in a nasty way at all.I know when Wild Wolds Women sang one of mine i was made up and felt 10 feet tall.I hope Tim feels the same when H.K sing one of his gems.So back to the point,some woffle is good and some is name dropping.Who cares as long as it is to the point.Woffle away as if it makes it a good night but not at the price of the music and the listener.
As for Out of Tune guitars,ask Steve Jackson.Sorry Steve,meow.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 11:45 AM

Hi it was more the history lesson I object too.
Also a lot of the time the object of the lecture is to justify the apropriation of a working persons music for the use of the educated classes.
After all the weaver,fisherman,ploughboy who probably made up or elaborated the song over the years was obviously not aware of its importance and value.
Merely using it as a means of entertainment in the dark dives and public houses that he frequented would indicate that high culture was beyond his comprehension.
Luckily a nice well educated person capable of understanding the true worth of such music and songs was able to save this peice for the delectation of all who like to listen to history lectures.
It puts me in mind of the British arriving in India and discovering awhole new sub continent,the fact that it was already populated by a whole load of highly cultured and educated races seemed to escape them completly.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 11:48 AM

BTW welcome back John when are we gonna hear you warbling and twangling again?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 12:15 PM

Tim, that's Temperament, not temperature! It's nothing to do with the temperature of the strings, it's to do with the physical properties of pieces of wire of differing circumference but approximately similar length, and the effect on pitch that occurs when shortening them by capoing and/or fretting them! They all go sharp, but by differing amounts, so the guitar slowly goes out of tune as you work further up the neck. A guitar can never be 'in tune' at all positions on the neck because it has strings of differing thickness with frets in fixed positions - it's a physics thang!

'Averaging out' the variances involves a system of tuning called 'Tempered Tuning'. As you shorten the length of the strings by capoing, you need to temper the tuning to take account of these small differences, and that's what we're doing when we tune, slap the capo on, then tune again (maybe it's not a conscious thing with all performers, but they're doing it nontheless!). Told you it was complicated! I'll talk to you next time at MRFC. (Apologies if I'm teaching me granny to suck eggs! LOL!)

Regarding teeth-grinding time, I guess that I'm used to listening to people waffling on about the song they're going to sing, so I regard that as part of the performance, and quite acceptable.

Cheers & Beers M'Dears
S:0)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 12:57 PM

Ah gotcha misread that ooops!
Now I understand,why not stick capo on and tune it right first time?
Life too short to wait for lesson.
And as for woffling time you must have the patience of a saint I would rather hear another couple of songs in the evening but hey maybe that is atemperament thing too hehe.
Hope you back up and singing soon it has been far too long.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 01:31 PM

Phew...I am almost glad I have to play an ELECTRIC piano...if it's out of tune there's nowt I can do about it!
As for my accordion being in tune..hee hee, is there such a thing as an 'in tune' accordion?
I like to hear some info about a song if it is relevant and not too long a saga. It depends on the song and its subject as to whether a wordy explanation is necessary. I also like to hear some performers who say little but just play great song after great song. Variety, is good, if you have a short concentration span...

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 02:04 PM

Sorry mate got the start of that but sort of drifted after first couple of lines.
What we gonna call jen on here?
Jen seems reasonable

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 02:17 PM

What an interesting thread this has turned out to be.
If I can make some comments.

Generally, 25 minutes doesn't really allow a performer time to explain things about the songs they are performing, and by doing that, they tend to get about 5 songs in. Of course that depends on how long each song or tune is. I normally say, do what you like - if you spend 20 minutes chatting and tuning up you only get 5 minutes of singing. I know Strollin' prefers to know how many songs he can do, rather than the time limit. I can understand that, and I know he doesn't abuse the time limit. The real reason for putting the time limit on is to try and stop the person, who selfishly takes 10 to 15 minutes when you tell them that it is their last song. However, now that the club has settled down, nobody seems to abuse the situation, which I think is very good.
The 45 minute floorspot does allow a bit more freedom to bring in the humour and storytelling.
Anybody who does 90 minutes does not normally just sing song after song, and as a club organiser, I would expect them to provide a performance that includes humour and information concerning each song.
In these circumstances, I do like to know something about the song, as it sometimes helps to see where it is coming from.
An exaample of this was Graham Moore explaining a bit about Tom Paine and the Toll Puddle Martyrs and the one where he explains about the father and son relationship and uses the Lords prayer to put this over. To me, it helped me understand each song and why it was written.
How many have reasearched Tom Paine and Tthe Toll Pudddle Martyrs. Quite amazing information.

With a timed floorspot, it becomes almost impossible to take time out of anybody else's performance, which I think is very fair.

The big problem occurs when you have people in singarounds spending 10 minutes tuning up or talking and then doing a song that lasts for 25 verses or so. To me they have unfairly taken time out for the other people who want to play or sing.
I think that Gainsborough Folk Club have that situation under control and can be complemented for that.
I also was very impressed with the system that Mrs Sooz introduced for the singaround when Graham Moore & Gill Redmond was on at MRFC. Everybody was ready for their tune and consequently got two rounds in. However Stitherum were very unselfish and didn't do their second one, so that others could. That is what I call a good organiser for singarounds. Somebody who is not selfish and will stand down to allow others to perform. That is something that GFC performers are particulary good at, when there are too many singers on an evening.

Time for me dinner - and hope I don't come back and find I have been crucified :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 02:34 PM

Forgot to mention also that when a string is tuned, it will always try to return to the pitch it was at previously. When you tune, it's necessary to let the strings 'settle' for a short while, then do the final 'tweak' to get the tuning blob-on. That's another reason for the 'first' and 'second' tuning with waffle in between. :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 10 Apr 06 - 11:21 PM

Ok ok I am beaten down with the science of stringology;
I capitulate and bow to you greater knowledge of strings.
You are the string meister hehehehe,but you knoew that all ready.
If some one of your experience wants to tell me about strings and the technical detail,s of the methods they are using to tune them while they are doing so fine will be enthralled.
If I am to be regailed with humerous or memorable anecdotes like the one about the awful fiddle player great is all part of the act great entertainment.
Tell me its an old song from Ireland, tune the bloody guitar and then play it!!!!!
We are non of us getting any younger.
Except Les.
Who I think I may agree with to some degree
However I dont really like being agreable as it gives a bad impression.
So I would put it this way if every body said Hi I am pleased to be here,this is a song by... while tuning the instrument.Then played it and the next 5 or 6.
Would we save enough time in the evening to be able to have an extra little 10 minute break after the first hour?
SO our number extremities could be relieved by walking around and socialising a bit?

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 12:20 AM

Morning Tim

>>Would we save enough time in the evening to be able to have an extra little 10 minute break after the first hour?
SO our number extremities could be relieved by walking around and socialising a bit? <<

Answer - In principle no, as the floorspots have a timing - not the amount of numbers performed. To do what you require would mean reducing the time for each performer. Now surprise surprise, most of the performers would probably want more time not less :-). I do allow 5 minutes between each floorspot, and there is nothing to stop anybody having a quick slouch around whilst I am talking and waiting for the next performer. Could it be the fag syndrome LOL :-)
I also allow 30 minutes break after the third floorspot and need that time because of selling the raffle tickets etc.
Another thing that you can do of course, is when a performer has completed a song, is quickly go to the back of the room and watch the next number standing up, and then return to your seat for the next song. Just a thought.
One of the things I do when I am at any other club, and am getting uncomfortable (which happens quite a lot with me poor ole legs) is to go outside the room and have a little pace up and down to get the old circulation going again, and come back in when the song is finished.

Hope that helps a bit. :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 01:10 AM

long thread this week

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 01:16 AM

Hi Al - another one up early.
tis a bit int it.
There are about 3 or 4 threads in one really. :-), but very interesting to say the least.

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 01:39 AM

Hi Les
couldn't resist a grim smile at the thread about contemporary murder ballads. sounds like these people know some real bummers.

Banks of the Ohio, Knoxville Girl, Pretty Polly....come back, all is forgiven!

al

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 04:33 AM

It isnt Hi Al its Big Al!
I miss the perma thread thingy you used to have on here Les.
What about the performers and other audience members?
It wouldnt bother some of us mere open mikers if people are wondering about creaking as their bodily parts free them selves from pre termination rigor, but what if the 10 minute preamble to the shetland sheep shearing ballad was interupted and had to be restarted?
Notice said shearing ,not shareing or anything rude

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rockhen
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 05:52 AM

Great thread or...threads, perhaps?!!
Twangy, do I sense a tongue-in-cheek set of songs...
"er, this is a song, I wrote about my best mate, the Lincolnshire Lynchman...he is a great bloke and great fun on a night out,eee the laughs we have had together.... and this tells of his first 15 murders..."
Here's another song I wrote about the beginnings of 'cat's eyes'.When they were first invented, can any remember the great riots of The Liners guys...you know, when they all ganged up on the little man digging the hole for the cat's eye thingyummy...after all it was doing them out of the job of lining the middle of the road, there end-to-end with their little white suits on so people could see where the other side of the road was....

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 08:52 AM

Hey Tim, I'd sooner hear a ten-minute exposition on the source and history of the Sheep-Shagging Ballad than have to listen to more of the stuff I come across at Open-Mikes (yes, I do go to several!). Mostly badly-tuned-guitar-thrashing, Coldplay/Oasis/James Blunt-girly-voiced-boy-band-wannabes, wailing their interminable and totally unintelligible dirges of teenage angst, which they usually claim to have written on the bus coming to the session, or while taking a leak just before taking the stage! Either that or sad old hippies with bald heads and long grey hair droning on about 'Nights in White Satin' and looking 'Wonderful Tonight'! Yuck! :-)

Hopefully, at MRFC next week, I shall regale you with the full 53-verse version of 'The Cord-Wangler's Delight' in the original Franglais, complete with slide-show, discussion on the accepted translation into English together with the disputed 'alternative' translation, followed by a question-and-answer session during which tea and cakes will be served and a collection taken in aid of Johnny's Retirement Fund For Bewildered Folkies.

Peqace be with you, my son. :-)
S:0)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 08:54 AM

And I promise to learn to spel 'peace'. LOL!

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 11:30 AM

Oh my god, thats 5 minutes for Flossie then LOL :-)

Subject: RE: Market Rasen Folk Club Friday Apr 7th 06
From: GUEST,Tim the Twangler
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 11:31 AM

Ha ha he ehhehehehehehehe John me boy you are a one.
Do you do any Rambling Sid Rumphole covers they always crease me up?
Oh you spoiled it I thought Peqace was a local fertilizer god in your neck of the woods .
Bit thin on the old virgins for a proper old solstice song and dance though innit?
'tis great to be havin you back in fine old form mate
More power to your drinking and twangling arms.
Angst ridden drivel hehehe.
Acne ridden more like.
Keep taking hte waters of life.