Belfast Tradfest (July 21-28, 2024)

Subject: Belfast Tradfest
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 21 Jul 24 - 01:36 PM

I have had the visit planned for weeks but have only just found out that while I am visiting Belfst (Well, Carrickfergus actualy but near enough) the Belfast Tradfest is on!

Is anyone on here going?

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Jul 24 - 11:30 AM

I was only in Belfast for about 5 hours but did manage to catch a session at Henry's in the hilariously named Joy's Entry. They were very good musically but the stuff they were playing was all jigs and reels at a breakneck speed that bored me rigid. Sorry Irish jig and reel fans :-(

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest
From: The Sandman
Date: 26 Jul 24 - 11:59 AM

imo, emphasis is what should be important in playing dance tunes, then ornamentation,however not being there I cannot make an informed comment, However a friend of mine who is a very good singer who was there said the festival was very enjoyable

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest
From: GUEST,Flux
Date: 26 Jul 24 - 01:07 PM

No, not emphasis. Pulse is far more important.

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 Jul 24 - 08:03 AM

I am sure it was great in the main but, as I said, I only caught some of one session and it was not my cup of tea. It is a lovely city though and I am sure I will be back.

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 27 Jul 24 - 11:33 AM

In all fairness, you go to a session at a traditional music festival in Ireland and you are surprised they play Irish traditional dance music. What did you expect?

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Jul 24 - 12:02 PM

It took Dave’s comment, “At breakneck speed” to be his main point. And I would have to agree with him - I hate to hear lovely tunes spoiled by those who think that, where playing-speed is concerned, quantity trumps quality. It’s simply ABAF.

As always, the standard disclaimer applies - IMHO. However, I realise that YMMV, and you’re entitled.

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 27 Jul 24 - 01:23 PM

I am not getting onto an argument one way or the other. I obviously don't know what went on in that session or who were playing but 'breakneck speed' is a rather subjective sort of qualification. Irish dance music is not a slow type of music to begin with and Northern styles usually don't take any prisoners. 'Fast and driven' is often a given when Belfast musicians are playing.

Just saying, as some people would put it.

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Jul 24 - 02:10 PM

I wasn’t trying to start an ‘argument’, just giving my opinion exactly as you’ve given yours. I assumed you would understand what ‘As always, the standard disclaimer applies - IMHO. However, I realise that YMMV, and you’re entitled’ means.

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest
From: The Sandman
Date: 27 Jul 24 - 02:28 PM

I play on the slow side and i would play reels at about 196 to 200bpm ,i would play some reels faster than others
The same applies to jigs for example the lark in the morning jig i would play faster than say "the price of my pig"[a mournful sort of tune].
Dave as far as i know plays morris tunes and English dance tunes,
IMO they are pleasant too.
I happen to like some tunes from both genres, and dislike some from both genres, i hope never to hear again the dingles regatta mish mash that Seán Ó Riada was responsible for

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest
From: GUEST,Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Jul 24 - 04:37 PM

Reels, jigs and hornpipes have been my bread and butter for decades. I've come across a few snotty purists who rattle on about how, these days, we don't play for dancing and how we don't get it, etc. Well, there are sessions, concerts and records without a dancer in sight all over the place. You play it fast, play it slow, play it moderate, and who's to say what's good or what's not so good. I've played for dancers lots of times and you get to know what's what in terms of tempo to ensure that they don't stay glued to their seats. As for non-dancing situations, all that matters is that your session or band colleagues are all comfortable with the pace of the playing, whether it be fast or not so fast, and that the music is played with spirit and good articulation and doesn't vanish in a blur!

I got my early inspiration from Planxty (moderate), Bothy Band (fast) and Four Men and a Dog (super-fast). I still love them all. Maybe, as the yanks say, I should go figure...

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest (July 21-28, 2024)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Jul 24 - 06:42 PM

I had never been to a trad Irish session in Belfast, Peter, so I had no idea what to expect. The sessions I have attended in England and in Scotland have been a good mix of tunes from all over these Isles and beyond and have included polkas, marches and waltzes as well as some east European and klezmer music. Usually played so you can tap your feet without spraining your ankle! I stayed about 40 minutes and that was enough so I left. I am sure many enjoyed it but it was not for me. I shall not bother again and even though I may be missing something, I shall stick to stuff I know I will enjoy.

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest (July 21-28, 2024)
From: GUEST,German Bight
Date: 04 Aug 24 - 05:00 PM

east European and klezmer music' What would Farage say.

Subject: RE: Belfast Tradfest (July 21-28, 2024)
From: GUEST,Steve Shaw
Date: 04 Aug 24 - 08:52 PM

He'd probably say that We All Stand Together to the tune of the frog chorus.