How was it ?

Subject: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 09:32 PM

I'm thinkinking of a thread where we can talk about the session,gig whatever.Tonight was pretty good,banjo,concertina,accordian,flute and self(guitar/vocals).the regular accordian player was of in Dublin at some course or other. there was more speed than finesse if you know what i mean.anyway,its 2.30 i'm off up the wooden hill to bed,i'll check in after tonights session.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: InOBU
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 11:18 PM

Whiskey ol'skin:
No offence my brother, but you got to come up with more discriptive thread names. Everyone is saying, how good was what... and well... and hmmmm.... Well, night, whiskey, last gig, last monday was great for the six folks who heard us... it was hot for us, about 110 degrees on stage, no air conditioning and I found out what happens when you bake Uilleann pipe reads in an oven, not recomended...
Chears
living on diet coke
Or Larry

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: flattop
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 12:08 AM

I'll forgive him for that one phrase 'i'm off up the wooden hill to bed.' Fabulous! So what if we have to ask questions? Questions are part of communications too.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: paddymac
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 05:55 PM

Hmmmm - I can't decide if dbw sounded like he had a bit much o' the drink taken, or not enough. I'm sure he'll feel better in the morning, or afternoon, or whenever he rejoins the world. Some nights are like that. I imagine we've all had them, but hopefully not too many of them.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: Peter T.
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 06:17 PM

Had a great night. Joined some other wet behind the ears students jamming, then Rick Fielding played his new (old) record of Wilma Lee Cooper totally blowing away the competition on "Great Speckled Bird" and "Tramp on the Street" (must be heard to be believed) and then we heard the Louvin Brothers hot singing of the Delmore Brothers "Freight Train Boogie", and then we worked through runs in A and E, and then discussed this or that over a cup of tea and then I took some bagged lettuce from Duckboots garden and went home. All in all, a pretty good night.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 09:30 PM

Fair enough.But it was a bit late/early,and I'm fairly new at this carry on. Haven't played with a piper for a while so I'll get down to Betty's when the season is over.Hope the reeds are o.k.

Anyway,fiddler and myself went into the pub.The audience was a combination of locals and tourists (french and northern irish).One thing about the N Irish is that they love a song.A mother came up and asked if her kids could join us."No problem"we said.Ages 6 and 8,whistle and fiddle.So thier uncle starts us off with "The boys from Co Armagh",followed by "Green fields of France".My fiddling freind is of the Sliabh Lucra style,having being taught by Padraig O'Keefe,so polkas and slides abound with a few songs thrown in,it was a pretty good night.Another happy holiday memory,and I've got my 4 pack. Peter T thanks for the shopping list,paddymac,alcohol taking effect,flattop,I,m off u....,InOBU,Slainte.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: rangeroger
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 09:46 PM

Good for me.How was it for you?
rr

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: InOBU
Date: 15 Jul 00 - 08:28 AM

Brother Whiskey:
Lots of rain in New York, and the reeds are recovering fine! AH the Kerry slides. I used to spend winters in Kerry, (was an aprentice currach builder). I haddent played slides for a good while, decades, when one of the Balli David Begleys showed up. It was like a wee trip to Kerry. True enough about Northern singers. Last St. Patricks, we had been the house band for a pub that closed on St. Pat's morning by order of the court, luck of the irish eh? Wound up playing in a windowless smookey polish pub, filled with rowdy Pol, who stole our tips bucket (and we were making f--kall compaired to what the other place was to pay us anyway) but the high point of the evening was the one table full of northernes who joined in every one they knew and a few they didn't and carried on long after we finished.
Best to all
Larry

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Jul 00 - 02:35 PM

Well, it wasn't a session but last night and this morning, members of my chorus and I sang on a gorgeous hilltop in rural Vermont as part of a benefit "mini-festival" for an environmental education center; it was a beautiful setting and everyone was appreciative; unfortunately the pr for the gig was abysmal and very few audience members showed up. The other musicians and we had a great time, though!

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Jul 00 - 11:11 PM

It was 105F, hotter than than on the concrete band shell. We were miserable, instruments were miserable, the audience was a city block away in the shade, but the sound system and the sound lady were great! Audience loved it. Some of them even came up and sat in the sun to be closer to the stage.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: GUEST,Willie-O Upstairs
Date: 15 Jul 00 - 11:31 PM

It was really decent in a slow-to-develop kind of way. Playing from 5 till 8 is weird. First set was patronized exclusively by the cafe staff, who all came to listen (that was nice) and one friend of mine who dropped by and jammed with his banjo. By the end of the evening (about when most working musicians are loading their cars to go to the gig) the patio was nearly full. My family came, and Ceitagh dragged her folks up from Brockville, and various local acquiantances, and the staff and their relatives...

the manager assured me that the streets were deserted only because there was a tornado watch/thunderstorm warning (it was half-cloudy half-sunny and didn't rain till 9 p.m. ) and asked me to play again next week...

Musically I had a really Wade Hemsworth kind of night. Played three of his songs. (All I know, I think). Had an even better time with Rick's old Lowden, used a better mike for it and it had new strings. For me the best part of every song was the last chord and just letting it ring and ring into next week.

Willie-O

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 16 Jul 00 - 09:04 PM

Cloghane,West Kerry.For some reason the landlady decided that she wanted a sit down session rather than the usual with the P.A.I suppose anyone can join in that way. The audience was a bit subdued considering that Kerry beat Clare for the Munster championship,Iwas expecting more of a party.Derry lost to Armagh by a point,so I'm going to cry into my beer now.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 08:15 PM

D. came back with a new accordian,a BERNARD GAILLARD. He's a happy man.Good seisun,left to our own devices

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 17 Jul 00 - 10:54 PM

Death by whisky, last weekend I performed for some senior native folks on Bear Island in Temagami Ontario.
They were hoping for some fiddle music but all I had was my banjo. I need to learn some more old songs, but I think they were quite happy to have me play anything. One of the elders is really sick and it was so nice to see her smile and tap along to the tunes.
Afterwards they fed me well and gave me tips on how to cook beaver nice and crisp. ( I think I'll pass)
So I would say it was pretty good!

Bonnie

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 18 Jul 00 - 03:17 AM

DBW, that was a nice wee session in Tralee in eearly june, wasn't it? Fine guitar-picking, great box and flute playing, too. ALl the best. Seamus

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: Lox
Date: 18 Jul 00 - 04:36 AM

I'll remember this thread (in theory) next time I come home after a gig. I don't know if the smell of post-gig alcohol and curry comes across on the screen, but I'll do my best.

Just in case I forget, come and see for yourself. We are called "The Sisters of Murphy" and play around the midlands (UK) mainly.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 18 Jul 00 - 04:56 PM

All the better for you being there Seamus.Just entertained a coach tour down in Fenit.The only song requested was The Green Green Grass of Home!!! Lox,next time I'm accross the Irish Sea,if I'm around that way

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: sophocleese
Date: 18 Jul 00 - 05:03 PM

Not a great gig on the weekend. My voice was not cooperating and insisted on sounding like I'd stayed up drinking heavily until four in the morning when I had been good and got to bed at 11:00 with no alcohol. Went to the doctor and am now ingesting penicillin to kill Strep Throat, Yuck! Hope to do better this weekend.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 19 Jul 00 - 01:25 AM

Great gig last night. did the Barley Mow twice and then made a hames of trying to flatpick the Merry Blacksmith. The audience applauded enthusiastically, they thought it was progressive jazz. A couple came in with a 3-year old and a 2 year-old, so I did a couple of songs from my new kids' CD. The adults loved the songs, but the children just yawned and went to sleep. So I did the Barley Mow again. All the best. Seamus

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 19 Jul 00 - 08:29 PM

Ballybunion,North Kerry.Myself and D.aside,the average age was 12.Everyone is keen to practice for the up and coming provincial finals,from there, into the all Ireland. It made for a good session though.Appreciative audience,good Guinness.....on to tomorrow.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 19 Jul 00 - 08:30 PM

Ballybunion,North Kerry.Myself and D.aside,the average age was 12.Everyone is keen to practice for the up and coming provincial finals,from there, into the all Ireland. It made for a good session though.Appreciative audience,good Guinness.....on to tomorrow.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 06:47 PM

Kerry Slides ? I thought that was a euphemism for the result of drinking too much potcheen......

No gigs, boring weekend decorating. Fireplace has now been painted and enamelled to within an inch of it's life and I have to get the furniture back before SO gets back from his session.... Ho hum, roll on Towersey....

LTS

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 08:29 PM

Tralee. There was something in the air, water,maybe the beer but it was very giddy.Part way through a reel 3 of us stopped for no apparent reason,just for a couple of seconds.Strange.And then we were going through a slip jig,changed,something odd,they didn't tell me we were going into a jig.Took a few bars to realise what was happening and to resolve.Great craic though.

LTS.Can't wait for the decorating.We've got four walls and a roof.Great view mind.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 08:03 PM

Tonight we were dominated by a bodhran.We finished early.Ah well,theres always Sunday.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: paddymac
Date: 22 Jul 00 - 08:22 PM

Few things better than a sensitive bodhran; few things worse than an insensitive bodhran.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 22 Jul 00 - 09:32 PM

Hear hear! Night off,boozed up(not driving)Excellent session.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: InOBU
Date: 23 Jul 00 - 08:29 AM

Well, Just back from Wilkes Barre Pensulvania - playing at a wedding with a Harp and guitar and singer, non of us had met before. I figured the Harp girl would know a lot of O'Carolin, she didn't, the guitar and I had played at mass enough times we were able to do the liturgical stuff with no hassle (not bad for a northern prod, eh? It is the good effect of my Catholic wife...) The harpest had a good ear so she picked things up well, played One Bread One Body, great pipe tune as is Here I am Lord, - Fanny Powers, and of cource the Choice Wife (not letting folks know it's REAL name An ph-s Fluch - also known by Seamus Ennis's quip "It must have been one hell of a return" to someone who called the jig So and so's return to limerick). Well, four hours on a bus each way, but nice folks and brought back some fresh corn for the wife.
Stay well all,
Larry

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Jul 00 - 10:55 AM

My latest was pretty boring--outdoor picnic for Senior Citizen account holders at a local bank. We were booked for an hour. Sky clouded up, wind blew, we had played 4 tunes when the Emcee told us there were also these spur of the moment Square Dancers, could we stop now? Actually, we were happy to, because by the time we got to our cars, the rain was COMIN' DOWN!! Got paid for the full gig, and supper to boot. Oh well. Had a nice patio party at a friends house, last nite.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 23 Jul 00 - 08:44 PM

Cloghane,Dingle penninsula.Beautiful sunset. Iplay here on Sundays.Self and box player.We sort of sat back and took it easy.The audience liked it,even though we weren't giving it our best.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 24 Jul 00 - 07:33 PM

Sucking diesel.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 08:43 PM

Back on the circuit after a spell of night shift in the factory!!!Murphys Bar,Dingle ,Saturdays.This wekk,three hen parties and a stag night.The poor tourists didnt know what to do....(IS THIS NORMAL)THEY THOUGHT.Fantastic night .Met some Californin musicians.The roof raised several times,sold 20 cds.Just got in from Killarney.Older clientelle,slightly different selection to accommodate,really enjoyed it.Starting a sesion in Castlegregory tomorrow .Great stuff.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 02:27 AM

Had several small festival weekends in a row, and I'm full of happy memories of little song sessions springing up here & there. Like Soph, I was singing like I'd been to bed at 4am full of alcohol - but that was probably because I had.
Hammerite reports that we were all very out of tune as morning approached. OOps. Now I remember why I usually don't drink if I'm going to sing!
Apologies to those who don't like latenight campsite singing......

KRis

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 01:42 PM

dbyw...where can we buy your CD's, please?

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 02:01 PM

aT THE GIGS.i

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 02:04 PM

Sorry about that.I dont have much to do with them.I wasnt with the band when they were recorded.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 02:14 PM

Okay, thanks..I guess if I ever get across the Pond, eh...:-)

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: C-flat
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 07:02 PM

My band played a fundraiser last Friday for a four year old girl needing expensive treatment that she can't get here in the U.K.
The night was going well enough and the audience were nice and appreciative during our first set which comprises of mostly accoustic numbers.
When we got to the second spot (electric guitars, bit more "rocky") we were joined at the front by a couple of Downs-syndrome guys of about 20yrs. who proceeded to give us the most energetic display of dancing I've seen in a long while.
To say they stole the show would be an understatement and the more the crowd cheered the more they whooped it up.
The high spot of the night came when I tried to introduce the number "Smooth" by Carlos Santana. One of these young guys must have mis-heard me and thought I'd said "Cum-by-a"
"No-no" I corrected him "Carlos Santana"
"Cum-by-a".."Cum-by-a" came the reply, getting exited and agitated.
There was nothing else for it, we gave a rock version, complete with soaring guitar solo and crash ending whereupon the crowd went nuts!
I'm going to have to consider including it in our regular set list but I'm not sure it will work so well without our "dancers"

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 08:29 PM

Nice bit of improvisation Cflat.No reason why it shouldnt work.Give it a go.Just got in from Castlegregory.Sesion with self,box and fiddle.Nice audience,listened to the slow airs.We'll be thr until the end of August. Hope the weather improves.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 02:20 AM

Death, oul' hand, long time no hear. I'm leading a tour group over for 10 days starting on July 8th. Are you going to be anywhere near Galway, Westport, Cavan, Portrush or Newry, so we could have a blatter? Unfortunately, I'm not gonna be in Co. Kerry this year.

All the best.

Seamus

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 04:41 AM

Allright there Seamus.In answer to your question,no,no,no,no and no.I'll be in Wales from 4th July-17th ,so sorry old sport.A quick jaunt to Galway would be nice.I see your heading North this time.Will you be back in October? Best DBW

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: GUEST,Les B.
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 06:21 PM

Had a good concert Sunday eve past in Northwest Montana at Big Fork. Small stage in a beautiful little park. Thought it might rain, but turned out to be a lovely soft night.

One of our girl singers forgot her costume, and the concert hostess graciously loaned her one. We sold a few of our home-burnt CD's at the break, and, to make the concert schedule's 9:30 pm ending deadline, cut a few songs from the second set.

Turned around and drove 2 1/2 hours home down "deer alley" in the Swan valley - must have seen a dozen deer peering at us from the edge of the highway. Thought we'd made it through until we got right to the edge of our hometown and a big buck jumped right out in front of us. Barely missed him.

Grabbed my guitar & banjo out of the communal van and hit the pillow about 2:00 pm. Realized I'd left my costume at the van owner's house and went around the next day. Knocked on the front door, and, not thinking, said to the wife (a band mate)"I think I left my clothing here last night." "Oh my god, don't let the neighbors or my husband (also a band mate) hear you," she quickly replied. I haven't blushed like that in 30 years.

Will jam at a party in the mountains near West Yellowstone for the 4th, and a Senior Citizen's dance on the 6th. Music makes the time pass.

Subject: RE: How was it ?
From: death by whisky
Date: 28 Jul 02 - 10:32 PM

Dear Les.Went to the gig in clothes wearing.Making garden gates,phone rang.Can you cover.O.K.i SAID.gOOD GIG