BS: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official

Subject: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:20 AM

It's a bit tenuous, but he's not because I am. His, that is.

I've been on at Bill for some time for the loan of a fiddle to have some exploratory scratching. I have been a wannabe fiddler for decades, and finally got my act together to do something about it. There's something about fiddlers; a sort of air, like catholics in heaven who think they're the only ones there. I mean, they're clever people that make 'fretted' sounds come out of unfretted instruments. The devil plays one. So does that totty off the Corrs. Could I possibly make it over the ramparts into this praesidium of higher beings? Audacious to even contemplate!

But I did it anyway. Just before Bill left, I went round his gaff of a night, and borrowed his fiddle, complete with bow and carrier bag. Now I don't want to be rude, but it, err, wasn't, err, playable (Not that I can; I had someone assure me, who could). It needed a bit of life breathed back into it. So I went round to the Ayatolah's (the third waver grasping the virtual fiddle in my Mudcat Resource Photo page) and had him restring it, and fill it with a few tunes. During the operation, I lost hope, and borrowed another fiddle from Patrish, in a dodgy pub in Dewsbury, and we cemented the loan over a pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord. Good woman, herself.

All this took some time, and last Wednesday, I finally took both fiddles, several beers, stolen rosin and David Oliver's Folkwork Session CD, and locked meself in the bedroom. I leave it to your imagination, reader, what spirits I invoked. I did my deal at the crossroads, but got turned down. I scraped. I scratched. I got that gratifying heap of rosin dust under the bridge, and most of the way up the fingerboard. Birds were bashing their little heads on the windowpanes, children wept, mothers tore their hair. Fillings loosened. Tooth enamel scratched blackboards. Goddam, I'm a fiddle player!

I gave concerts, I played to all three cameras, I caught underwear with the bow. I was magnificent. I played a full three hour set, and finally left the stage, for a post match interview with Mrs Skipjack. I think I should confine her comments to the fact that my idea of my abilities are not commensurate with, err, others.

Not one to remotely believe constructive criticism, I have been bashing away every night since, and all weekend. I don't give a bugger if I'm shoite; I'm enjoying meself! One day, I will come out and play to a grateful world. Until then, they'll just have to be content with the accordion.

There, I've admitted it!

Skipjack

Subject: RE: BS: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:34 AM

GOOD ON YE! You have my respect and admiration for trying it.

Subject: RE: BS: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official
From: Sorcha
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:37 AM

Now, just don't go asking for "the chords".......(fun, aint it?)

Subject: RE: BS: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official
From: Noreen
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:39 AM

Well, well, Skippy... what a revelation. A wannabe fiddler all along and we never guessed! It's not surprising that Bill's fiddle wouldn't play for you if the first tune you learned just had to be the Winster Gallop. :0)

The David Oliver Folkworks Session CD is beside me as I speak write type (courtesy of Geordie Broon) so I know of what you speak.

Anton's Cajun Cousin for the next set? *grin*

Best of luck, you Renaissance man you.

Noreen

Subject: RE: BS: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official
From: Allan C.
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:44 AM

Congrats on starting down this path. There are few things (other than, perhaps, a clarinet,) that can make such incredibly discouraging sounds as a beginner's efforts on a fiddle. I admire you (and those about you) for persevering through the early stages of your violinic development.

Subject: RE: BS: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:46 AM

I'm a wannabe too. I hired one for a while & could get tunes (slow ones) out of it by ear (sort of). I'm looking for a cheap one to leap out at me from somewhere & then I will to have another go at it.

Jealousy burns - I want a go....

Kris

Subject: RE: BS: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 04:58 PM

I've asked Hull City Council to close the Humber Bridge -because we don't want you playing that thing over our side of the river thankyou very much!!!! (Actually, i am sure you were marvellous and if you behave yourself we'll give you a day pass.)

Subject: RE: BS: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 06:40 PM

Greg, maybe it would ease the strain on your marriage if you offered playing second fiddle to Mrs. Skipjack ... :-)
Keep it up!

Subject: RE: BS: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official
From: GUEST,Bloke in the corner
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 08:26 PM

Stop the madness! I know he is trying to play it, I saw him tonight at the local session, box on floor, fiddle in gnarled hands, doing the old 'strangling the cat' routine. But don't worry, folks, he'll never do much...he just won't be albe to find the bass buttons...

Subject: RE: BS: Bill Sables Not On Fiddle - Official
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 09:53 PM

As a fellow fiddle-wanna-be, I wish you luck! Allan's right; the awful sounds keep me from practicing for weeks at a time; but the thing keeps calling to me and I always give in! I rented the thing and finally just paid it off, so I should really learn a new celebratory tune or two!