Easy / quiet tune sessions

Subject: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 01:16 PM

I guess it is relatively easy for festival organisers to put on easy and / or quiet sessions, perhaps they could make it a priority?

Sessions in pubs are not really the place to start.

Do any Folk Clubs run tune sessions for us less experienced folk?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jim I
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 03:07 PM

The only one of any kind I have come across is the Junction in Rainhill, Merseyside. It is, however, a bluegrass (ish) session run by a band (whose name escapes me). The main session starts about 9 but there is a 'beginners' bit from 7.30

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: LesB
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 03:11 PM

George Garside runs just such a session at both Whitby & (Sidmouth)?
Les

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 03:31 PM

Neither part of a festival or run by a folk club but I believe there is such a session in the Branford Arms, Norwich on a Thursday night.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 03:35 PM

There is an accoustic workshop/beginers session run by mudcatter Sir Roger from Beverley, it was at The Sun Inn, Beverley, but recently moved to Nellies [The White Horse] aftere The Sun changed owners.
Pubs in Beverley seem to be going through a phase of changing hands, and sessions are moving about a bit lately, so it's advisable to phone first to check its still on.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GLoux
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 04:11 PM

There are sessions I hear about called "Slow Jams" that are geared for beginners...it's a good way to describe them...

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Bardford
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 07:27 PM

Here are some slow sessions in the U.S. Slowplayers.org

There is "world slowplay" link, but it doesn't seem to go anywhere.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 03:02 PM

Thanks Les B, it was indeed George Garside who ran the session in Middle Earth at Whitby. I went to that and was greatly enthused, as were dozens and dozens of other people. George did a fantastic job as did the guy who ran the quiet seesion in the Rowing club and I am sorry to say I have forgotten his name.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Terry K
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 03:41 AM

I missed the Whitby ones, (though I was at Whitby), but I went on to Towersey and caught a slow and easy session workshop there.

Fortunately it was held in the big marquee because literally hundreds of people attended, underlining Les's point about how much demand there is.

I have to say that even that was a bit intimidating at first because there were lots of accomplished musicians there, but the guy who ran it (David Archer?) was brilliant in the way that he got everyone involved. It really was an inspiration for those of us who are not good enough for sessions in pubs and as people were walking away at the end, they positively glowed with the experience.

Yes, there certainly is a demand - maybe someone needs a commercial interest to satisfy the need.

cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 10:16 AM

Since lots of clubs have good tune players would they be prepared to turn up early and run easy sessions?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: MBSLynne
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 10:32 AM

I've never come across George Garside at Sidmouth, but running "Slow jams" next Sidmouth might fit in well with all that will (hopefully) be going on. All the above stuff sounds great and I would love to get into some of these, both with my son and for my own sake. This is something that possibly needs suggesting to more festival organisers?

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 10:56 AM

I couldn't agree more Lynne. Do most festivals have sites where suggestions can be made? Is it worth bothering tune players at our local clubs?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 11:22 AM

Has anyone considered that slow doen't equate with easy or beginner? I've learned, over some 60 years of playing this stuff, that it's a lot harder to be good playing slow than it is playing fast. Maybe some of the hotshots ar sessions and jams could go to slow jams and learn something.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 11:52 AM

I'm not sure that applies say to a session of Irish jigs and reels. I'll agree they don't always need to be played as fast as they sometimes are but a comfortable pace, and indeed a dancable pace, is often out of the reach of a beginner. One wouldn't on a regular basis be say playing a reel so slowly that it no longer made sense in its proper context would one?

Les, not a beginners one but an any can join in a folk club and tried to cater for all (the pace really varied depending on who was joining in) started when we formed the Conwy Folk Club. I think it was mostly an accident as a few like me liked playing tunes. It seemed to continue and later became "official" with tunes in the break as well. I assume it continues.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 01:22 PM

Thanks Jon, it does show that the session before and or in the middle of the Folk Club night can work.
Anyone else?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 01:37 PM

Maidenhead folk club has a few 'musicians ' who sing as well , and usually has a few tunes to start the evening as well as a mid evening session during the interval . None of the tunes are played at the break neck speed of some sessions I have been to . AND on the First Monday of the month there is a musicians session in the bar at the Seven Stars , Knowl Hill . on the A4 Between Maidenhead and Reading .
The pace at the Stars session is reasonable as well .

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Terry K
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 03:48 AM

What I found best about the Towersey thing was not so much to do with pace, more to do with guidance as to how everyone could get best enjoyment at their own level. I'm afraid it's a fact that most of us can't "ear" the chords and in many cases by the time you've worked out the key, they are on to the next tune.

So what we less accomplished people need is the stage between bedroom and pub session.

The format I go to at present is like a group class, which would be perfect for practising session type tunes, but that's not what the rest of them are into, so I'm stuck with 60s and 70s pop/rock stuff mainly.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Mo Bradshaw
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 04:40 AM

At Whitby festival there was a session for quiet instruments, led by Michael Wright on Jew's Harp ( a fascinating instrument, by the way!)

Lichfield Comhaltas branch organised sessions for people learning instruments to play toether, as playing with other people is a skill in itself. These sessions were usually based on tunes from the core repertoire of the main session, played slowly, but with support from experienced musicians. Also, everyone was given the opportunity to lead tunes they felt comfortable with. Most of these people now play regularly in sessions.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 03:21 PM

'At Whitby festival there was a session for quiet instruments, led by Michael Wright on Jew's Harp ( a fascinating instrument, by the way!)'

That was the other one I went to. Michael Wright was brilliant! He really listened to people and went with the general flow of the gruop of very varied instruments, tunes and levels.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 04:36 PM

We do the same as Lichfield in the Jackfield session. We have a sunday morning practice session for all ages and abilities. Its held at the Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley, Shropshire.

Our main Irish music session at the Boat Inn can get fast and furious. Everyone is welcome and beginners are encouraged to start tunes at their own pace.

I enjoy going to the Lichfield session. Its a bit of a treck for me but well worth it.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 07:45 PM

Hi Lynne
George Garside does indeed run slow sessions at Sidmouth, usually 2 or 3 in the week, around late afternoon. In previous years they were in the Rugby Club, and last couple of years in St Teresa's Hall (just beyond the old Post Office and the Radway) They are to be found in the Working Programme. Tunes mainly in G and D and generally at a playable pace. Very popular, loads of folk and all sorts of instruments! As I am learning button accordion, it's very good for me, if not for people around me!
In Edinburgh we have "slow session" classes at the Scots music group at Boroughmuir High School: these are run as evening classes with a fee - check out www.alpscotsmusic.org: on Wednesdays at 9pm we decamp to Bennett's Bar, near the King's Theatre for a further slow session with Nigel Gatherer (for the cost of a drink only!) I believe there are other slow sessions around Edinburgh: check out www.albafolk.co.uk for lots of stuff in the area.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 09 Oct 04 - 03:31 AM

Are any festival organisers following this thread?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 09 Oct 04 - 06:30 PM

Think it would be great if every festival had a beginners session running in each of the venues in turn.

Also some session etiquette might be handy. Especially for the army of bodhran players!

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 03:04 PM

Couldn't agree more Fliss I guess we just have to bomb festival organisers with requests.

As for etiquette same goes. A session leader or somesuch person would help. As for bodhrans I have to say that the one I play with, Big Bad Bill, is the essence of taste and subtlty if that's a word. Its them big read players that I find difficult. I love them all in Dance bands but they can turn into folk heavey metal meets white noise in a small room

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 14 Oct 04 - 01:20 PM

Hi Les in Chorlton and the wheelies! He he

Agree to many of one instrument upsets the balance. We often have 3 or 4 banjos at the Boat. Sitting between 2 you get it in sterio.

Big reed players... now hope you dont include my nice little English concertina in that!

Playing in the sunday practice session has helped me so much. Ive been able to play alongside other instruments, better players, youngsters etc.

We have a number of session leaders(Fear an Ti), depends who is in on the night. They lead the tune sets, but anyone can start up a tune.

Its also nice to have someone to welcome in visitors, fnd them a space and invite them to play.

cheers

fliss in soggy shrops

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 04:31 AM

Ah, the wheelies! Although they were made just a half mile from Chorlton Folk Club , they almost never drop in for a song or a tune.

As for big reeds, concertinas are very civilised. I really like melodeons, great fun to play guitar with but a bit loud. I guess Accordeons ( can't seem to spell that) are the problem, so many notes can be played at once.

Sounds like you have a good club in soggy shrops.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 04:55 AM

Les, I don't think the potential power of the instruments a problem in itself. Most if not all comes down to the skill and sensitivity of the player.

It is true to suggest that some instruments can be more dominant than others and an instrument in the wrong hands can be awful. The misuse of the bodhran is the classic one in sessions. It can have a huge impact on the rythym and be loud. That in skilled hands can be a bonus but as most of us have found, in the hands of someone who has not twigged it is a musical instrument or that there is a need to know the tunes or understand the music but instead think "I can bash one of those and join in a session", it can ruin the enjoyment of the music for everyone else.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 05:20 AM

True enough Jon, but as a Mondola player I cannot hear myself much when melodeons and accordeons get going. They are loud and accordians can play tunes and chords with both hands. This is all good in dance bands and ok if the session has brass players in which case I need a 1000 watt stack!

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 05:37 AM

Yes Les hearing yourself and hearing others can be a problem. It's hard to say without being in a situation. I play melody and mostly use a tenor banjo but sometimes take a mandolin instead. In the session I most usualy frequent, we can have Irish pipes, melodeon and piano accordian (one of each) going but I still can hear my mandolin (which admittedly is quite a loud one) with no problems.

I think the worst I had it in recent times was in some bash I went to where there was a lot of chatter and an incredibly loud accordion player. There were 2 of us playing banjo a couple of feet apart. I could neither hear myself or hear the other banjo to get an idea that what I thought I was playing was in sync with what the other banjo was playing.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 06:40 AM

Maybe Festival sessions are different. They are often big, 10 - 20 instruments is not uncommon, and players can be as good as their is. This can produce very loud very quick tunes. Small local sessions are probably more typical.

Which is why I suggested that organisers of festivals and indeed tune players themselves make greater attempts to generate easy and/ or quiet sessions.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 10:25 AM

Les, I understand your aims and get the impression that it may be an idea that gets wider support.

I don't understand what you mean by "Small local sessions are probably more typical." Please explain.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 10:43 AM

I think I mean that most of the sessions that people go to most of the time are small and local - 12 people in a room with every possiblilty of people being a bit sensitive to learners and newcomers - not so likely at festivals.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 11:39 AM

Thanks for the explaination Les.

FWIW, I will give you my experience. I have been to a couple of local (as opposed to festival rather than meaning where I live) sessions that have felt very cliquey but on the whole, I have found local sessions very welcoming. I have read many reports to the contary but my feeling is that much bad feeling is more likely to be rooted in lack of session etiquitte and that sort of missundertanding than anything else.

With regards to bigginners, I think some sessions would be very difficult for an out an out starter wanting to play out. The one I attend most frequently is one such session. It is tolerant and helpful (I'd never be able to play there if it wasn't), people will lend you CDs, etc. but I doubt for example that more than one set slowed down would be appreciated. Part of the attitude is "we will help but do your homework as well and as you get to learn more join in more".

Maybe that sounds hard and I find it sad that in some quarters such a session could be considered hostile but it's the way I and plenty of others learned how to at least make some contribution. I think both ways have good and bad points. With the way you would like, the everyone can join in everything is a clear bonus but I think it can, on a regular event at any rate, carry the drawback that rather than progresing there is the danger that as joining in is possible the desire to move on is removed. With the other way, if you want to parcipate, you have to learn but you can feel quite inadequate (I still do) along the road and dispair at times.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. I think there is room for all types of sessions and hope that some organisers do take up on your ideas.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Miskin Man
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 02:08 PM

for several years now the Llantrisant Folk Club has run discovery sessions. The express purpose being to play just a very few tunes over and over again at a crawling pace to allow the very beginer to learn and to join in. The standard picks up surprisingly quickly, in direct parallel with the confidence perhaps. A booklet of tunes and even a practice cassette where available at one time. The sessions are on hold at the moment but keep an eye on folkwales.org for future plans. Or why not start one in your area. It needs a couple of dedicated tutors who can hold speed the plough at snails pace and it will grow from there.
Good luck.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 03:39 PM

Lots of good stuff here, thanks a lot.

But we do need to bother festival organisers!

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 01:31 PM

George Garside is willing to consider doing his "well known tunes at a steady pace" type of sessions at festivals other than Whitby and ? Sidmouth! If there are any festival organisers out there george can be contacted by email at [e-mail].

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:17 PM

the best 'slow session' practice CD's and books to go with them are published by Folkworks in Gateshead. Tunes include winster gallop, egans & ryans polka'sdavy nicknack,fairy dance, athol highlanders.harvest home, margarets waltz,buttered peas. caddam wood,redesdale hornpipe,oyster girl,morpath rant, nancy,come let us dance & sing,off to california,etcetc etc
each book &cd contains 22 tunes played singly slowly on a piano accordion and then played at moderate speed in sets.

Highly recommended and available for about £9 for book and CD from Folkworks, the sage , PObox 254, gatesheaad NE8 2YR or phone [phone] & pay by credit card or email [e-mail].

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 03:43 AM

Great news about George. I went to a session of his at Whitby, the first session I had ever played in, it gave much joy and lots of courage.

That tune book looks good as well. Thanks a lot Buttonbox

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: LesB
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 05:57 AM

George gives beginners lessons as well. (in the Merseyside & Southport area).
Les

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 06:14 PM

Managed to attract 4 more members to our SUnday morning practice through my article in Shreds & Patches Folk Magazine.

Its great to be able to encourage people to adapt knowledge of their instrument into playing in a session. Or to start from scratch.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 25 Oct 04 - 12:32 PM

Would it be useful to open a it worked for us thread?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 25 Oct 04 - 05:49 PM

For the uninitiated Shreds & Patches Folk Magazine covers Shropshire venues and events and concerts etc plus main folk festivals, reviews, articles, and is produced by Sheila Mainwaring and Flos Headford. Its a printed magazine. Its distributed round pubs n clubs.
F

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 01:19 PM

one of the important things about setting up /running a 'slow' (not the best name) session is to publicise it as such - otherwise many will think it will be a 'fast' irish type session. The other thing is to use a room with four walls and a door!! i.e. not a public bar or other such venue where the session can be taken over by ?fast players at the periphery. It can also be a good idea to 'elect' one of the number to run each session. George garside's 'Well known tunes at a steady pace giving everybody the chance to join in' is a bit of a mouthful but in many ways makes more sense than 'slow session' Something billed as a 'slow session' is likely to attract the slow, the very slow and the even slower! whereas what is required is a good mix of players who the more competent of who are prepared to go a bit easy to enable others to join in. One final point - it is important to not let a session degenerate into a 'workshop' - if it's a workshop you want to run aadverise it as such - again a workshop for slow players disguised as a session is likely to remain a workshop. - Why not do both, but at different times.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 06:30 PM

Good hints BB.

Had a good practice session this morning. There were 10 of us with 4 regulars & our 1 junior missing. The other youngster is in her 2nd year at uni and comes at holiday time.

Its important to encourage the youngsters. But you then hit the problem of police checks if they are not accompanied by parents. How do others get round this problem?

We dont run it as a formal session, but a cooperative, pooling ideas and working on simple tunes for beginners to go away and practice. Brushing up on more complex tunes. Mostly learnt by ear, but with some back up from the dots.... many of the musicians dont read the dots. We also have several CDs which we suggest people get hold of.

cheers fxx

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 03:32 PM

As someone learning the dots at 58 I only wish someone had explained how straightforward most simple tunes are to get from the dots when I was 10? 16? 22? any age.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 03:46 PM

the dots are to the folk/traditional musician much the same as the charcoal outline sketch is to the artist. They give you an idea of what to aim for - a sort of outline of the tune , but it is up to you to fill it out and make it into music!

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 05:03 PM

Yes I am all for that and sometimes for playing a few less notes?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 03:15 PM

Great description BB. The dots are why I floundered at school. Not so much reading them on the stave, but above and below. Also keeping the length of the notes. Ive always played by ear, but didnt realise it was the best way to learn a tune.

Think its great that people are taking up instruments in middle age and above. I really thought that if you hadnt mastered an instrument in your teens you were a no hoper. Our sunday sessions have luckily disproved that misconception.

Off out to the Forresters Arms in Broseley to the Accoustic evening.

f

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 03:24 PM

A milliom years ago before the war, well mid sixties I guess, I tried to learn song tunes from the dots but I never gained a tune.

3 years ago I started to learn dance tunes - jigs, hornpipes etc. on the mondola. I am sure they are much easier because the tunes are so strong. I can't play at any speed but I can learn the tune over a few weeks then pick up the speed. I would like to play from ear but I simply don't hear all the notes.

I would encourage anybody to have a go with tunes they know then try tunes like ones they know. Most Jigs go 123, 123 and away you go.

Workshops at festivals are always better when people give out the dots.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 05:34 AM

this thread seems to have ? temporarily gone quiet - feel free to comment!

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 02:01 PM

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 05:23 PM

well it is a quiet tune session!
fliss

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 07:16 PM

We are all away quietlt and easly pecaticing good tinues

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 08:16 PM

Pardon?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 08:18 PM

Is this what happens when you try to speak and blow a whistle at the same time?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 04:59 AM

how do you go about pecaticing a tune - sounds like a wonderful technique! might even make the tune sound better! is it a sort of added variation?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 02:36 PM

No, surprise, suprise, too much of the tasty red stuff!

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 05:41 PM

Hee Hee :)) And there was me checking thru what Id writ to see if Id made any spelling mistakes!

F

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 12:59 PM

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: MBSLynne
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 12:13 PM

Just got back from Bedworth where there was a continual session in one of the bars in the "White Swan". While it wasn't either 'easy' or 'quiet' exactly, it was very varied and there were a lot of easier and slower tunes. Everyone was very kind to us beginners and I actually led two tunes myself for the first time ever. My son also managed to join in on his oboe and thoroughly enjoyed himself. We had a great time. Thank you everyone who was there

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:28 AM

regular(ish) sessions in Southport Lancs (or merseyside if you must1)
varied and depend very much on who turns up, but usually the oportunity of playing well known tunes at a steady pace. amongst other stuff.
1st sat of month ( but this month it is 2nd saturdy!) and 3rdish wednesday of the month 8pm both at Guest House pub.
See Bothy Folk Club website for up to date information and confirmation of dates etc.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: LesB
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 11:25 AM

Just a ryder to the above, the Sat sessions are afternoons, the Mon session are evenings.
Check for details on the Bothy Folk Club
website. If you know of any folk related events within 25 miles or so of Southport let me know & I will put them up on the Diary page of the Bothy website. Contact me via the e-mail link on the Bothy site.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 05:01 PM

session saturday 11 DEc 2pm ish Guest HOuse pub Union St (off Lord St) Southport - all welcome - not fast!

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 04:56 AM

tomorrow 11 dec 2pm ish Guest House pub Union St Southport. (off Lord St opposite Bold Hotel. Not a fast session - might even be a 'slow one!-all welcome.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 02:37 PM

see previous posting

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 13 Dec 04 - 02:32 PM

pre christmas session - not fast - guest house pub - union st. southpotsouthport - off lord street. MONDAY 20 DEC 8pm - all welcome

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 13 Dec 04 - 07:40 PM

Edinburgh and Lothians TMSA in the Royal Oak, Infirmary Street. Edinburgh tomorrow,14th Dec - tunes and singing from 9p.m. (not sure if we shall be downstairs or in ground floor bar for this) All welcome
TB

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: MBSLynne
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 02:38 AM

Session in The Turk's Head, Donisthorpe, North West Leicestershire on Thursday (16th) Who knows what it will be like? Depends on who turns up!

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Sidewinder
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 01:38 PM

When is the next get together in Beverley and what is the musical intention I.E Folk based or anything goes? Please let me know as I do like a good music session every now and then. Anybody know if that Punkie lad is about these days haven't heard him for a while - London Calling was wonderful.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 06:36 PM

Seasons greetings to all who have kept the spirit of this site alive and well not forgetting easy and slow ( but picking up the pace a bit)

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 11:41 AM

A happy new year to all. Southport sessions will continue in new year at the Guest House pub , union St, 1st saturdays 2pm and 3rd mondays 8pm. Check Bothy Folk club website for info as dates sometimes change because of bank holidays etc.
George Garside will once again be doing 'well known tunes at a steaady pace at Whitby Folk Week and possibly (?probably )- att Sidmouth

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 01:35 PM

Seasons greetings to easy sessioneers. Any of you got new instruments to learn as crimble pressis?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 01:46 PM

Yes I got a Piano Accordion. But I got it last Christmas, not this year. And I am only just getting the hang of it.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 06:13 AM

A session of songs (mostly) and tunes is planned at the Marble Beer House, Manchester Road, Chorlton , Manchester, for Tuesday 8th January. The Marble Beer House is tiny but the Beer is excellent. Anybody interested?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 05:04 AM

Sorry that's Tuesday 11 not 8 but it's a spontaneous evnt which cannot be advertised for obvious reasons

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 12:42 PM

if anybody got a melodeon , button accordion or piano accordion for christmas I can offer tuition in merseyside & west lancs

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 07 Jan 05 - 05:30 PM

Ok people, closets out of, so to speak

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 04:49 PM

Hi Les. Reporting in... My puter is playing up. CPU fan on laptop making nasty noise. So am economising on use and fanning machine with a Tesco pay as you go cd still in its wrapper. Must get it mended. But all my friends mend desktops and baulk at laptops.

Had sunday session at my house last sunday. 15 people between 10.30 am and 10.30pm. Some nice tunes and songs... at a reasonable pace!

F

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Eye Lander
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 06:18 PM

At Chippenham Festival this year there was a 'English Tunes Practice Session' run by Andy Warburton & Spare Parts. It was brilliant, the leaders played the tunes at the speed it should be played and then at probably half the speed and when we joined in made sure that the speed was kept constant, it's all to easy for those who play that little bit better to start to speed up a bit.

George Garside, mentioned earlier ran Beginners Melodeon workshops at Sidmouth and made sure that the pace was kept slow, insistant that it was a 'beginners' workshop.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 03:21 PM

Sorry buttonbox I can always do with some lessons on my Piano Accordion but I live in Luton, Beds. You would charge too much.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 04:43 AM

saturday 5 feb - guest house pub - union st southport (off lord st opposite Bold Hotel) friendly & leisurely session - whats played and how slow/fast etc depends on who turns up but hopefully all abilities will get a fair crack at it!! Also good range of real ale!! If you have a non musical wife/husband/partner tell them its an afternoon shopping on southports famous Lord st etc (or any other suitable form of bullshit!)

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 05:27 AM

I can't make that one, but if there are anymore coming up, please let me know. And if you can get the number of the hotel as well, that would be great. Cheers.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 02:39 PM

Hi folks

Im aiming to go to Warwick festival this year... only one I can manage. I know its a bit in advance, but do hope we can have an Easy session there. On site would be best. I would be happy to MC it.

Have concertina will play it!

Cheers fliss

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: LesB
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 03:12 PM

Martin if you want to keep abreast of whats on in Southport inc sessions, check out the website Bothy Folk Club Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 04:58 AM

Great Cheers Les.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 12:41 PM

southport session this saturday - all welcome
Guest House pub union st 1.30ish -- seelast but one posting for more info

bb

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 05 Feb 05 - 04:13 AM

southport session TODAy sat 5 feb guest house pub union st off lord st opposite bold hotel. 1.30 - 5pm

bb

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 04:51 PM

Monday 21 feb.guest house pub, union st. Southport 8pm all welcome

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 05:18 PM

Keep it up, I will be able to make one soon. Will there be one in the middle of March?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 06:30 PM

A session:

Longfords Club

Longford Park
Ryebank Road
Stretford - Chorlton
Manchester

Friday 18 Feb

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Kaleea
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 01:59 AM

This is an important point--the slow jam. Most of the sessions I attend are quite fast & wild. This is quite intimidating for many who are learning to play an instrument or are just getting into whatever kind of fast & wild Music. I have always supported slow jams because of just that. Those who are in the position of offering jams/sessions might consider a slow jam. Ya just gotta start somewhere! Since I teach a variety of instruments, I often provide copies of traditional tunes with tab for various instruments when I host slow jams. After a while, many of the folks will be able to move on to the wilder sessions.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: LesB
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 02:13 PM

Martin, yes there will be one in March. The sessions are held on the 3rd Monday of the month at the 'Guest House' pub Union St, Southport. from about 8-15 ish. They have numerous cask beers on sale, a number of which change regularly. For further dates and any changes etc see the Bothy Folk Club website and check out the Diary pages. Also if anybody has any events that might be happening within 20 or so miles of Southport(as long as it's not a Sunday: this clashes with the club). Let me know & I will put it in the Diary page.
By the way the session tends to be mixed abilities & mixed tempos.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 08:59 PM

Saturday afternoon at Portaferry we actually DID have a slow session ,
which really was a slow session for a lot of the afternoon - It's only fair to let the less experienced people have a few tunes where they are NOT struggling to keep up !! Apart from which , there were a few tunes I didnt know , which gave ME a chance too !!

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 04:58 AM

George Garside will once again be leading 'slow' sessions at Whitby Folk Week in August,probably in the Middle Earth, but unfortunately not at the 'interim' Sidmouth Festival. He will also be doing a series of 4 beginners melodeon workshops at Whitby.

bb

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Fibula-sans-cookie
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 10:00 AM

The Saturday afternoon session in Portaferry was great - I ahve now learned Canal en Octobre for next time we all meet.

We had a lovely relaxed and very-simple-tunes bit on the Sunday evening in Portaferry too. Mainly I got to play the few tunes I knew and the others very kindly let me!

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: MudGuard
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 10:12 AM

Fibs, we only let you because you threatened to cancel Loughstock 4-score ;-)

(no, it was a lovely weekend!)

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 11:31 AM

A session tonight:

Longfords Club

Longford Park
Ryebank Road
Stretford - Chorlton
Manchester

Friday 18 Feb

To raise funds for the May day - International Day of Dance - Longford Park Stretford

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 12:06 PM

Bit too far for an evening I am afraid - have a good one though

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 04:58 PM

Southport monday 21 feb 8pm ish a good session with good beer Guest House pub, union st.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 28 Feb 05 - 10:01 AM

Guest House pub, union st, southport (off Lord St opposite bold hotel) sat 5 march 2pm all welcome - nice steady pace & decent beer!

bb -

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 28 Feb 05 - 11:49 AM

That sounds great. Does anyone know the number for the Hotel please? Or near by B and B.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: fogie
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 06:05 AM

Not a slow session- but when I meet up to play I bring along written out tunes, and distribute them. I then play through any particular tune and leave it to the session members to decide if they wish to pursue learning it at home .It is often useful to carry a tune sucker with you ( cassette or MD). Slowly over the years we have amassed a large session of both standard and unusual tunes. It does help to be able to write tunes down by ear, and transpose them into friendly keys for beginners and melodeons! When I took up sax I was playing all the old easy tunes over again to learn the fingerings, and starting again as a beginner. It really helped to play the easy repertoir which I knew by heart, but was fed up with on a melodeon.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 09:39 AM

This sounds great Fogie. I very well should be there, and I will bring my Dicta Phone as well. When does it finish, about?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 06:48 PM

the posting from fogie is not about the Southport session- can fogie please clarify which/where he is talking about.
the southport sessions start around 2pm and usually finish around 4.30 to 5pm.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 04 Mar 05 - 01:47 PM

Southport session tomorrow sat 5 march see precious postings

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 01:34 PM

southport guest house pub union st 8pm monday 21 march The friendly session with good beer, moderate speed, as good as y0u make it! All welcome whatever instrument or level of experience.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,graham and jo
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 11:15 AM

We try to keep the speed to a nice steady pace at the Sun in Beverley on Fridays. What the evening turns out like depends on who turns up but there are usualy some accessable tunes. There are a few copies in sets of versions played of some of the regular tunes. One aim is to build this up so anyone that starts coming along can catch up.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 03:32 AM

southport - guest house pub - union st - off lord st opposiste bold hotel. monday 21 march 8pm. nice steady session - good beer - all welcome.

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 05:01 PM

Hi Buttonbox. How did last Saturday go?

Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 02:25 PM

Moor & Coast Festival (Whitby) 29 apl - 1 may. George Garside will be running a couple of 'steady' sessions in the Tap and Spyle pub.