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Easy / quiet tune sessions

30 Sep 04 - 01:16 PM (#1285036)
Subject: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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?


30 Sep 04 - 03:07 PM (#1285143)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jim I

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


30 Sep 04 - 03:11 PM (#1285146)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: LesB

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


30 Sep 04 - 03:31 PM (#1285173)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon

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.


30 Sep 04 - 03:35 PM (#1285180)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull

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.


30 Sep 04 - 04:11 PM (#1285211)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GLoux

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


30 Sep 04 - 07:27 PM (#1285364)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Bardford

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

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


02 Oct 04 - 03:02 PM (#1286964)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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.


03 Oct 04 - 03:41 AM (#1287258)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Terry K

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


03 Oct 04 - 10:16 AM (#1287376)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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


03 Oct 04 - 10:32 AM (#1287385)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: MBSLynne

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


03 Oct 04 - 10:56 AM (#1287407)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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?


03 Oct 04 - 11:22 AM (#1287424)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: dick greenhaus

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.


03 Oct 04 - 11:52 AM (#1287446)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon

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.


03 Oct 04 - 01:22 PM (#1287499)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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


03 Oct 04 - 01:37 PM (#1287504)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Leadfingers

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 .


04 Oct 04 - 03:48 AM (#1288020)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Terry K

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.


04 Oct 04 - 04:40 AM (#1288043)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Mo Bradshaw

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.


04 Oct 04 - 03:21 PM (#1288491)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST

'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.


04 Oct 04 - 04:36 PM (#1288543)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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.


04 Oct 04 - 07:45 PM (#1288661)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Tattie Bogle

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.


09 Oct 04 - 03:31 AM (#1292939)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

Are any festival organisers following this thread?


09 Oct 04 - 06:30 PM (#1293386)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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!


13 Oct 04 - 03:04 PM (#1296280)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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


14 Oct 04 - 01:20 PM (#1297023)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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


17 Oct 04 - 04:31 AM (#1298879)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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.


17 Oct 04 - 04:55 AM (#1298883)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon

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.


17 Oct 04 - 05:20 AM (#1298891)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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!


17 Oct 04 - 05:37 AM (#1298899)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon

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.


17 Oct 04 - 06:40 AM (#1298918)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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.


17 Oct 04 - 10:25 AM (#1298982)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon

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.


17 Oct 04 - 10:43 AM (#1298996)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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.


17 Oct 04 - 11:39 AM (#1299031)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Jon

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.


17 Oct 04 - 02:08 PM (#1299120)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Miskin Man

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.


17 Oct 04 - 03:39 PM (#1299184)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

Lots of good stuff here, thanks a lot.

But we do need to bother festival organisers!


23 Oct 04 - 01:31 PM (#1304885)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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 georgegarside@onetel.com.


23 Oct 04 - 03:17 PM (#1304970)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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 0191 443 4666 & pay by credit card or email folkworks@musicnorth.org.


24 Oct 04 - 03:43 AM (#1305446)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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


24 Oct 04 - 05:57 AM (#1305472)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: LesB

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


24 Oct 04 - 06:14 PM (#1305978)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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.


25 Oct 04 - 12:32 PM (#1306698)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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


25 Oct 04 - 05:49 PM (#1306946)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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


07 Nov 04 - 01:19 PM (#1319671)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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.


07 Nov 04 - 06:30 PM (#1319937)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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


08 Nov 04 - 03:32 PM (#1320622)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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.


08 Nov 04 - 03:46 PM (#1320635)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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!


08 Nov 04 - 05:03 PM (#1320730)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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


09 Nov 04 - 03:15 PM (#1321779)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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


09 Nov 04 - 03:24 PM (#1321792)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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.


18 Nov 04 - 05:34 AM (#1330899)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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


20 Nov 04 - 02:01 PM (#1333757)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox


20 Nov 04 - 05:23 PM (#1333922)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

well it is a quiet tune session!
fliss


20 Nov 04 - 07:16 PM (#1334026)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

We are all away quietlt and easly pecaticing good tinues


21 Nov 04 - 08:16 PM (#1334802)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Tattie Bogle

Pardon?


21 Nov 04 - 08:18 PM (#1334803)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Tattie Bogle

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


22 Nov 04 - 04:59 AM (#1335070)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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?


22 Nov 04 - 02:36 PM (#1335513)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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


22 Nov 04 - 05:41 PM (#1335757)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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

F


27 Nov 04 - 12:59 PM (#1340547)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox


28 Nov 04 - 12:13 PM (#1341179)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: MBSLynne

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


29 Nov 04 - 10:28 AM (#1342063)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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.


29 Nov 04 - 11:25 AM (#1342145)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: LesB

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


08 Dec 04 - 05:01 PM (#1351290)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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


10 Dec 04 - 04:56 AM (#1352722)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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.


10 Dec 04 - 02:37 PM (#1353295)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

see previous posting


13 Dec 04 - 02:32 PM (#1355822)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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


13 Dec 04 - 07:40 PM (#1356081)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Tattie Bogle

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


14 Dec 04 - 02:38 AM (#1356277)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: MBSLynne

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!


22 Dec 04 - 01:38 PM (#1363346)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Sidewinder

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.


22 Dec 04 - 06:36 PM (#1363600)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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)


28 Dec 04 - 11:41 AM (#1365952)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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


29 Dec 04 - 01:35 PM (#1366853)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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


29 Dec 04 - 01:46 PM (#1366858)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man

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.


30 Dec 04 - 06:13 AM (#1367481)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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?


31 Dec 04 - 05:04 AM (#1367888)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

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


31 Dec 04 - 12:42 PM (#1368261)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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


07 Jan 05 - 05:30 PM (#1374027)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

Ok people, closets out of, so to speak


08 Jan 05 - 04:49 PM (#1374723)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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


08 Jan 05 - 06:18 PM (#1374783)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Eye Lander

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.


09 Jan 05 - 03:21 PM (#1375237)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man

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


29 Jan 05 - 04:43 AM (#1392097)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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!)


29 Jan 05 - 05:27 AM (#1392106)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man

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.


29 Jan 05 - 02:39 PM (#1392465)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Fliss

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


29 Jan 05 - 03:12 PM (#1392497)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: LesB

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


30 Jan 05 - 04:58 AM (#1393004)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man

Great Cheers Les.


03 Feb 05 - 12:41 PM (#1398051)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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

bb


05 Feb 05 - 04:13 AM (#1399814)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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

bb


16 Feb 05 - 04:51 PM (#1412299)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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


16 Feb 05 - 05:18 PM (#1412326)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man

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


16 Feb 05 - 06:30 PM (#1412429)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Les in Chorlton

A session:

Longfords Club

Longford Park
Ryebank Road
Stretford - Chorlton
Manchester

Friday 18 Feb


17 Feb 05 - 01:59 AM (#1412736)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Kaleea

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.


17 Feb 05 - 02:13 PM (#1413145)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: LesB

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


17 Feb 05 - 08:59 PM (#1413565)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Leadfingers

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 !!


18 Feb 05 - 04:58 AM (#1413859)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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


18 Feb 05 - 10:00 AM (#1413968)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,Fibula-sans-cookie

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!


18 Feb 05 - 10:12 AM (#1413976)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: MudGuard

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

(no, it was a lovely weekend!)


18 Feb 05 - 11:31 AM (#1414007)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST

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


18 Feb 05 - 12:06 PM (#1414028)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: Leadfingers

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


19 Feb 05 - 04:58 PM (#1415158)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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


28 Feb 05 - 10:01 AM (#1422861)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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

bb -


28 Feb 05 - 11:49 AM (#1422977)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man

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


01 Mar 05 - 06:05 AM (#1423671)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: fogie

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.


01 Mar 05 - 09:39 AM (#1423805)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man

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


01 Mar 05 - 06:48 PM (#1424371)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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.


04 Mar 05 - 01:47 PM (#1426709)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

Southport session tomorrow sat 5 march see precious postings


14 Mar 05 - 01:34 PM (#1434492)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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.


15 Mar 05 - 11:15 AM (#1435313)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: GUEST,graham and jo

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.


19 Mar 05 - 03:32 AM (#1438183)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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


19 Mar 05 - 05:01 PM (#1438468)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: The Unicorn Man

Hi Buttonbox. How did last Saturday go?


04 Apr 05 - 02:25 PM (#1451892)
Subject: RE: Easy / quiet tune sessions
From: buttonbox

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