Bring back the piano in pubs...please

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Saro
Date: 27 Feb 06 - 09:31 AM

I used to play my harmonium (yes, it was the folding up variety)and had much fun with it sliding about across the floor - occasionally had members of the audience leaning on it to stop it escaping! However,since I fell in love with the english concertina, the harmonium doesn't get out much (sigh). But going back to pianos, have you heard Beryl Marriot? She is quite brilliant, and I believe she is the lady who encouraged Dave swarbrick to take up the fiddle.
Sarah

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Tim theTwangler
Date: 26 Feb 06 - 11:03 AM

Hye in days of yore at the Grimsby Fc wich did meete at the Darleys Hotel in Cleesthorpes. AA you young lady did play upon an folding and very portable Harmonium.
It sounded great to my untrained ears and was great fun especially on the polishe wooden floor of the place.
It did slide away across said floor quite merrily.
But at least it wasnt just another guitar.
you should take yer pianee t'pub and stuff em.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 06:51 PM

A few years ago, I saw a small piano like the one pictured above. At $800 AUD, I was very tempted, but really didn't have the spare space at home. And I personally prefer a 'pipe organ' or even 'harpsichord' sound myself to a piano.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 10:24 AM

what about smaller harpsichords

and lightweight portable
old salvation army / colonial missionary style *travel harmoniums* ?


.. but then, i'd be tempted to use a sampler/laptop,
midi controller keyboard,
and small low-powered keyboard combo amp..



[*i've got one, but previous owner stored it in a damp garage
so its now too badly infested with mould and probably not worth restoring]

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rockhen
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 09:39 AM

In your opinion...ok I accept that as such

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Tim theTwangler
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 08:54 AM

Sorry,I was the mystery guest. The diatribe was mine, I was without cookie again.
I was not meaning to say that the pianist plays in a mechanicl way but that the instrument is a mechanial marvel and can only function as such.
And as a useful extra beer standing device in ye pub.
Also handy as a lovers seat but remember to take the key out first.
Piano can deliver truly breathtaking performance but when it is used to play folk music I am afraid it is as successful as opera singers performing heavy metal.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 08:05 AM

Whatever else my piano playing may or may not be...if I thought I played in a mechanical way( see Guest...above, why no identity BTW?)...I would give up...there is a place for that sort of technical playing but it is not my way and my piano and my keyboards are special living creatures with feelings so please whisper next time you suggest they are not...

There, there my precious, the guest didn't mean it really...
LOL

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: DMcG
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 07:47 AM

Richard Bridges asked "Have we had a pianist mentioned here that played folk music?"

Ralph Vaughan Williams, perhaps? Or any of that august group (Frank Kidson, the Broadwoods, and so on)?

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 06:44 AM

Very well said GUEST, and I tend to not disagree with most of what you said.

"Maybe considering the make up of FC audiences,the traditional music of today should be about staff room romances,irksome red tape and how the workers are bleeding the poor bosses dry with unending unreasonable demands for more pay ,time off,holidays etc."

OK 'Shiny Bums'### - where are you?

### a bunch of aussie folkies... public servants, you see...

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 06:18 AM

piano music is great! but is it that the sound you get out of one isnt very human?
Whistles and stringy things have a more human quality.
Piano's dont seem to have that living thing quality in the same way.
Unless you get the lid off and play with the insides!
You cant bend,hammer on pull off,cant breath up and slip into a higher octave cant slide to or blend the sound
I think it is probably too pure and mechanistic to to have a folky feel.
Lot of english folk music I hear is suited to piano beause it lacks the intuative played in the pub feel anyway.
Because it is not actuslly folk music.
It is music gathered in from the "folk" and decreed fit to be played on safe conformist instruments (piano)in middle/Upper class parlour's by genteel folk. Or modern stuff written about real labouring accidents and incidents,like cycling tragedies in the pyrenees for example.
Maybe considering the make up of FC audiences,the traditional music of today should be about staff room romances,irksome red tape and how the workers are bleeding the poor bosses dry with unending unreasonable demands for more pay ,time off,holidays etc.
I am a great admirer of RH's playing and love her music,but she is writing music for the piano and in a way that makes the instrument part of the emotion and feeling she puts into it.
Traditional stuff doesnt seem to work in the same way for piano.
Also I have had the pleasure of listening to some very well know and brilliant musicians, and you know what?
It is more fun to hear a less than perfect performance by someone who loves the music they are playing,than the cd quality,but somehow strangely lacking emotionaly, genius.
Hey did you all see the kiddy on telly who just passed his grade 8 piano exam,and still spoke like a child,
Grade 8 is v good isnt it?

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 09:29 PM

I have fond memories of piano-led sing-songs in pubs; I caught the tail-end of it in the 1970s, before the separate rooms were knocked into one and the pianos were replaced with jukeboxes and televisions.

Piano (electric or acoustic) is an asset to a session, whether instrumental or song-based, if played in tune by somebody who knows what they're doing (the same is true of banjo and bodhran/tambourine, if it comes to that). Always welcome from my point of view.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 09:09 PM

Hmmmm...just off to buy heavy duty castors for my 'proper' piano....then I'll only have to push it 12 miles to the nearest acoustic night...lol!
Mind u , there are some downhill bits..!

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Stewart
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 08:32 PM

Who says a piano isn't portable. This guy regularly plays his piano (on wheels) on the street by the Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 06:03 PM

I think folkie type music players are like gypsies - they prefer portable instruments.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 01:34 PM

I know Richard. I did those in the hope that mudcatters would start posting folkie piano players, but it didn't work. :-) Do most folkies not like piano then. I think it makes a very nice change to the evening.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Purple Foxx
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 12:55 PM

A Piano in a pub always puts me in mind of the Les Dawson line "Those marvellous evening get togethers...all gathered 'round the piano wishing one of us could play."

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 12:49 PM

Yes Villan, I agree those three use piano - but they had not been mentioned in this thread whereas various rock'n'roll etc piano players had.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rockhen
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 10:48 AM

I will give his missus instructions to give him a good slapping around the head with a fragile guitar.
Mind you, on second thoughts, he'd probably enjoy that, maybe continuous piped easy listening piano music wherever he goes...

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 03:25 AM

Yes I am afraid the big T is a naughty naughty guest Rockhen LOL

Kate Rusby
Kathryn Roberts
June Tabor

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 02:18 AM

Now, about those G-strings...

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rockhen
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 06:49 PM

Hey GUEST....I know who you are and i guess the Villan does, too! My accordion is quite heavy when dropped on your toe from a height!!!

HPBoy..."Guitars are sexy because they look like a well rounded woman" er....they don't appeal to me... and aren't they a bit wooden, anyway?!

Jojofolkagogo..."Many Many clubs I go to have at least six or seven guitars, boring boring boring, so bring on something different !!!" Hey...only six or seven? Which club is that?!!!! lol (Joking...keep your strings on, guitarist people!)

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 06:45 PM

Have we had a pianist mentioned here that played folk music?

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 05:46 PM

You were told not to mention Liberace!!!

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 05:36 PM

Thats a very nice and civilised idea Stewart.

Anyway I forgot a few others

Mrs Mills
Dave Brubeck
Billy Joel

and I am not going to mention Liberace :-)

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Stewart
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 05:21 PM

Try the Taybank Music Bar in Dunkeld, Scotland. It's a small pub, but there's a piano in one corner with house instruments (fiddle, guitar, etc) on the wall above (see a picture of the bar). Dougie MacLean set this up with the idea the idea that visiting musicians could stop by and play at any time. I spent a very pleasant evening playing fiddle there a few years ago. Very civilized.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 04:58 PM

Bring back - Winifred Atwell and Russ Conway and Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino and Floyd Cramer - oh my god that dates me LOL

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 04:45 PM

Shanty Jack is very good at playing the Bones!!!!!

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 04:41 PM

I thought I covered the bones with the whistle bit?

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Bert
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 04:31 PM

My Mum used to play the piano in a pub. But that was back in the day when every pub had a piano. It should be mandatory nowadays, you shouldn't be able to call it a pub if it doesn't have a piano.

And what's this old Codswallop about electricity. It's been around long enough now to be traditional.

So take yer ol' Joanna along and plug it in and if they complain then that gives you the right to complain about every song that was written after electrical power came into use.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 03:42 PM

Shouldn't you leave them out untill you finish it?

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: gnomad
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 02:13 PM

Harp invented before bones? Get away you young whippersnapper.

Nowt wrong with listening to lively tunes when you can no longer shake a leg. Dirges, though, they can be drearisome (or dreary if you will).

MATRON! I think I'm ready for my teeth now, the porridge looks splendid.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 01:59 PM

Hey dont go encouraging her to play a bloody piano!
This is my accordionist we are talking about and the only thing that makes me sound good on my songs is that she isnt allowed a piannee in the pub.
It does distress me that there is such a level of ignorant and stupid bigotry towards musical instruments in sessions,take the constant digging there is by very sad bar stewards at bodrhans all the time.
Voice drum whistle harp in that order are the first instruments in existance never mind bloody tradition.
And I might add there is nought so drearisome as this insistance on playing English Trad folk at clubs where there is no chance of any bugger being alive enough to dance. most struggle to mumble a chorus.
So piano in Pub? Great as long as you only sit around it and put beer on it. HE he I will suffer for this

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 12:06 PM

LOL

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 10:50 AM

Guitars are sexy because they look like a well rounded woman and you can pluck their strings!

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 10:39 AM

I have a piano (electric one) and I dont care if people dont like it

the fact is I DO   !! (but I cant actually play it yet !!!)

but when I have got a few tunes sorted I will DEFINITELY be taking it to some of the clubs some of the time. Andy Smythe (Kent) takes his with him and plays excellently, I cant see the problem ?

Just as long as its not "rock o mania loud" then it will be nice - after all (and sorry for saying this to all yous out there) the GUITAR is just a little overplayed, isn't it ??? Many Many clubs I go to have at least six or seven guitars, boring boring boring, so bring on something different !!!

Jo Jo
([e-mail])

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 07:39 AM

What's the difference between a guitar and a piano?


The piano burns longer.




What's the difference between a piano and a harpsichord?

The piano burns longer, but the harpsichord is a better class of instrument.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rockhen
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 05:46 AM

Whoops...just highjacked my own thread...meant to put this on the Market Rasen Folk one, Doh!
I blame the Villan...you started it! LOL

So...the piano's place in pubs..?
(ok ok...I've heard the 'on the fire' jokes already!!!)

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rockhen
Date: 23 Feb 06 - 05:43 AM

I think those HarriWatts Boys are scared of us south of the bridge folk..!They were great when they came to the club and looking forward to hearing them when they do their spotlight guest appearance...

Good luck to everyone on Friday. I know it will be another great night, sorry we can't be there.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 07:44 AM

Are you bringing it up to Market Rasen Folk Club Mary when you come up? :-)

I was trying to get them HarriWatts Boys to come and support Cara on theer night, but they politely declined. Shame really cause it would have been luvvly to have both of them on on the same evening :-)

Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 07:24 AM

I have on several occasions taken a battery-operated keyboard to sessions and played it during the tunes. Now I generally just take the English concertina, but the regulars still ask - where is the piano - bring it along next time! So there is plenty of appreciation of pianos out there in the music world.
Mary

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 07:23 AM

It'll probably be those with least musical talent - it takes talent to recognise it in others.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Tequila Sunrise
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 07:07 AM

Blimey, you were up early!

Found the site you mentioned last night, as you can see.

And I have to say I really wish that you were allowed to bring your electric piano along to the acoustic night. The car battery idea might work......., no plug needed.

Seriously, there's a plethora of guitarists, and being able to add some piano at an 'acoustic' level would certainly add some colour and variety. How many of the regulars at the pub have you asked, and how many are against it?

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rockhen
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 06:42 AM

Thanks for that HPB!The musical balance between you guys was spot on, when we heard you. Here's to the "musical variety" you mention!

(BTW When are you gigging this side of the water, again?! Or was it so scary that you need to build up to crossing the bridge for the Faldingworth gig?!)

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 06:33 AM

Best wishes to you from harriwattsband members. As you know our bass man plays quietly through a small amp when in 'acoustic' company plus it is far less imposing than a large double bass would be. Musical variety should be what it's all about and, in your case, a piano is a great instrument either solo or in the mix.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rockhen
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 06:15 AM

Thanks Foulestroupe!
It would be nice if you could buy a 'light' piano, wouldn't it?!
Still it saves me having to go weight training lol!

I play my piano in a 'rock' type band occasionally, it is very versatile and comparitively light. Being a mere female, I can still carry it with one hand and just about manage the accordion in the other!
I also use it to accompany a classical cellist and to play in a wide variety of other circumstances.
I like variety at music sessions and although I DO like to hear guitarists, (and am not having a dig at them!) I am always pleased if a few other musicians have turned up so I can hear them play, too.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 06:04 AM

i missed the chance years ago to get a Clavinichord designed for playing in a rock band - it had built in pickups - severely regret it now...

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 06:01 AM

I encourage you. Just because it's electric, it doesn't have to be loud or bad. Only the ignorant (people with a narrow range of experiences) will think so.

I'm a keyboard trained person myself - piano, harpsichord, organ (pipe, electric and electronic), harmonium, etc. I also have an old fashioned portable Excelsior 'reed accordion' keyboard - 1930-60 vintage - reeds manufactured by Excelsior, apparently, which has an electric blower, and a Bass key setup similar to a piano accordion. I tend to prefer the piano accordion myself these days. I also have a range of other instruments.

The problem with lugging a collection of unusual and odd musical junk to a night, is that they are often so popular, that you end up having time for just one or two tunes, and that is barely enough to demonstrate the flexibility of style and range that can be performed.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rockhen
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 05:57 AM

Thanks for your support, Villan! Hugely appreciated as always!

Bonnie, I sympathise with your "I once caught an unbelievably hard time from one of the regulars"...Maybe we should all keep more open minds about music. I don't like music to have strict boundaries between genres...without people experimenting and trying new things, I guess we would all be still bashing a home-made drum.

Aggggghhhhh not getting at drummers....honest!

I like the point about "If people give you a hard time about being "electric" it probably means they're afraid of getting blasted out by amplification. Point out to them politely that you're only going to sing ACOUSTICALLY over the sound coming out of the keyboard's built-in speakers, which in fact can be turned down to a quiet level. They often don't realise this and assume you're going to start hauling out mics & amps & speakers." I agree, because negativity and prejudice is often because people don't know what to expect.
Thanks for that.

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rockhen
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 05:50 AM

Thanks Villan and Bonnie...just reading your replies as I must have posted mine at the same time!

Subject: RE: Bring back the piano in pubs...please
From: Rockhen
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 05:48 AM

Enjoyed reading the replies,(re the Barbie piano link...is it available in other colours? Pink just isn't my colour LOL!)

"Played with proper regard for the room, and other performers, an electric piano is OK by me." I agree with this..especially if you substitute 'electric piano' with the words 'musical instrument'.

Also, likewise with... "The crucial bit with all of them is that in the wrong hands they can be awful, just as they can be wonderful when in sympathetic hands."

I have listened to some wonderful musicians play all sorts of instruments. I have also heard some dreadful 'attacks' on instruments...people playing instruments with no awareness of others and the time and place they are playing.

In my humble opinion, your musical instrument should almost become part of you when you play, you should play it with feeling, empathy towards the venue, audience and occasion. When I take my accordion to sessions, I join in quietly and try to compliment rather than compete with the music. I am not saying that I am a perfect,virtuous, never make a mistake, performer, just that I do try to consider others. I have heard some accordion players blast everyone's eardrums and drown quieter instruments out.

So if boogie piano is required, fine, likewise with a classical piece or piano ballad...
All I would like to have, is the opportunity to use my piano in the place of an absent 'real' one.

"As a purist, I stayed away from elec for many years, then when it came time to replace my piano I got an electric one." The electric piano has advanced tremendously, I am very fortunate (in my piano-loving view, anyway!)to have an upright piano, plus keyboards, an old Clavinova and a quite recently acquired stage piano. I also thought that an electric piano would be a poor replacement for a traditional one, but with weighted keys and the opportunity to even alter the amount they are weighted, to suit the player, I think they have a very well-justified place as a decent instrument.

Thanks for replying. Good to hear what others think.