Session on Stage?

Subject: Session on Stage?
From: mandotim
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 07:18 AM

I'd be interested in views/ideas/experiences.
I play in a session that is very entertaining for those listening (according to the listeners themselves, and there are usually a lot of them); it's musically tight, with lots of spontaneous wit and banter, not too many 'insider' jokes, good stories and some real 'characters'. It's occasionally bawdy, the language is 'robust' and the atmosphere is intelligent, inclusive and good-humoured.

We've been toying with the idea of re-creating the session on stage, with a set that looks like the pub, some ambient mikes and an audience, perhaps as a 'late night' entertainment at clubs and festivals. Has anyone tried this, or heard/seen it done? Do you think it's feasible?
Hope the 'cat can help.
Tim

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 10:02 AM

Whilst doing the sound at Alcester & Arden several years ago, Dave did a special session with guests doing a singaround on stage, as if in a session. Nobody really knew what was going to happen, and the combination of artists was fairly 'unusual'. As I recall, Janet Russell, Harvey Andrews, Jim Couza, Pete Morton? - may have been another. Janet started it off, and they then went round bouncing off what the previous person had done. On some, they played/sang together. It was totally impromptu.
I have to say, it was one of the most magical and enjoyable concerts I have ever sat through.
On the same year was the Copper Family in conversation. Bob was still alive then, and all the generations were there. They sat behind a long table, sort of committee style, talked to the audience and sang songs in rotation. I suspect this was a bit more contrived, but a very special experience nonetheless.

Do it Tim. If you get the right people, it can work brilliantly. But, someone needs to hold it all together, otherwise it could become a bit of a shambles. You can't really have breaks when performing on a stage.

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 10:25 AM

Here's some folks round a table sining:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT_vcDq6zUM#

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: Peace
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 10:26 AM

Go for it!

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 10:38 AM

I think that it's an absolutely wonderful idea..!! I shall, hopefully,be at the Alcester 'Mini-festival' in February, and would LOVE to be part of such a 'session' !!! Let's go for it !!

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 10:49 AM

Jolly good idea, Timbo, go for it

Sal

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 11:04 AM

Its an essential and required component of many north american festivals. Artistes are expected to participate in on stage and unrehearsed sessions with other artistes. At Edmonton and Canmore last year, I got to play with a huge range of folks that one would otherwise never get to interact with. Madagascar Slim (Fantastic!!),K'Naan, Bob Brozman, The Duhks, Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodrigues, Jez Lowe. Sadly not the Neville Brothers. Also at Folk South wests easter workshops in Bath about four years ago, Myself, Rob Harbron, Tim Laycock and Gina Lafaux had such a good session we came within a ace of forming a band. Still like to do it one day! I imagine that a good regular session crew would make for a great nights entertainment in a club or festival without turning it into a concert. Great idea.

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 09:36 AM

This almost harks back to the Rough Music sessions at Bracknell festival that Bill Caddick originated ! Except tha the idea there was to perfrm stuff you DIDNT do in Folk Clubs . I recall one session I was part of (on Whistle) with Alex Atterson (piano) Hot Vultures (Guitar and bass) and two or three others doing Trad Jazz Standards

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: GUEST,sessionman
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 09:57 AM

but it then becomes a friggin' performance, not a session. BIG difference.

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: mandotim
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 10:33 AM

Good point sessionman; I was thinking about trying to retain the 'feel' of a session, but with an audience (hopefully) enjoying the music and the banter. Interaction with the audience would have to be a feature I think, and drink would probably be involved....! Thanks for all the support and suggestions so far; keep them coming. Does anyone have suggestions about festivals we could approach?
Tim

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 02:33 PM

Put it on stage and it is a performance - yep, there is a big difference. And your point is? Done well it should be very entertaining and possibly encourage a few more into the fold. There's no reason why spontaneity should go out the window either - lots of drama is improvised. Just remember it will need a bit of stage management to look natural. Power to your elbow Tim.

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 05:07 PM

Most sessions I've encountered are distinctly masturbatory in nature--fine to participate in but of very limited appeal to anyone watching or listening. I'd guess it would take a good bit of planning and rehearsal to convey the spirit of a session to an audience. Spontaneity takes a lot of practice.

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: GUEST,Jonny Sunshine
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 06:32 PM

One of the most enjoyable gigs I ever did was the last night of a festival where all the acts in the one venue had some connection with at least one of the others, and collaborations were encouraged. Common repertoire was found and the audience got to hear something new and spontanteous from everyone.

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: mandotim
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 02:49 AM

Hi again; this is really helpful! Dick; I agree about the nature of a lot of sessions; what prompted the thinking here was that this session has distinct elements of performance in it, with lots of interaction with the crowd, a fairly high level of musicianship and lots of variety in terms of material (I heard a Richard Thompson song, bluegrass, a couple of Irish reels, a trad unaccompanied ballad and Hendrix's version of Hey Joe in quick succession on Monday!). The core members of the session have played together every Monday for eight years, so there is an element of 'rehearsal' in there too. The landlord of the pub takes a leading role as a kind of MC as well as playing, so there is a sense of organisation as well. Players and singers know when to join in or sit out, without the nered for explicit 'stage directions'. I also agree about the need for some careful thought to make it look and sound 'natural'.
I'm still looking for suggestions about UK festivals who might be receptive to this idea!
Tim

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: mandotim
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 02:28 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: joseph
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 04:17 AM

If your session has a good following, the music and banter good,keep it as it is for you might lose the atmosphere that you now enjoy so much.If its not broken dont fix it is an old saying here in Ireland.
over in Ireland the sessions are the life blood of Traditional Music.
Good luck with whatever you do. keep the faith

Subject: RE: Session on Stage?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 08:45 AM

Example here: http://www.thesession.org/events/display/684