Clubs & Pub Sessions: The Musical Mix

Subject: The musical mix
From: Rima
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 04:09 PM

Shouldn't we demand a higher quality of music in our clubs and pubs (particularly where sessions are in public bars and have wider audiences?) and a mix of song and music that has greater audience appeal? I visit many clubs and pub sessions and find that the quality and variety of music presented is often very questionable. It's a difficult one: There is a question of accessibiity for performers (pub sessions where getting a song in edgeways is impossible, and "singers" clubs and sessions where musicians are elbowed out), a question of quality of singing (where, let's be honest, often we accept very poor quality) and a question of the type of music and song (folk clubs that are popular music clubs - pop, country, music hall, bluegrass... and music sessions that are "Irish"...). What does everyone think think?   
Richard Matthewman.

Subject: RE: Clubs & Pub Sessions: The Musical Mix
From: DMcG
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 05:30 PM

I think the answers we give for you Kent thread are likely to apply elsewhere! *grin*

Subject: RE: Clubs & Pub Sessions: The Musical Mix
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 09:29 PM

I thought "The Musical Mix" would be an Irish band...

Subject: RE: Clubs & Pub Sessions: The Musical Mix
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 04 Jul 05 - 02:53 AM

As one of those organisers in Kent (Maidstone), I feel very strongly about setting myself up as a judge of quality, and arbiter of eligibility to perform.

Sure, there are some low quality performers on the scene, and we all know of people whose presence raises groans from the crowd (Oh no, not him again.).

One of the great delights of the folk scene for me is watching most of those as they develop and improve, and we should remember that we all started at that level.

As for the few that don't/can't improve, they have at least the love of music, and the enthusiasm to keep trying. Who am I to tell them they aren't good enough to be heard? I'm sure there are people out there who feel the same about me.

Every club I have been involved with has been INCLUSIVE, and that will remain the case in the future.

At the very least, the presence of poor performers could be said to highlight the talents of those who are good at it. How would we judge good without bad as a benchmark. Come to that WHY should we judge in the first place?

Don T.

Subject: RE: Clubs & Pub Sessions: The Musical Mix
From: lady penelope
Date: 04 Jul 05 - 03:31 PM

Hear hear! How many times have I heard brilliant new songs from the oddest of performers, that others would have never thought ot perform? As Don says, we don't all start 'perfect'.

If you're that worried about "low standards" I suggest you refrain from attending 'sessions' and limit yourself to 'paid gigs', where monetary returns ensure a minimum of capability.

TTFN Lady P.