Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]

Subject: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: eleanor c
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 11:17 AM

Dear all

we request the pleasure of your company and strange instruments and morbid songs from 8.30 , Millstream Pub , Port Vale, Hertford, Weds 26th

Normal instuments and life-affirming songs are also permitted

The last one was a true folk peak
My hopes are high

In breathless anticipation

Eleanor

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: GUEST,jacqui.c
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 11:23 AM

I wish we could set up a Mudcat link to the session - we would love to be there.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 12:46 PM

I would love to be there and I WILL be there. YIPPEE.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: eleanor c
Date: 22 Jan 05 - 02:23 PM

Jacqui we wish so too. Maybe you can do a bit of astral travelling.Martin, glad to hear it!

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: stevi
Date: 22 Jan 05 - 04:17 PM

yep ime a comeing

steve

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 12:04 PM

I can't do Astra traveling I have a Berlingo.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: eleanor c
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 12:20 PM

Poor Jacqui would be Astra travelling from Maine.....might need one of those amphibious 4x4's.......

What is a Berlingo when it's at home? Is that like an old Citroen bread van?

My dad says I should get one to transport sculpture in but I don't know what they look like.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: breezy
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 01:09 PM

A van with windows

You can hire my espace!

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 03:16 PM

I am not driving this time. But in a months time you can come out side and have a look. Yeah your Dad and Breezy are both right. It's a bread van with windows and seats.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 03:27 PM

I think I'd need a snow plough to get out of here at the moment.

I'm glad things are going well - keep it bubbling over - we'll be around during the summer to check out how you're looking after things.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: Lanfranc
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 07:24 PM

Can't make it this time, I've got a Sailing Club Committee meeting.

We'll be there in spirit though. Hope to have the web page up this week on www.folkmusic.org.uk

See you in Feb

Alan

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: breezy
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 07:27 PM

wot ,no bob dylan?

working on me credits.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 10:23 PM

Try and convince me its worth the drive all the way from darkest Hayes !! In Which case put a post code up on here so I can find it IF I can (To Quote John from Hull) be arsed !!

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 11:01 PM

Terry - it's the one we went to in December, when we all ended up at my place for the evening.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 12:25 PM

Yes it's worth it Tel. (If you are doing nowt) Very yummy ales plus everyone is a mudcatter.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 05:22 PM

You may well see the Belingo on Wednesday, Eleanor. I have had two pints this week all ready, so I may drive. We will see.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: Lanfranc
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 07:10 PM

As promised, I've inserted a page on my website for Millstream Folk Club and then used the same artwork to make up some posters and flyers which I gave to Eleanor this evening at Waltham Abbey.

See you all in a couple of weeks.

Alan

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: eleanor c
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 08:31 PM

Thank you for the handsome posters Alan, they will be plastered over the borough tomorrow.

Well Mr Leadfingers, they say the holy grail is in Hertford, att the moment, doesn't that make it worth your while? And there will be a fellow penny whistlemonger. And Martin might give you a look at his Berlingo. And Keith will sing you some nice songs. And I promise to tune my guitar this time ( once a month whether it needs it or not) so come on down.

Postcode to follow.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 03:43 AM

Nice picture Alan.
I didn't recognise the place.
Of course, I have never seen it in daylight.
Keith.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: breezy
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 04:50 AM

And I cant recall seeing Keith in daylight either.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: eleanor c
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 08:00 PM

OK I'm tuning up.....

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 09:40 AM

Get there quickly or we will be there before you.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: eleanor c
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 11:37 AM

Hey, it takes me a while to tune up you know. Just cos you've got a Berlingo,,,,,,

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: breezy
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 11:40 AM

hello E C couldnt download picture, the screen started flashing!!!!
thanks for trying

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 02:43 PM

I won't be driving this week after all. Shame, you will have to wait til the next time to meet Mr Berlingo, he's looking forward to it already.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 07:47 PM

Thanks Millstream lot for putting up with us. Great night, see you soon.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: eleanor c
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 08:30 PM

Yes a great night guys many thanks to all. I never knew there was so much fun to be had in asbestosis and conscription.
We even got everyone singing & playing all tergether in a totally sessiony fashion - result! See you soon,
E

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 08:51 PM

Greetings from snowy Maine

Would there be any chance of anyone recording a sesion and letting me have the tape? I would love to hear how my 'baby' is getting on......

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: IanC
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 04:02 AM

When's the next one? I need to let Alan Muhr know, and ... who knows ... I might even get there myself.

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 11:36 AM

Wednseday 09/02/05 I think.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: IanC
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 11:37 AM

Thanks, Martin.

You around for the White Horse session on the 19th?

:-)

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 03:12 AM

It was a good evening, but it will not grow unless we learn and practice our songs. Many singers like to have the words in their hand for reassurance and a quick glance between verses, but if you need to concentrate on every word, stumbling and crashing altogether when you lose your place, then you have not learned the song well enough to sing it in public. People who drop in to check us out will not come back.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: breezy
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 05:09 AM

Well put Keith.

So you've heard about a certain persons entry to the Maidenhead Folk Club Songwriting evening - they call it a contest - at the end of March then?

But isnt that the differance 'tween a 'club' and a 'session,' though I agree that even in a session ,if you are singing you are in fact performing and therefore you should 'know it'.

Thats why I was impressed with Eleanor as she was well rehearsed. As were Chris and Alan.
Alan is now gigged for the spotlight, 3 songs in 30 minues should do

Our 'newbies' Christine and Steve will be performing on Sunday at the Spotlight. They have proved that rehearsing and learning does work with a host of fresh material gleaned over the last 2 years.
They are due to do a feature at Waltham Abbey soon.

How about a night with Keith at the Spotlight, please?

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: Lanfranc
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 05:40 AM

I take Keith's point, and agree to a certain extent, but it can be hard for new or new-ish singers. Should we not "encourage" rather than "demand" that songs be rehearsed and sung without crib sheets?

I must admit that during my present infirmity I have had recourse to having the words to some songs handy at sessions; mainly because I was singing unaccompanied songs that I hadn't sung in years, if ever! Increasing antiquity, and the relevant bits of what passes for my brain being already stuffed with lyrics, means that learning new material is a longer drawn out process than it once was! Also, I have always found it far more difficult to learn lyrics when I have written them myself. That's my basic excuse for not performing more self-penned songs!

Anyway, with or without visual aids, I hope to see you all on the 7th.

I'll bring along a minidisk and try a recording for Jacqui and Kendall.

Alan

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: breezy
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:32 AM

Alan,

9th

or a 6 upside down

it takes me ages to learn one too.

Perhaps there is not much space left!

Now start plugging yer gig at the Spotlight

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:33 AM

Sorry. I was trying to be encouraging.
Crib sheets are fine for comfort and reassurance, but you still need to practice.
And yes we are all doing it for fun and no one has paid to listen. Still , we want people to leave home on winters nights to join us and swell the chorus.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 08:38 AM

Hi Ian. I find Sundays a bit of a problem, see you soon. By the way when can I book your Morris people up again April, May, or June? Hello Keith good luck for tonight, I will be there.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: twoeyes
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:01 PM

I think this prudish and pompus attitude to new singers is not at all constructive for the movement.

Everyone has situations where they fail, no doubt you have failed in front of people too. And no doubt you know how disheartening it can be.

A supportive environment takes people beyond their failures rather than stifling them. If new people are to come along, then encouraging them rather than telling them not to come until they learn their lines would be a better approach.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 05:39 AM

Well said two eyes. How did it go on Friday. Sorry I could not make it. I will see you on Tuesday dude.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 06:28 AM

Hi 2 Eyes.
I hope I am not prudish and pompous.(am I Jacqui?)
No one has failed at the Millstream.
Perhaps I should not have offered advice. I have failed in public too many times. Sometimes forgetting the words, but mostly when I thought I had the tune in my head but lost it.
Most people start with a few tunes they know fairly well, and gradually add more.
I would not want anyone to stay away, certainly none of the lovely people who have supported this new session so far, however many or few songs they offer or none.
Keith.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: eleanor c
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 06:49 PM

From personal experience here is my input on this question!

I am "well rehearsed " in that I practice nearly every day - otherwise I could not play at all ...
HOWEVER even if I have played a piece 1000 times perfectly to the dog in my bedroom I can still stuff it up in front of humans especially if I don't know them too well

Also I can learn words perfectly well & yet forget them from nerves at any time. I do think playing or singing in front of people can be scary & I have only dared do it since September, I seem to be finding it easier though that can come & go.

Nerves and confidence are the key and I can only build those from performing in a supportive atmosphere where perfection is admired but not demanded. I'm grateful to all those who have allowed me my fluffed notes and duff chords , actually my hands still shake with nervousness every time it's "my turn" but I get better at hiding it.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 06:52 PM

You must be Eleanor, because I sat next to you last week and did not notice a thing. (mind you I did have three pints)

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: eleanor c
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 12:36 PM

Yes MFB, hands shaking like leaves. And if I drink anything to steady them then they turn into a pair of puddings altogether and I can't play a note.

My pal Emma's piano teacher's advice was,
"just accept that when you play in front of people you'll be playing your worst. Then practice till your worst is not too bad." I 'm not too sure if that's encouraging or discouraging! It certainly made sense to me...... there's a tune I play when I'm nervous cos it's my easiest & most reliable. Anyway I still managed to crash & burn it at Waltham Abbey recently just because it was a strange room and twice as many people as usual. Mabe when I've been playing a few more years that won''t' tend to happen. Living in hope.

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 03:28 PM

Oh good. I heard a great composser say (I don't know which one) If I don't practise 8 hours a day I notice the difference if I practise only 4 hours a day you will hear the difference. How about that?

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: Lanfranc
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 07:06 AM

Hello, me again. OK so I got the date wrong - see you on the 9th.

Sounds horribly like a golfing assignation, but still...

For those who have already purchased a 2005 diary (ie not waiting til March when they're half price!) - Sunday June 12th at the Spotlight, Storbans will find me doing a guest appearance. Breezy has challenged me to do a half-hour set using only two songs. Theoretically possible, but a bit much to ask of my aging synapses. Off to Holland and Barrett for some rejuvenation mixture.

Back soon (where did I say I was going? Pass the crib sheet)

Alan

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: jacqui.c
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 08:44 AM

I've just caught up with this thread after a few days away.

From experience I would say that Keith is one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of knowing when it comes to encouraging new performers. He was the one who persuaded me to sing at a session in the first place and always was there to help with words and tunes if I dried up. If it wasn't for Keith I'm not sure that I would have started singing at sessions at all. Now some people might say that would have been a good thing......

The point is that there is a difference between someone starting to sing and suffering from nerves, (or, as happens to us all, that 'senior moment' when you totally forget a song that you've sung hundreds of times) and the person who turns up not having even tried to practice and makes a total dog's breakfast of everything they do. If someone comes in to listen and is persuaded to sing, fine - they would not have had the opportunity to prepare but, if you know you're going to perform beforehand then the least you can do is respect the other people there and PRACTICE. OK, you may still make mistakes, but, from experience, it is so obvious when someone hasn't prepared and, to my way of thinking, that doesn't show respect for the group as a whole. It also shows a great lack of self respect - do you really want to show yourself up like that?

Kendall, on the other hand, having sat through a performance like that with his head in his hands, would leave in a huff saying "what an ar****le"!

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: breezy
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 10:23 AM

Keith too will be stepping into the Spotlight for us, on sunday 29th May so please will all of you make a date to come over in support?

this week end -tonight- we have Julie Ellison and lots of good things are reported about her

next Friday we've heard that Kitty Vernon will be in attendance with Les Sullivan and they realy do have a terrific CD of Les's songs

I think I may have to go to rugby next wed with me 12 year old to watch saracens, so I may be in time for last orders!!

Hope to catch you all again soon.

I'm expecting Stevi and Son on Sunday when julie performs again for us

at the Legion St Albans

cheers all

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 12:33 PM

Hey Breezy. I bet you would love to go to the rugby on Saturday too. Eh Boyo

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: breezy
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 12:54 PM

Been there, seen it, touched it, when you've won one you've won them all.

And they were singing, hymns and arias, land of my fathers, ar hyd y nos.

my moneys on de oirish, but my heart is with Wales

Subject: RE: Hertford Millstream Weds 26th Jan ;-]
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 04:15 PM

What about the French?