Should good players play out?

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: olddude
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 08:06 AM

Like those people who write songs, people who play out do so because it is in their DNA .. they have to ... they have no choice ...It is a part of them and their chemistry and is as natural a course of action as breathing ... they will continue to do it until life stops them for health reasons.

Many people who are wonderful musicians are very happy to just play in private. That is completely fine and just don't have that DNA ... there is no right or wrong about it ... as Will said whatever makes one happy in that regard is what they should do

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: GUEST,Corona Smith
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 07:56 AM

Good players should stay at home basking in the light of their own genius, so poor to middling players (like me) sound better in public.

Corona.

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 07:25 AM

I enjoy playing at home and I enjoy practising at home,I frequently use a metronome when playing jigs reels hrnpipes etc,when I am practising at home.
I also go out and play/sing for money,and occasionally play and sing for nothing,I enjoy all these activities in different ways.
what I do not enjoy are some of the pillocks on the internet[no one on this thread]who do not put up examples of their music but have the cheek to pontificate about how certain musics have to be played in a particular style.
finally,I think permission should be asked of players before their music is put up on you tube
what players[good excellent mediocre] do as regards playing out is entirely their own business.
players should not feel duty bound to do anything

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 07:02 AM

GUEST Peter Laban - What is the point of your question ? Are you suggesting people should NOT do what they want to do or what ?

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 06:48 AM

There's the same thing there, I have heard people call musicians who play together at each other's homes (over a cup of tea, unhurried and in peace and quiet) 'selfish' because they wouldn't be playing in pubs but rather in the privacy of their own homes.

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 06:36 AM

It's good for musicians to play together, and there's maybe something missing if a musician never does that. But beyond that, whether there are other people listening is a secondary matter.

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 06:13 AM

I find I'm much more interested in a player if I've experienced them first-hand in an informal setting, with no mixing desk intervening. Without that, I'm much less likely to buy their CDs. And I appreciate getting close enough to learn something about their technique.

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 05:19 AM

I don't see why there should be an "obligation" on anyone to play for, entertain or "educate" the "unenlightened". People should just do what they're happy doing.

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: banjoman
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 04:53 AM

I agree that people should do what they feel is ok for them. My youngest son (30 ish) is probably one of the finest guitar players I have ever heard - although I may be biased - but he is content to play solely for his own amusement and is constantly learning new styles - currently practicing a slap and pluck style which he saw on U tube. As for me - I will play my banjo anywhere people will let me

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 04:40 AM

I'd like to point out I do not intend to make this about myself, I merely used myself as an example as someone I know best. And I agree each person should do what suits themselves.

I am interested in hearing what other people think, especially in the light of comments I have heard that more or less made it feel players have an obligation of sorts to go out and entertain those already interested in their particular type of music and do missionary work among the unenlightened masses.

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 04:34 AM

Its different strokes for different folks !
SOME booked artists at festivals are ONLY ever seen on main stage , while others wander round , chat in the beer tent and join in with sessions - Would any one criticise what they do ?

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 04:32 AM

In the small part of the traditional music world I know anything about, some of the best and most respected tradition bearers are those who do not seek the limelight and go for publicity, though most are very happy to play with friends, and pass on what they feel may be useful tips to the genuinely interested.

That's why it's still a living tradition. They do it because they enjoy it, "amateurs" in the best sense of that much misused word.

"Professional traditional musician" could be (and is sometimes) said to be an oxymoron.

IMO

Paws

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 04:27 AM

I don't see why anyone would get *angry* at how you or anyone else chooses to express their musical inclinations.

It's up to you and no-one else's business, unless someone is inflicting musical torture on those unable to escape from it.

The "muzak" played at high volume in our local shopping centre can get me a bit miffed sometimes, but it just means that I only go there for specific things and never brose...the exact opposite of what I suppose the intention is :-)

But as for where and when an individual plays, it's up to them.

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 04:20 AM

If you were really reclusive in your enjoyment of music who would know to put pressure on you in the first place?
I think folks should do whatever it is that rocks their boat,from full on whoredom to only ever in the sound proof shed at the bottom of the garden.

Subject: RE: Should good players play out?
From: Will Fly
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 04:18 AM

Do what the devil you want to, and why should anyone bother you about it?

Some people enjoy playing for and with others, in public or in private. Others don't. Whatever floats your boat. And no-one has the right to tell you otherwise.

As for getting angry at someone's reluctance to perform - that's sheer daftness.

Subject: Should good players play out?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 03:55 AM

This subject was touched upon briefly in another thread (best English concertina players)but it deserves the full treatment.

I know many very fine players and singers who have no interest in hugging the limelight. They are happy to play for their own amusement and that of their friends or their own community.

Speaking for myself, I play a lot. Most of the time at home with nobody listening, on rare occasions when the time and place seem right I may take out my main instrument and play a bit in a social setting. I don't like being put on the spot, only play at concerts if I can't avoid it. I do enjoy playing with friends but dislike (noisy) pub settings. I have mentioned this in the past on a different forum and had harsh words thrown my way, people actually seemed to get angry at the notion someone would try to avoid the stage.

So, do you feel there's an obligation on musicians and singers to go out and woo the masses, or is it fine to play for one's own amusement and that of friends?