The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 09 Aug 10 - 09:17 AM

Rob
Seems a shame to put so much effort into getting your instruments there and then not to use them - hope the mood takes you :-)

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 09 Aug 10 - 09:47 AM

Whats up with you Leopards now Re Feeling Poorly?
Have you two been "Lording it up too much at Sidmouth"?
"Too many Baboon Burgers and Porcupine Wine"

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 09 Aug 10 - 06:31 PM

OH YES!!!!

brilliant evening, thank you to all you talented people who made it so enjoyable, thank you everyone.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 09 Aug 10 - 07:58 PM

Nice to see you all, at last. It was a really great evening, with friendly people and a nice atmosphere.

I'm a bit peeved at myself that I kept stumbling over the words of "Man of Kent"...just glad Bob K wasn't there to hear me massacring his song!

I hope to get over again next week.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: GUEST,Woodsie
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 04:50 AM

Good to meet you Rob! It was another good night at the pub.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: GUEST,pete
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 06:07 AM

u nknown facebook is my wife-i dont have own A/C.SHE is not interested herself.club getting very succesful in large number of musos attending-congrats on this turnaround

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 06:52 AM

A excellent night in the pub with great singers/players I throughly enjoyed myself but I clearly have not mastered Masters of War so I will continue at it and have another go next Monday.

Unfortunately I lost my keys Monday night and I think I left them in the pub so if anyone has found them please keep hold of them untill next week.

When I got home I had to climb over a 6ft back garden gate and dig up my spare set of keys that I bury in my garden so if I lose my keys at least I have a spare pair so I can gain entry to my house.
I have never had to do it though in the dead of night half pissed crawling around untill I found them.
Another Bloody Palava?
Any well done everyone see you all next week?
Regards Pierre

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 06:54 AM

Ahh! thanks for that Pete.

We have a great variety of styles and they all add up to a very happy mix - a far cry from two leopards sitting alone in a bar!

Look forward to seeing you again next week

RB

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 06:54 AM

Rafflesbear
If you pop in The Stars between now and next Monday could you ask the staff in regards to my Keys?
Thankyou
Regards
Pierre.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 07:14 AM

Two Leopards a sitting alone in a bar.
Far La Diddle Li a.
One had a Drum and the other Guitar.
Far La Diidle Li a

The Landlord had a terrible fear
Far La diddle Li a
He would be outa pocket for selling no beer
Far La Didlle Li a

Then came Woodsie Pierre and Kenningham too
Far La Diddle Li a
Beer sales suddenly shot throiugh the roof?
Far La diddle Li a

Kenningham thought Pierre had drunk from his Pint
Far La Diddle Li a
He started sweating and near died of fright
Far La Diddle Li a

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 07:17 AM

:-)

look forward to hearing that one next week !!

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 07:56 AM

What a palarva. It seems that Pierre is always losing something, somewhere, but having to dig up his garden is surely the most spectacular aprez folk event ever. We are hoping to get to The Stars for lunch today, but having to wait on a delivery that hasn't arrived yet. I can phone Mick and enquire after your keys, if we don't get there, but enquiries should be made soon, before he goes on holiday. I'm assured by Mick that the managers will justlet us get on with it, so if the night next week is half as good as last night, it'll be great.
It was really hard work at our prior venue, and Leopards, Pete and Ian were sung out every week! This is so much easier, and runs itself. A big thankyou to you all, and a big Leopard hug! Off now to get a baboon burger.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 08:10 AM

I've just phoned Mick. Keys are found ! I've left a voicemail on Pierre's phone. NOw I'll p.m him as well.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 10:06 AM

I dont lose everything.
Iam still a Sidmouth virgin?
because I couldnt go this year?
Have to get laid next year?

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 11:23 AM

Eggs Get laid
Tables get laid
Cables Get Laid

Which of these are you?

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 04:37 AM

I am a Egg

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 05:13 AM

I knew you were cracked !

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 09:04 AM

Early request here:

I plan to come along next Monday (16th Aug). The local cab back to Orpington station was reasonable last week, but if I can avoid a black cab from the station to the Seven Stars next week by imposing on someone for a lift, I'll keep whoever picks me up in beers or other drink of choice for the evening.

I plan on catching the train that'll get me into Orpington at 1938 but am happy to wait around if that's too early for anyone. Be bringing a guitar AND octave mandolin this time and hope to make a better fist of things than I did last time.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 10:28 AM

Sue was that ment to be a Yoke.
Well you have come out your Shell?
What does Satan have for Breakfast Deviled Eggs

Rob you sounded very good last week.
Regards Pierre

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 11:55 AM

Well Rob, the Driver is asleep, but I'm volunteering him to collect you. I still have your phone numbers.Your arrival time is just right, we can get you to the pub for 8.00-ish, and get you a more comfortable seat.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 12:10 PM

Sue are you eggnoring me?

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 12:16 PM

Sue,

Thanks VERY much, that'll be brilliant.

The "Seven Stars" session is very different from the others I go to. Not so much in breadth of music, as the others cover everything from unaccompanied trad songs to relatively modern rock, too.

It's difficult to put my finger on. I can't say "more relaxed" exactly, because the other sessions are relaxed. Probably the biggest difference is the balance.

The High Brooms session always tends to have an accordian or two present, plus several concertinas, which gives a very different sound to the "joiny-in" songs. There's also more unaccompanied stuff...at least 3 people, sometimes 5, who sing unaccompanied.

The Beacon session is smaller scale...rarely more than 10 people, and with most of the guitarists being *frighteningly* accomplished. They're very encouraging, but I hate just "chord bashing" there when the others play very complex stuff. There's not much of a tradition of joining in there...the performer generally has to encourage the others to join in with choruses or instruments, otherwise it's a solo or duo effort. Mind you, with 2 or 3 duos there, you can get a chance to do 7 or 8 songs (though I usually pass on the first couple of rounds until I've drunk enough to overcome the nerves :-) )

It's definitely a session I'll try to get to semi-regularly.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 05:00 PM

The session is very relaxed and pleasant folk some whom I have know fore a while now and its always good to see them.

I dont mind folk joining in. But if wanted to do a solo slot point it out and folk will let you sing alone and play alone or both then they will shuuuuuuuuuuuuuuush .Its your slot?
Regards Pierre.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 06:04 PM

Quite right Pierre - in fact we wrote it down on our website -

"Unless specifically requested by the artist, all persons present may join in with all songs"

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Singer of Songs
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 08:09 PM

Do like people joining in. If you do not want to have others joining in just say so. Please I do not need anyone on this one usually solo balad.
My next song will get everyone joining in and playing along with me. See you all soon.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: GUEST,Woodsie
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 04:31 AM

We hope you can join us one week - you'll be amongst friends!

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 05:04 AM

I'm not bothered one way or the other about people joining in. I was just commentng above that at the Beacon session I go to it's not automatic. At High Brooms, it varies according to the song. I was expecting joining in at Seven Stars, so wasn't worried.

It sounded a little odd doing "Breakfast Blues" though, as I had 2 turnarounds I was using, one for the intro and first 2 verses, and a different one at the end. Someone to my left was playing a turnaround that sounded to "clash" a bit with mine. Didn't put me off...the combined turnarounds just sounded a bit muddled.

"Man of Kent" I simply buggered up, as I'd learned Stuart Pendrill's version and then heard Bob K do the original. The two versions were merging in my head as I played, and I kept losing the "thread". I heard Trevor suggest I'd be better "on my own" as I played, but it wasn't the joining in that messed me up, it was having 2 versions of the song in my head!!!

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 01:33 PM

I must say Rob, that having the odd accordion accompaniment would be absolutely welcome at Seven Stars, as would a melodeon or fiddle player.
Quite why there are so few in our area is beyond me. The Tonbridge area is well served for traditional singers and players, and it's great. We've sung at The Beacon, and Nellies. Unfortunately all three clubs meet on a Monday.It would be great to have Singer Of Songs join us one evening.

Pete - I'm not eggnoring you at all- not eggsactly

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 02:54 PM

Just to mention that Mick the landlord is on holiday at the moment but has left instructions with his manager to let us get on with it - so business as usual on Monday.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 05:45 PM

Sue there,s no need to go White............ in the face over this Yoke?
'Are you a snotty Egg? or Hard Boiled>
See u all   Monday
Regards Pierre

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:11 PM

I do not like a hard yolk - it should be nice and runny - but I like my white to be set - I hate it snotty. If it does get a bit solid - a knob of butter usually works very well.....

We met Ty and Ayesha in Orpington and told them all about our new place.

See you Monday...... Sue x

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 04:58 PM

Did they say anything about coming along at all?

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 05:45 AM

They said they'd try and get along while the holidays are on.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 06:36 PM

Oh dear - what went wrong tonight? Where was the folk music?

If I want middle of the road music played on a keyboard by someone on an ego trip I can go to the Seven Stars Friday and Sunday sessions and hear it done professionally.

Houston, we have a problem .....

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 07:19 PM

A slightly smaller turnout tonight - no doubt due to the holiday season. When we did get some folk music, it was very well performed. We have always gone with the flow with this club, but if the flow is going too far away from folk then it isn't what we envisaged. I'll email you my thoughts Raff

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 07:34 PM

Still good to see new faces

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 08:11 PM

I tried...."Banks of the Sweet Primroses" is folk in almost anybody's book, though I cocked up a verse (again! One day I'll do a song all the way through without cocking something up). And "John Condon", though fairly recent, is folky in style, and done unaccompanied, though I wish my voice had been a bit better. I won't say anything about "Waiting For Pete Doherty To Die"!

It was a strange one tonight, with people drifting off into the other bar or outside for much longer periods than they did last week. There almost seemed to be a lack of respect from some people for what others were doing when they themselves weren't performing. Maybe more people than Raffles felt that some of the music was getting a bit far away from where it should have been.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 08:17 PM

I think Rob has hit the nail on the head. Action is needed.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 02:50 AM

Rob, I loved your contribution, warts and all. Let's not tar everyone with the same brush - there were some excellent individual efforts but overall for me there was just too much 60s and 70s pop

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 04:18 AM

Thanks...but it's strange how much better I play when "tuning up"!

And I just *had* to join in with the Pink Floyd stuff :-)

I agree, there were some really good songs, but yes, a bit too much pop and a bit too little respect from some for others in my book.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: GUEST,Woodeneye
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 06:03 AM

You have to be hard, sometimes - at Blackheath (when I was running it) I banned Keyboards altogether. This was due to several factors including:

1) Space taken up - people were bringing in FULL sized keyboards/stands aand amps then proceeding to re-arrange furniture to accomodate. With little or no regard as to the seating arrangements of other musicians and the audience!

2) Loud and inappropriate (for a folk/acoustic session)
3) volume drowning out others
4) Artificial Drums/percusion
5) Other synthesised sounds/backing
6) Complaints from other club attedees
7) Complaints from pub staff

I made an announcement and explained why. People were happy at the time, as most of the keyboarders played other instruments as well. I did state that exceptions would be made in special cases and by prior arrangement only.

This worked fine for the year or so that I was MCing!

Mind you since I left that club I've heard that the keyboarders have returned!

I made an announcement and explained why. People were happy at the time, as most of the keyboarders played other instruments as well.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 07:51 AM

Re the above posting from woodeneye: I have never been to Blackheath Folk Club, but I hear it has P.A. to bring the sound up above the general noise level. I suppose it's why the keyboarders thought they would turn up there. Honestly though, do they need to be mob handed?
My attitude would be the same. You can't go disrupting the furniture, and you shouldn't be playing loud synthetic music in a Folk Club situation like the Seven Stars. I hope that the action that I have taken this morning returns the session to what it was, which was always a mixture of genres, but with the emphasis on Folk. Sometimes it's hard to see where the line is. Dylan / Denver/ Ray Davis/ Woody Guthrie etc are performed in most of our local clubs, and often by the people who play at Crayside.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Singer of Songs
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 07:45 PM

I went to Blackheath this evening and must admit it was one of the most enjoyable nights I have had there. A lot of good acts. There was a keyboard player but he was very tasteful and invited to join in along with some of the acts including Simon and Dave K. A performer from Scotland Ken Caird was excellent particularly with the keyboard playing along with him. There were a lot of other acts who performed solo. However, I totally agree with Girl Friday - loud synthetic music should not be invited to play in a more intimate atmosphere such as the Seven Stars.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: GUEST,Pierre Le Chapeau at work bunking off.
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 07:46 AM

I was some what upset last Monday in regards to be pushed out of my seat and table by a key board player who rearranges the furniture around me to suit himself blocking me in to a tight corner whwre I coulod hardly bloody move?

later on in the night he went out side and drunk my pint and replaced with a half pint.

Can I educate. If you drink some ones pint you replace it with a pint.

I hate going off on one because it upsets the athmosphere and puts folk in a sullen mood and spoils the night.

Keyboard players (not all of them) BARGE in and take over places where folk are already seated blocking them in so they cannot get to the bar the toilets or anywhere else fore that matter with out moving chairs and climbinbg about which is a right bloody Palava
I got fed up in the end and went out side. If it happens again thou8gh I will not be so tolerent.
Kind regards to all Pierre,

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 09:04 AM

I am delighted to report that the situation re keyboards has been resolved peacably. Ian will be the only keyboarder next Monday, and on all future Mondays, and he is totally low key.

How about bringing your tankard along to identify your pint?

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 09:06 AM

Yeah, I could see you were squashed into that corner, and wasn't surprised when you bailed out to the terrace.

Same player caused my guitar to slide and nearly hit the floor (again...I'd already knocked it over once myself :-( ) and then nearly shoved my pint off the table and into the sound hole with his "rearrangement" of the table and seating. Again I said nowt, but it was really thoughtless. Could have had a ruined guitar quite easily.

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: GUEST,Woodeneye
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 11:33 AM

I'm glad I wasn't there. I know who you are talking about though!

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: GUEST,pete
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 06:13 AM

ditto but glad its peacefully resolved

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: Girl Friday
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 10:51 AM

Bread pudding on Monday!

Subject: RE: The Seven Stars Sessions - Kent U.K
From: GUEST,Liam
Date: 19 Aug 10 - 12:41 PM

Yum yum!