Sessions: successful format?

Subject: Sessions: successful format?
From: Stacy
Date: 04 Oct 98 - 11:51 AM

Hi Mudcatters,

We had an interesting thread a while back about what tunes you might expect to hear/play if attending an Irish music session. My question is, for those of you who participate in good sessions, can you describe the format used? I'd appreciate hearing from the voice of experience what works well, and what to avoid.

Thanks,

Stacy

Subject: RE: Sessions: successful format?
From: The Shambles
Date: 05 Oct 98 - 03:13 PM

It's probably easier to say what makes them not work, than to be able to define how, when and why the magic works.

Even when you have all the right ingredients the cakes don't always rise. I would say the less 'organized' it appears to be helps. Respect for the music and the other musicians (whatever their level of skill) and in that order. Remember that is not musicians that make music, it's music that makes musicians.

A good landlord that oils the wheels.

Subject: RE: Sessions: successful format?
From: Jaxon
Date: 05 Oct 98 - 03:41 PM

I've been to a fair number with some friends who are professionals. These are always in someone's house, not in a venue. We go around once and everyone performs solo, without anyone joining in. After everyone has finished the jam begins. They do it that way so the amateurs (like me) won't feel too intimidated to perform. No solo, no stay!
Once the jam begins everyone is welcome to suggest songs and join in on other's songs.
Jack Murray

Subject: RE: Sessions: successful format?
From:
Date: 05 Oct 98 - 04:09 PM

I was probably at every Irish session that took place in NYC in the 1970's. They were always acoustic, well attended and took place in a separate room from the bar. At some places like the old Monk's Park, there was sometimes a "tune" session in one room and a "song" session upstairs. I met many extraordinary people at these including the late Larry Redican with whom I solved the problems of the World one night. A few weeks later I asked after him only to learn he had died. I was devastated.

I did not go to a single session between about 1983 and 1996. When I came back to life, I found that most sessions are now amplified, led by someone paid to do so and held in the bar room. It used to be really forbidden to talk. Now people often shout to each other.

I believe there is a need for a benevolent dictator and to have the session in a place where musicians can hear each other and singers can concentrate on singing. At the worst, in a crowded, uncontrolled session, 2 singers are singing at the same or an elitest inner group of musicians is playing blindingly fast and excluding those who come to learn.

In 10 years of running music events at The Eagle Tavern, I learned that there is a direct relationship between the amount of noise which takes place in a bar and the amount of money which is made. A session run in a non-commercial establishment could be a good solution. When you don't have noise, you don't need amplification.

All the best.