Happy New Year to all Sessioneers and readers of this humble Blog.
Inconsiderately, Boxing Day fell on a Wednesday last year and for some reason that meant that the Irish Session had to be cancelled. However, the Thursday session went ahead in a minimalist sort of way. Luckily boosted by a former Desperate Measures member, we played very enjoyable old lumpy sets all night.
A session was arranged at Tilmanstone for New Year's Eve by the Sessioneers who normally do the Monday session there.
This week was back to normal pretty much. For some reason upon which I won't even speculate, the Beverlie was not able to host the Wednesday Irish Session, but the Anchor at Wingham happily had us back. I am happy to report nothing but positive outcomes of this move. The other players realised how good it was playing there. There was no pressure to entertain for free. There is new lino in the Gents. It's easier to get to than anywhere in Canterbury. It's easier to park there than anywhere in Canterbury. My list of tunes - 'Anchor Tunes' is correct again. With any luck, we will go back there and maybe do the Beverlie on an odd Sunday (you know what I mean).
Meanwhile, the Bear continues to be a source of joy for session musicians which in itself presents a dilemma. With the normal leader gone to the land of the long white sheep where clouds are nervous (or is it long white cloud where ... whatever) I have led the session de facto, and led it hopefully as a proper session with everybody (including the singers and the poet) getting a turn if they want it. There is no pressure to start but folks can either start a tune or nominate a tune that they would like to join in with. I think generally that it's the way the sessioneers would like it to continue but of course it will turn back into a band practice / folk club / open mic from the 31st January. Actually, it may be worse because a band have been invited and they will want to play their sets and impress their fans. What to do? Answers on a postcard please to ...
The Irish session is at the Anchor, Wingham again next Wednesday (9th Jan) and the Thursday Bear session will again be a proper session.
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1 comment:
Hi. I had a quick look at your blog today. Nice to see you have a thriving session scene over there in Kent. Sessions can be quirky anywhere, good nights and bad....
I noticed in your December post a comment about G-minor being an unfriendly key. I would certainly agree that it would be impolite to strike up a tune in F#. But I cannot agree with you on G-minor.
Particularly in the southern counties of Ireland, including Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow and Cork, G-minor tunes are widely played in sessions. To my mind, G-minor is a wonderful key for traditional music, mournful, wistful, magical... everything Irish music should be. Although in a minority, there is a wealth of tunes, particularly jigs and reels, in G-minor. It is also not uncommon for there to be a G-minor version of tunes that are usually played in another key (usually A-minor ones for some reason).
So my advice is to kick off your prejudice, and learn a few of them. Admittedly they are challenging to play, but the effort will be well worthwhile. A session is also about listening to what other people bring to the table as well as playing the usual repertoire.
Anyway, all the best with your sessions and your blog. Keep up the good work.
NP
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