Thursday, 10th April 2008

Well it's been a funny couple of weeks. Full of ups and downs like a roller coaster ride (actually better not mention that at the moment since the Grade 2 listed Scenic Railway at Margate burnt down) but lets have a look at what we had:

Last Wednesday's Irish Session had a grand turn out of 4 who with heroic effort overcame the lack of critical mass and played all evening. They say it's good for the soul. I'm not sure if anyone went this week (yesterday) because nearly all the players were otherwise engaged so it seemed best to call it off. I hope it gets back on track soon.

On the other hand, last week at the Mixed Lumpy and Fre-lgian gathering there was a staggering turn out. A quick run down of the 17 or so musicians who were there included 3 members of Wheeler Street (Pete, Toby and Sophy) , Dave Bolton and wife Marion (pipes & harp), Roy Gill and Jack, Ken Latham and many of the regulars. It was a mixture of concert turns, songs and a few join-in tunes for the musicians. It really seems sometimes to be a rival to the Chimney Boy Folk Club but the overall aim I think is to entertain the chums and it usually succeeds.

It was remarked to me that sessions don't get much better. I felt moved to point out that enjoyable though it was and appreciated as it was by the audience (well those few who could squeeze in because of all the musicians) and entertaining as it was for said audience it was not a session. If it continues as entertainment rather than session, I rather think that we ought to get paid!

Friday, 11th April

I felt moved to write a postscript after last night's mixed lumpy session. While our thoughts are with Mike and his family, the gathering actually was a session and enjoyed by musicians and audience alike. It was a mixed gathering of seasoned sessioneers (Shelagh, Barbara and yours truly) with Lizzie and Colin who are becoming seasoned and a German girl who I think is Geisler and a chap who may be Martin. Apologies to either if the names are wrong. As a result of the session, 'Dark girl dressed in Blue' has now become 'Girl with no knickers on'. Ask Barbara.
We played old classics, simple tunes and strange tunes for example: Jaimie Allen / Brighton Camp / Rakes of Marlow and Curly Headed Ploughboy / Bonny Kate / Girl with no Knickers On plus some mazurkas from Colin, that strange Swedish Mazurka which does Judy's head in with the timing, the Golden Valley Quadrille and Chinese Breakdown. Some nice waltzes with the Crystal Wedding, Clogue and Man in the Moon. There were no songs. We did invite Richard but his voice was out of action so he declined.