I just had a rather unusual phone call prior to tonight’s weekly session. A fellow asked me if I wouldn’t mind leaving my pipes at home and playing something else…ie flute. He said that others have complained about the volume of the pipes, especially with the drones and regulators going.
I’m not really sure how to take this. I do admit that pipes have a certain volume, but last week I played the session with a new chanter reed from Kirk Lynch that does play softer than the previous reed.
So…any thoughts???
Are the pipes to “pipey” for an irish trad session? Do I resort to playing fiddle or flute?
Paul
p.s. I’d gladly play guitar but the fellow who was asked to “no longer bring his loud electric piano” is playing guitar!
The only way to deal with this is to take them outside one by one and introduce them to an iron bar!!! No, I wouldn’t let it bother you. Most typical session players suffer an ignorance regarding the pipes. If I were you I wouldn’t go back, unless you need the money.
NO SURRENDER!!! They need to learn the tunes you play so they can drown you out I’ve started getting folks to play “gander in the pratie hole” hehehehehe
Anyway, I’m back from the session and I’m glad to say that all escaped unscathed. No violence or threats thereof. (I mean we’re Canadians after all!)
I brought my pipes, whistles and fiddle. I started off on the fiddle but switched to pipes when things got warmed up. No problems as far as I could tell.
From my perspective I could hear everyone else play so I think the volume levels are fine. I did play in a bit “tighter” style which, I find, lets the other instruments be heard better.
Funny thing though, the session was unexpectedly cancelled at the local pub, so a kind budding box player offered his house for us to play at.
It is blatantly obvious why they want you OUT.
The pipes steal the show, always have, always will. No other session instrument compares to the beauty of the pipes. Pure envy and jealousness on their part. Anyway, if it’s volume they are concerned about, how many times have we as pipers been “smothered” by over-enthusiastic bodhran players and button boxes, accordians and such
It’s the “Green Eyed God” syndrome my man.
Personally, I’m all for sticking a sign on the entrance door to all sessions:
“PLEASE LEAVE YOUR ACCORDIAN’S, MELODIAN’S, BODHRAN’S, GUITAR’S (only ONE guitar allowed per session providing you buy the beer), CONCERTINA’S & BANJO’S IN THE SKIP PROVIDED. THANK YOU”.
Keep in there ya here?
Joseph (the UK one)
It is blatantly obvious why they want you OUT.
The pipes steal the show, always have, always will. No other session instrument compares to the beauty of the pipes. Pure envy and jealousness on their part. Anyway, if it’s volume they are concerned about, how many times have we as pipers been “smothered” by over-enthusiastic bodhran players and button boxes, accordians and such
He got it totally right there, not to say that a session is a competition, but they can’t compete with the beauty of the pipes…
I couldn’t agree more..at least that’s what I perceive here after only being here for about 2yrs..other players sometimes have huge ego’s and a lot of ignorance..being an outsider of course..
Its hard to give objective comment only having heard one side of the story and not having much detail, but in general I’d respect what the core group collective are going for - especially if I’m not a core group musician. I’d respect the dynamics if I’m going to stay and play. Every session has their own quirks and its not right to spoil it for most of the group members if they really think my playing don’t fit right.
Then again it might be just that the guy’s problem, so you need to feel the ground a bit. See what the other people think.
I’ve been to a couple of sessions where the pipes are obnoxiously shrill (especially so being concert pitch) and sounding terrible, so I can empathize with such complaints. Sometimes its the other way round though, especially with the more accomplished pipers - all the intricate and delicious piping detail getting lost in a general wall of sound.
Gee, you Canadians are well-balanced. I am impressed by the way you handled the situation. I would undoubtedly have stomped off in a hurt rage—not that I do play or ever will play in sessions. If you could hear the other instruments, then clearly you were being very considerate. I have a feeling maybe the accordion player has the problem—but just let him go. I think the fact that you were asked to play a solo will forestall any future remarks. Congratulations!
It’s not uncommon for pipers to get the cold shoulder at sessions, but I’ve only heard of it happening when over-enthusiastic pipers join a session and instantly try to take over. It seems to me that you have been going to this session for a while.
Have new players recently joined? If so, maybe they’re not used to playing with a piper.
My own experience is that drones and regs are great for solo piping and for arranged pieces, but in sessions, they don’t go down that well.
That said, if there is more than one bodhran player in the session, it’s probably ruined anyway, so look for a new one.
Why don’t ye sit outside the Bar and busk?? Word would soon get around.
Anyways ye don’t seem to have missed out on much.Accordions and pipes don’t get on well together.One guitar is plenty enough for a session (provided it is a competant and sympathetic player)if ye don’t get the balance between melody instruments and chordal then ye are better off packing up and going home anyways.
Slán Go Foill
Uilliam
I’ve started getting folks to play “gander in the pratie hole” hehehehehe
I am impressed by the way you handled the situation. I would undoubtedly have stomped off in a hurt rage—not that I do play or ever will play in sessions. If you could hear the other instruments, then clearly you were being very considerate. I have a feeling maybe the accordion player has the problem—but just let him go. I think the fact that you were asked to play a solo will forestall any future remarks. Congratulations! 