i don’t know if this would be considered heresy, but I would like to ask about English sessions. Does anyone go to one?
I came across one recently and i was struck by how much fun they seemed to be having; also there was beautiful harmony singing. The tunes seem to be simpler than irish tunes, but they were lovely.
Lizzie
I personally can’t tell you about English sessions (despite being English and having lived there for 18 years). However two years ago I moved to Wales and got into Traditional music at the same time.
I go to a weekly Welsh session at the Royal Oak in Fishguard. A good mix of trad songs sung nicely and irish tunes played well. Songs they regularly sing include:
South Australia
Home boys, Home
Wild Mountain Thyme
I don’t know the names of the others.
Tunes include very fast version of Drowsy Maggie and several other reels, jigs, hornpipes and airs.
Lots of fun is had by all here, there is lots of whooping and howling and sometimes dancing (although there is limited room).
I’m not a big drinker of beer but my Dad says the ‘Real Ale’ there is sometimes poorly kept and tastes harsh and yeasty. However there is a monthly session at the nearby Sloop Inn where there beer is said to be like necter.
English songs can be fun, but a lot of the instrumental tunes can be boring, IMHO unless done on period instruments with lots of heavy drumming.
I go to a session where we play lots of English music, as well as Irish, Scottish and some Americana. But then we are in England.
The tunes aren’t more simple - they’re just played differently. The rhythms of English dance music can be difficult to get a handle on and we’re lucky enough to have some great players who understand how to play the music effectively.
If you think the tunes are boring you need to widen your knowledge of the music. Try some Northumbrian music (Kathryn Tickell is a good start), Bellowhead, Demon Barbers, Eliza Carthy and Blowzabella for starters and then see if you still find it boring.
As for the songs - well where to start? Anything by the Watersons but especially the early stuff, then the Copper Family, Harry Cox right up to the more modern groups like the Devil’s Interval and sublime singers like Jackie Oates. Probably the songs I enjoy singing in sessions most are English songs - it’s not so long ago most of our ancestors were rural labourers and these songs seem to strike a chord. It all goes so well with a pint of Good Ale.
I prefer to play Irish music myself, but always enjoy the rambunctious stomp a good English tune or song can produce. Best have both in the session!
Nice to hear from England and Wales! I am learning some of the tunes played at this session (which I plan to join from time to time although it is quite a drive). I am finding most of the tunes so far quite easy to learn. And, Sugarfoot Jack, I think I am getting a sense of these rhythms. Also the attracion for me is it nice to be learning songs of my heritage..nary a drop of irish blood in me. This session group does include some irish and Scottish tunes in their repetoire.
Thanks for the further info. Recently at the Goderich Celtic Roots festival I heard Sarah Matthews and Doung Eunson; they joined the sessions and a rolicking good time was enjoyed.
And speaking of great English performers, we are fortunate that Vin Garbutt is coming to our little city here in Ontario and I get to host him and his wife Pat!
lizzie