Today at my session, a man came up and asked us if he could "sing a little song he wrote for his church". We promptly said no, and he left, in a seemingly dejected mood. My question is this: has anything like this ever happened at any of your sessions, and what kind of effect does it have anyways? Should we let people sing their unusual church songs at our sessions, or do we shrug them off? Looking forward to your feedback.
At my local seshes, we usually let someone sing a song if they ask. So we've had everything from drunken Danny Boy to Johnny Cash and Middle Eastern folk songs (in Arabic and Lebanese). Along with the more usual Irish songs (some sean nos, in Irish). Surprisingly, all of it has been good, great even, except the drunken Danny Boy.
But these are rare exceptions to the rule--99.9% of the time, we're playing jigs and reels. So it's not a problem to take in the odd song from a stranger now and then. On the plus side, we've been blessed by some magical voices and songs.
You never know what you might have missed. All sorts of singers have come into our sessions; some good, some not. The privilege of hearing the good singers may well be worth enduring the not-so-good ones.
Nothing like church music in a bar! I would've let the guy have his druthers, maybe even put a few drinks in him first for the sake of irony. A far cry from the days when the Church banned song and dance together in one fell swoop, I'm halfway inclined to applaud his meddle for asking...
Our new session has the usual assortment of sauced tenors and balladeers. I say no more than four songs at one apiece should be the rule, but a lot of people disagree. It all depends on how many strong players there in the turnout and what time it is.
But you're right, a session is a lousy place for a guy to proselytize. If he's feeling guilty, then he can wake up early to confess, or otherwise just stay home and watch public television.
I think you should have directed the guy to the nearest open-mike session. Then, he has the mike ( and, hopefully, the organiser has The Hook ).
People who try to hijack a gathering for their own purposes have to be prepared to suffer the possibility of rejection.
By all means let the faithful try to preach to the multitude. They just have to be aware that some seed may fall on stony ground.
Just a Science Project
Just a Science Project
Today at my session, a man came up and asked us if he could "sing a little song he wrote for his church". We promptly said no, and he left, in a seemingly dejected mood. My question is this: has anything like this ever happened at any of your sessions, and what kind of effect does it have anyways? Should we let people sing their unusual church songs at our sessions, or do we shrug them off? Looking forward to your feedback.
# Posted on October 13th 2008 by AHendey
Re: Just a Science Project
It's up to you and your session mates, eh?
At my local seshes, we usually let someone sing a song if they ask. So we've had everything from drunken Danny Boy to Johnny Cash and Middle Eastern folk songs (in Arabic and Lebanese). Along with the more usual Irish songs (some sean nos, in Irish). Surprisingly, all of it has been good, great even, except the drunken Danny Boy.
But these are rare exceptions to the rule--99.9% of the time, we're playing jigs and reels. So it's not a problem to take in the odd song from a stranger now and then. On the plus side, we've been blessed by some magical voices and songs.
# Posted on October 13th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: Just a Science Project
You never know what you might have missed. All sorts of singers have come into our sessions; some good, some not. The privilege of hearing the good singers may well be worth enduring the not-so-good ones.
# Posted on October 13th 2008 by Atahualpa Quigley
Re: Just a Science Project
Nothing like church music in a bar! I would've let the guy have his druthers, maybe even put a few drinks in him first for the sake of irony. A far cry from the days when the Church banned song and dance together in one fell swoop, I'm halfway inclined to applaud his meddle for asking...
Our new session has the usual assortment of sauced tenors and balladeers. I say no more than four songs at one apiece should be the rule, but a lot of people disagree. It all depends on how many strong players there in the turnout and what time it is.
But you're right, a session is a lousy place for a guy to proselytize. If he's feeling guilty, then he can wake up early to confess, or otherwise just stay home and watch public television.
# Posted on October 13th 2008 by gravelwalks
Re: Just a Science Project
No more than four songs at once should be the rule, definitely.
# Posted on October 13th 2008 by nicholas
Re: Just a Science Project
We never let anyone sing. You let one in ....
# Posted on October 13th 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: Just a Science Project
I think you should have directed the guy to the nearest open-mike session. Then, he has the mike ( and, hopefully, the organiser has The Hook ).
People who try to hijack a gathering for their own purposes have to be prepared to suffer the possibility of rejection.
By all means let the faithful try to preach to the multitude. They just have to be aware that some seed may fall on stony ground.
# Posted on October 13th 2008 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Just a Science Project
He might fare better at a singaround round about Christmas.
# Posted on October 13th 2008 by nicholas
Re: Just a Science Project
Gravelwalks, if the man is feeling guilty about proselytizing, why did you suggest he stay home and watch public television? (or confess)
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by fauxcelt