Playing in sessions
I was recently at a session where i was asked to "play a few tunes". The other participants were full of encouragement which helped me to relax no end ( l’m learning the mandolin for last 18 months or so). However whilst being happy with my own "performance" i am a little puzzled by the whole question of playing in sessions, when should you play in sessions?, am i good enough to play in sessions? etc etc.
The session was covered by a cam corder and i managed to watch the video since then. I was happy with the way i played considering the enormous pressure (self-inflicted) that i was under. I was amazed at the other players there, the ability to ease in and out of tunes, the speed they were playing at, and the way they made it look so easy was facinating. I am left wondering am i setting my standards to high by trying to play with these people who have been playing for thirty years plus in some cases. Is it wise to try to play at these sessions?
It is neccessary to have to tunes off so well that no concentration is needed? I tend to concentrate to much on my own instrument that i find it hard to listen to the others especially while i’m being drowned out by an uilleann piper and bodhran. Also when the others put in ornamentation i lose track of where i am in the tune.I’m fine playing on my own but tend to lose track when another intrument is involved.
Is it the case that eventually everything will fall into place or am i doing my confidence no good by attending these sessions.
Any advice on playing in sessions is welcome and also an idea of the most popular session tunes to know is appreciated.