Re: [Harp-L] new harmonica player plays pop tunes

[Shelly <shelly0112@xxxxxxxxx>]

I like you.  Thanks for posting this.


On Fri, Jul 9, 2010 at 4:44 PM, Aongus Mac Cana <amaccana@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I didn't see the clip, but have followed the thread with interest.
> I play/try to play with a loosely organised local Irish Trad group called
> "Dusty Banjos" where everyone "plays what they brung" be it Fiddle, Banjo,
> Box, Tin Whistle, Harmonica or whatever. The group has an educational
> objective - aiming to encourage trad enthusiasts regardless of skill level
> to have a go.
> Every participant in the session (be he/she a regular or a stranger just in
> from the street) is invited in turn to do a solo or lead the group in any
> tune of their choice. More often than not this will be a jig, reel or
> hornpipe - probably out of "Chief O'Neill's 1,001" (since a taste for that
> kind of music is what brought them in  in the  first place).
> Playing in this environment has given me lots of enjoyment over the past
> few
> years. It has sort of weaned me off first position and has definitely
> 'upped
> my game' a little.
> I used to wonder what the rules - if any - of this loose group were and I
> came to the conclusion that there is only one unwritten rule which is not
> articulated - only sensed. You never criticise or make any adverse comment
> on the musical efforts of beginners, improvers or any less than terrific
> performers. You just play along with them if you can, thereby practicing
> another tune and generally enjoy yourself.
> This thread has been educational. If I was ever tempted to inflict my
> indifferent playing skills on the world at large through the medium of
> YouTube (and I wasn't!) I sure as heck won't be now.
> Beannachtai
> Aongus Mac Cana
>