This episode Éamon Ó Ciosáin talks with Tara about nerves, listening and the things musicians gradually learn by actually spending time in Irish music sessions.
Éamon speaks openly about going blank when asked to start a tune, playing slightly above your comfort level and why nerves do not necessarily disappear with experience.
Chapters
01:35 – Returning to music and finding a regular session
03:29 – What does a genuine Irish music session mean?
04:22 – Does being paid change the session?
05:18 – When the best sessions happen by accident
06:01 – The highs and lows of sessions
07:12 – Finding the rhythmic sweet spot
08:19 – When speed starts running away
09:07 – Going blank when somebody asks you to start a tune
10:54 – Choosing tunes other people will know
13:09 – Why Tara does not want to play solo in a session
14:03 – Performing on stage versus playing with people
15:13 – Knowing when listening contributes more than playing
16:13 – Sessions that are open and sessions that are not
17:46 – Sometimes musicians simply want a conversation with their friends
19:04 – Advice for musicians beginning to join sessions
20:33 – How better musicians can pull your playing upwards
22:10 – Everybody gets nervous
23:49 – Phones, recordings and how they change the session
23:49 – Recording in sessions and being in the moment
25:06 – Tourist sessions and mic'd-up performances
26:03 – Receiving negative feedback in a session
27:24 – When somebody really does need to be asked to stop
29:19 – Do we need better language for difficult conversations?
30:51 – Is there a minimum level for joining a session?
31:50 – Different types and levels of sessions
32:53 – Why improver sessions can help
33:50 – Recreating session conditions at home
35:26 – What makes a successful session for Éamon?
37:30 – Music for comfort and inspiration
39:36 – Why house sessions feel different
41:00 – Where did the modern session come from?
42:20 – Sessions after COVID
Mentioned in this episode:
Patrick MacGill Festival
Visit www.patrickmacgillfestival.ie for more details.
Shortlisted for Awards
Vote for In Tune with Tradition
visit www.sessionetiquette.com/podcast to view voting links.
