12.09.2008

Flutes and Fiddles and Tunes, Oh My!

Dear Friends,

I have a spear through my head today...nothing serious, and I promise by tomorrow, I'll be gangbusters! It's just one of those days...so forgive me if I don't wax philosophical. I'd just like to let you know that we'll be having slow session tomorrow night for sure! Old Songs Community Arts Center, 37 South Main, Voorheesville: December 10, 2008 at 7:30 PM. Bring your $4 for photocopies, heat & lights! Bring munchies to share!

Sligo Night was postponed until this month because I was sick last month with whatever creeping crud was going around. Not so tomorrow! We'll be talking about/listening to music from County Sligo and surrounding areas, talking about repertoire, musicians, styles, etc.

I've got Elaine's pile of copies of "The Kilavil Jig" sheet music, and we'll try and learn "Have a Drink with Me" by ear as well. They're both fun little tunes! Also, I may try and give you transcriptions of The Tarboltin Set from the playing of Michael Coleman, but I was listening to it yesterday and today, and I hear lots of interesting fiddle ornaments that won't necessarily translate to other instruments. Maybe I'll just bring a popular transcription and we'll have a good listen to Coleman's playing of it.

Caroline and other flute players will be interested to know that there is a thriving flute tradition up in Sligo and environs, and we'll listen to some players, talk about that, and maybe look over a few lists of tunes to see what we might know from the tradition.

Trusty's Listening Corner is a continuing feature of Slow Session -- He wants to know what you've been listening to, Irish or otherwise, that's informing your playing, your thinking, and your life! Come prepared to share artists, titles, and opinions!

See you tomorrow!