http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ Join the discussion - without the noise! en-US Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:21:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/search.php http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=26#post-62 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 23:20:09 +0000 Darren and Helen 62@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Bizarre.. seems to be fine now... 10 minutes gone </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=26#post-61 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 23:09:09 +0000 Darren and Helen 61@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>??? Who's been messing with the main site??? It's blocked by google and AVG as serious threat to my computer...... </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=25#post-60 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:53:37 +0000 borderreiver 60@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Regarding the first paragraph, when one deletes an "ENTIRE" topic, one does not then start the topic all over again with one's own views, especially after deleting all other comments because they do not conform to one's own views.</p> <p>If anybody wishes to read any of the deleted (censored) comments, I fortunately printed a copy of all the original postings. </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=25#post-59 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 10:33:37 +0000 admin 59@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>I have deleted the entire topic under this title, as I'm away for a couple of weeks, and it was apparent that some members felt my comments were aimed at them personally. That was not the case.</p> <p>To simplify what I posted:</p> <p>We've had a big rise in the popularity of percussion, especially bodhrans. If four people play the same instrument simultaneously, but are not playing together in the same rythm (or in the case of guitars, are playing different chords due to being unsure what's correct) then it's up the individuals to be more aware of what is happening and either retire from the fray or reduce volume. Variety helps too. Four different percussion instruments can work well where four slightly different tuned bodhrans don't.</p> <p>We also need to be aware of the effect of repertoire on the audience, especially at the Cobbles. The late Jim Johnstone, 'father' of the club in many ways (or shop steward!), reckoned some songs were off limits because of this. Classic example: 'Alice' because you can't stop some people singing the Roy Chubby Brown version. 'Athenry' has been OK in Kelso because it's not really a sectarian song, but at one period it caused the club real problems from bar/management staff who took a different view.</p> <p>My other comments were based on 'folk club best practice' - don't accompany open mic performance 'from the floor' unless you are sure the performer is happy with it, and your accompaniment will improve the listening experience. This applies especially to quiet performances, solo tunes, a capella singing, and visiting performers. If you judge it OK to do so, try to make eye contact with the performer and come in at a suitable stage in the song; it's often OK to join in midway, or for choruses only. And if you are unsure of the chords or rhythm, join in quietly. Remember, your instrument (particularly so for guitars) sounds much louder to others than it does to you, and you may be sitting 'projecting' your playing at the performer.</p> <p>Finally, with the majority of club members using song sheets, my feelings about learning your repertoire were most certainly not aimed at any one individual. Hamish Imlach's classic 'Oh shit I've forgotten the words!' was a good 'un because it was a shared experience for professionals, let alone amateurs. I would simply say that if you can learn a song well enough to do without words and dots, you will probably do it much better. Have the words to hand by all means, and if you are in the Cobbles sitting at a table with other musicians, it can help everyone to be able to see what lyrics and chords you are working from - especially with traditional stuff where two dozen alternatives are out there. The same goes for duos/combos, the 'lead' may well know the song backwards but have the music there for collaboration.</p> <p>'Stagecraft' - being aware of out of tune instruments and correcting same; introducing performers by name, especially when visitors are in the audience; performers introducing songs, briefly; looking up frequently from the music if you are using it; eye contact with audience if possible; eye contact with other musicians on the 'floor'; smiling a bit if possible! (Folk dirges excepted, best sung with eyes shut and finger in ear).</p> <p>'Audiencecraft' - listening, and if you need to have a conversation, moving to an area where it won't affect the performance. All guilty, including me.</p> <p>The Black Swan Open Mic is run on a genuinely 'open' basis by Peter Fry. Anyone who wants to can do a number. There may be an audience present, but generally they understand this and will tolerate the less experienced or confident. Our own members should try, please, to be equally tolerant.</p> <p>David </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=23#post-52 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:14:29 +0000 Ronanon 52@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>After a New Year white out we should all be raring to go this Friday. Lets hope Daves snowy rendition on the Home Page can pass into history shortly. See you all at The Black Swan and The Cobbles. </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=3#post-51 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:26:20 +0000 Ronanon 51@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>The Friday night sessions at The Cobbles just go from strength to strength and recently a more sympathetic audience allowing space and quiet to performers with a more sensitive side to their delivery style-including our very own crafty cockney and his classic rendition of ..muther be quick am goan to be sick..green and yella..snakes! </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=14#post-50 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:18:20 +0000 Ronanon 50@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Can we lose this one?? </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=20#post-49 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:16:47 +0000 Ronanon 49@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Excellent contribution..hope we dont have to wait another 50 years for the next one!! </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=12#post-48 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:11:45 +0000 Ronanon 48@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Not a lot you can add to this !!!! </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=22#post-47 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:10:15 +0000 Ronanon 47@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Just a brief thanks to the guys who organised things at Smailholm particularly Peter Fry for his contributions and efforts collating the night and of course Ian Croal for liasing and setting this up. It was an enjoyable night, great fun to be given the chance to perform and raised about £100 for club funds. </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=21#post-46 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:05:21 +0000 Ronanon 46@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Not so much a split as a splinter but with better management of the division the additional venue should provide a best of both worlds solution that suits all. </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=21#post-45 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:16:06 +0000 admin 45@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>I've had a few comments from club members referring to the 'split' or divided loyalties within the club. I don't see the twin venue Friday night that way at all, but it is difficult for me to be present at both the Black Swan and the Cobbles. </p> <p>The two formats and venues have solved many problems; there are those who simply don't want to have to wait until 12.30am to do a 'serious' number or be heard, and there are others who want a completely informal mix of tunes of songs or don't even arrive until 11pm. I would encourage anyone who only goes to the Cobbles to make a point of dropping into the Black, even if just for the last hour after 9.30pm; and those who no longer go to the Cobbles at all to come and have 'one for the road' (I mean a song!) rather than becoming strangers.</p> <p>We do have a problem at the Cobbles, which is that after a ten year history of Friday sessions, we now get many people arriving from far afield expecting this to happen. Recently there have been a few nights where five or six regulars have been in place around 9.30pm, but lacking anyone to kick things off the session has not started until more members arrive from the Black, often as late as 10.30pm.</p> <p>This coming Friday I will only go the Cobbles - I am not 'avoiding' the Black, I simply want to have my dinner at our usual time, not rush it, leave myself space to tidy up, tune up, check my instruments, think about new stuff to do, and arrive in a relaxed state with time to organise a place to sit, plug in the amp, get chairs for others - etc. I'll go at around 9.30pm and if I need to wait 20 minutes for space, that's fine. </p> <p>I would like to be able to do some Friday nights at the Black Swan until the end of the evening, but in order to do this, someone else must 'anchor' the Cobbles session officially. That does not mean leaving the Cobbles in the hands of young Becky with fiddle, or expecting Arthur to do half an hour of flute - or expecting Frank to do pipe tunes with no guitars, or Alec Douglas to be obliged to perform to a noisy room.</p> <p>Having the small AER amplifier can be quite important for a singer/guitarist to get started in the Cobbles, though not essential if you're on form vocally and willing to stand up and belt stuff out loud. </p> <p>Therefore, in future weeks, I suggest that one or two members agree to leave the Black early - I'll lend the amplifier, it is easy to set up - each week. That might be me (though as said, I find the timing a problem), it could be anyone who feels able to anchor the start of the Cobbles session in the right way. Duo or trio groups work particularly well, solo is - difficult!</p> <p>Whoever does this should also be willing to try to keep seats and table available for those members who intend to arrive later. I've done this a couple of times but some have still been upset to find others had arrived and the seats were taken. This can be avoided if you make it known clearly that you plan to be there.</p> <p>David </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=20#post-44 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:55:36 +0000 Pet Shop Pete 44@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Under the disguise of Petsoundspete with his first ever song 'Full Circle'<br /> 'Thanks to Dave Mullen for the excellent production' </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=19#post-43 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:26:42 +0000 Darren and Helen 43@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p><a href="http://www.carlau.com/audio/CARLA_ULBRICH-Nothing_To_Say.m3u" rel="nofollow">http://www.carlau.com/audio/CARLA_ULBRICH-Nothing_To_Say.m3u</a><br /> I sometimes wonder, sorry, but that's how it feels sometimes. </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=18#post-42 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:28:29 +0000 boothy2003 42@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Many thanks for an excellent night on Friday.</p> <p>regards David<br /> Beware of the Flowers Motorcycle Club</p> <p><a href="http://www.bewareoftheflowers.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.bewareoftheflowers.co.uk</a> </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=17#post-41 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:05:21 +0000 admin 41@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>It has been suggested to me that we should have some guidelines for our Le Jardin open-mic spots, whether these are moved to a new venue in due course or not.</p> <p>Limit introductions - these are vital in professional gigging to enable artists to tackle two-hour gigs and stay sane/able to sing - they are not needed in 15-minute three song slots. Minimise introductions to saying what the tune/song is, whether you wrote it, and if people are to join in, what key/chords are involved.</p> <p>At least one song/tune out of three should be group-friendly - something everyone is invited to join in with one way or another, if they want to. This is a strength of the club.</p> <p>Ideally, in a set of three no more than one should be unfamiliar or 'all my own work' - extend that to two for those who mainly do their own work! And, if possible, there should be some variety in tempo/feel. Just because we have, for once, a quiet audience does not mean it is an opportunity to do slow, quiet, low-key material. High energy or uplifting stuff is JUST as important in the open mic situation as in the pub stramash. It does not have to be as loud or strained though!</p> <p>If you intend to collaborate or are asked to collaborate, consider reducing your solo contribution, and also try to ensure (as we did on Friday 12th) that we can sequence the spots so collaborations overlap neatly - Peter Fry/June for example, and DK/Roger/Andrew were both worked out to run together.</p> <p>Finally, we need to start more on time and stick to 15 minutes max for 3 numbers. It is not really fair for anyone to be left at the end of the night with only time for two when time has been wasted earlier on. Someone has to open, someone has to close. </p> <p>David </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=16#post-40 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:31:43 +0000 allan 40@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>She had put a melody to a Douglas Young poem which involved various chants and counter chants. We started off all singing the melody and gradually she broke the group (20 odd strong) down into four sections with each section doing different bits and variations of the melody and harmonies. By the end it was a really good sound and vibe going on and you could see that Karine herself was very pleaased with the result and quite excited about performing it. So rather than learning songs it was more about how harmony is built up in general but doing it in a fun way. It's kind of made me think I fancy doing some communal singing but I don't fancy a church choir which would maybe be a bit stuffy in comparison. </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=16#post-39 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:22:39 +0000 admin 39@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Good thing to attend. I find these workshops mixed in value, I know Karine Polwart is an excellent singer, but to my mind teaching singing (of specific songs) works against the tradition/folk process which I value most. </p> <p>There are other views on this which include the opinion that taught - handed down formalised, contrived - specific modes of harmonising distinguish regional/local style. If you have ever heard the Newcastle sea shanty tradition (almost full choir) or the Shaped Note stuff, and a lot of American gospel and Hebridean communal singing, that's very true.</p> <p>I've never attended the Coldstream event for workshops, mainly because I see every Friday night as a workshop. I am always looking, listening and trying to learn from every performer - and in the case of very good performers, concentrating hard on what is going on. </p> <p>I went to see Clive Carroll at String Jam on Saturday, very poor turnout, he is probably one of the top half dozen acoustic guitar players in Britain and in the world top twenty. I learned a great deal especially about the value of amplification and that 'less can be more' once you have a truly quiet audience and a seriously processed acoustic sound - like Bensusan, McManus, Hedges and many others.</p> <p>David </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=16#post-38 Sun, 31 May 2009 20:20:47 +0000 allan 38@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>I was across at Coldstream today and attended the song and harmony workshop run by Karine Polwart. There were about 20 involved and we learned a wee song with various harmonies going on. I've never really done communal singing before but I thought it was great fun. We did a wee performance in the hall afterwards. It went down well..........but no Ron.............they didn't ask us to do it twice :-) </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=15#post-37 Thu, 28 May 2009 12:16:30 +0000 admin 37@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>I need to do publicity for that right now, thanks for reminding me Ron. </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=15#post-36 Thu, 28 May 2009 03:56:41 +0000 Ronanon 36@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>By common consent a great concert well attended and a night to remember. The videos on you tube say it all. Well done Dave. Hope we can get similar for June gig at Cobbles -looks promising and should record well. </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=14#post-35 Wed, 20 May 2009 17:07:44 +0000 admin 35@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Jazz again on the 29th, which following Kieran Halpin on May 22nd means two Fridays without the Le Jardin normal session.</p> <p>David </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=13#post-34 Sat, 02 May 2009 09:12:27 +0000 Pet Shop Pete 34@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>14 or more musicians there last night -EXCELLENT NIGHT - THANKS to everyone.<br /> Pet Shop Pete </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=12#post-33 Fri, 01 May 2009 15:09:27 +0000 allan 33@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>I'm not going down to Jazz night in Le Jardin so will be heading straight to Cobbles. \Wonder if anyone else was doing so and at what time? </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=2#post-32 Fri, 01 May 2009 09:20:14 +0000 Pet Shop Pete 32@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Oh Yes !! GOOD TUNERS from £13.89 to £20.00 says Pet Sounds Pete flying CAPOS going 'Cheap'.... yes....Pet Shop Joke.</p> <p>This friday 1st May .. Le Jardin hosts Jazz instead of KFLMC. Where's the posts for this and who's all going and or who's heading straight to the Cobbles and at what time?? </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=5#post-31 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:21:00 +0000 Ronanon 31@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>This was simply excellent. The Matt Seattle Band must be experienced live to be appreciated-although the You Tube and My Space tasters will give you an idea of the musicality. Largely undiscovered the band is waiting to burst onto the music scene and as they are building if you get a chance to take in a rare appearance get along-We have them booked for Kelso St James Fair weekend in September and believe it or not that is their next booking! The 2 hour concert flew by as Matt took us on a musical journey round the Borders and Northumberland breathing new life and adding his own magical interpretaions to ballads along side new compositions including the self penned and most beautiful Irene's tune and a locally inspired piece with the rythymn and floavours of the bazaar-Damascus drum. Ballads included the musical adverntures of Thomas the Rhymer -who the elfs reputedly gifted/cursed with a tongue that could only tell the truth-and not a Jim Carey in sight! The tale of Johnny Fa srted life as a song before breaking into trademark duet with Matt's pipes and Lewis accordian abcked by Donald on guitar and Frazer percussion. The sucessful combination of the band's talents provided an evening of music that lifted and drove along. Given that most of the pieces performed would be new to the audience-no CD (YET)-and included 10-15 minutes of Rattlin Roarin' Willie -yes the cut down version-Matt held the audience spellbound and the 2 hours flew by before we were all sent on our way with a much appreciated encore. Some might find pipes and traditional music a challenge but Matt's interpretaion with the pipes develops and builds on the root source without being hidebound by musical rules and restrictions in a way that has echoes of trad rock from the early 70's-breathing new life into tunes and ballads that for most of us woud remain undiscovered and unheard in the vaults.The Matt Seattle Band splits more than infinitives and boldly goes to places that we have not gone before -check them out if you ever get a chance. </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=3#post-30 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 01:10:00 +0000 Ronanon 30@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Mr Mullen 111 that is! Great pics and will reserve jusgement on rest as sound card has gone walkabouts! Look forward to seeing -if not hearing- others.Good upbeat session with some enthusiastic participation followed by a great late night session at The Cobbles but who invited Harpo? </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=11#post-29 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:08:37 +0000 admin 29@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>This is a Ning site - which means you build your own pages looking a bit like an entire website of their own, and also participate in the front page run by the magazine. This is a US mag Acoustic Guitar, not the UK mag which is just called Acoustic.</p> <p><a href="http://www.acousticguitarcommunity.com/profile/DavidKilpatrick" rel="nofollow">http://www.acousticguitarcommunity.com/profile/DavidKilpatrick</a></p> <p>is my page.</p> <p><a href="http://www.acousticguitarcommunity.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.acousticguitarcommunity.com/</a></p> <p>is the main page where you can sign up.</p> <p>David </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=10#post-28 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:03:38 +0000 admin 28@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Maybe the answer is ensure the concert is early not late anyway?</p> <p>David </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=3#post-27 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:02:39 +0000 admin 27@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>I decided to use a guitar strap and stand up, because of the space issue versus being permanently at the far end of the room.</p> <p>David </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=7#post-26 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:01:10 +0000 admin 26@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>List updated. The items are pretty generous for their stated sizes.</p> <p>David </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=3#post-25 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 09:02:02 +0000 allan 25@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>I had a really good night in the Cobbles as I pushed my way into the main body of the session and got involved right away. Although I realise there wasn't room for everyone to do that. The apres-diners thinned out after a while though and we all got round together as normal and had plenty opportunity to do stuff. It was difficult for some who couldn't initially find a suitable place to set up and that has been an ongoing problem for later arrivals. Let's face it last week kicked off brilliantly right away but had any slighlty later arrivals come where would they have sat as we were all crammed like sardines around one table and the rest of the seats were taken up? </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=10#post-24 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:21:24 +0000 Ronanon 24@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Understood and wasn't suggesting you change it just we all need to make effort to get an audience for them. Might attract a few more along if we offer a session after workshop before if they are up for that sort of thing. I would be happier hanging around after work and go to concert if there was something happening before it. Perhaps you could suss them out. </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=9#post-23 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:16:56 +0000 Ronanon 23@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>Clearly deaf ears wouldnt nead tuners but Pete is never out of tuners which is more than can be said for some others-I have two and at least one seems to work. Drop d is deliberate! </p> http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/topic.php?id=7#post-22 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:13:01 +0000 Ronanon 22@http://www.kelsofolk.co.uk/Forum/ <p>I just thought it a bit public to display my shirt size-just as well age or inside leg! Have checked and L should be fine-for shirt size that is.. Please amend my order and make the sweat shirt Heather Grey as I've got a blue one. </p>