'It was the morning after the night before...'
So, in honour of last night's fun...
I began the day, actually, practising a bit and attempting to sort out my car. It's half-way sorted. Here's to hoping I don't elicit the attention of the gardai. :| After that, I raced over to Joseph C's house for a quick practise before heading for his school where he was giving a little concert for his family and friends. Joseph is 15 years of age and is well on his way to being a fantastic whistle player. He's being home schooled, and when he's done with his lessons, he plays Irish music. It's brilliant. Playing with Joseph and his friend, James, was grand 'cos I never knew what they were going to come out with next (I'm not broody, shush up ;)). I was a bit envious of all of the resources they've got as relatively new players. When I was their age (James is 19), there were seisiunna, Paul's radio show, and...playing by oneself at home. If either of these boys want to know how Somebody Played Something, they turn to YouTube and look at videos and listen till they've got it down perfect.
In the midst of feeling envious, I did realise that - eh, I can do that as well, so.
So we played at Joseph's school for round an hour; the three little boys in the front row we challenging each other to name all of the instruments we had there, and an argument broke out over the pronunciation of 'bodhran'. Aww.
(Still not broody.)
After that...(this is why I stall when it comes to the What I Did at My Weekend posts. I hate this 'first I...then I...and after that...' language. It seems to me so stilted and loping - if you can imagine that. I suppose it would slightly resemble a robot with long ears and mis-matched legs... I need flash transitional phrases. I mean, if it can't hold my own interest... hoosh. What a diversion, this.)
Right, so... I quit Joseph's school and meandered towards Ye Olde Bull and Bush for the traditional St Pat's spree.
I got there, if you were wondering. :D
Nigh unto an hour early, actually. Considering I was a bit late to Lola's (I know, I know - I got saved by the sound tech being later than myself)...early was pleasing. And it afforded me the chance to go and buy a massive bottle of water. 'Cos there isn't a smoking ban in Fort Worth, and the walls at the pub are a sort of indelible peachy brown. I've a feeling they began their existence as white. Thus, it's water or choke to death.
It's...been a while since I've played a marathon gig. Usually on St Pat's, the band have been one of many that'll play in a location that day. Last year, Sprig played... Lochrann's, the Plaza Pub, and J Gilligans...well, I suppose the Lochrann's/Plaza do was a bit of a marathon, 'cos that was all the same day - but it was broken up by a few hours. If I recall correctly, Shaddow and I went for sushi between the two shows.
It has been a while since I was with the One Band that would play the pub for St Pat's. It meant less slogging of gear, and I was wearing Fantastic Yet Stupid Shoes. I've a new rule (and very nearly written in blood - no lie): if it's a gig other than Ken's seisiun at Trinity, I'm never allowed to wear Fantastic Yet Stupid Shoes. It's a thing that cannot be. I'm surprised that I can walk at all today. I'm sure I looked amazing on stage, but no. Never again. Argh.
It was a blast. I learn an incredible amount from playing with pick-up bands. And it's...sort of difficult to expound on, really. It's been to my benefit every time I've done it. The people listening to us didn't know that we'd played (in that grouping - I've played with John several times before, but this was the first time I'd formally met Mike) together only once before. John's girlfriend even remarked at how well we'd meshed.
I would certainly do that again.
So...highlights. The tiny step dancing woman (I believe she's the one who taught the Behan children to dance - I recognise her), who offered up 'Curragh of Kildare' in a sean-nos style. The man with the piercing screech. My friend Monique's bit about squirrels (she used to climb telephone poles for a living - there's no love lost between Monique and squirrels). Kyle's dart lessons at the hands of a woman called Kelly. The eerie lack of Beer Girls (seriously - I thought the Beer Girls came out to every St Pat's - last year, they made friends with us and shared when the boys would stand them rounds). Explaining a Union Jack's composite parts to my father. The awkward lack of Tri-Colour (hallo? Where was it? Was it flying outside, and I missed it?) - I kept looking at the place where I thought it should have been, but...no Tri-Colour. People dancing to 'Star of the County Down'; she might be a bit well-worn and frayed round the edges (...but if I love her enough, someday she'll become a real rabbit? Jeez, it's late), but no matter, that. :)
I developed a strong practise regimen leading up to this season. I had a goal in mind, and mostly I met it (there were a couple of snags, but everything worked to my favour). I'm going to carry on with this, and...perhaps in a little while, I'll go off and book myself for engagements. I've always had people to back me, perhaps it's time I didn't limit myself to that. :)
I began the day, actually, practising a bit and attempting to sort out my car. It's half-way sorted. Here's to hoping I don't elicit the attention of the gardai. :| After that, I raced over to Joseph C's house for a quick practise before heading for his school where he was giving a little concert for his family and friends. Joseph is 15 years of age and is well on his way to being a fantastic whistle player. He's being home schooled, and when he's done with his lessons, he plays Irish music. It's brilliant. Playing with Joseph and his friend, James, was grand 'cos I never knew what they were going to come out with next (I'm not broody, shush up ;)). I was a bit envious of all of the resources they've got as relatively new players. When I was their age (James is 19), there were seisiunna, Paul's radio show, and...playing by oneself at home. If either of these boys want to know how Somebody Played Something, they turn to YouTube and look at videos and listen till they've got it down perfect.
In the midst of feeling envious, I did realise that - eh, I can do that as well, so.
So we played at Joseph's school for round an hour; the three little boys in the front row we challenging each other to name all of the instruments we had there, and an argument broke out over the pronunciation of 'bodhran'. Aww.
(Still not broody.)
After that...(this is why I stall when it comes to the What I Did at My Weekend posts. I hate this 'first I...then I...and after that...' language. It seems to me so stilted and loping - if you can imagine that. I suppose it would slightly resemble a robot with long ears and mis-matched legs... I need flash transitional phrases. I mean, if it can't hold my own interest... hoosh. What a diversion, this.)
Right, so... I quit Joseph's school and meandered towards Ye Olde Bull and Bush for the traditional St Pat's spree.
I got there, if you were wondering. :D
Nigh unto an hour early, actually. Considering I was a bit late to Lola's (I know, I know - I got saved by the sound tech being later than myself)...early was pleasing. And it afforded me the chance to go and buy a massive bottle of water. 'Cos there isn't a smoking ban in Fort Worth, and the walls at the pub are a sort of indelible peachy brown. I've a feeling they began their existence as white. Thus, it's water or choke to death.
It's...been a while since I've played a marathon gig. Usually on St Pat's, the band have been one of many that'll play in a location that day. Last year, Sprig played... Lochrann's, the Plaza Pub, and J Gilligans...well, I suppose the Lochrann's/Plaza do was a bit of a marathon, 'cos that was all the same day - but it was broken up by a few hours. If I recall correctly, Shaddow and I went for sushi between the two shows.
It has been a while since I was with the One Band that would play the pub for St Pat's. It meant less slogging of gear, and I was wearing Fantastic Yet Stupid Shoes. I've a new rule (and very nearly written in blood - no lie): if it's a gig other than Ken's seisiun at Trinity, I'm never allowed to wear Fantastic Yet Stupid Shoes. It's a thing that cannot be. I'm surprised that I can walk at all today. I'm sure I looked amazing on stage, but no. Never again. Argh.
It was a blast. I learn an incredible amount from playing with pick-up bands. And it's...sort of difficult to expound on, really. It's been to my benefit every time I've done it. The people listening to us didn't know that we'd played (in that grouping - I've played with John several times before, but this was the first time I'd formally met Mike) together only once before. John's girlfriend even remarked at how well we'd meshed.
I would certainly do that again.
So...highlights. The tiny step dancing woman (I believe she's the one who taught the Behan children to dance - I recognise her), who offered up 'Curragh of Kildare' in a sean-nos style. The man with the piercing screech. My friend Monique's bit about squirrels (she used to climb telephone poles for a living - there's no love lost between Monique and squirrels). Kyle's dart lessons at the hands of a woman called Kelly. The eerie lack of Beer Girls (seriously - I thought the Beer Girls came out to every St Pat's - last year, they made friends with us and shared when the boys would stand them rounds). Explaining a Union Jack's composite parts to my father. The awkward lack of Tri-Colour (hallo? Where was it? Was it flying outside, and I missed it?) - I kept looking at the place where I thought it should have been, but...no Tri-Colour. People dancing to 'Star of the County Down'; she might be a bit well-worn and frayed round the edges (...but if I love her enough, someday she'll become a real rabbit? Jeez, it's late), but no matter, that. :)
I developed a strong practise regimen leading up to this season. I had a goal in mind, and mostly I met it (there were a couple of snags, but everything worked to my favour). I'm going to carry on with this, and...perhaps in a little while, I'll go off and book myself for engagements. I've always had people to back me, perhaps it's time I didn't limit myself to that. :)