Hello friends -
As promised, I'm feeling a bit chatty these days and am trying to keep this newsletter coming out somewhat regularly (monthly-ish). Here in mid-May I find myself looking forward to playing some music tonight at the Cock 'n Bull in Galway, contemplating the nuts and bolts of what makes a tasty Irish session, and of course anticipating summer music camps… which begin next month. Thanks for reading along!
First - in a couple of hours, James and I will be playing for the dinner crowd at the Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant. We’ll play our favorite Drank The Gold tunes, Millstone Rounders songs, and probably a couple you weren't expecting from our other various projects. I can't say more just yet, but join us and see what happens. Reservations: 518-882-6962.
Second - I don't think I've gotten around to talking about it much on here, but James and I, along with our friend Pádraig Timoney, host an Irish session on the 1st Tuesday of every month at The Inn at Saratoga. We set up around a table in the bar, under the big ship (IYKYK), and share our favorite tunes - and usually a song or two as well. This sharing of tunes with musical friends is one of my absolute favorite things to spend my time on. The organic back of forth of one musician starting a tune, a second one jumping in offering a subtle melodic variation or rhythmic ornament, the first musician responding in kind. A third bringing a new timber or texture, maybe thinking of a perfect tune to transition into, right on the fly. And the chat between the tunes, trying to remember their names, thinking of how you learned it, sparking meandering conversation along the way. Relaxing into the flow. There really is nothing like it, and honestly the folks listening are a big part of the experience as well. The “hups” and “go-wans” of recognition at a tasty tune change, the reciprocal sharing of energy in the room, all gathered to shed the worries of the day, immersed in music. I heartily invite you to come check it out sometime!
All Irish sessions are unique, with their own specific customs and expectations, but a guiding throughline is that this is a type of music jam designed specifically around sharing Irish dance tunes and related music. Since this music is melody driven, most instruments present play the melody in unison, and typically form the physical nucleus of the jam so that they can hear each other. Since the accompanying chord and rhythmic parts are not set in stone, it is typical for those instruments to take turns, or in some cases to work together closely to uplift the melody. Some sessions are completely open, with visitors and community members invited to drop in and add a tune any time. Other sessions are closed: a group of friends having a musical conversation amongst themselves. Some sessions take place in a large space, so can expand and contract as needed. Others take place in a smaller space, where it is not possible to add infinite seats at the table. I could go on - but actually, if you are interested to hear more, I just started listening to the In Tune With Tradition podcast, which is a fascinating look at Irish sessions from the perspectives of many of my Irish music heroes. Give it a listen if you like.
In short, though, heading back to our 1st Tuesdays session: we're trying for a very fine balance. While we have limited space and many seats filled by invited guests (some of the finest Irish musicians in the region!), we invite melody players experienced with Irish music to stop by, and we'll do our best to find you a spot. Sometimes we ask musicians to take turns, so that everyone gets a chance to play. Because of our space constraints, and because our anchor musicians are already holding it down, accompanying chord/rhythm instruments are by invitation only. This helps us prioritize spots for melody players. If you're curious, come check it out, and say hi!
Last for today: I told you last time how excited I am for all the summer music camps I have coming up (all 5 listed here), and especially for our brand new Adirondack Music Getaway with the Millstone Rounders at Great Camp Sagamore. But we have new news to add: if you happen to live or be staying in the region, there is also a commuter option for the Rounders camp, (camp activities + meals, but sleep off campus).
From last message: James and I, with our band the Millstone Rounders, have launched a new three-night camp at Sagamore we’re calling an Adirondack Music Getaway - a music camp, but in such a beautiful spot that really it’s a music vacation. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, rejoice that your phone has lost service, and join us for a few tunes on the porch or singing a song around the campfire. We’ll offer instrument classes, facilitate jams, performances, and more. It’s the first year, never been done before, and what a joy to get to shape this thing from the ground up. It’s also nerve-wracking to launch something brand new - we hope you’ll consider jumping in on this fledgling adventure!
I'm working on listing more dates and fun on my calendar for the coming months, but for now I'm gonna send this out to you. As I find myself saying often, I'll loop back with more later. Thanks so much for reading!
xo Oona
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