***Untitled*** (Split from SESGF topic)

[Ken Byng]

I'm sorry if any of my comments on this site have come across as having a go at those folks of a slightly lesser ability than pro's or ex pro's. I certainly have not set out to belittle or criticise players for making mistakes or not performing well. Far from it, I admire all of those who overcome their nerves and inexperience and take the plunge in playing in front of their peers. My post about mistakes was really to say that we all make them from time to time - just don't make a big issue about it and move on.

There are some players on here who have been playing for many many years who seem almost proud that they perpetually make mistakes or don't know their chord names or where they are. That is the kind of mentality that I don't understand. For Will, Bob and Mick along with all of the other performers at the SoESGF - you guys have my full admiration.

[bobhcot]

Ken - it was not you who called our buddies lazy. It was not you who criticised the apparently incorrect chord in Moon River, as if it really matters.

I think your comments have been very fair, restrained I suspect, and full of encouragement for us mere mortals. We need guys like you to show us how it should be done, to give us a target, a realistic target, for the future. If I ever get my efforts note perfect I will look around and realise I made made it through the pearly gates.!!!!! Much to my surprise.

[Jason Lynch]

Having followed this thread all I can say is I'm glad I stayed at home!

[Ken Byng]

Me too.

[Will C]

Jason, this is not a big thing, I'm just putting my oar in the water for the little guy because Basil gets passionate and sometimes we catch the back-blast. We need animated discussion without ill-feeling. That's how I view this anyway.

[mick hearn]

I for one am glad I went to the SESGF and as for nerves? - I was shaking out of control. My right foot on the volume was shaking so much it sounded like vibrato - and as for the hands - forget them. As I said to a girl once "Sorry - I washed my hands last night and can't do a thing with them today." Now if I was bad, consider those who had not been in that situation before. All done their very best and well done to you all for trying.

This thread has caused a lot of debate and we could argue for days so I think its about time we gave it a rest. And I am sorry if I have upset anyone in the process. Mind you I think this is the biggest debate there has been on here, to my knowledge anyway

Now gonna go to the shed and play with myself (steel guitar that is).

[Ken Byng]

........Now if I was bad, consider those who had not been in that situation before. All done their very best and well done to you all for trying...........

Mick - Everyone who attended the show certainly did their very best. If you you were nervous it didn't show in your playing. What was good is that there were no prima donnas among the performers. Everyone to a man did their best to make sure that the festival ran smoothly and were friendly and integrated well. Personally, I was so proud of the newbie players, who despite their nerves performed their sets to the maximum of their capability. I echo your comment and say well done to all of you for making the weekend a great one.

Jason, this is not a big thing, I'm just putting my oar in the water for the little guy because Basil gets passionate and sometimes we catch the back-blast. We need animated discussion without ill-feeling. That's how I view this anyway.

Spot on Will. Believe it or not, there will always be those around who want to see these type of events fail. Sensible debate never hurts, unless it gets personal. Basil has an incredible amount of experience and I bow to his superior musical knowledge. Like me he is not always the most tactful person when voicing an opinion, but like me too he doesn't set out to hurt people. You were a classic example of someone who reached out and played to the utmost of their ability. You also networked well and hopefully made new friends and acquaintances.

[Basil Henriques]

I sincerely apologise if I've hurt anyone's feelings, that was the furthest thing from my mind...My problem is Me..My yardstick is based upon me and not the accepted norm, I NEVER intend to hurt, only Pass on what I was given, but there's not enough time to do that and dispense platitudes, so I shoot from the hip.. Never any hurt intended BUT being able to know when a singer is going to breath between lines and being able to live in their minds and the minds of the top players of yesteryear, gives me an insight that not many have. In the studio or live on stage I can instinctively phrase vocal harmony to the singer really tight. It's just an acquired art, BUT that type of insight lets me know what's behind a player's intent, maybe I'm too brusque and forthright, but I don't know any other way to say what I hear..If you can tell the bow direction of the second violin in an orchestra and be able to score for a concert or symphony orchestra, hearing these player's tendencies is a walk in the park. as an example, these were transcribed from the originals and scored for concert orchestra strings and a swing big band, Played by myself via midi sequences that I wrote as music.
And that level of hearing is not my limit, not by a long way..
SHITE drums but at the time I only had an Akai S-950..the solo is a close transcription of the original. Close enough to worry most clarinet players..

With the RTE Concert Orchestra conducted by myself with Audrey Park as leader.
They Complimented me on the nuances in string arrangement..

The same score but through my MIDI system.. I took out the silly pedal bass on the first section; I know that's the way Hugo Alfvén wrote it but his piece was almost 12 minutes long and the G bass over the D dominant 7th is only stated at the top, later it's more the norm.

[Will C]

Good on you Baz, I was sure you'd say that and we need to grow a thick skin anyway, getting out in front of people to play music is always a high-risk place to be, we just need to be able to handle it. That comes with practice! There have been so many great ideas and guidance from everyone who has contributed. It would be a sad day if we had a thread like this and nobody learned anything!

I came away hungry for more, I know where I need to improve, long may it continue! See as many of you as possible again soon.

PS anyone know when NESGF is please?

[Ken Byng]

.........PS anyone know when NESGF is please? .........

Will
This was Tony's response when I asked him the same question.

This is great Ken, exactly what is needed. Are the dates out for the NESGF. Donny.

[b]Donny
Tony replied to me by email. This is his response.

Hi Ken - I need to check that it's in the pub's diary but the dates should be 12 and 13 August (second weekend).