Round Robins - Why do people play when others are playing?

[Ken Byng]

Round Robins are a great way to have informal get togethers. Allan Thompson raised a really good point on the US steel forum a little while ago. See http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=268024

I just checked out a recording on You Toob of a round robin. There is some very nice playing happening, yet there are harmonics being played by some when it is the turn of others. Why??? I don't get it. See

[Will C]

I'll stick my neck out here, Ken, and offer a guess. My neck is brass, so I can handle the flak!

First thought: without any fact to base this on, mind - I reckon you have been playing so well, for so long, that you have probably forgotten the crushing, paralysing apprehension that grips you when trying to play in front of others the first few times. The guy who was playing was obviously one of the weaker, less confident members of Donny's group. He's playing single note, and he doesn't define the notes as well as he could, it's all one long glissando.

Now, this being first and foremost an instruction and mutual support group, Donny, the group leader, throws in some support to flesh out his effort, to make it sound good. Which he's entitled to do: his ball, his rules. I think it improved the offering, and I'm guessing the player appreciated the gesture of support.

It's not the same as an accomplished player doing a recital, with everyone else keeping a respectful hush. So to take the view that it was bad manners (certainly implied) seems slightly to miss the point of what they were trying to do. If Donny chimed in with some harmonics while I was playing, I'd be happy.

Sent with fingers firmly crossed. Just my two penn'orth...

[Ken Byng]

Apart from Bob Adams and Billy Murdoch, I don't recognise any of the individuals. My post wasn't meant as a personal attack, it is just that I don't understand why some people have to literally chime in with harmonics while other players are doing their bit. I think that playing over other people, especially when you have already had your turn, is just sheer rudeness. Hence Allan's original post. I guess that if I could have got hold of one or two YT clips of round robins from the USA, I might have found the same thing happening there. There again, I might not.

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

Ken
You need to go to specsavers, I was not present at that session !!
If You insist I have a double, make it a Bacardi
I can't play a harmonica either

[Ken Byng]

Sorry Billy - the Bacardis are on me when I see you next.

To be fair, I was using a small notebook with a 10" screen. It looked to me that it was you sitting next to Bob playing the Zum that I have now. Ironically I got some new glasses last month, so I guess I need to ask for a refund. However, looking at the clip in my studio through a PC with a 23" screen I can see clearly that I was very wide of the mark. I was using headphones through my notepad, and quite clearly there was someone 'harmonic-ing' while virtually all the other players were having a go.

[derek evans 15]

Who is playing the Rains,it looks identical to the one i bought this year cheers Derek.

[Malcolm]

Derek the player is Reg Sutherland, and yes it is the one you have.Had the pleasure of playing it when I was waiting for my MSA from factory, lovely guitar.Reg now has a Carter.

[Donny Johnston]

SORRY MALCOLM, I KNOW YOU HAVE MISSED A COUPLE OF EVENINGS, REG NOW HAS A WILLIAMS.

[Donny Johnston]

THANK YOU WILL, YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD. NUFF SAID.

[Malcolm]

Sorry who are you, Donny who ???? Is it time to take my medicine now nurse. let me see, Reg is the one with all the money, had more steels than I have had hot dinners.