Finding Musicians

Subject: Finding Musicians
From: JWR
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 09:40 AM

I play traditional music--Ireland, Scotland, England, etc, and I am trying to figure how to meet other musicians in my local area (New London, CT). Local music store does not have a message board. Any suggestions?

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Bernard
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 09:50 AM

Methinks you've just done it!

I'm in the UK, so the fact that I've read your message should give you an idea of The Power of the Mudcat!

Seriously, though, give it a few days - if necessary, occasionally posting with the word 'refresh' as your message to keep the thread high on the list, and offers should come flooding in!

I'm sure some 'catters in your area will spread the word!

Good luck with your search!

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 09:51 AM

Could you try busking in some public place?

For Irish, you could maybe get on to the local Catholic parish priest, there might be people around there looking for the same thing.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Charcloth
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 09:53 AM

try putting an add in the local newspaper. That often works be prepared though you could get more than you can handle & all elements of the food chain as well

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Margaret V
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 11:01 AM

Mystic Seaport might be able to help you. There's always someone wandering around playing hornpipes on a whistle, and I'd be surprised if the interpretive staff there (or the folks who organize the music festival in the spring)couldn't help you get tapped in. Good luck. Margaret

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: InOBU
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 11:21 AM

You could look under a rock, just below the worms and maggots for ex members of my band... Larry... Only kidding, me old ex band members, before you start delugeing me with hate mail.... (but JWR - look there anyway)

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Ebbie
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:30 PM

Post a bulletin on the board at your local grocery, suggesting a lunch at a specific restaurant on a specific day to discuss music.

Same at your public library.

Or: If, as they say, you can reach anyone in the world within 6 people (each one contacting someone else)surely you can find musicians! If you have friends who play at the symphony ask them if they know anybody whose musical interests don't include the classics. We all know people who know people who know people who...

Good luck

Ebbie

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 08:12 PM

Hi My name is Guy Wolff and I love playing.. I am on the other side of the state though. My best friend in High School lived in Stonington and I remember it was 105 miles from Litchfield to his house.. If you ever want to visit I have a Pottery shop on the border beween Washington and Litchfield on route 202 (Nr the intersection with 341 ).. I do love Martin Carthy's guitar as inspiration . I play some banjo and Anglo and English concertina as well.. Allthe best and hope to meet you .. Guy Wolff Wolff Pottery 305 Litchfield Tnpk New Preston ct 06777 www.guywolff.com

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: SpitWhistle
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 09:27 PM

Try the RI Irish Connection:

http://members.aol.com/Beorach/RIIrish/IrishHome.htm

Ron (are you in the submarine business?)

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 10:22 AM

"If you have friends who play at the symphony ask them if they know anybody whose musical interests don't include the classics."

But Ebbie, that would rule out a hell of a lot of great musicians. "Whose musical interests aren't restricted to the classics" - that might do better.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 10:53 AM

You might try getting in touh with the Branford Folk Music Society. Nice folks, and some good musicians.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 12:14 PM

Start going to concerts religiously. Concerts of the music you love, of course, but anything even remotely related to your musical interests. Look for acoustic music in small venues. Schmooze. Talk to the performer, the band, the MC, the organizer, the ticket taker, the people sitting next to you about your search for local musicians.

Listen to radio stations affiliated with nearby Colleges/Universities. When you hear a phone number, call the station and ask whoever answers if they do any programs devoted to your favorite kinds of music. Listen to those programs. Call the DJ during the program and ask about local musicians.

Subscribe to a local paper and read the section devoted to meetings of local organizations. Look for groups with an obvious connection to your favorite music, of course. But once again, look for any group focused on acoustic music, e.g., folk clubs, song circles, folksong societies, etc.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Ebbie
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 01:35 PM

Much better, McGrath!

Ebbie

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: GUEST,Bored.
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 04:03 PM

I can definately empathize with your currant situation. I am in the same spot here in St. Paul, MN. I guess it all depends on "where" you would like to go with your music.

I have been told over and over again how I have one of the best voices in Irish music here in the United States, however I am having a very difficult time finding musicians who are available and desiring to pursue the same goals.

In a market such as the one that I am in, Irish music is very popular, however, the market it's self is very tight. Most of the well established, well known musicians are comfortable with the make-ups of their bands(or solo careers)---there are some who would like to hire you --however they cannot afford to. They have to make enough bread and butter to go around and still be comfortable.

I have decided to check out a few bands in Texas and Tennessee. I have also decided to explore other musical styles in this process. If you are wanting to play professionally--unfortunately the money's not in Irish music. However, if you just want to play, and have a little fun at it---play what ever it is that makes you happiest. Again, it's all in where you want to go. My advice is to find out where the bands play locally---then mingle. Someone may know someone else...etc.

Best of Luck!

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Peg
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 04:33 PM

I'm in Boston, the trad/Celtic music capital of the Northeast! Pity you are not a bit closer...I am looking to form a band too...

peg

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: GUEST,Bored
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 04:37 PM

Peg--

"Where" are you looking to go with your music? Where have you been?

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: GUEST,Bored.
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 04:54 PM

If anyone has any ideas, and feels like sharing further, please feel free to contact me at: [e-mail].

I have hit a brick wall. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 06:05 PM

You know folks, try hard as we might to put a good spin on this, the old real estate addage "location, location, location" is definitely a factor.

A friend of mine lives in a cabin a hundred miles north of Toronto. he gets verrrry bored. if he were in (or even near) the city, he'd be so in demand for sessions and gigs it would make his head spin.

His qualifications: Good singer, harmonies and lead. Banjo, guitar, mandolin fiddle and bass. Good character, easy to get along with....all the good things, but he's SOOO isolated.

Rick

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: JWR
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 07:18 PM

New London, CT is not exactly the ends of the earth? I am looking for folks to share music with--not necessarily into forming a band or making money at it. I split my time between guitar and fiddle. My fiddle playing is focused on dance music of Ireland, Scotland, and England. My guitar playing combines many different types of music and many styles--influences from Arlo Guthrie to Bert Jansch. I wish you luck Peg; I used to go too many of the sessions in Boston. A great place to meet many, many musicians.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 08:20 PM

Ah, you play fiddle and guitar - that should make it easer. I mean, if it was a bodhran my suggestion of busking would be a bit harder,

I really think it might be worth trying to do something on those lines though - pick a good cause to raise money for, volcano victims in Mexico, or something like that, which I'd have thought would keep the law off your back, and have a notice saying you'd like to get some musicians together to play.

If it turns out there aren't any people around who are interested, you've had an interesting day, and raised some money for people who need it.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Gypsy
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 11:09 PM

Post a picture of yourself playing, at work. You'd be surprised at how many people you meet that way.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: GUEST,Mary
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 09:40 AM

Way up there in Canada? Would your friend be interested in moving?

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Peg
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 10:25 AM

JW: thanks! I have not been working too hard at forming a group lately. Right now I want to do a recording so I may end up "hiring" people to help with that. I would need a guitar or two, flute, percussion, fiddle, maybe some other traditional instruments like pipes, bouzouki, mandolin, harp, etc. I have a few friends who play and would probably gladly help out, but since I can't afford to pay them too much I don't expect them to donate their time for every track. I will be producing it myself as far as I know. I can get a good deal at Blue Jay which is a great studio, but I may have to set my sights on something less pricey and more convenient (in the city) for now.

Guest, Bored: as to where I am going...I am a singer, and, I think, a fairly accomplished one. I have sung most of my life, a variety of styles, but once I found Celtic music it was like coming home.

I have a very strongly lyrical style, a robust low register and a rather pretty soprano register--pretty good breath control, and, I have been told, a powerful stage presence as a singer. I seem to have a natural talent for the ornamentations and trills specific to the traditional songs of the Celtic countries. I sing in both Irish and Scots Gaelic (in fact studied both languages at Harvard in order to aid my singing). I also write songs in the traditional mode but this is not a focus for me at the moment. I am working on adding more songs to my repertoire. I like sad laments and songs with a pagan bent (about nature, etc.)

I have sung in several groups, choral style harmony singing and ritual drama in performance, and my most recent band was a trio: all three sang, one played percussion, one guitarist. The music was very good but the personality mix was not, I guess.

I think I am pretty good at arranging songs in terms of knowing what sounds good, and arriving at good arrangements with the help of the other musicians as long as we all have a similar vision.

I would love to be in a band that plays out; but my priority at the moment is finding some musicians who wish to record a CD. (I have done some recording in the past but the last full length CD I did with a large group, even though I did most of the lead vocals, only contained a few songs I would consider "my" kind of music)

I am not attached to the idea of straightforward traditional arrangements or playing styles; one group I sing with occasionally mixes folk, rock, psychedelic, goth, gypsy and tribal sounds, and any or all of that as part of the mix would be great.

The primary influences on my singing include Triona ni Dhomnail, Loreena McKennitt, Karen Casey, Karen Matheson (of Capercaille), Annie Haslam (of Renaissance), Maddy Prior and June Tabor.

any New Englanders out there interested??? ;)

peg

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: JWR
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 10:43 AM

Peg: You have peaked my interest. There seems to be common ground worth exploring?

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: InOBU
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 10:54 AM

You know, not only is New London not the edge of the world, it is halfway between boston and New York,peg, to bad I don't have a car anymore. Then again, I have to give the new band a chance. As the line in the right stuff goes, this band is "the one with the big engine", two scotish style fiddles, two flutes bodhran, bombard, two highland pipers, four singers, mandolin, guitar, oboe, two uilleann pipers, and that is only the four of us, eh?
For those who think location is everything, you'd think NY is the plce to be, but it ain't. It is a daily struggle...
Good luck folks,
Larry

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Peg
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 11:21 AM

JWR: sure! I can send you a tape or CD if ya want, or let me know if you can come to our singers' sessiun on a Wednesday night some time! It's at Paddy Burke's in the North End, right off the Mass Pike.

You might also try to place an ad in the "Gigs" section of the Harvard Phoenix Classifieds? Mostly rock musicians but I know some Celtic folks who have found players that way.

Larry: well, I do not have a car, either but NYC isn't inaccessible from Boston...I promise next time I come down I *will* attend one of your gigs if at all possible! You are also welcome in Boston if you want to check out a sessiun or book a gig here (in fact if there are only four of you I can probably put a couple or all four of you up for the night).

How is your new line-up working out?

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: JWR
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 12:06 PM

Peg: i would like to hear tp/cd and perhaps I could make up to Boston for a Wednesday night session. Perhaps you could write me with more info? ([e-mail]). One of my favorite singers is Mary Dillion of Deanta. Gorgeous voice.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Peg
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 12:16 PM

JWR: I will email you. Maybe we can find a way to make something happen.

ah yes, I love Mary Dillon as well! I forgot to list her. I sing "Lakes of Pontchartrain" and "Dark Innishowen" both inspired by her versions...

peg

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: JWR
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 12:46 PM

Peg: I look forward to hearing from you.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: InOBU
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 04:46 PM

The new crowd gets together tommorow - I'll let you all know. Larry

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Barry Finn
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 07:29 PM

Hi Peg & let me know if & when JWR's gonna hit the singer's session, I'll do my best to make sure I'm there. & by the by if you need a bodhran or a male harmony I'd be glad to sit in on back up for ya (no charge). Another thing, you do well enough to be CDing. Did you try Steve Friedman (sp?) who has Melville Park Studio, he's very good, very very nice, very accomodating & very reasonable. See you soon. Barry

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Susan-Marie
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 08:13 AM

JWR - Here's another way to meet musicians - volunteer to provide music for a service at Unitarian Universalist church. UU churches usually welcome all kinds of music, and usually have many musicians as members. I met my band mates through a UU church, and I've met many other great musicians as part of my job scheduling volunteer musicians for the Sundays when the choir doesn't sing. New London has at least one UU church (All Souls). You might want to contact them and see where it leads. Good luck.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: Peg
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 10:42 AM

Barry, THANK YOU so much for your kind offer and I would be THRILLED to have your amazing lusty tenor as a harmony! Wow the very thought makes me all tingly! (any of you who have never heard Barry sing you are missing a shanty singer's dream) Some boudhran would be cool, too; any news on that workshop you wanted to get going?

Thanks also for the tip on that studio; where are they located? Blue Jay is great but pricey, even with my "former customer" discount!

I will keep you posted on whether our CT pal decide sto come to the sessiun. I have been away myself the last two weeks. I just got laid off (five months' severance, so mote it be!) and today is my last day and I don't start teaching again for a couple weeks so I should be there this month if the weather doesn't suck.

take care and happy new year! maybe I'll see you for a rendition of Auld Lang Syne next week?

peg

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: GUEST,Rene
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 11:47 AM

When I lived in CT (Stonington), I used to go down to the submarine base in Groton and put up a message requesting musicians to call me. The response was great. I also used to check with local Sea Scout groups for my marine music fix.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: JWR
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 12:11 PM

Thanks Rene--sounds like a good idea. I teach from time to time at the sub base, and I have met a lot of interesting folks, but I never thought of it as a place to meet musicians.

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: InOBU
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 12:32 PM

Of cource the advantage to getting submariner folkies, is that in dark venues, they glow in the dark! Larry

Subject: RE: Finding Musicians
From: GUEST,Rene
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 01:11 PM

You're most welcome. I looked at it this way -- there's a huge cross section of people there and most of them have long hours of nothing to do. Good luck.