Link to Zoom session for Sunday 19th April 2.30pm

Dear Slow Sessionistas

The link for our Slow Session as part of the Oxford Folk Weekend on Sunday 19th April at 2.30pm
is 
 
When you are logged in to the virtual session room you’ll need to go to the audio settings of Zoom (you’ll find these near the mute button) and in the “Advanced” section you should check the box to enable original sound, and disable both the options for background noise suppressing. This will give you a better sound when playing over Zoom.
 
You can access the session room in advance of our session to check it all works.
But if you are having problems, please email or ring me (0770 935 2834) BEFORE the session starts at 2.30pm
In the Zoom “Chat” you can write down which tunes you would like to play and volunteer to lead them if you fancy.
 
 
Just to remind you, you need to be muted (unless you are leading the tune), otherwise the sound cuts in and out for everyone. You can play along with us playing or you can volunteer to lead a tune yourself and we will all play with you. We won’t hear each other, only the person(s) leading the tune.
 
If you are joining us on a violin or an instrument that plays loudly in your ear, I recommend using headphones so that you can hear the person playing. Computer sound alone is not really sufficient.
 
I’m really sorry that a Zoom session is not nearly as much fun as a real one. If you’re feeling very shy, you might enjoy it, but really it is more fun at a real session and there we also can’t hear individuals if you make a wrong note as there are so many of us making music together that only the tune can be heard. But the thrill of playing together is the essence of music and I’m sorry that Zoom does not capture that joy.
 
But it will be lovely to see you.
 
And there are lots of other good shows on at the Oxford Folk Weekend: http://www.folkweekendoxford.co.uk/what-s-on.html
especially Jon Fletcher at 1pm on Sunday 19th (free concert)
 
I hope you are all staying well and finding some time to practice in these difficult times.
 
Best wishes,
suke

Updated Inisheer

There are many versions of Inisheer in circulation, but I think David’s version is more well known than Jane’s. You can play whichever you like as they work together. I’ve also added some places to hear the tune on Youtube. I think we will have fun playing it and introducing perhaps some new and interesting variations and harmonies ourselves. Hope to see you soon.

Ceilidh in Wolvercote Village Hall, Sat 7th March 7.30pm (doors)

Ceilidh in Wolvercote Village Hall, Sat 7th March 7.30pm (doors)

If you haven’t danced to the tunes of the Dirty Big Canal Band, you have a treat in store. And for that have done so before (in St Barnabas Church), I’m sure you are keen to come again. Music provided by Owl Light Trio combined with half of Xogera and Jon Fletcher (who is also playing this 8pm Sunday 23rd February at The White Hart, Godstow Road, Wolvercote, Oxford OX2 8NY  free admission (donations)).

Tickets for the ceilidh can be bought here: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/494172
Bring your own alcohol or juice. Plenty of water for free.

Gig Tomorrow at Tap Social: Aerialists and Owl Light Trio

The fabulous musicians of the Aerialists (all the way from Toronto) and the Owl Light Trio are playing in the Tap Social Pub on Wednesday 29th January at 7.30pm (doors). Tickets available at https://www.wegottickets.com/event/491633

Hope to see you there!

 

Playlist of tunes (most of them)

I’ve managed to make a playlist on YouTube on most of our Slow Session tunes, so if you feel like familiarising yourself with our tunes (or reminding yourself of old favourites), have a try. They appear as a handy list so that you can scroll through them quite quickly. However, I’ve only put one version of each tune on the list – so if you’d like to see another version be on the list, please email oxfordslowsession2014@gmail.com and make an suggestion for an alternative! Hope it’s useful.

Three new tunes added

Two tricky and one easy tune to learn by heart, and all fun to play. I’m hoping that the way I’ve written them out both makes sense and makes them easier to to understand and learn, but I’m not convinced (I have alternatives if necessary!). But listen to the links and enjoy some new tunes and hopefully we’ll get to play them soon.

Farewell to Whalley Range (by Mike McGoldrick)
Spootiskerry (by Ian Burns)
250 to Vigo (by Angus R Grant)