Session Obsession

When you’re caught up in playing at a session I think sometimes we forget that people outside the circle are actually listening to us and our music makes an impact.

A few weeks ago I attended the bi-weekly Irish session at the Jericho Cafe in Jericho. It was a small session but the tunes were mighty (and the food was good too!) and a good time was had by all. We sat in our circle drank beer and played for about 2 hours and then packed it up.

As I was packing up my fiddle, and getting ready to go, this older gentleman who was sitting at the table next to us listening intently, told me how much he appreciated our music. He told me that his wife had died a year ago, and his mother had died 3 years prior. His family was Irish so he grew up listening to Irish music and when he heard us play it reminded him of days gone by with his beloved family. He told me he goes out to hear music as much as he can and that this music was “just lovely.”

I guess it’s just a reminder that when you’re playing in a session, having a great time, listening to and sharing tunes, to be aware of your surroundings and know that the music you’re creating is living far outside the circle.

There is another session tonight (Oct. 3) at the Jericho Cafe in Jericho, VT from 7-9pm. Hope to see you there!