The Gathering

This session takes place within Stagg's Lounge on the first Monday of the month. The pub is situated in North High Street just behind The Brunton Hall and the beer is good.

There has been a session here for over ten years now although it temporarily ceased for a few months until it was revived by Jack (our own Jack C ) in 2001. Since then, it has operated on a monthly basis as opposed to every week.

We have had many people pass through the doors over this period but, generally, the repertoire has been a roughly 50-50 mixture of songs and tunes with the occasional piece of poetry and story telling thrown in for good measure. There is no session leader as such and generally it's a "round the room" format although not quite as strict as a formal singaround. Generally, when someone starts a set of tunes or song, people are encouraged to join in... more often than not.
Obviously, in some cases, this isn't possible or it might be inappropriate. However, it's usually fairly obvious.

Unfortunately, numbers have fallen a little over the last few months mostly due to natural displacement etc and a few more people coming along would be very welcome to build up "the core" again. As I say, there are no strict rules and the flow of the evening can(it often is) be adapted to suit those present.

Until recently, this session was mainly advertised by "word of mouth" but I now feel the time has come to give it an extra push.

If you wish any further info, please feel to send me a private messge.

The reason I haven't been for a long time is simply transport - late bus services from there were cut back too far to make it feasible (I need to change buses in the city centre). Have they improved again?

The last 141 seems to be about 22.35 but we finish up about 23.00 anyway.
I don't see any problem with us having an earlier start (say from 20.00) though if enough people were interested.

Just to remind you all that our session is still running.

We had quite a good crowd last night with a good balance of musicians and singers and it was nice to see a few new faces along.

As I've already stated, everyone is welcome and it's a great wee room which we have to ourselves. It's OK for people just to come along to listen as well but the advantage is that those who do are usually interested.

We're still in business and it's nice to see new people coming along over the last few months.

However, we could still do with a few more musicians and singers etc just to ensure a regular core is maintained. After all, it's not possible for everyone to attend each time.

It's a nice wee room and very relaxed. All welcome.

I posted a message on The Argyll session thread but the new page seems to have gone astray again...!

Anyway for Alistair, John, and everyone else, here's what I wrote...

"Numbers aren't everything and I don't really like gatherings with many more than a dozen or so people.
Of course, if there are too few players or singers, then it can lack a bit of atmosphere and less experienced musicians can feel over worked and under pressure, On the other side of the coin, it can be daunting to play or sing in front of a large crowd unless it's a communal effort.

Personally, I feel that between 8-12 people is a good number although can get away with fewer if the musicians are used to playing or singing together in reasonably "tight" fashion.
Also, you can get away with more than this if musicians are self disciplined and considerate.

It's getting a happy medium which is sometimes difficult though as you don't want to be too secretive about the proceedings but then again it's less good if things get really busy. You obviously don't want to turn people away! Mind you, I know that for many of you "the more the merrier" is the desired option.

I'm sorry to hear about the demise of the venue, Alistair, but everyone is welcome to attend a wee session in Staggs in Musselburgh on the first Monday of the month. Numbers have come and gone there over the last thirteen years or more. At present, we average around eight people but there's certainly room for a few more regulars. Not everyone always comes along every week and, occasionally, especially during the summer months can get a bit low.
The management are happy to have us there and we get peace in the lounge although punters are welcome to come and listen if they wish.

The music tends to be mainly Scottish but there are no restrictions or set rules. It's not a "fast and furious" session nor a strict singaround(Though we generally give everyone their turn) and "pre-arranged sets", songs, party pieces are all welcome. Do a bit of "juggling" even, if you wish.

Sounds like a good session, JAJ, and I'm delighted to hear about it, and glad that it continues. It's unlikely that I'll get along in the near future, as I work in Glasgow on Monday evenings (GFW) and again in East Kilbride on Tuesday mornings (LGMA). If on the rare occassion I got a Monday night off I think, to be honest, I'd try to enjoy the luxury of a night at home. However, I hope that some of the disenfranchised Argyle sessioneers attempt to make the trip out to Musselburgh. Given the bus timetable change(s), perhaps an earlier start would be sensible?

Thanks, Nigel.
I realise that Monday is a difficult night for many and I seem to have things happening on most days too. There's also a lot of competition but it might suit those on the East side of town.

Buses are actually quite good from town and East Lothian but Midlothian is a lot trickier and First Bus don't seem to go there anymore. It's not a late finish though as the bar closes at 11pm on a Monday.

Like all sessions, it's as good as the people who turn up. However, it's always very relaxed environment where nobody "takes over" and it's not one of those "gladitorial" scenarios where everyone is always trying to push their way in.