There's a new traditional folk music session starting at the Horse & Jockey pub in Stanford in the Vale, near Faringdon. It's starting on Thu 17th October, 8pm and will run every 2nd Thursday of the month from November onwards. A session is an an informal evening of traditional folk tunes and songs. Come and play, sing, join in with the choruses and or listen and soak up the atmosphere - you're all welcome.
How to get there
Address: The Horse & Jockey, 25 Faringdon Road, Stanford in the Vale, Faringdon, SN7 8NN. Big car park available. (No sensible public transport options, I'm afraid.)
What's a folk session like?
The music is mostly traditional folk tunes and songs, or music written in that style. The format is fairly informal. People sit in the area to the right of the bar as you come into the Horse & Jockey. They will play tunes, sing songs, tell stories, recite a poem or just listen. There are natural pauses between the music etc and people can jump in and start a tune, sing a song etc. Or if you'd prefer, find Jane who is hosting the session, and she'll make sure you get a chance to take your turn.
FAQs
What kind of music is it?
Tunes and songs mostly from England but also further afield. Here's an idea of what kind music you might hear: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4rGlUmThS7mqopZuqbdwLl
Exactly what the session sounds like depends on who is there and what music they're sharing.
I'd like to learn some tunes before I come. Where can I find the music?
We're going to make sure that we play these tunes, and there are links to written music and recordings:
- Three Around Three in G
https://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/52463
- The Moon and Seven Stars in D
https://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/176746
- The Man in the Moon in G
https://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/174116
- Princess Royal in G
https://thesession.org/tunes/905 (version no 10)
We will also play other tunes, but we won't know exactly which ones until we know who is playing and which tunes they want to play. It's fair to say that most tunes will be in G, D, C or the relative minor keys.
Most folk musicians don't use sheet music when they play in sessions as it is common for tunes to be played from memory, but you are welcome to bring sheet music if you find that helpful.
What instruments can join in?
There aren’t hard and fast rules, but it’s about what blends well with the other instruments. You will find a variety of instruments at a folk session, for instance violin, tin whistle, melodeon or accordion, flute, mandolin, concertina, clarinet, guitar, spoons, bones and bodhran. We welcome any non-amplified instruments.
I don't know the words to the songs
Some songs are for listening to. Some songs have an easy chorus, that you can pick up as we go along. We're going to print the words to some of the songs, so that people can join in more easily.
Do I have to join in?
Just by listening and enjoying the evening, you'll be taking part. You don't have to sing or play, but if you'd like to that would be great.
If you have any other questions, please ask. Hope to see you at the session! Contact jane.bird [at] gmail.com