I hadn't thought of going to the point of learning the decoration in the same way that a fiddler would. I use decoration in song but I have always sort of developed it as part of my own way of approaching the song and not approached in a formal manner.    That could be really interesting

I have done a version on Cunla where I have put a diddled verse in ( usually in between the thighs and chin if you know the song) and it certainly made me realise that I couldn't really go about it in a half - hearted manner - otherwise it just looks as if you have forgotten the words.    I have also been doing some rhythmic scottish stuff - a rather nice version of Johnny Lad which was almost getting close to it at times as you attack the rhythm.

I was thinking of having a go at Paddy Tunney's Hurricane of reels where the chorus is a diddled version of the reel that was last mentioned.

As for doing it in sessions - well I have to put up with them playing along with my singing :)    Seriously, I haven't been thrown out yet and I try to avoid it if I can see someone has their head down trying to pick up the tune or I am somewhere I am not known.   Saying that it is not the easiest thing to control after a couple of pints and musicians have managed to pick up the tunes from me.

thanks for you help so far.   Any more ideas ?

J