Haven't done that in a while--First Blues jam in like 20 years...

[furry]

Wow! It was a lot of fun, but man, whatever happened to dynamics?...

Just kidding really. I didn't expect much, and it was actually a blast. met a couple of really cool players, and realized that I really enjoy that sort of spontaneous interaction. there wasn't a house band, so it was just a bunch of random guys winging it.

I think I'll be back for more in a few weeks.

[Twangmaster]

so I assume you had a good time...:band


I've been hitting some of those things locally here lately, and I've always had a great time. It helps me get my playing out 'fix' without the hassle of organizing, abusing, berating, and otherwise trying to put a band together and get bookings. and sometimes, Music even comes out of the mix!

[Swain]

I am extremely lucky, as I have found a Thursday Night Jam Session within about 5 Miles of my house. And it's probably the best one around!
Some of the best Musicians in the State are there all the time. And everyone plays together! No one gets up there and wanks too much (besides me, of course! LOL), or they get the Hook.
The whole crowd is basically Musicians. More Drummers, Bassists and Harp Players than Guitarists, many nights. Which is extremely cool!
In fact, I don't think any of the Musicians actually tell people about this place. It's kind of like "Our Little Secret".

Anyway, it's awesome to have such a great Jam, so easily accessible.

[A-City Man]

I started playing again after a 25-year layoff. At the university where I teach, I have formed a band for jamming made up of my PhD composition students on bass, drums, and, soon, keyboards. These guys are very eager to play. Here's something from two weeks ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed_gLmhHRes.

[RickC]

Yeah, dynamics. "Trying" to get that to happen at an open blues jam can be a challenge, and fun, and a good way to improve as a musician. Sometimes it just takes someone to lead in that direction. My favorite part of blues jammin is when that happens; when near or total strangers lock, and make music.

/rick

[pula58]

dynamics at a blues jam happens rarely for me. A lot of times the players are not paying attention to eachother. You got to look at eachother when you play!

[hasserl]

dynamics at a blues jam happens rarely for me. A lot of times the players are not paying attention to eachother. You got to look at eachother when you play!

+1 Volume issues are the number 1 issue at blues jams. People tend to fixate on themselves and not on the overall sound, happens all the time. It's not an easy thing to achieve in a short 20 minute set with strangers playing together. Some guys don't get it no matter how many jams to attend. Dynamics is something that many bands never learn, and is the reason for much strife and even breaking up of bands. To achieve it at a jam is a bit of a miracle, I suppose. But when you get a set of good or experienced musicians together on a set, it can be really, really good. There is an enjoyment to those moments that I don't think I can find doing rehearsed songs with a band. But those moments are the exception, not the rule.

I host regular jams, several times a month. Many of our regulars are folks just getting their first exposure to playing with others; or like the OP the first time in many years playing with others, or playing on stage in front of an audience. For so many of those folks their attention is being diverted in so many ways that paying attention to dynamics or overall sound of the group never even comes to mind. Eh, what are you going to do? Ban them from ever playing? Nah, we're not a "pro" jam for that very reason.

I've seen many players that have honed their skills in so many ways from attending my jams, and I think that is very cool, makes it worth it to me to continue doing it. I particularly like it when kids in their teens or twenties come out, I give them as much encouragement and support as I can. It can be tough at first, but to see a young musician grow in skill, that is a fine thing to experience.

Then there's those guys that just don't seem to get it, who never show any improvement at all. But they enjoy it too. I like having a place that welcomes everyone, even them. It does try my patience at times though, I have to admit.

[Anthony Gring]

a classic rock band I did for 10 years. I play in church about three Sundays a month. That, as you can imagine, is fairly restrained and controlled. So I'm thinking of checking out some blues jams to get my jollies with. Could be fun??

[shark_bite]

Lumping all blues jams into one category of musicianship is silly. It all depends on the players, and some attract better ones than others. Last night Ray Charles' daughter came and sat in at the one I go to every week. It's not all blooze nazis in bowling shirts, or lawyers emerging from the bedroom with their shiny PRSi. And sometimes that's exactly what it is. Doofuses who have no idea what they're doing.

[MuseCafeChris]

You got to look at eachother when you play!
It helps, but the key is to listen.

[pula58]

Lumping all blues jams into one category of musicianship is silly. It all depends on the players, and some attract better ones than others. Last night Ray Charles' daughter came and sat in at the one I go to every week. It's not all blooze nazis in bowling shirts, or lawyers emerging from the bedroom with their shiny PRSi. And sometimes that's exactly what it is. Doofuses who have no idea what they're doing.


:BluesBrosWhat's with the bowling shirts and blues hats?

[Donn Rowe]

I think they can be lots of fun ! After a long time off the horse (rock player) I'm getting better at it after going for awhile..Listening is the key to it all..:)