Re: [Harp-L] An illustrative story.



Wow now that is avery CA blues jam!


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David R. Fertig" <dfertig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2004 12:20 PM
Subject: RE: [Harp-L] An illustrative story.


> Jams and gigs are two different monsters.  And sitting in on a gig, is
> different as well.
>
> One thing I occasionally find lacking in other harp players (indeed, other
> players generally) is generosity, sharing and humility.   After a song,
> offer to step down.  IF you're asked back, that's a boost, indeed.  If
> you're not asked back up, you've refrained from foisting yourself on an
> unappreciative audience.   They appreciate that, too.  And they may ask
you
> back sooner, knowing you won't be a hog.   And buttonhole players later
for
> feedback, sometimes it's helpful.
>
> At our Elmtree Blues Society jams (here in Pasadena, CA) usually only
> players are invited, no audience.  We will have some good ol' pros and
some
> real raw newbies, ages from 10 to 80, with pro equip and a laid back
> open-ness.   My approach (as the self-anointed Impresario of the EBS) is
> that without an audience, the playing is for the players, it reduces
> performance anxiety for the newbies and give kids and newbies a chance to
> play with the real pros with no risk.   And everyone has fun.
>
> It's gut bucket blues under a tree, and anything is allowed as long as
> you're polite and sharing.  People come back, including the pros, because
> it aint' about cutting heads, just celebrating making music.  But some
> don't get invited back, if they're not cool about being relaxed,
supportive
> and sharing.  Of course, I'm talking more about plank-spankers than
> gobironists.
>
> At gigs of course the paid muso's need to get the job done, so if they
> invite you up you'd damned well better not detract from their sound, no
> matter how thrilled you are!
>
> But I for one love seeing newbies get the thrill and be given a chance,
> even if it makes me cringe occasionally.
>
> And finally, it seems that alcohol, etc., is a common factor in
trainwrecks
> and poor listening skills.   Liquid courage is also a liquid earmuff.  And
> weed may relax you, but also make it harder to keep track.   Moderation in
> all things, my children.   (Including moderation, but that's another
issue...)
>
> Of course, I know the rules, someday I hope to follow them.
>
> _Dave "Dr. D" Fertig
> ELmtree Blues Society  "Where the only dues you pay are the blues you
play!"
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Setting the aim is a factor in jams
>
> At 01:34 PM 10/30/2004, IcemanLE@xxxxxxx wrote:
> >Jam Sessions are one remedy for a musician's lack of stage experience.
> >
> >Over the years, I have seen quite a few players go from awful to
> >listenable using the jam stage.
> >
> >As Mojo Red points out, there are those clueless beings ignorant of their
> >consistant negative effect on the music, but isn't this a realistic
> >reflection of other aspects of our lives that are criss crossed with the
> >idiots that do exist out there?
> >
> >Responsible jam sessions encourage the learning necessary for raising a
> >musicians awareness and abilities.
> >
> >The Iceman
> >_______________________________________________
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> >Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
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>
> _______________________________________________
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