Re: [Harp-L] Old Boys' Network

[jeffwind@xxxxxxx]

David......I wasn't sure what discussions would be generated from my post about Bill's Blues bar, but I  must say your reponse has made me view "The old boys club" and jams themselves in a different light.  Being relatively new to the amatuer music scene, I never thought about it in terms or the bar owner, jam host and other patrons.  And now that you mention it, in an earlier set, he asked if I sang.  Maybe once I truly become comfortable with my harp playing, I'll tackle the task of singing and playing harp.

Thanks for opening my eyes and I will certainly take your tips for jams to heart.

Jeff
-------------- Original message from "David Brown" <nonidesign@xxxxxxxxx>: -------------- 


> Often the deal is that the person/band running the open jam is getting paid 
> by the bar owner who wants to see a $ return on his investment. The 
> coordinator of the jam wants the regulars up first so that they show up 
> repeatedly for more jams. Keeping the regular crowd of players happy and 
> returning translates into liquor sales for the bar owner, who then continues 
> to support the jam. I've played sooooooooooooo many open stages, all over 
> the country and planet, and I accept the usual routine because I know that's 
> the dope on how these jams run. If you return to the open stage regularaly, 
> at some time you too will have "paid your dues" and become part of the 
> "first up" crowd. Is it fair? No. Is it what keeps jams from folding? Yes. 
> 
> Now, a good host will get his regular band up and out in, say, 45 minutes. 
> That keeps the non players in the audience happy as they get to see a slice 
> of a "regular" band gig. After that the sets of rotating groups, consisting 
> of people thrown together from the sign up lists get theiur chance at 
> varying lengths of time depending on the number of players in each set. 
> 
> The problem is when whole bands come no to do a set and hog up the time, or 
> when there (and there usually is ) 500 guitar players who think this is 
> their solo moment of glory. 
> 
> Some tips: 
> - If you can sing as well as play harp you will almost alwyas get up faster 
> than just listing harp. 
> - If you know how NOT to play over a vocalist, you will not get stabbed to 
> death. Unfortunately many MANY guitarists do not know this rule and still 
> seem to escape stabbings. 
> - There are many "Gus" players who don't know that being in the set, and on 
> the stage, is the only time it is acceptable to play. I've actually seem 
> guitarists plug into wall sockets in the audience, turn on their amps, and 
> start playing AT the players on the stage. Madnesss........ 
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