[Harp-L] Running Jams (was LRBC Pro AM Jam:)

[larryboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

This is a great thread, and lesson on how to run jams and what a player should
understand about it.  There is usually one guy, like Bret, Little Big Boy,who
is 'in-charge'.  I've seen guys get ugly because they didn't get to play right
away or with whom they wanted.  Its a tough job managing the jam and dealing
with the egos.  I haven't been to Bret's jam at the Zoo Bar (so named because
its across the street from the National Zoo in DC), but I hear from players who
have, that its very well run.  I'm going to show up one of these Thursday
night, Bret.

The DC Blues Society used to run a jam in a different sort of way.  Instead of
the usual sign-up sheet, they had 15 minute blocks of time on a sheet of paper.
 Each block listed instruments, Guitar 1, Guitar 2, Bass, Drums, Harp, Vocal,
Other.  You signed up for a specified time slot.  This way you knew exactly
when you were scheduled to get up.  Whole bands could sign up for a slot. 
There was a lot less "management of the groupings" which had wide ranging
results.  It was risky, for sure, and sometimes the grouping didn't work that
well.  But frankly that was rare.  I liked that approach because it got you a
mix of players that often resulted in great performances that might not have
otherwise happened.  

Best Regards to All,

Larry Boy Pratt
www.parkhousejam.com


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