RE: [Harp-L] An illustrative story.

["David R. Fertig" <dfertig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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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