Re: [Harp-L] Re: Open Jams

[Michael Easton <diachrome@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Aug 25, 2005, at 12:14 PM, icemanle@xxxxxxx wrote:

> This is a good idea, but try to have the host band limit their set  
> to 1/2 hr or so, just to warm up the room.
>
> I've been to too many jams where the bar was full of jammers  
> waiting to play and the host band plays 45 min - hour, takes a 20  
> minute break and then begins the jamming.

I'm involved with 2 jams. The one my band host as the house band and  
the one Merx mentioned.   The town were my band host the jam is more  
of a rock musician town then blues.  The quality of the local players  
that come into the bar is pretty bad. Some are rank beginners on  
their instrument.  Week after week we back up new guitarists wanting  
to play either Red House <snore> or some Allman Bros. tune they  
aren't qualified to play given their limited ablility.

Luckily some of our blues playing friends make the trek and help to  
keep the sit-ins from being a total train wreck.
While we have managed to fill up the bar/restaurant on a monday night  
over the past 8 months I'm starting to notice patrons leaving when it  
comes time to call up jammers.  On average there are maybe 4-6  
jammers and about 60 patrons.  The quality of the product tends to  
drop when the locals sit in.  We do play the first set then call the  
jammers up for the last hour. It's only a 3 hour gig. In our  
situation, most of the people are there to hear us rather then hear  
the jammers.
> Remember, the jammers are not really there to hear the host band.  
> The jammers only get 2 - 3 songs to show their stuff, too.

Actually they should be there to hear us. :-) We try to give everyone  
at least 2 songs but we cut it short if they make a mess of it or  
invite them to come back the following week if they are good.

As with any jam the musicians should know the music that is being  
offered. It's not a showcase for their ego or to show off to their  
friends.
> However, if there is no one there yet, the host band fills the hole.
> Also, have the host band be ready to call up the jammers as soon as  
> they finish instead of taking a 20 minute break and then calling up  
> the jammers.

Now the other jam is one I use to host for the local blues society.  
It has been in existence since 1997.  We had to move from our old  
location last fall due to hurricane related flooding.  The new home  
is based at a 40 et 8 club which is a vets social club.  It is open  
to the public on thursday nights when we host the jam.

Things have gotten way out of hand since the move with both musicians  
and audience attendance.  Since the social club is on a large piece  
of property in the woods musicians and audience spill out onto the  
porch to drink, socialize and hear the music.  Unfortunately  
musicians starting to show up from nowhere. Mostly horn players.   
There are more players then we can arrange groups so some guys get  
cut while others get bumped.

It has become a very complicated mess with rookie players, pro divas/ 
guitar gods and not enough of some players and too many of others.
I pushed to have the host finally get paid after doing it on and off  
for free for 8 years.

The problem will be solved but I'm afraid some musicians will have to  
be cut from the jam to make room for those that really know how to  
and want to play the music we support which is blues.

mike