RE: [Harp-L] Re: San Francisco/Amateurs and pros

"Eric Neumann" <eneumann@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> · Wed, 26 Jan 2005 10:08:36 -0600

Every open jam I ever attended was only "really serious" up on stage.
The patrons don't usually seem to be rapt by the goings on of the band -
even when the pros are at it.

One thing about open mic, or open jams, whatever you call them - is that
there will always be some degree of politics. One must expect to arrive
at the bottom rung of the pecking order when attending a new venue to
play. For instance, here on this list I am certain there are many, many
pro players - and yet, a host wouldn't know you from Adam should you be
down for shot to play.

Whether you are a seasoned verteran or a rank beginner, open jams are
always a situation where it pays to be on your best behavior - which
might also include tea totaling before you earn your regular spot on the
role.

At least... that's how it was "back in my day". 

I think back to my first times and I do appreciate the hard learned
lessons giving to me by other musicians - and that is why today I feel
comfortable playing with any level of musician.

>-----Original Message-----
>From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx 
>[mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bill Hines
>Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 9:53 AM
>To: larryboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Re: San Francisco/Amateurs and pros
>
>
>I agree Larry. Amateurs should not be banned from open jams. 
>They should be considerate and pick their spots carefully, 
>perhaps with help from the jam host. They shouldn't be up 
>there in prime time screwing up some enjoyable groove, it's 
>not good for them or the audience. Part of the host's 
>difficult job is to manage some of this. I really don't care 
>much about the pros being "embarrassed", they DID come to an 
>open jam and should expect the unexpected after all! There are 
>some that come to these things for yet another chance to "feed 
>the ego", but I don't think that's the purpose of most of 
>these open jams. They have bands and should remember that 
>these are the *only* chance for many folks to play in a group 
>setting, and not hog that space from them. I think there are 
>fewer pros like this than there are amateurs who come when 
>they are not quite ready. Any amateur that comes should be 
>prepared (and eager) to receive feedback from the jam host 
>and/or pros on what to work on, what they did well and not so 
>well. If they can't handle that, then they should be used 
>cautiously, as they probably won't improve anyway.
>
>Bill
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx 
>[mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of 
>larryboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 10:40 AM
>To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: [Harp-L] Re: San Francisco/Amateurs and pros
>
>
>I may have gotten out of bed on the wrong side today, but I 
>have to take a contrarian position on some of the things 
>alluded to in this thread. I fully agree with Richard's 
>enumeration of pro vs. amateur characteristics.  And I agree 
>with most of what everybody else has said, except, there seems 
>to be an undercurrent, that amateurs should sit and watch and 
>some how it's ok if a pro puts the amateur in their place 
>(i.e. off the stage).  This rubs me the wrong
>way.......bigtime.    If a pro wants to play with pro players 
>only, then
>he/she
>should go to a "by-invitation-only" jam.  Blues jams are by 
>their very nature "open".  That means that anyone who signs up 
>gets to play.  I have no problem with giving the pros more 
>time and trying to match players of "similar" abilities.  This 
>is very hard work for the host and is often overlooked by the 
>attendees eager for their time to play.  If a pro-player comes 
>to a jam, then this is what he/she should expect.  The comment 
>was made "No pro wants to be around anything that can 
>needlessly embarass them in any way....."  Hey guess what?  No 
>amateur wants to be needlessly embarrassed either.  
>Embarrassing someone is rude behavior. There is no excuse for 
>being rude.  Part of being a pro is not being rude, especially 
>to other musicians who admire you.  Having said that, I've 
>experience much more rudeness from amateurs than any pro 
>player.  An open blues jam is open.  Its not anybody's private 
>party. But these jams are the primary venue for new players to 
>work with other musicians. 
>After woodshedding, its time to see what you can do in a live 
>environment.  
>Everyone should check their ego at the door.
>
>Best Regards to All,
>
>Larry Boy Pratt
>www.parkhousejam.com
>
>PS: Sorry if I seem cranky this morning.  I was up late at a 
>blues jam last night!
>
>
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