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

[AV1901@xxxxxxx]

Ah.... the blues jam issue. Politics, etiquette, rules, etc.

First off, I'm never really sure if I'm a "pro" or not. But then how many harp players can earn a living which supports a family in the year 2005 by playing music? Not many (Based on the gig list, band web sites, etc.) 

This "pro" term is thrown around quite a bit. Like I'm guessing many here on Harp-L I have a day job that pays the bills and (provides me with health care benefits, etc.). In 2004, I played @ 60 paying gigs in a 4 state area (band and some accoustic duo -from biker outings to local taverns to private parties to the Hotel DuPont) and have a non-paying gig as part of the house band at a weekly jam. 

There are many types of blues jams and the atmosphere and expectations at every jam I've been to are different. Some are tightly controlled with sign-ups and a very organized approach where others are more loosely run. Some have more experienced players where others have more inexperienced players. Some work for listening and collaboration and dynamics and groove where others are based on competition (how loud can I be? How many notes/riffs can I play?)

As a blues harp player, the best musical advice I ever received was at a weekly jam I went to just about every Monday over a decade ago run by Jim McCarthy. He said if you want to ENJOY playing harp, you HAVE to sing and front the songs you do. This gives you a control of the tempo, key, solos, and types of songs you'll do. 

I must admit, a bit sheepishly, that I still enjoy going to a jam I've never been to before where I am an unknown quantity. I enjoy that look you get from the jam leader that says, 

*hey, this harp guy can play*

I love that moment where you look around at guys on stage you've never met before, and realize that, hey - we're making some pretty good MUSIC together. I may not know each musician as a person, but we have a common thread and background holding us together musically.

As far as jams go, learn the politics, etiquette, rules and if you like them, do your best to fit in. If you don't like them, move on to a different/new jam or start your own. 

Andy Vincent