Just wanted to share a positive open mic experience during a recent business trip to Chicago. I first learned of Bill's Blues Bar in Evanston via Harp-L., when Evan Meagher first posted about his experience. (Evan, if you are out there, this was a last minute trip for me. I checked all the harp players on the list last night, but I don't think you were there. I definately owe you a beer after last night's experience.)
The Jam starts at 8:30 on Tuesdays and was hosted by the "Two for Blue" band. A solid Chicago Blues Band, harp player included, by the name of Blake...a really nice guy. I got there a little before 8:30 to scope out the scene. The band was still setting up and doing sound checks, they were acknowleding anyone walking in the door with a friendly hello. I strolled to the bar, took a stool and ordered my usual Sam Adams. A few other guys come thru the door with guitars slung over their shoulders, signed up on the pad at the corner of the bar and took their customary seats. It's obvious everyone here are regulars to the jam. The first set starts to take off with the house band and the night has begun. I find my self swaying with the music and my feet are tapping...I'm hooked. I thought, what the hell, no one knows me here...let's sign up.
As I write down my name and craft, I notice I'm about the 10th guy on the list and the only harmonica player...cool. I wander back to my seat with my heart pounding in my chest and wonder, why am I so nervous, I've done this back home plenty of times.
Two for Blue finished the warm up set and took 5, while the lead man, Tom begins to review the sign up list, putting together a make shift band of blues brothers. Thinking I have to be a part of the first set I reach into my jacket and pull out the three Oskers I have with me, C, A and D, but no, wait, was it Josh he just called up to blow harp? Josh , I saw, wandered into the bar earlier, nodded to a few around the place, signed the sheet, proceeded to his usual table and began gussing.
Oh, I get it. The "Old Boys Club". No worries, I'm settled in for the night, it's early, I'll get my chance to play, so I order my second Sam Adams.
As the second set begins, Tom takes the stool next to me. "Jeff right? You play harp? Haven't seen you around before. As I tell him it's my first time, I had about the jam and since I was in town, thought I would check it out..... I was thinking to myself.... How the hell does this guy know who I am? In hindsight, it was probably because I was the only guy not leaning on a guitar.
"Listen" he says, we're doing things a little differently than usual tonight. There is an agent in the crowd tonight, so my band is going to take the stage on the next set and play a few, then I'll get you up on the following set."
"No worries, Thanks"
Two for Blue take the stage and lay down a cornicopia of blues styles, fast and rockin, jumpin boogie, slow grooves and a dedication song to a past band member, who must have passed away. The band wraps up, they take 5, the sign up sheet is being reviewed and at this time my heart starts racing, because I know my turn is coming up.
No, wait, he just said Paul on harp and vocals! The "Old Boys Club" is alive and well. I had just noticed Paul walk in to the bar not 10 minutes ago. You know a harp player can always spot another harp player.
Oh well, what you're going to do....so I sit back and savor the music and atmosphere.
Tom strolls over to my bar stool, "Jeff, look after this set, I'm going to team you up with an acoustic guitar player."
"That's cool, no problem." Damnit, I say to myself, all night harp players have been playing thru green bullets, blues blasters, and other forms of distortion.....hey I can add some slop and make it sound like it belongs just as well as the next guy, but no....I'm now the "Wiggins" of a "Cephas and Wiggins" duo......only one problem.....I'm certainly no "Wiggins"
So my partner and I make the journey to the stage, for me a long journey. As we are setting up, talking about what keys to play in, I see out of the corner of my eye, other guitar players heading to the stage, and a drummer! Hey this might not turn out to be as bad as I thought! The set begins.
We begin with what I remember, as an Allman Brothers tune.....can't remember the tunes in between, but know we finished up the set with Maybelline. As we are wrapping up, Tom grabs his guitar steps up on stage with us and says there is a local vocal legend in the house that's coming up to do one song. His first name was Freddy, but don't recall the last. At this point, I know it's my cue to exit stage right. I grap my harps and begin to make my way off stage, when Tom places a hand on my shoulder and says" Man, you ain't going nowhere, blow some harp and make her wail!" So we start a rip roaring version of 21 days.
After my half hour in the limelight, I slowly begin to regain the confidence I have lost over the last month regarding my harmonica skills. All the other harmonica players in the house were complimentary of my playing. However, I think sometimes this is just professional courtesy. I believe the true test is the guy sitting on the bar stool, who doesn't play an instrument, just there for the music, looks at you and says, "Man, you play a mean harp!" Now, that speaks volumes.
I suddlenly realize, it wasn't the "Old Boys Club" at work, but Tom knew how to group his regular players allowing everyone to shine and have their moment. As I was leaving, he invited me back on my next time in town. Blake caught me outside, letting me know he also hosts another jam in North Chicago and invited me to drop in.
All in All, it was a great open mic experience. The crowd was supportive, the music was great, the beer
was cold, the jam was very well organized and fair. At the end of the night, I felt like a part of the "Old Boys Club." My hat is off to Tom, Blake and the other members of the Two for Blue band and to Bill's Blues Bar for hosting the jam and giving us blues wanna be's a place to grow our craft. I highly recommend this joint for anyone passing thru Chicago.
Evan, maybe our paths will cross and I can make good on that beer.
To my friends and fellow harp players back home, in order to prove I actually played this place, I asked Gus to take a few photos with my cell...which he did, but neglected to hit the save button....so once again, you'll have to take my word this night actually happened.
Jeff "Harpin Homer" _______________________________________________ Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l