[Harp-L] RE: Harp-L Digest, Vol 79, Issue 61

["Bill Kumpe" <bkumpe@xxxxxxx>]

Will Greener said: 

1. For jam organisers: get a "critical mass" of regular jammers who are
supportive / respectful of the event and who are welcoming of new faces.
This sets the right tone (musically and socially).

2. For more experienced players: embrace the role of "jam glue" and the
challenge of playing with new faces / less experienced musicians. The
man/lady with the list has a much easier job if (s)he knows (s)he can call
on you to help sets run smoothly.

-------------------------------------------------

There is so much wisdom in those two little rules, I thought they bore
repeating.  Your advice is dead on (or spot on as you say in the UK).  If
you have half a dozen good musicians in the room that are patient and
flexible, everybody can have an awfully nice evening.  Bad musicians will
sound better, developing musicians will learn and sound good and the crowd
will not walk out.  But, without those "anchor players" it's kind of like
trying to kiss your girlfriend while your both wearing football helmets.

Bill Kumpe