Re: [Harp-L] re: Blues jam too big now

[The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx>]

You have to learn to manage as you grow. Doing the same thing the same way as the participants increase is a recipe for failure.


Reformat.



Acoustic blues jam should start to split into smaller units spread apart. More guitarist accompanists would logically follow. 


Take a tip from Augusta Heritage Blues Week....have a "Slow Blues Jam" for beginners.


Watch out for cliques forming.


Each individual blues jam could focus on different blues elements - different grooves - only 1 st position playing in this group, only third in that group, etc. Jammers may then move around to experience different aspects of diatonic blues approaches.


Smaller units lead to more participation by those in the circle, non-boring vamping, easier to hear each other, etc.

I don't know much about the jazz jams except for the comments posted, but the back up trio should mostly avoid soloing and be totally supportive of the soloing, each harmonica player should get no more than two times through the form. 


So much is pretty intuitive in how to improve these situations.


-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Bee <wbharptime2@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Mon, Sep 2, 2013 10:04 am
Subject: [Harp-L] re: Blues jam too big now


Emile,

Indeed I noticed over the years that the bigger the blues jam the less
"satisfying" it was. Joe Filisko does a wonderful job putting all of the
pieces together and playing "traffic cop" but the intimacy and fun can get
lost in the shuffle.

My observations and thoughts:

1) When the circle gets big it is a long time before it makes its way all
of the way around. When "Notable" players are hanging out outside of the
circle then many times the circle is bigger than it appears. I think this
is not so wonderful for the circle of players or the audience in the room.
>From what I understand there were issues in the past of people being left
out on a particular tune. The solution is now everybody plays. Great theory
but as I said, the longer the tune/progression goes the vibe slowly fades
and it becomes a tad tedious. Not sure of the solution but I think it needs
to stay in the circle and the rules of "how many time through the
progression per person" is firm no matter who is up to bat. Also changing
up the tune mid circle wouldn't hurt either.

2) Jams are not just for blowing your horn. They are for sharing the music.
Listening to others play and do their thing is as important as you doing
your own thing. Sitting on the edge of your seat only caring about "your
turn" is not being jam friendly. After a day of seminars and shows from the
pro's I think late night jams are a wonderful experience for the "up and
comers". Encouraging them and at the same time using discipline/ discretion
when it is the turn of the better players keeps the intimidation factor
low. Being in the "group moment" is what a jam participant should strive
for. If the circle is full of soloists and show offs it loses the "magic".
Nothing is more entertaining at a jam than some humor and interplay between
the participants. I look at late night jams as a celebration of the music
more than a demonstration of music.

3)  Michael Rubin has taken control of the morning jam. All I hear is great
feedback. One of issues for some is how late the jams are. Hallway jams are
awesome and important but the concept of more opportunities throughout the
day of organized jams would appeal to many I think. This would also
potentially keep the late jams a little more manageable with a few less
players getting their "fix" during the day.

My thoughts on the jazz jams in the bar area. Always way too loud and many
times too ego driven. Playing a solo on a tune and then running to get back
on line for another one on the next tune is a bit much. Sharing the stage
with others is a celebration of the music. The same heavy hitters one after
another turns into another demonstration. Because these jams are in a very
public area with people spending money for food and drinks the audience
really matters at these jams.

WB