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

[Joseph Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sep 2, 2013, at 10:04 AM, Warren Bee wrote:

> 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.

Right, there are usually at least 25 players. I would cut it at 11 and change tunes.  

> 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.

Right.

> 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.

At the jazz jam, only the person whom calls the tune is allowed 2 runs. 1 head & 1 improv. Everyone else get's 1 run.  

> 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.

Right.

> 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".

Right. The pros get play  and exposure time. The people with no play time paid to be there too, some came a long way too.
So they should get some consideration. Otherwise, what's the point of them even going?  

> 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.

It's a funny thing. Some years there is a lot of this and some years not so much. This year? Not so much. 

> This would also
> potentially keep the late jams a little more manageable with a few less
> players getting their "fix" during the day.

Right. Some people HAVE to get their harmonica fix. The more opportunities we give them, the more fulfilled they will be.
And as long as they're fulfilled, they won't be tempted to over play. I get my play time here, so I don't need to step on toes
at the conventions. 
> 
> My thoughts on the jazz jams in the bar area. Always way too loud and many
> times too ego driven.

'Could be'. Some things to consider about ego. While some situations may seem to be ego driven, some are the product of players
coming great distances. Then they have a psychological drive to get in some play time to make it all worthwhile. I (for example) like
to give a little latitude to those whom are foreign guests and came a long way to support our endeavor(s). 

I also tend to give a lot of slack to older players. My feelings? I hate to put it this way but we don't know how much longer we will get
to enjoy them. Some of them are sooo good, and we have already lost tons of talent. 

> 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.

Right. So I usually cut a tune when it is running too long. I also don't allow repeats on the same tune, and when another tune comes up
I shuffle people so that those whom have recently played have to wait till the UNplayed get to have a turn. I also shuffle things so everyone
gets to call their own tune if time permits. AND I keep track year to year. Next year people that didn't play much at all will be in the front of 
the lineup. 

In fact there were TWO great players whom didn't play all that much and when I asked them why, they both said something along the lines
 of what 'I' have always said: "If I didn't have something to say...I didn't". 

> Sharing the stage
> with others is a celebration of the music. The same heavy hitters one after
> another turns into another demonstration.

Right. 

> Because these jams are in a very
> public area with people spending money for food and drinks the audience
> really matters at these jams.

Right. My opinion is that the audience is everything. Otherwise, why not stay on the back porch. lolol

smo-joe   .....   great post brother Warren.  :)
> 
> WB