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

[Mike Wilbur <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Warren I would agree that more early opportunities to Jam, late afternoon or early evening 
Would be a good idea...smaller groups too.
And the atomic solo's can be overwhelming....but we do like skill and challenge.

Mike Wilbur


On Sep 2, 2013, at 10:04 AM, Warren Bee <wbharptime2@xxxxxxxxx> 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. 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