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'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK?
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Barry Finn Date: 06 Jul 99 - 08:22 PM Hi Dan, as a bodhran player I take no offense, I give you the gun & the 4 bullets. I used to play sessions 4-7 nights a week for years until became in the family way now it's maybe 1 every couple months. If there were more drummers than was tastefully called, drummers that I knew would nod or make motion that they'd like to join in "could I please have a shot" or "I've just played a couple tunes why don't you jump in for awhile". My old roommate & the only father of my drums used to play (until he got family) alot of the same sessions & we'd go back & forth swapping turns & once & awhile we'd back in behind the other's style & complement the other maybe using a backbeat or one keeping the strong rythnm & the other a soft embellishment. Trouble is when 4 or 7 drummers walk in at once it's a good bet they don't all know each other & the levels of experence most likely will be erratic & 7 drums will never sound as nice as 7 fiddles, 7 banjos...hum. If I sit out most of the night it's ok, a couple or 3 is alright but it is a bummer when a session takes a dive for no good reason, especially since some or maybe even most sessions can be so dam temperamental to start with. You really never know what you're walking into do you? Some nights are diamonds...., with more modesty, good manners and common sense that you mention they'd be far more gems. The singer's session a few weeks ago could've been elite with all the great singers that poured out from the woodwork but that same taste, sense & manners had to've made it one of the best singing sessions I ever witnessed. Some sessions are great few are magical. Most of the other magical sessions I've seen were usually spontaneous ones at a festival or a party. AndyG, Hi, I've sat at that end of the bar a bit too & I don't even like to drink that much. Don't avoid the session just sit out if they're overwhelming it & in a sensitive way let them know that they're being rude & you won't partake until a little more awareness of each other is evident so that you all can share without hammering nails into a coffin.
Mick, Thanks for the warm backing, still no elite warriors.
SeanM, it's been 20 years since I lived in the Marina area of San Francisco & I really looked forward to those shanty sings, only been back a couple times to visit in-laws so I tried to gear them to the sings. Barry
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Mudjack Date: 06 Jul 99 - 09:37 PM For those that think a jam should be perfect and elite should keep in mind how perfect by design the asshole is Oh, I guess they already know about that. Anyone that can rustle up the courage to go forth with their attemps at music deserve a fair shot. When folks gather by invitation only to an "elite" gathering it is usually a show of who has the longest nose. Jam critics or song cops will always be at these gatherings. Tolerating them can be more challengeing than a new pickers and singers. I've been to invitation only gatherings and was very impressed to be asked thinking that all my practice and efforts have progressed me to the big leagues. It was fun and really good quality of music making, but the rewards of being in a common song circle or jam is truly a better setting. I usually try and feel for the music and watch progress make it's mark. Some folks improve with leaps and bounds and others will always come to a gathering and fumble with their efforts. They usually don't invest prep time to what they present or share and more often than not it shows. But at an open jam or SC, we better be tolerable to all who participate and most of all give support to their efforts. When you say elite, I expect that to mean by invitation only. There are all levels of gatherings, I know of several that comprize of two or three in their tight little group. It's a practice session and they sound real good like predictable good. No variety and it's done to perfection, by design. Mudjack |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: bseed(charleskratz) Date: 06 Jul 99 - 09:39 PM Aw, Gargoyle, I cain't play in yore seshun? --seed |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: gargoyle Date: 06 Jul 99 - 11:15 PM
You like a DARK-ROOM best! |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: gargoyle Date: 06 Jul 99 - 11:27 PM A great memory...it combined professionals who understood their roots and amatuers who loved to play.
1970 - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Encoure, after encoure after encoure. Wonderful. Pure professionalism.
Concert broke up after midnight....each bamd member went with a different member of the community back to the local home neighborhoods. The playing and jamming, and sharing a laughing went on in little pockets behind the redwood curtain until the break of day.
There is no doubt in my mind why the Dirt Band were first Western group invited to "break the iron curtain." |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: gargoyle Date: 06 Jul 99 - 11:45 PM My most sophomoric and groundless Mr. Seed.
I suggest that you follow this thread and do what you do best....Play With Yourself |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: bseed(charleskratz) Date: 07 Jul 99 - 04:11 AM Thanks for the link, Gargoyle. Now maybe someone will find it and I won't have to refresh it. --seed |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Divine Wilygoatess (inactive) Date: 07 Jul 99 - 02:54 PM Well around here, that would be Pennsylvania...the Lehigh Valley to be more precise we have several jams. On any given night you can find at least one (blues) jam or open mike of sorts taking place. The purpose of the jams around here is for people to get together and have a learning experience. Regardless of your level of skill or how something should be played, all present are very open minded about what is going on. You are given an opportunity to sometimes play with people you have never played with before...regarless of whether or not they are on the same level of talent that you are or whether or not they agree with how you play your pieces musically. You may also be given the opportunity to play with your favorite musician who may be in another band. Music is about expression, regardless of whether it is the blues, jazz, irish, etc. and the purpose of a jam is just that to jam. If you are jamming by rights you should not be staying within the confines of how a specific song was written, the person playing should be allowed to express themselves no matter how poorly or how well others think he/she (must be politically correct I suppose) is playing. Around here jams are a place to be able to practice and work out the knots in what you are doing. All involved are supportive and will offer constructive critism and help. It is a place to have fun and to get everyone from all aspects of the culture involved with one another and to network and learn. If this is not how the jams you are attending run, I would seriously consider finding another jam or open mike to attend. It is my strong belief that this is how a jam should be and no one regardless of how they play or at what level they play should be excluded. That is not what music is about. Music is the universal language, something that everyone can understand and learn from regardless of culture, race, etc. and making it 'elite' would be taking away from that. It brings people together like nothing else in the world can, why degrade that by only allowing certain people to play. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Divine Wilygoatess (inactive) Date: 07 Jul 99 - 03:14 PM I have to add as an anecdote. I was a music major in college. Voice, piano, and saxophone. I had an extremely traumatic experience and would not play or sing for quite some time. The jams in my area, along with a little help from my friends (ok that was pretty bad) have allowed me to begin again. I have been getting up and playing, singing etc. Without the supportiveness of the people around me I never would have done it. I love music more than anything. It was also always a dream of mine to play guitar. I have just started recently (have to say I am a rather quick study, impressed even myself) and I have been able to practice and learn from these jams. Elite jam sessions are more when a band is putting on a show and asks friends or fellow musicians to jam with the band. That is OK. Then it is the choice of the band that is playing...it is their show and they can call all of the shots. yours, Miss V |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: MandolinPaul Date: 07 Jul 99 - 07:18 PM I've read it above, but I'll reinforce it: If you want to restrict the people and content of your jam session, it sounds to me like what you really want is a rehearsal or a gig. Otherwise, do what you can to help others out; that way everybody has a chance of enjoying it. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: dick greenhaus Date: 07 Jul 99 - 07:52 PM Seems to me the open/restricted jam question is essentially like the folk/S-SW question... It's a matter of advertising. Clearly, there's a place--or should I say a need-- for reasonably accomplished musicians to get together and play socially. ANd there's no problem with this if they don't promote it as an open jam (and hopefully don't flaunt their exclusivity). A truly open session is a difficult place to work out more than very simple things. On t'other hand, an open session is just that: open. Both have their function.
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: dick greenhaus Date: 07 Jul 99 - 07:53 PM Seems to me the open/restricted jam question is essentially like the folk/S-SW question... It's a matter of advertising. Clearly, there's a place--or should I say a need-- for reasonably accomplished musicians to get together and play socially. ANd there's no problem with this if they don't promote it as an open jam (and hopefully don't flaunt their exclusivity). A truly open session is a difficult place to work out more than very simple things. On t'other hand, an open session is just that: open. Both have their function. It's a pain to attend one type of gathering and to find out that it's really the other type.
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Paul S Date: 07 Jul 99 - 08:01 PM You can say that again, Dick! |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Chet W. Date: 07 Jul 99 - 08:42 PM Once more to be sure, Dick? Chet |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Night Owl Date: 08 Jul 99 - 01:25 AM Geeze, Dick.....we was just having a discussion...no need to be gettin' so upset!! |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Art Thieme Date: 08 Jul 99 - 01:41 AM Mega dittos, Dick. Love, Rush |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Boarding Party (KC) Date: 10 Jul 99 - 09:32 AM In all the discussion of aperture (open/closed, restricted/unrestricted), I'm surprised there was no discussion of speed (fast, slow). There are instances of communities evolving genre-focused (celtic dance music, bluegrass) "slow" jams. Some thoughts on those. The opposite of slow, as in slow jam is not fast, just better. Slow jams not only remove irritants from "better" jams but provide a non-threatening, non-imtimidating forum for learners or those of us who will NEVER get there. They can be fun and congenial and less intense than a full session. By definition, slow jams allow any number of players of any combination of players to play at the same time. There is no known antedote to the tendancy of slow jams to play loud. Softness seems to come with mastery. For players who are capable of doing both, slow jams are (and should be) different. They are not about stretching musical envelopes and" getting tight". They are about coaching, mentoring, cajoling and passing on - all fun things to do. One of the things slow jams do is SPAWN smaller more accomolished jams in the form of new groups of the more accomplished members. Some group members may still come to the slow jam, scheduels and commitments permitting. In barershop circles [www.spebsqsa.org], this is the basic process that turns a chapter's chorus of assorted voices into individual quartets. Its called "woodshedding" as in "After the chorus rehearsal, lets us four get together in the woodshed to work on some tunes." A good way to start a slow jam is to go round the outer circle of a "better" jam whispering "My place, Thursday" in the ear. Give directions or better yet your very own computer-made brochure explaining your concept, to perfect strangers. I've followed this path for a number of years in a number of places in a number of genres and it seems to work [sometimes]. Slow Jams Rule! KC
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Boarding Party (KC) Date: 10 Jul 99 - 09:33 AM In all the discussion of aperture (open/closed, restricted/unrestricted), I'm surprised there was no discussion of speed (fast, slow). There are instances of communities evolving genre-focused (celtic dance music, bluegrass) "slow" jams. Some thoughts on those. The opposite of slow, as in slow jam is not fast, just better. Slow jams not only remove irritants from "better" jams but provide a non-threatening, non-imtimidating forum for learners or those of us who will NEVER get there. They can be fun and congenial and less intense than a full session. By definition, slow jams allow any number of players of any combination of players to play at the same time. There is no known antedote to the tendancy of slow jams to play loud. Softness seems to come with mastery. For players who are capable of doing both, slow jams are (and should be) different. They are not about stretching musical envelopes and" getting tight". They are about coaching, mentoring, cajoling and passing on - all fun things to do. One of the things slow jams do is SPAWN smaller more accomolished jams in the form of new groups of the more accomplished members. Some group members may still come to the slow jam, scheduels and commitments permitting. In barershop circles [www.spebsqsa.org], this is the basic process that turns a chapter's chorus of assorted voices into individual quartets. Its called "woodshedding" as in "After the chorus rehearsal, lets us four get together in the woodshed to work on some tunes." A good way to start a slow jam is to go round the outer circle of a "better" jam whispering "My place, Thursday" in the ear. Give directions or better yet your very own computer-made brochure explaining your concept, to perfect strangers. I've followed this path for a number of years in a number of places in a number of genres and it seems to work [sometimes]. Slow Jams Rule! KC
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: The Shambles Date: 10 Jul 99 - 01:57 PM KC King. Running at pretty much the same time as this thread was another, on the subject of Etiquette For Slow Jams, which may be of interest. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: The Shambles Date: 10 Jul 99 - 02:00 PM This is the link I was trying to do. Click here |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: WyoWoman Date: 10 Jul 99 - 02:48 PM Hey, wait! WE've got another KC... I'm going to change my name before this gets confusing. Re. the jams: Humility, grace, class and generosity are always called for, regardless of the arena. And when those are all present in a musical endeavor, it's pure heaven. (And why it's so easy to fall in love with musicians!) Since I've moved to Wyoming, I've met several people through the various kinds of music I do. I started a jam after I'd been here a few months because I missed my musician friends from New Mexico, and because I didn't see anything similar around. A few of those people are still my good, good friends, and they've introduced me to other musical gatherings and other friends. I've just started playing guitar and am ... well, I suck ... . But what always moves me is how willing the more establshed musicians are to show me a new chord, or slow it down a little so I can sort it out, or play songs in keys I know. Not that they devote the entire jam to that, but they are willing to take the time and invite me into the music making. (And I do the same with singing, when anyone wants to try a new harmony or whatever) What HASn't worked has been the people who only want to do bluegrass and have no interest in any other kind of music. (This is being discussed on another thread, so I wont' go into it here). But the upshot is that these people also haven't become my friends as the other musicians have. Their exclusivity isn't limited to their music. And I really don't have time to, nor interest in, trying to "make it" with people who set up too many barriers to my participation. On the flip side, I do try to be more aware and sensitive to the way things happen in a jam or song circle, so I go with the flow, rather than galloping in and being a bull in the musical china shop -- a sin of which I probably was guilty when I first started. (But then, I didn't have anyone to 'splain to me how things were done. As soon as someone said, "We go around in a circle and you can say whether you want accompaniment and/or harmonies..." then I knew what was expected and did it.) KC, who shall soon become WyoWoman (How do I go about changing my name for Forum purposes, anyone?) PS -- Helen, do you still have that list of 20 songs and the sheet music? I'd love to get a copy. As I said, I'm just learning to play guitar and it would be great to have a selection in those particular three keys. You can email me at kcompton@trib.com if you see this. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Bill D Date: 10 Jul 99 - 02:56 PM WyoWoman...you gotta go to the top of the threads page and click on 'profile' and hello to K.C King, (a former Wash DC folkie, who has appeared on several albums as a member of "THe Boarding Party")...see Folk Legacy pages You still in New Orleans KC?..how's it going? |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: gargoyle Date: 10 Jul 99 - 10:46 PM Hell, KC.... aka WyWoman....
What happens if I decided to become "WyWoman" also? Ain't there such as thing as "squatter's rights" or are you so easiler displaced because of a "meek temperment?"
Coming from the bad-lands of New Mexico....I doubt that "meek" is your temperment.
I once hailed from Raton/RedRiver areas....from whence did you gather your kindred? |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: gargoyle Date: 10 Jul 99 - 10:48 PM Oh - Crud
I have been guilty of "thread creap." |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Bill D Date: 10 Jul 99 - 11:00 PM try to say "thread creep" three times in a row quickly |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Boarding Party (KC) Date: 11 Jul 99 - 09:15 AM To tidy up lose ends. Sorry about casually jumping into an established session without checking to see if my "handle" was in use. Something a archtypical bhodran player might do. Is music a metaphore for life? Or vice versa? Bill, New Orleans has a fair bit of Irish session stuff and a wee bit of old timey tunes but NOT MUCH SINGING that I've found yet. Is it something about the South that breeds folks who consider it impolite or un-genteel to sing on choruses? Still looking and hoping. TOKC (The Other KC) |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Chet W. Date: 11 Jul 99 - 12:59 PM Thread Creep Alert! Audience participation thread coming. Chet |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Billy J Date: 12 Jul 99 - 06:26 PM This is very serious discussion but there is room for both, I run a session in our local pub in Co Antrim and we welcome all musicians good or bad as dont forget music is supposed to be fun, when it stops being fun and we think we are too good to play with learners, best pack it in as we have forgotten the times a good musician helped us along the road. I'm not a particulary good musician and even after many years i still get help. Patience and charity would seem to be lacking in some musicians. We run a Folk night by invitation only in order that no one feels excluded and this is run on the lines of a big gig. Billy J Antrim |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: The Shambles Date: 13 Jul 99 - 06:21 PM Billy J. I don't want to be picky, as I agree very much with all of what you say, but you lost me on the last bit. Don't the people that do not receive an invitation, feel excluded? |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Angus McSweeney Date: 13 Jul 99 - 07:39 PM Where I live (Minneapolis) we have a little place called the Homestead Pickin' Parlor that offers a back room for jams most nights of the week. The way they get around this "elite" issue is by amending the title, such as "folk music - beginners" etc, substituting the appropriate level, (i.e. intermediate, advanced) on different nights. Anyone is welcome to attend any gathering, but you have a better idea what the level will be. But in my opinion snobs and elitists exist at all levels of expertise and never add anything positive to a good folk jam. Personally, I consider myself a pretty fair guitar player...and since none of you can hear me I'm comfortable with that statement. But I have always found it fun and challenging to play with those who are not quite so far along...a like to add a few grace notes in the background or a stronger hint of rhythym than the player is capable of...something that takes nothing away from the performers arrangement but helps improve the overall sound a little bit. An if the so-called "elitists" are as good as they think they are, they should try a little patience and see if they can rise to the occassion. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: gargoyle Date: 13 Jul 99 - 09:00 PM BILLY
KUDOS, Dittos, Bravos and Accolades!!!
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: dick greenhaus Date: 14 Jul 99 - 02:03 PM A long time ago, in another ethnos... Pro and semi-pro musicians would occasionally get together to bounce musical ideas off eaach other. THis was not a reehearsal...few of them played as a group elsewhere; it wasn't an "open jam"...simply because it wasn't open. It gave accomplished musicians a chance to expand musical horizons. And it's a practice that, IMO, is sorely missed. By me, at least. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Deafboy Date: 20 Jul 99 - 09:44 AM There are 3 kinds of musicians at our session, which has been happening for 5 years now. 1)Players who practice in there home and meet to exchange tunes, play music, and have fun. 2)Musicians who have learned about 5 tunes, don't practice at home, can't keep up, but continue to insist on considering themselves an equal member of the session because the beer is free. 3)Musicians/attention starved singers who don't really know the music at all, but want to sing because there's already an audience, but, for the most part just sit, talk, and make noise the whole time. Do you know how many musicians show up to our session on most nights? At least 20!! Twenty musicians. There is absolutely NO WAY 20 musicians can sit in 1 big circle and hear each other. There must be 2 circles. Unfortunately for the inexperienced, they end up in the outer circle, but, although the experienced wouldn't mind it, the only people that have a problem with 2 circles are the inexperienced musicians.HEY!! Pay your dues, sit in the back and learn the music, or don't come!If you remain inexperienced for many years, it's because you don't practice, but you're only embarrassing yourself by standing up and threatening the experienced players that if they don't let you in the main circle, you're not going to come to the session. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: harpgirl Date: 20 Jul 99 - 11:26 AM Anyone have any more feedback for Deafboy....Sweety my feedback is the same as it has been. I don't want to play in sessions with people with elitist attitudes about making music...making music with one's friends is supposed to be fun...when it stops being about fun and starts being about how good one must be to play with us really accomplished musicians, then I vote with my feet and that is what I have done. Good luck! harpgirl |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Deafboy Date: 20 Jul 99 - 12:04 PM I'm sure they'll miss you. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: harpgirl Date: 20 Jul 99 - 12:50 PM ...probably not. Power is more important to these folks than concensus...harpgirl |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: The Shambles Date: 20 Jul 99 - 01:32 PM Harpgirl. I take from your tone that the position re your session has not improved? |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Deafboy Date: 20 Jul 99 - 01:54 PM Dear harpgirl, If you don't like these people at your session, are there other people that feel the same way? Why don't you form your own session with the people you like, and then it will be the social atmosphere that you're looking for. I think the harp is a great instrument to have at a session and is, often better than guitar. I wish we had one at ours. We have had one a few times, and she was a great player, but people nudged her to the outside due to the size of the instrument. I don't know how good a player you are, but that might me your problem. She didn't really care, though, she just kept playing and lead on many a tune. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: j0_77 Date: 20 Jul 99 - 07:11 PM My 10 cents - seein as it is Irish music sessions that are givin problems - Back before Joe Cooley and the Chieftans (Notice the Bothy band etc followed the arrival of the Cheiftans) Trad was played in a sorta back kitchen style by folk who learned it at home (Ireland) - the best players all ended up overseas - If you turned up at one of those gatherings with a Guitar they would have fussed over your arrival! In those times they were largely ignored except for occasional 'nights' The Irish overseas were listening to Buck Owens, Beatles etc. The Folk clubs/bars were playing the Blues! If you are ever in my neck of the woods - welcome will you be to play any way you like :) If you've a fiddle I will second for ya - if you are learning I will help ya - if you've a Guitar I'll scratch out a few Long Dances on da violin or the melodian or what ever - if you wanna boogie (I love boogie woogie) I will do a bass player impression -a student of the bass
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: harpgirl Date: 20 Jul 99 - 10:14 PM ...that's the spirit jO_77... No problem Shambles...I'm just morphing into something else musically I guess... actually , Deafboy, I'm getting bored with that session after five or six years...I'm back to playing with Art's favorite sideman...six different Irish groups in a session all trying to be the best is a bit much!! |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: deafboy Date: 21 Jul 99 - 09:33 AM Ya know, harpgirl, you're right about that. These big sessions due kina turn into a big "Battle of the Bands" |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: BOOM BOX Date: 21 Jul 99 - 12:05 PM OOOOOOOEEEEEEEEE = CONTROLL IS THE NAME OF THE GAME. SEEMS TO ME THAT THE POWER HAS BEEN RELINQUISHED TO JUST A FEW PEOPLE. DID SOMEONE DIE AND LEAVE THEM IN CHARGE. ARE THERE OTHERS WHO ATTEND THE SESSIONS THAT FEEL PUT OUT WITH THE SITUATION ? "NOT MY CUP OF TEA." SEEMS THERE ARE SOME OPTIONS. = = = = = = = = = = = = 1.stop attending 2.take controll and be more accomidating to others 3.if it's in public, there is power in #'s 4.is it a private club or establishment, if so, the proprietor may need to step in. 5.perhaps some feedback from Ireland itself would be in order. they might have some "FIRST HAND INFORMATION" on how to maintain and nourish entrest in traditional irish music, and comment on the world wide beliefe in Irish hospitality, friendliness and consideration of others |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: dick greenhaus Date: 21 Jul 99 - 12:29 PM For some reason, this thread seems to concentrate on Irish sessions as the model for a jam session. IT ain't necessarily so. Irish get-togethers have their own rules, which seem to be focused on everyone playing melody in unison as fast as possible, with the exception of bodhran players who are doing something else. The jam sessions I think of are those that involve string-band music, blues and any other form of music in which improvisation is an important part. And for these types of music, a so-called "elite" session can be a real bit of advanced education for musicians who can handle it. Sure, there's a place for open jams; slow jams and even (I guess) for breakneck velocity jams, but a jam that puts a group of competent musicians together in a setting where it's possible to listen to what the others are doing is a neglected form of get-together that can produce some fine music. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: BOOM BOX Date: 23 Jul 99 - 08:30 AM LET'S HEAR IT FOLKS. WE NEED MORE FEEDBACK ON THIS TOPIC. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MESSAGE TO BE SENT HERE. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: harpgirl Date: 23 Jul 99 - 02:50 PM ...I'm on my coffee break, boss!! Honest!!! Welcome to our forum, Boom Box. Capital letters are generally considered to be shouting and are used judiciously...but perhaps you are shouting my friend? It appears as though Mudcatters have had their say on this issue and it has begun to slip down (were it not for my post). Your ideas seem good. Why not execute the best ones? I personally would vote for a group discussion and vote on such an issue if that were possible. But I get discouraged when people ignore my feedback, since I consider my free advice to be as good as my paid advice! Goodluck at your session! I will be in the woods alot more it seems...harpgirl |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: one of the crowd Date: 23 Jul 99 - 10:21 PM Harpgirl's comments are on target. i know the seisiun of which she speaks. my experiences from many a seisiun in ireland tell me that, there, at least, a seisiun is a social event where the comon denominators are enjoyment of the music and conviviality. there is no other apparent standard. musicianship varies widely, as does instrument mix and tune/song mix, from place to place and from nite to nite in the same place. variety. an issue i've not seen discussed here yet is the publican's view. The free beer for players is made possible by the listeners who buy their own beer. when a seisiun becomes overly anal retentive, beer sales go done. when they go down far enough, the party's over. thus, lighten up and enjoy the music AND the people. it's only in your own self interest. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Date: 21 Aug 99 - 08:34 AM refresh for reference |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: Date: 21 Aug 99 - 08:36 AM refresh for reference |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: joeler Date: 21 Aug 99 - 10:25 AM Every group I have ever joined throughout the years always has a political element in it. The power elite so to speak. They love to tell the group how great they are in many different ways even it involves sacrificing a newer member for the benefit of their ego. I think you might have this problem in the Elite' jam sessions case. Screw them all. Play wherever and whenever you want. Impress yourself with your talent, that's what it's all about. |
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Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK? From: joeler Date: 21 Aug 99 - 10:27 AM I just had to be number one hundred on this baby. |
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