Looking for a slow jam, pref. Bklyn

Subject: Looking for a slow jam, pref. Bklyn
From: GUEST,lefthanded guitar
Date: 06 Jun 07 - 06:45 PM

I recently took a week long course in banjo. Well I can't exactly play the thing, but I can lift it up...and have plenty of banjo jokes.In my class, people were talking about a slow jam; and tho I hear of them in Florida and Virigina - can't seem to find one here.

for years I've been wanting to play along and sing old timey/bluegrass but the jams I've gone to leave me in the dust. Does anyone know of a weekly/monthly slow jam in NYC area, preferably Brooklyn. leave a message here or at [e-mail] if you know of or want to form one.

Subject: RE: Looking for a slow jam, pref. Bklyn
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Jun 07 - 12:06 AM

arise o'thread!:-)

Subject: RE: Looking for a slow jam, pref. Bklyn
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 07 Jun 07 - 01:45 PM

Slow jams, per se, are not common anywhere.

Some "regular" jams welcome newbies and cut them some slack, some don't.

If you attend a recurring jam long enough to be perceived as having paid your dues, the regular particpants might be willing to occasionally make allowances for your limitations.

In old time jams the usual procedure is to start on the fringe. You listen, find chords, play quietly when you can figure out some notes, and familiarize yourself with the environment. As you improve and get more comfortable, you gradually move towards the center of the circle.
This pattern might take place in a single jam or be spread over a number of jams, or a number of years.

That's what I did, years ago.

Russ (Permanent GUEST)

Subject: RE: Looking for a slow jam, pref. Bklyn
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 07 Jun 07 - 02:22 PM

I have attended old time jams many times over the years, and alas, did not often feel welcome even on the fringes. In fact, even as a fairly decent guitar player, I could not keep up with the 'galloping guitars' and just had to sit it out. I love hearing the music but want to be able to participate, but I don't play if I feel I'm 'holding people up'. So if anyone hears of a local, or even regional slow jam, either in NYC or even NJ, or wants to try forming one, please let me (us) know.

(I don't mean to start an argument here, but I sometimes think the spirit of old time music is lost in some of our local jams- in the south, people have an almost innate sense of courtesy and make sure 'newbies' have a place in the circle. . A Florida friend of mine seems to have no problem finding slow jams, but I hope I don't have to travel that far to find one)