Festers, Jammers or should we be called Jesters? Naw, I don't think so.
Ok Listeners, Helpers, Coordinators and Play-ahhs; Here's some of the info you need to get this jam moving forward.
In the Near-Fest IV forum I asked for input on how we conduct future jams as to format. The post had over 1300 hits. However, I didn't get the overflow of responses I was seeking. I did get some great ideas from those that did respond. Thanks to all that did!
So, with that lets proceed to the choices at hand.
Should we make the jam??
Playlist Jam: Circulate your desired song choices with tabs, lyrics and key with a sign-on sheet. Your sign up would state the song, what you play and what accompaniment you need (drums, keyboard, lead vocal, backup, etc).
You get to conduct how that song goes (be realistic with your expectations).
If a player signs on to a particular song they should learn that song.
Depending on how many players submit songs kind of says how many of your choices get played.
Advantages: *People can see what's coming and prepare. For us struggling players (me included!) it gives us a chance to practice it in the key and style the requester is thinking.
*This can make for a more polished get together for players and audience listeners.
*Reduces greatly the: "I don't know.. What do you want to play" scenario that seems to be part of all jams.
* Gives newer players a chance to get in on the action on a familiar song
* Fill in your own advantage.
Disadvantages: * Not really a jam per se. More like a show.
*Too much structure could deter seasoned players from taking it somewhere else or in another dimension/direction.
I like this kind of playing myself. You start with the agreed rhythmic style and chord progression of a particular song, then a player may change their approach in mid song. Taking it in a new direction. For an example listen to "Ain't no sunshine" on Mark Dulkeys Youtube page:
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSPw7kSW-7g&feature=channel_pageI never planned on playing it that way but it just kind of happened and I thought it came out pretty good.
*Choose a song too far outside the fringe and you may be playing solo on that tune. Which is ok with me if you'd like to do a song on your own.
* Fill in your own disadvantage.
Open JamWe just show up and play. Mostly blues orientated. Usually the better players call the shots on what's played which is fair because they usually carry the song with their playing chops and vocals. This kind of jam gives your stuff a workout. Seat of the pants fun. If there are enough good players to carry the song this can be a real blast.
Advantages: *With many good players and 1 or 2 average players this jam works pretty well.
The great players get to show their chops and the new players get to improve theirs.
*Usually Blues, so it's a generally a 1, IV, V progression.
*It's exciting to play by the seat of your pants.
*This is a jam. Your playing off everyone. The band the audience and yourself.
* Gives newer players a chance to get in on the action.
* Fill in your own advantage.
Disadvantages: * If players aren't knowledgeable on a song or structure the song can crash and burn.
*Usually Blues, so it's a generally a 1, IV, V progression.
* Elite (patrician) players dominate and that may leave other players (plebs) to grab for scraps.
* Fill in your own advantage.
So there you have it. We won't exclude anyone from the jam but I do want to make it a pleasurable event for all involved.
So far, I think we've had the best response from the players and public alike with the Playlist style Jam.
So, that's where we'll go.... for most of the jam.
If anyone wants to do some numbers "open style" they'll need to request a song slot.
We'll work it out.
I'd also like to know if anyone has a song they wrote they'd like to do at the jam. Maybe you got a killer chord progression and no idea for a drum track. Let the jammers help your song along (or kill it).
Same deal: circulate your chord chart or if you have a recording we can hear let us know the url.
As for play times, equipment needs, volume, and other info I'll address those issues a little closer to the Fest.
Chances are thing will go pretty much like they did at Near-Fest IV.
Please send your song requests to :
bshaban@beld.netI'll compile a list and post it to the forum under the subject "Song Requests"
I suggest you send in several. You may get all or only 1 played depending on how many requests and how many players you get to sign on.
I'd also suggest you choose songs with less than 500 chord changes or too many stops. Repetition on a 4 chord song is easier to grab on to.
Is anyone interested in trying to get together for a mid winter jam?
Possibly some time next weekend 17, 18, 19th ?
Please email me and I'll try to set something up.
Hope to see and play with you all at the next Fest.
As Ever,
Bri
