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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
picking spots to jump in a jam ?
picking spots to jump in a jam ?
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LSC
173 posts
Feb 16, 2012
10:39 AM
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Clarify the question. Do you mean when to get up or when to play? The answer is pretty much the same in both instances, when you're asked.
At an open jam there is usually a list where you sign up. You get up when the host calls you. If it's a free style jam amongst people who know each other you introduce yourself and/or wait to get asked.
If the question is when you are "on stage" when do you take your turn to solo, the band is usually led by the singer who cues the solos, i.e. he will look, nod, or point to whoever goes next. If the singer is inexperienced and doesn't know how to lead a band the job will sometimes fall to the guitar player, assuming that person knows what they're doing. Sometimes you have an entire lot of people who don't have a clue and then it's every man for himself and usually is crap so you don't want to be there anyway.
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LSC
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harmonicanick
1460 posts
Feb 16, 2012
10:45 AM
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There is usually a host to a jam, who will either nod or call to you to solo. You can stay silent until called to solo, but when you do, go for it.
Look for eye contact and signals.
If you are experienced enough you can play behind, backing off the volume, and being careful not to play over the vocals or other soloists using a percussive style, if appropriate.
talk to the others, tell them how much experience you have, and ask them what the form is in this jam???
Above all have a good time, jams are social occasions, don't worry, don't be shy, look up and play
Good luck, Nick
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Leatherlips
30 posts
Feb 16, 2012
1:20 PM
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I'm agreeing with the other statements. It's really important to know when NOT to play and to know how to back off when doing rhythm so as to not overbear on another player or vocalist.
I know it seems obvious, but sometimes leaders will forget to tell the harp player what key they are in and jump straight in, which leaves you trying harps to see what fits (unless you are skilled enough to pick it by ear).
As has been said, simply enjoy yourself and show that to the audience with eye contact. This on it's own works really well.
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HarpNinja
2169 posts
Feb 16, 2012
1:22 PM
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When you're told to play. I don't mean just when your called up...I mean during the song. Even when I sit in with band, I don't play anything unless told to.
When I am a sideman, same thing. I don't even comp without being given a green light.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Mods
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas - When it needs to come from the soul...
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