So, I have been going to blues jams for three months or so now - probably fifteen or so. While the main one I go to is an "open" jam, pretty much everyone who shows up is a gigging musician. While I am a bit over my head, everyone has been real nice and helpful, and I am improving. My observation/question is this - for the most part I play/practice blues songs by harp players - Big and Little Walter, both Sonny Boys, Howling Wolf, etc. While I think this is the right thing to do in order to get better, I've noticed that since the jams are normally dominated by guitar players, most of the songs that are called are not harp songs. I have learned to listen and fit in to songs I don't know well (or at all), and that is certainly a part of the learning experience. However, I am thinking that it would be a good idea to listen to more blues that isn't led by harp players. I do this some extent - I've plenty of Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Sleepy John Estes, some Magic Sam and others, but I am wondering if any of you would have recommendations for songs and/or artists that are likely to come up at a blues jam? Thanks, Rich in Seattle
Another suggestion is to work on your improvising. I'd start by learning the blues scale. Then download some jam tracks, there are plenty of free ones out there. Work on just using the notes in the blues scale, pay attention to how the different notes feel against the different chords. Then try making up melodies on the fly against the 12bar chord progression.
This will help you learn how to play WITH other musicians rather than needing to know the songs which come up.
Its all good! Congratulations on getting up there. You will develop quickly. I would recommend some of the guitar greats - B.B. King, Freddie King, Albert King, Albert Collins, T-Bone Walker, up through Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robben Ford. All have different styles and lots of their tunes are covered at jams.
I second The Iceman's suggestion as well - I got frustrated when I started jamming - not only were the tunes not always harp friendly, but sometimes I didn't even get a solo at all. That hurts when you drove 50 miles to be there and you only get up for 3 tunes. So I learned to sing some songs I wanted to do. That not only gave me the opportunity to solo to the tunes I knew, (you'll have plenty of chance to play with tunes you're NOT comfortable with), but it also forced me to learn even more skills - like how to run a band. That means how to call the song, describe the groove, hand off solos, show the breaks, signal the ending, etc. A lot to learn - but all good. ---------- /Greg
Thanks Iceman, Baker and Greg - all good suggestions. Singing, while I recognize it's value in giving one some control, is not going to happen. While the musicians and crowd at the main jam I go to are nice and understanding, there is a limit to their patience and they do have bottles, glasses, plates, etc. to throw. I am seriously a very bad singer (my last performance was my Bar Mitzvah and the rabbi did not like what he heard). I do have a number of jam tracks as Baker mentioned, and should work with them more. Also, I have worked on the blues scale but could do more there. The point about being able to improvise rather than having to know the song is right on. I have noticed that I am getting better at this, and have no doubt I will continue to improve just by keeping at it. Some of that comes from knowing more harp songs so that I can call up riffs that seem to fit more often. Greg's list of guitar greats is one I am working on in adding to my library of songs. Anyway, it's been (and will be) fun. I really appreciate all of you experienced and talented musicians who run jams and/or are willing to play with neophytes and encourage them. Pretty cool! Rich
Start singing and learning to lead a band. It's not that hard and you're work will be rewarded.
If you're leading the band, you may need only a few songs to get started. The funny thing is once you start doing it, it gets easier and people will start looking to you to do it. You might be surprised at how many people who can sing, do NOT want to sing and only do it out of necessity.
You should also learn how to describe the tune a bit. If you are on stage at a jam with four or five guys, it is going to be a rare occurrence that you will say, "Let's do Juke" and every one will know what that means. The only thing that will be rarer than that is if someone asks which version.
Asking here will get you a list of songs that honestly, rarely get called at a jam. Every list includes tunes like St James Infirmary and others that I haven't heard at a jam or played at a jam since 1983, but you would think it's a desert island that is played 4000 times a week at jams.
Trust your ears, listen to what they are playing and don't rely on the Internet for mis-information. There is no "set list of tunes" pulled out at jams. The best thing you can do is listen to what they are playing and start googling the titles of the tunes. Learning to be a good accompanist will require you to do far more listening than playing. You'll need a really good set of licks to play anything that could be tossed at you at a Blues jam. You'll also need restraint.
They'll be happier. You'll be less frustrated and happier.
All the advice given so far is right on the money. That's the way to go. The only thing I'd add is if you sing, don't expect the other musicians at the jam to know how to play a Little Walter/Big Walter/ Sonny Boy song note for note or to know where any of the stops are, etc. Those are things you learn to demonstrate to them, by watching other singers and how they interact with a band. They will most likely have never heard of the tunes you want to do. Unless it's things like Key to the Highway for example and even then they will most likely know Eric Clapton's version, which ain't nothing like Little Walters. So you need to pick songs you can "busk" on a standard 12, 8 or 16 bar format.
Doh! I just realised Joe already said that.
Last Edited by on Jan 04, 2013 10:20 AM
Kingley raises some good points. Pick simple tunes with no breaks. Pick 12 bar, 1-4-5 shuffles. Know where you will start them and count them off to make sure everyone starts in the same place. Do the tunes to death. Simplicity is important. Confidence is everything.
To add to all the great advice given is… It’s important that the others musicians like you…And you state they do (so your doing something right) –you have a leg up there…As you get to know the regular players (usual suspects) more personally- begin to pick their brains, ask them questions like your doing here, tell them your concerns, what your about and would like to learn. You may have done all this already?
Last Edited by on Jan 04, 2013 3:50 PM
Thanks Frank - that's good advice. I have been doing that. A number of the guys who are regulars have become friends, including the jam host and a member of his band. The band member is a great resource, in particular, as he plays both harp and trombone, and has been a pro since the late '70s (played with Albert Collins for a while among others). He lets me know how my tone is and gives me advice on cupping, a little on riffs, etc.(also he is an amp and mic nut). Other musicians have been good with advice as well, and, since I play with restraint, they do seem to like me being up there with them. I just thought that I'd use this great resource as well to see what guys here thought.
Last Edited by on Jan 04, 2013 4:20 PM
Ain’t got any recommendations for songs – but it sounds like you may be seeking to tighten up you’re “groove skill’s” …the many different grooves you run up against at blues jams…Are they playing a lot of “blues rock” at your jam? Are you able to describe what kind of grooves your hearing at this jam? Who are the artists that are being played a lot at the jam…ex: “Eric Clapton”….
Then sort out one where you can almost just 'talk' the lyrics..that gets you over the first hurdle of opening your mouth on stage.Most people can talk in tune(and whistle, which has always intrigued me)
Frank, For the most part, most songs are older blues - Muddy Waters, Freddy King, Magic Sam, even some Sonny Boy II - no Clapton. Generally ,I do feel comfortable with the types of songs (that's about all I listen to), and I am willing to take solos. I guess what prompted this question is that I find I am playing more or less the same riffs in the solos. For the three or four songs I get to do that's all right, but I would like to get better at improvising - I'm sure it mainly takes time and lots of playing. Also, some of the best blues musicians in the Seattle area drop in to play at this jam so I suppose that is a bit intimidating. All in all, everyone has been supportive and I am having fun. Based on some of suggestions here, I think I will spend more time playing along with jam tracks.
I don't sing either, so I've also been at the mercy of those who do and call the song shots. The old Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared" comes into play in jam situations, and sometimes it doesn't matter how prepared you are because a curve ball ball can always be thrown and throw you a bit. I participated in a well-run blues jam one night hosted by a great blues harp player (and good friend). He told me that he was getting me up with a French guitarist who wanted to sing a couple. Cool. The first song he said was kind of bluesy and he launched into John Lennon's "Imagine". I had to scramble to fit something into that one. Can't remember the second one off hand, but do remember he gave me no solo. I think I was thankful for that at the time. ---------- Ricky B http://www.bushdogblues.blogspot.com RIVER BOTTOM BLUES--crime novel for blues fans available at Amazon/B&N and my blog THE DEVIL'S BLUES--due out soon
You want to keep it simple at a jam. I-IV-V mostly, there are a ton of songs built on that progression. Jams were my first real lab, where I began finding myself as relates to harmonica and music. Singing is a definite plus, why not get a voice lesson or two? Most people cannot find their own voice because they don't know where to sing from or what keys are good for them. I was a living room, party, car, shower singr for years and never found my voice until I got access to my depth with some breathing technique. ---------- http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
" I don't sing...." I can't stress it enough, learn to sing. Tailor a song for your voice, find a tune that speaks to you. The material the jam is playing is perfect for a harp player, Muddy Waters and the older stuff. And for chrissakes, do not overplay. If you really want to show your value, play with restraint and keep in mind to support and mske the others sound good. Much of this is knowing when NOT to play (during others solos and vocals.)
That is great advice. I'd advise anyone who plays a musical instrument to follow it. It opens more doors than just being a harp player will ever do for the majority of players.
My singing voice is almost terrible, but I found a few simple blues songs that I can "talk..sing" style. Can't remember the tunes, but one or two were kinda "cute lyrics" songs. One I remember by Jim Schwall was called "Chokin' My Chicken". (use your imagination to figure out what this one is about).
It helped me a lot in the confidence department and since it was a jam, I wasn't "boo'ed" off the stage. ---------- The Iceman
If its just a jam, play along anyway. I sit in with bands who don't play 'harp songs' often. At first it's going to be very difficult, but the more you play (and the more types of music too!), the more you stretch yourself, and the better you'll be.
I thought I was a 'blues' harmonica player until I got asked to sit in with a bluegrass band for a year or so. It really opened my eyes to stretching myself as a player. Hell, i got asked to play along to La Bamba the other day (La Bamba…wtf? seriously?!) Experiment, and be willing to play anything! It'll be a great investment into your experience as a harp player.
Last Edited by on Jan 06, 2013 9:42 AM
I always thought Scratch My Back would be a great song for a harp player to use to get started on a little bit of singing. There's room enough in there to sing it a little bit different from what everyone else does, and you don't have to be Pavrotti or Howard Levy to entertain with that one.
I second that Chickenthief! Got My Mojo Workin', 5 Long Years, TBone Shuffle, Flip Flop and Fly, Shake, Rattle and Roll, all were early vocal projects for me.
A lot of times these days on a jam stage I will call off key and tempo and where to start- usually from the I or the V- and not even name the song. Once it's kicked off and I begin to sing I'll see the rhythm guys and guitar get it and fall in. I try to find stuff that's catchy and cool but not overdone.
The talk style of blues singing is a good place to start. ---------- http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
@tbang: re: La Bamba. I did a gig in Puerto Rico this weekend witha local gringo rock and roll band. We did a medley, Good Loving/Twist and Shout and La Bamba. Guess which song was HUGE? Yes, La Bamba was this crowds' answer to Mustang Sally. Learn it! Its all good...
"BLUES JAM 101" IS COMING! Sharpen your blues jamming skills with this hands-on session. The Mile High Blues Society will sponsor a seminar at Ziggies on Sunday February 10 at 5:30 pm to teach you the art and science of jamming. You must be a MHBS member to attend, and there will be a small fee. You will learn all the insider tips, from jam etiquette, to stagecraft, to soloing. You'll be jamming on stage with a pro band, with no pressure and lots of friendly expert advice. We will even video record your session and give you a digital copy!
You must have some level of proficiency with your instrument – this is for all players who want to take their jammng to the next level. You can sign up at the MHBS Online Store!
