thorvaldsen76
157 posts
Feb 03, 2013
1:37 PM
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Well,people.. I've been to hell!
I went with my brother to a bluesjam today. My brother and I have a band together and we play traditional blues. The jam was held in a small cafè in a nearby town. Well,what can I say.. We were 10 musicians there, and there was no one in charge so everybody played...all the time! You know, it's not easy to play Walters boogie with 6(!) guitarists and a jazz-drummer that can't play a shuffle. 4 of the guitarists didn't know how to play the changes in a 12 bar blues.. Is it to much to ask for musicians to learn basic blues structure before going to a jam?
Me and my brother tried to get som good old-fashioned blues going but were drowned every time.. So I'm just wondering.. How do you deal with guys like this? It's difficult for me because I don't want people to think that I have a big ego, but it's no use for me and my brother to come to these jams if things carry on this way.. Advice are much needed, since there are few bluesjams around the part of Norway where I live, so it's practically this jam or no jam at all..
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didjcripey
447 posts
Feb 03, 2013
1:47 PM
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My experience is that a lot of musicians who say they don't like to play blues can't; many have trouble following the changes and some that can have no feel for it.
I'd expect you'll get no joy from that jam if it keeps going the same way, and trying to change things will be next to impossible.
You say you have a band with your brother; start your own bluesjam and play your own gigs. Better on many levels.
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Lucky Lester
Last Edited by on Feb 03, 2013 1:48 PM
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The Iceman
722 posts
Feb 03, 2013
1:52 PM
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No one in charge is the problem....do you have the force of will to take charge?
Otherwise, I'd choose no jam at all over hell.
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The Iceman
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thorvaldsen76
158 posts
Feb 03, 2013
1:54 PM
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Well, we play a nice amount of gigs. Last year we did 30 gigs, which is pretty good here in Norway :) But starting our own bluesjam is a great idea!!
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thorvaldsen76
159 posts
Feb 03, 2013
1:55 PM
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Iceman.. I agree! Having no-one in charge is the problem.. But I've asked and there isn't much will for it..
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Thievin' Heathen
147 posts
Feb 03, 2013
5:28 PM
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Lower your expectations and consider it an hour of practice. And who knows, while playing in a cacophony of mediocre guitar players you might stumble upon a unique new riff.
Hopefully you did not have to drive very far.
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Rick Davis
1274 posts
Feb 03, 2013
6:47 PM
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"MHBS presents Blues Jam 101 this Sunday at Ziggies!
Wanna be a better blues jammer? Sharpen your blues jamming skills with this hands-on session. The Mile High Blues Society will present a seminar at Ziggies in Denver 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 $5 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. Instructors will include members of The Blues Allstars band. We will even video record your session and give you a digital copy! Spots are going fast! Sign up today at the The Mile High Blues Society's Online Store."
http://milehighbluessociety.com/fr_store.cfm
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by on Feb 03, 2013 6:48 PM
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