local jam night

[clare_bear]

If I do a small SwinJam would you come ?

Time permitting, I'd probably be brave enough Of course, time is a bit problematic for a couple of months, but I'm trying to wrangle my life back from 'the wedding' - how has it become my life

In principle, I would, Tim, yes!

And thanks, nocaster.

[Estheroid]

Clare, you took the first step which is going in and seeing what sort of music was being played, etc. IIRC, you made a pretty good job of Teenage Kicks at Gasfest - that could be dusted off at the jam night?

And if Timmyo organises another SwinJam you're under strict orders to be there, OK? Or Beaglefest if it doesn't clash with the Hen do!

I've often felt a bit self conscious getting up at things like the jam at the Union at IGF but each time I do it gets easier.

And eek, I hope the guitar left in the car was left out of sight!

[imported_Dannyboy]

Clare - have you got a looper? If so practice jamming with that first rather than a backing track, it will help your improv no end, plus soloing, comping etc.

Jam nights can be pretty good fun, I go to one in a pub in town about once a month (they hold in weekly), I tend to avopid playing flashy solos, just play a decent guitar part and use whatvere FX are available on teh night.

[clare_bear]

Clare, you took the first step which is going in and seeing what sort of music was being played, etc. IIRC, you made a pretty good job of Teenage Kicks at Gasfest - that could be dusted off at the jam night?

And if Timmyo organises another SwinJam you're under strict orders to be there, OK? Or Beaglefest if it doesn't clash with the Hen do!

I've often felt a bit self conscious getting up at things like the jam at the Union at IGF but each time I do it gets easier.

And eek, I hope the guitar left in the car was left out of sight!

Thanks, Esther. I didn't stay too long at the jam, as I was terrified someone would break into to boot of my car and nick the guitar. All precautions were taken though....out of site in the boot, crook-lock (well, it's a visual deterrent), alarm on...and it was within site of the front door of the jam venue (not that I could see it from where I was!). It's also a well-lit and busy car park.

I could dust off Teenage Kicks, as I was thinking I might try to learn to sing it at the same time as play it. Ta.

Dannyboy - no looper I'm afraid - it's on the want list, but won't be getting it any time soon!

[superslinky]

Jam nights should be relaxed and lighthearted - if they are intimidating, the organisers/hosts are not doing their job very well! As someone who has attended umpteen jam nights and have also hosted many myself, my experience is that if you have the right attitude you will be welcomed with open arms, regardless of your (in)experience or (in)ability.

I don't know what it's like in Banbury, but in the High Wycombe/Maidenhead area we are very fortunate in that there are lots of regular jam nights, catering for all styles, ages and ranges of ability. Everyone is very supportive (even when they get taken over by EMO bands). We all had to start somewhere.

The trick is to be open minded, introduce yourself to the organisers and tell them it's your first jam night, and tell them what you can and can't do. I promise, if they are any good they won't throw you in at the deep end!

Good luck.

[Jamieh]

OK, should I pluck up the courage to have a look at our local jam night

YES

I stayed and listened for a bit, had a chat with a couple of the guys there. And I realised that I know absolutely nothing about jamming with other people!

Neither did anyone else when they first went!! There's loads of things you don't know too much about the first time, but they can pretty quickly become great fun!!

And it was a bit like a youth club - it had been taken over by teenagers! Emo-teenagers at that

Yeh that happens everywhere, apparently no form of firearm is permitted in pubs though.

I may, one day, be brave enough to take the guitar inside, but I think I might practice with backing tracks first!

Do it Clare.... definitly do it and don't be afraid to make mistakes and maybe feel a bit silly, we've all done that but it makes you improve no end!!!

I have both been a legend and a moron at my local jam do.

Just get up and do it!

DEFINITELY!!! We've all had those experiences!! I've had awesome jam nights with my friends and bands and stuff but often jamming with people you don't know can go a bit wrong, mainly as people have many different interpretations of songs and something you think you know really well can suddenly go very wrong!!!

Jam nights should be relaxed and lighthearted - if they are intimidating, the organisers/hosts are not doing their job very well! As someone who has attended umpteen jam nights and have also hosted many myself, my experience is that if you have the right attitude you will be welcomed with open arms, regardless of your (in)experience or (in)ability.

The trick is to be open minded, introduce yourself to the organisers and tell them it's your first jam night, and tell them what you can and can't do. I promise, if they are any good they won't throw you in at the deep end!

Wise words

Jam nights are awesome though... even with the Emo kids, some will surprise you, there was an Emo band at a jam night I went to on Sunday and they were actually quite good! Not my thing of course, but as an artist it important to be able to recognise other people's interpretations and ideas.

[Danny1969]

Yeah go for it Clare, learn a couple of jam night favorites and get em as tight as possible. In terms of arrangement it's generally the singer who has to be followed, even if he misses out the last verse and jumps straight into the chorus etc. If you get lost roll down your volume, get your bearings and then roll it back up and carry on. No idea what songs are popular for jams around your area though, all the jam nights I've been to have been based around really old stuff like Black Magic women, All right now, J be Goode etc.

Pity your so far away, we have residentsy gigs at three different pubs every month, you could have popped along and done a couple of numbers with us. We often get people up to do a bit.

[imported_Dannyboy]

, learn a couple of jam night favorites and get em as tight as possible.

What are everyones local jamnight favourites / standards ?

[Fwonk]

Any bog standard blues in E or A.

[clare_bear]

Any bog standard blues in E or A.

That's what seemed to be going on in Banbury