Blues JAMS!

Indeed, some of the most fun and best learning experiences I've ever had as a musician is whether singing, playing harmonica or guitar or some mix of those in pure jams on various stages with other players and singers.

Why?

Collaboration is a word buzzing around for some years now and I can tell you all the key issues of gathering, meeting, discussion and good give-and-take happen on stages where blues musos exchange licks, play back and forth off of one another. It takes "big ears" listening, humility, chops, and at least musical mutual respect to really bring the goods to the audience and the rest of the players.

It's often exciting and most of the time includes a bit of daring and risk.

When you see folks simply calling out a key and whomever leads in a song with everyone then joining in -and especially if it's a tune unknown to some or most of 'em, that's the cream of the thing watching them find their way together. A bit like life itself in spontaneous moments of community.

Most folks don't realize I really only led 2 bands before I came to Jesus. One never got out of the basement and the other only did a few shows. I liked being a sideman and in fact someone interviewed me on that very topic years ago. I "fronted" bands only because there were few other singers around in my area, but I sure didn't lead the many bands I sang in. I suppose all that figures into my love of jamming.

The other issue is that I've always loved players who can be given the space to really play, toss out their best riffs, feel the song and take the spotlight. I guess some folks don't want that. Of course being in a group with one of the finest guitarists I ever heard (Stu Heiss, lead player in Resurrection (REZ) Band) it was obvious in about a minute he could play me under the table!

I love to see folks shine and jamming even if I'm handed a sort of "director's" spot in a song or a whole show full of them the pleasure is hearing what folks can bring to the occasion, not merely what I can bring. That makes it special for me. I like surprises, especially if they're good ones, ha!

Also- unless one is willing to risk jamming with others it can get same-old-same-old.

I've loved bands where the entire group much like some sports teams had little to show if one looked for a superstar yet the combination of players song per song impressed so deeply it didn't matter none were virtuosos unto themselves.

Sort of reminds me of a really excellent form of local church or something.

So, these are thoughts I've had for years about jamming.

When the style is blues especially, love to hear and see it, love to do it!

As always, thanks for stopping by :) -Glenn