What can be better than a jam session?
I totally live for jam sessions. In fact, it's how I first started to play with other musicians. Nowadays, if I'm traveling anywhere in the country, I try to do a little research and see if I can find a jam session somewhere near to where I'm going. I find them extremely relaxing and a great way to meet like minded individuals, who, like me, just want to have fun.
If you've never been to one let me explain how they work. Normally, there will be a house band. This will take many different forms depending on where you are and what sort of music they expect to be playing. It's most likely to find a lead instrument of some sort, usually a guitarist or even a keyboard player. Then, maybe, a bass player. Sometimes you'll even find a drummer too. It can be different every time you go.
Now this is where things can differ. Most pubs that host jam sessions have their own ideas as to how they are going to do things. Some do more of an "open mic night," where musicians get up and do their own thing, maybe for about fifteen or twenty minutes, then the next "act" gets up.
Personally, I prefer the other type, where someone starts something. It may be the guitarist will start to play some chords then perhaps the bass player will join in. Eventually everyone who wants to join in does and this thing grows into a living, breathing entity.
I find this to be one of the most exciting musical events in the world! You just never know what is going to happen. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it can sound awful! But that one occasion when it sounds really good will have you buzzing for a long time. Believe me!
What I've done below, is to create a link to a map that I started to produce with Google Maps. Its an open affair so if you know of any jam sessions that happen near to you, then feel free to add it to the map. I'm hoping that it will eventually cover most of Britain, maybe in years to come, the World. Who knows. I look forward to seeing it in years to come and I thank all who take the time to contribute.
Email [email protected]
If you've never been to one let me explain how they work. Normally, there will be a house band. This will take many different forms depending on where you are and what sort of music they expect to be playing. It's most likely to find a lead instrument of some sort, usually a guitarist or even a keyboard player. Then, maybe, a bass player. Sometimes you'll even find a drummer too. It can be different every time you go.
Now this is where things can differ. Most pubs that host jam sessions have their own ideas as to how they are going to do things. Some do more of an "open mic night," where musicians get up and do their own thing, maybe for about fifteen or twenty minutes, then the next "act" gets up.
Personally, I prefer the other type, where someone starts something. It may be the guitarist will start to play some chords then perhaps the bass player will join in. Eventually everyone who wants to join in does and this thing grows into a living, breathing entity.
I find this to be one of the most exciting musical events in the world! You just never know what is going to happen. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it can sound awful! But that one occasion when it sounds really good will have you buzzing for a long time. Believe me!
What I've done below, is to create a link to a map that I started to produce with Google Maps. Its an open affair so if you know of any jam sessions that happen near to you, then feel free to add it to the map. I'm hoping that it will eventually cover most of Britain, maybe in years to come, the World. Who knows. I look forward to seeing it in years to come and I thank all who take the time to contribute.
Email [email protected]