Gigs vs Sessions/Jams

[jackofall]

Every Tuesday night I play mando in a sing-along session at our local pub. This is a regular, but totally informal, thing where we all have a great laugh.

In the very beginning, when I started the session, I envisaged a folk sing-along. As more people have joined that has, to my delight, mutated into a vastly broader thing. The focus is still mostly sing-along, but we do Irish/Scottish/English folk, ITM tunes, bluegrass, rock, blues, reggae, ska... we have even done a banjo/guitar/mandolin version of Gary Numan's 'Are Friends Electric' (or as we renamed it, ' Are Friends Acoustic?').

We have a fakebook of songs that provide a core of what we play, but we also take requests, attempt random tunes that any one of the players may throw into the mix, and go off into random blues jams at the drop of a hat. There is no performance pressure, and humorous ad-libs are the norm.

Altogether there are about 7 or 8 of us, and we are beginning to get asked to play at more formal gigs.

Having an ego as big as the next bloke's, I do like playing to an audience, and I like the buzz of having my nerve and ability tested. On the other hand, I hate the palaver of amping up my Eastman, and the touchiness of sound engineers.

We played an amplified gig last Sunday at a well-attended BBQ in the pub's large garden. It was a great craic. We played for nearly two hours, and went down very well.

But I have to say, give me the session any day. I like the gigs, and I'll play any time or anywhere the people are willing to put up with my limited ability. We have at least a couple more formal, amplified gigs lined up - but it is my random, chaotic Tuesday nights that I really look forward to!

How about you guys?

[jim_n_virginia]

I attend a weekly Folk jam that has evolved also to a fairly large group over the years and we all pretty much know each others tunes mostly fiddle tunes and we also have been invited to play at different functions around town.

And while it is very fun I REALLY like performing on stage and lately I have been playing in a Bluegrass/Old Time trio (guitar, mandolin, upright bass)and we have been having a ball. Not to mention getting paid a little bit, not getting rich but enough.

The jam is kinda loose and if you make a mistake it OK because you have plenty of people to cover you but it is so satifying when you are in a band or whatever even a duo and with regular practice the harmonies get tight and the instrumentals get worked out perfectly and all.

I like playing in a jam session AND playing up on stage... in fact I also like open mic nights at places too.

I guess I just like to play my mandolin wherever I can! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[AlanN]

I deal with the following all the time:

Wanting/needing to pick

vs.

putting up with knuckleheads at jams.

It's that yin/yang thang http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Jim Gallaher]

I played jam sessions at a local bar for about 2 years before I started with a band. I enjoyed the jam sessions for a good while, but eventually it began to wear on me. It was too predictable -- the same songs from the same people and the chord structures were predictably simple to keep everyone involved.

Being in a band and having regular gigs provided an opportunity to explore more complex tunes arrangements that evolved from more focused practice sessions. It's hard to stop a jam and say "Let's try this other intro and split the break the second time around".

When I attend the occasional jam session now, I miss the satisfaction and appeal of my band arrangements, more diverse repertoire and interplay with my bandmates. It's also a lot easier to justify the time away from home when I'm getting paid.

[PaulD]

I'm with Jim & Jim; I've been going to several regular jams for a number of years, but a couple years ago the band bug bit me. Up through the end of the last century I was chicken about performing in front of folks. After forcing myself to do solo open mic performances and having a Celtic band for about a year I've been itching for that opportunity to tweak and tune arrangements and harmonies, get up and perform for audiences, and even take money for it if I must! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I think they're both desirable and I wouldn't want to write off the jams/sessions, but I've never grown as much musically as when we had the band.

pd

[MDW]

In general I like the excitement of the local bluegrass jam because it forces me to improvise much more. But too often there ends up being a few huge clusters of 9-12 people rather than a bunch of smaller groups of 5-6 folks. The larger the groups gets the less fun it is for me because it gets so loud that what each person is playing becomes meaningless. Because that happens so frequently I've come prefer the predictibility of playing with my band, both at rehearsals and gigs.

[John Flynn]

Good jams are great. Bad jams are the worst.

I prefer gigs because all the potentially bad variables are more or less under the band's control, namely, who is playing and what is being played. Also, everyone knows the tunes and thier part in those tunes. Finally, you are (hopefully) providing a meaningful musical experience for the audience, which is a great feeling. I even tend to prefer band rehearsals to jams. It really energizes me to be working toward a goal with music, such as preparing for a performance. That is where I really sharpen my chops and do the most learning. The tunes I will always play the best are ones I have rehearsed with a band and performed. #

The big problem with bands is the human interaction, the ego and control problems. I find it is rarely actually the music itself, even though that sometimes gets used as a pretext for problems. But when it is great, it is great, there is nothing better.

[arbarnhart]

I don't gig yet, but I do jam in a couple of completely different situations. I play blues and classic rock with a neighbor who plays guitar and he does want to drag me out the the local blues jam once we have a short set that we (okay, I) can play reliably. The blues jam is sort of an open mic format hosted by a pro band and they fill in the missing pieces (usually bass and drummer). So it is sort of like practicing with a band for a gig. We do some turnarounds over and over until I get it, sometimes trying different chord voicings until I find one that sounds right and that I can finger in time. Over the course of two or three hours we might play as few as three songs and never more than half a dozen or so (except for when we switch between a bunch of songs that use exactly the same chord progression to work on my timing). Any time I screw up the song pretty much falls apart so I am pretty intense about what I am doing.
I also have attended and hosted bluegrass jams with enough people there so that if someone is having trouble the song keeps chugging right along anyway. Much more laid back, though in three hours time there will be more than a dozen songs played (and played and played).
They both help me improve, but the blues sessions are definitely more like a lesson or workshop and the jams are much more social. So I enjoy both for different reasons. Playing in the blugerass jams will probably make playing at the blues jam less terrifying. The audience will be mostly other players.

[farmerjones]

lord i wish i had a band to be in. i think if you're going for the sound alone a band can get tight where a jam will never. i almost feel bad for the tune if i/we can't do it justice. However, i've had the best times for my life jamming with perfect strangers, like in Mtn. View, or some new place. Those approving smiles exchanged are golden.

But some of the most painful times musically were at jams too. Imagine 5 guitars and a washtub in a steel building, each one on a different beat? NO, No, no, never again. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[straight-a]

The band thing is fun as far as seeing folks enjoy and appreciate what you're doing for them but I really like the informality of a jam session. Greg H. of the cafe has a closed session on occasion and that is by far my favorite picking experience.

By the way, Alan N. we've yet to see you at one of those shindigs! (hint, hint!) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[steve V. johnson]

Irish sessions are an essential part of my life, but the ability to play with a few folks when we choose to concentrate on stuff like arrangments, choice of repertoire and just being able to listen closely and interact closely with just this small group, is a wonderful kick.

Audiences, the fear and the excitement are fun, too (and the $, when there's that), but it's the other part, just locking up in sync with some other players in mutual grooveness is the thing.

It's soup and salad to me, I like 'em both, I don't want to go very long without either one. <GGG>

Thanks,

stv

[Paul Kotapish]

I like sessions and I love performing, too, and they fulfill yearnings. Performing is more thrilling and can be more personally satisfying while jams and sessions are great opportunities to communicate and commune with fellow musicians without the distraction of mics and audience and the trappings of performance.

But my favorite musical endeavor is working on new (or even revamping old) material with a band in a practice session. Rehearsals are often the most interesting and fun parts of my musical life.

Trying out new material, arrangements, rhythm ideas, harmonies, textures, working on ensemble precision--those are the most fun for me, and having an upcoming gig is as often as not just an excuse to work on stuff.

When a performance is going really well with a band that's been playing together for a while, all of those elements can come into play as a kind of group improvisation. On rare occasions the same thing can happen in a (small) session of like-minded players, but it's much more rare.

At this point in my life I'm a little more picky about which gigs I take, but mostly I take them all. But if I had to choose between a jam session or a band practice, I'd take the practice.

[picksnbits]

Getting in a groove with a handful of guys you've never met before where the moment seems to pull more out of you than you knew you had is the best thing I've experienced musically so far. I've laid a lot of eggs too, but if you have to muddle through a half dozen clunky jams to get that one where things just click it's worth it.

So far, the few rehearsed public performances I've been a part of have left me thinking that we should have done better, or even, "Why are these people still listening to us? They must be starved for entertainment."

[Clyde Clevenger]

I walked into a jam a few years ago in Dallas, Oregon that had 7 I really mean 7, seven, VII, accordians in a row, followed by a banjolin. And, they had already seen me, luckily I remembered leaving the iron on, beans on the stove, dog needed water, I have a headache, then chewed my left arm off and got outta there. A small price to pay. Did I mention the 4 12 strings?

[Ken Sager]

I most prefer gigs, then small jams (5 or less), then sessions, then larger jams. Jams turn into battlegrounds anymore and I've lost the fight to fight. It's always nice to see friends at larger jams, but I'd rather pick for pay with serious folks, or pick with one or two friends than anything else.

Oh, and folks are starved for entertainment, as picksnbits suggested. It's our duty to respectfully give them what they want.

Love to all,
Ken

[Dave Schimming]

I still enjoy playing the larger jams with friends, although the different skill levels effect the music quality being played and lot of times the music isn't that tight. I have not had any gig opportunies and a different option I came up with for playing music at a higher level was to buy a Fostex multi-track hard drive recorder. I play guitar, mandolin, banjo & bass and have gotten a lot of enjoyment playing and recording the music the way I like to play and hear it. The end result is a more hard driving sound with tighter playing than what I have experienced in the jams. The biggest problem would be if someone liked my music and wanted me to play for an event, there is no way of being a one man band live and duplicate the recorded sound.

[Tom Smart]

i almost feel bad for the tune if i/we can't do it justice.
That's great, farmer. I wish more people had that attitude.

Doesn't matter whether it's a band or a jam, whether you're a beginner or a pro--it sounds better and is more fun when everyone is focused on the music and what it needs, rather than themselves, their axes and their favorite licks.

Take good care of those tunes. Take them out shopping. Buy them a nice dinner. Bring them flowers. You'll be glad you did.

[Dan Adams]

We tried a hybrid of the two concepts. #A 'formal jam' or an 'informal gig.' #Didn't work so well because it was awkward for us 'band' members when an non-member joined into the process. #It was also awkward during those down times when trying to decide what to play, tuning, etc... #Lets not forget the song that only one or two people actually know and the rest are left hanging. #We felt we should be more continual in the music, versus the on and off pattern that grew from the situation. #The concept created some un-needed tension between band members. #It could have been the venue that really wasn't suited for either a performnce or a jam. #Personally I like the rush of a gig better than jams, but a small jam is preferrable to the large jam. #Can you please tune that coffee grinder to the key of A and wait for your break? #Dan

[BluegrassGirl26]

In general I like the excitement of the local bluegrass jam because it forces me to improvise much more. #
I totally agree that you have to improvise much more. I never knew what improvising was until I started jaming with people. I always thought you found and memorized tab and then played it in a jam. It is so much more than that and I think I'm more comfortable preforming right now.The youth band I'm with practices things to a tee. I just can't handle going out in front of a lot people, sometimes I don't even know, and trying to play something that I've never played or heard before.

[SGraham]

Hey jackofall: Treasure that singalong session. Sounds like you've got a really good thing going there. What a musical blessing!

Steve

[allenhopkins]

For 35 years I've played and sung at weekly sing-arounds of our local folk club. I bring mandolin, guitar, sometimes banjo, concertina, Dobro, whatever -- lead some songs, back up others, and of course the repertoire and level of musicianship varies wildly. These sing-arounds, and other local bluegrass jams, Irish "seisuns," etc., are great for expanding repertoire, fostering improvisation, meeting new people and sharpening up one's ear for accompaniments, harmonies and stylistic variations.

For almost as long, I've played in a variety of bands -- bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, klezmer etc. -- and backed up singers ranging from blues to original pop-folk. It's great to work out arrangements, assign parts, build vocal harmonies, and assimilate different styles into an original synthesis.

One isn't better than another. The informality and spontaneity of jams and sing-arounds will stimulate and expand repertoire, style and technique, and will expose one to a great cross-pollination of influences. The discipline and intensity of rehearsal and performance will improve one's mastery, help one make good choices among options and possibilities, and, if successful, establish one as a recognized musician.

Plus, there's no substitute for the value of feedback from an audience, in making self-evaluations of strengths and weaknesses, and in receiving the approval that helps many of us continue to develop our music. And, as one becomes established, there are financial rewards, which in my case have led to my music "hobby" more than supporting itself, and even contributing modestly to overall family income.

To summarize: I don't think it's "either/or," but rather two complementary musical experiences that contribute to well-rounded musicianship and increasing mastery of this wonderful craft.

[James P]

I'd rather play at a bad jam than a good gig. #
And since I can't DO a good gig... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Tonight I've got two possibilities. #The first is a Bluegrass house concert with the potential for a jam after the show. #The mando player's supposedly amazing.

The second is a jam at my teacher's. #Several fiddlers, a guitar or two, probably Bluegrass and Celtic. #My teach'll play Octave and I'll get the mando chair. #

So, go hear an amazing player and maybe get to play, or go play and maybe, even if accidentally, be amazing? #Guess I've made up my mind.

[Dave Schimming]

One difficulty I have with jams is when a song is played in a different key than what I have worked on. I know a person should be able to adapt but a lot of times I'm doing good to learn a passable lick in just one key.

[ronsongz]

I spent many, many years playing for money, but now
I just go to Ciderville Music on Thursdays and play.
They know I'm just learning the mando, and they indulge
my mistakes with a smile. They also play a lot of tunes
in "D", "A", and "G" which they know are easier for me.
I've never had more fun with music!

Ron
C.O.F.S.

[mrbook]

I prefer a band. First choice, my own band - we all get along (most of the time), we enjoy playing together, never playing aything the same way twice, and it's easier to improvise when you know the people you are playing with will do the right thing. I also like sitting in with other bands when asked. It is always with people I admire, respect, and want to play with, so it's fun. It's not about applause, but I like the challenge of playing in front of an audience, where anything can happen. I like trying to please an audience, too.

Too many jam sessions I've attended have become competitions among the participants, or a chance for people to work out their aggressions from the day or to be the star for the night. I can live without those, but the times when a few people get together to play music, regardless of ability, can be just as good as any time on stage.