Jam Situation

[Garry G]

Hi all,
Festival season is here and I'm looking forward to some field picking soon. I would like your opinion on a certain jam situation.
Typically one would be asked if they have something they want to do or play. Suppose I had a song that I liked to sing and play chords on but couldn't take a melody break, would it be okay to suggest doing that song or should I only suggest a song I can take a break on? I know I can suggest anything but how would you feel about it if you were in the jam circle in this situation? Thanks in advance.

Garry G
Concord, NH

[steve in tampa]

Sure. Give a nod to a fiddle or guitar player (not a banjo player) at the break.

[pathfinder]

It's only June 10th. #Why not work up and rehearse a solo break? #You'll get mileage out of it for the rest of the festival season! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[kebmando]

I think that if you have the cajones to sing a song, then you have every right to pass on the break on your turn and tell the guy next to you to take one. Just give him a couple measures notice so he knows that he's up next http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kebmando]

By the way, what song is it you like to sing?

[Jaded]

I'm a much better singer than I am a mandolin player and I sing songs that I can't play (or at least not play very well) frequently at jams. I do try to stick to things that I think the other jammers will know tho, so that you don't have that awkward no one can take a break moment.

Generally, if there are not enough other lead instruments to take all the breaks I'll pick something I feel comfortable taking a break on, but if it's a big jam, I'd just as soon give the other pickers a chance to have a break, since I'm already getting to participate by singing the song.

[rixter]

Whenever I'm in that situation and not really sure, the best thing I can think to do is just ask. Also keep a couple of alternatives handy, just in case it doesn't look like it will fly.

[Garry G]

By the way, what song is it you like to sing?
The songs I really like to sing but haven't worked out a break yet are #Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes, Folsom Prison Blues, Unclouded Day, Little Cabin Home On The Hill, Mountain Dew, and about ten others. Thanks for the replies, I'll feel a bit more comfortable suggesting some of these songs.

Garry G

[Tim Saxton]

I have it quite worse. When I am singing it is impossible for me to even play chords. My brain seems not to work that way. I could take a break during it but no chording for sure. I have thought about it many times and came away with this: If Bobby Osborne can not play and sing then it is ok for me too.

Tim Saxton

[KYGirl]

Garry G,
Most songs you mentioned are jam standards, shouldn't have much of a problem finding someone to take a break! #Then #you can learn a thing or two from them. #Good luck~

[AmosMoses]

Just give someone the nod and don't worry about it. A lot of good players like to take a break as often as they can. A banjo player in our jam will play ANYTHING. I'm sure if someone sang AC/DC Back in Black he would take a break on it.

[Givensman]

You know Garry G, all the good and great players have been there (the same situation you're in right now). Just go for it and have fun!!!!