I have played at a lot of jam sessions over the years. After a while I sort of stopped going, mostly because my bands were gigging and I didn’t feel the need or want to go. Lately I have been frequenting jam sessions again, even though I am in multiple bands. I decided to stop and explain why.
First, it should be noted that, as my very good friend (who has more experience as a musician in his pinky than I have in my entire body) Harry pointed out, “there is a difference between a jam session and open mic.” I really never thought about that… until recently. What is the difference? Well, a little jam history might be in order (mind you, this is based on my experiences and the recollections of others and their jam experiences).
For the most part a jam session or open mic normally consists of a host band that has the basic backline equipment needed (for sure a front of house [FOH] system and probably drums) that may or may not include guitar or bass amplifiers. You almost always bring your own instrument (not always the case, but most musicians, especially in a situation where you most likely don’t know the participants, really don’t want to chance their instrument with the potential of being damaged by someone else). The host band plays a few numbers to set things up and then they start calling one or more of the musicians up (there is usually a signup sheet or board) to sit in, play a few numbers and then move on to the next musician.
The style of music played depends on the venue, the host band and the musicians attending. The most common types of jam sessions are blues, classic rock and probably country. Obviously there are others, in fact, you could probably safely state that jazz jam sessions were the real first type of jam sessions (a little more about that in a minute), but these three tend to probably make up the majority. An obvious reason is because of the chance to have space for instrument improvisation and for vocalists to show off their pipes.
As I mentioned, jazz jam sessions could arguably be the first real jam sessions. But, they were handled differently back in the day. You didn’t just sign up and get to play. You were almost always asked by the group to sit in because maybe one of the members had heard you play, or maybe one of their respected friends recommended you. But you didn’t just get to sit in. And you didn’t get to pick your own stuff most of the time. You would be expected to join in with whatever standard they were going to perform and then you would have your chance to show off your skills. If you didn’t have those skills, that was sort of it for you. For the most part, you had to be fairly well versed in the standards and obviously know how to improvise effectively on your instrument otherwise, you were sent packing to build up your chops for another time.
There are probably still jam sessions similar to this, and most jazz jam sessions likely require you to be more than just knowledgeable about jazz music. This leads me to the difference between jam session and open mic.
I am sure some may argue with me, others will agree, but as I see it the difference in jam sessions and open mic is the musicians involved talent, passion and ability. A person who sings or plays their instrument in their bedroom and doesn’t perform as part of a group or studio work, is normal of an open mic. It can run the gamut from mediocre to “oh my God, please stop.” Songs are normally very basic, and a good band has to “dumb down” to compensate for the mediocre musicians performing. This is not always the case, but fairly common.
So, how I feel about the whole jam session/open mic.
I have yet to perform at a real jazz jam session. I’m not ready. I’m that guy that would stumble and be asked to go practice some more and then come back. But the other types of jams/open mics I have a lot of experience. The way I see it, is that, while I don’t mind playing at open mic sessions, they serve me absolutely no purpose. Sure, I can play “Keep Your Hands To Yourself” ad nauseum, but again, to what end? The reason for “me” attending a jam/open mic is for me to grow. To learn something new. To create something exciting. To network with others. To become a better player. And the ONLY way to do those things is to play with better players than myself. You can’t normally get that at an open mic.
Jam sessions can be touch and go when it comes to musicianship, but for the most part, the good jam sessions have good players. They are also well organized. A poorly organized jam session is an open mic session. These top shelf jam sessions have quality players that show up and bring their “A” game. They strive to play music that is not only entertaining, but is understood to be more than a simple I-IV-V progression, with nuances and exciting changes. I have played at some jam sessions and, even though I think I am a fairly accomplished musician, felt dwarfed by the talent on stage. I could hold my own, but what is important is that it sparked the desire to be better, to play better, to not only hold my own, but to excel.
THAT is what a good jam session should be there for. But, unfortunately, it usually isn’t. The reality is that a venue that hosts a jam session still has one thing on their mind – how many people will come in and buy drinks/food? And so, the open mic is considerably more popular (in my opinion) that a real jam session. Jam sessions are for musicians. Open mic’s are for music lovers.
In closing, I just wanted to point out some things that I think are the cornerstones of a successful jam session:
- The host band does not hog all the mic time. Most sessions are three hours and if you are in a thriving market that has a lot of musicians, three hours goes by fast. If the host band hogs over an hour of the jam time, the other musicians are really cut short. It’s not a gig. It’s a jam sessions. Let the other musicians have more time to shine. You as the house band (normally) are getting paid regardless, so take a back seat to the jammers.
- Question the musicians a little more than asking what instrument they play. Without finding out the ilk of the musicians getting on stage you are more than likely going to devolve into a open mic situation. Find out if they are currently performing, what styles they play, how long have they been performing. This is not to say you tell someone they cannot get on stage, but if you have a drummer and a bass player with little to no experience and you put them up there with a guitarist who is expecting a little more than “Mustang Sally” skill, he isn’t going to come back. Why would he? He will be bored to tears. Learn who the musicians are, pay attention to them when they do perform so you can pair them up with others accordingly.
- Hand in hand with the above, think about setting up a Facebook group or a website for the jam so some of this information can be figured out ahead of time. Musicians can go and suggest songs, the house band can learn stuff if necessary, others can see what others are requesting and maybe get paired up. There are just tons of ways this can be helpful, informative and make for a successful jam.
- This is a tough one, but don’t let a mediocre or, sorry, horrible musician bring the jam session down. I’ve seen a lot of patrons leave because a jam lets a closet guitarist on stage with his acoustic and he is playing original songs that are not very good (and no one knows) or plays in a way that is so unconventional no one can follow, or plays nothing but tired, slow and overly repetitive songs. It’s a jam session, remember? If this looks like the direction they are headed, politely cut them off after a song or two and bring on someone new. Yeah, it may seem harsh, but like I said, this a jam session. These folks can be steered to the nearest open mic session somewhere else. (I’m sure I will get kick back on this, but I stand my ground here. Pay your dues at the open mic sessions before hitting the real jam sessions).
- If players start getting too loud, REEL THEM IN! Like above, I played a jam session where a guitar player was so loud that you couldn’t even hear the drums. People were going outside because it hurt their ears. Loud and energy driven is one thing. Then there is loud that is just “look at me and how good I am” loud. That is annoying, and I am sorry, even if you are that good, when you get to that volume level no one cares how good you are. A host band needs to take charge and reign this shit in. Musicians at a jam session compliment each other, not dominate.
- Listen to the audience…. to an extent. They are going to have favorite musicians that show up, favorite songs they like to hear them play and, to a degree, expect to hear. Remember, a jam session is really about entertaining the audience while at the same time taking your playing to a new level. An open mic is all about entertaining the audience and satisfying your simple need to perform live, regardless of how good you are. Keep this in mind when you host a “jam session.” You have to cater to the audience, but you also have to cater to the musicians. Again, if they are going to play dumbed down material, they aren’t gonna want to keep attending the jam. Try to find a happy medium where the audience is satisfied and the musicians are also satisfied. It’s a fine line, but I think it’s what makes the difference between a successful jam session or an average open mic night.
Hosting a jam session is a lot of work. And really, hats off to the bands that not only do it, but do it well and provide an avenue for musicians to associate with each other and to grow. A good jam session will build a community of musicians and fans. It will foster comradery with local musicians instead of competitiveness. It will provide a place were music lovers can go and experience local music and musicians and realize the sheer amount of talent that is right there in their community. Well put together jam sessions are good for music, musicians, local business and music lovers of every age!