Joined: 21 Jul 2003 Posts: 401 Location: College Station, TX
Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:44 am Post subject:
A - Couple of things that you might consider...
First, the obvious response would be just don't attend these jams if you don't want to be put in this position. But it sounds like you love to play so this may not be an option. But if you do attend be prepared to play by their rules.
Second, beat them at their own game. Consider their approach to the blues (while narrow it may be) as a challenge. And it is - playing Jimmy Reed well is tougher than it seems. And you mention Duke Robillard - I consider him a master at jumping between blues sub-genres. He can do the Reed thing then switch to jump blues or Tiny Grimes style with ease. If they play 5 notes, you play 4. If they play 3 you play 2. One of my favorite stage ploys is to hit and hold a 16 bar sustained note. If there is a wanker on stage playing all kinds of "bloooze"crap, when it is my turn I will play counter to this approach and lay it out slow and melodic, then hit that feedback/sustain sweet spot between amp and guitar and hold and vibrato that sucker for a whole chorus. If the bass player and drummer are paying attention they can get some great dynamics going under this. Freddie King used to do this and it can really get a crowd in your pocket. And it can really piss off, or show up, the other players. They might even award you the honorary bowling shirt award.
Third, can you get the club owner to let you host another jam night with other styles - which may attract even more customers. I can't imagine a jam night with only blues nazis. Sounds a little boring. If you put together your dream jam situation to the owner and offer to assume some responsibilty for making it happen it could work. Hell, I would come if the beer were cheap enough.
Or - you could show up, get real drunk and throw stuff at the stage.
Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 886 Location: SF Bay Area
Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 11:24 am Post subject:
Bluelobster wrote:
telefunk1 wrote:
A - Couple of things that you might consider...
...Or - you could show up, get real drunk and throw stuff at the stage.
That is a great solution . Sounds a bit European for Bay Area but it will work.
I have a bumper sticker on my truck put out by a local bookstore that says "Keep Santa Cruz Weird". So Blob, you're welcome anytime, throwing things or not
Actually, the decision to blow off the "invite" was a no brainer. I've had comments from several local musicians that thought the situation was crap. A few civilian friends who like to dance and want to support the local scene have commented that the music is boring, even without knowing about my experience. So time wounds all heels.
As for putting together an alternative, I really don't have the time an energy for that. As Rosemary Clooney said "I want to be a sideman" (great song if you haven't heard it), but I'm stuck in never never land between the great full time local musicians and folks who think I would not fit as a support act. _________________ There are no such things as wrong notes, there's only the look on your face.
My Stuff: www.stevekirbymusic.com
Are you familiar with the work of Alex Schultz? His work always gets the Blue Taliban's attention, and it's not too difficult to play; although playing it with consistent authority can be a challenge. It just requires a certain feel, loose timing and a bold attitude (a good tube reverb unit also doesn't hurt) .
Listen to this clip of Alex playing the solo in "Alphebet Blues" and tell me you don't like it. It's good stuff - you have to like it.
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