Why do keybds get overlooked at jams?

[sparkygirl]

OK, I know this is not a big deal and most of you are guitar players but why is it that we Keyboard players seem to be left out of Jams? I can't just bring my keyboard slung over my back and plug in to someones amp. Mostly because I choose to play a larger keyboard (yes that makes me a size queen I always go in the hope of finding one sitting there waiting for me but 3/4 of the time there are none.

AND - pardon me please and please don't crucify me but why do they always seem to be blues jams? Don't get me wrong. Love the blues, love playing the blues. Understand that most people here are part of the Blues Society. But every now and then I need me some Matchbox 20, Maroon 5, Van Morrison, Tom Petty or anything in the dreaded "classic rock" genre. And let me say there are a lot of us out here that feels that way.

So I ask you, in the nicest of ways, PLEASE let me know if there are any jams around the Sacto area that will tolerate a keyboard player (hell if they will I'll show up early and set up for the whole night so others can use my board. ) And, if you know of any venues that aren't primarily blues oriented I'd love to know that as well.

AND - before someone let's me know that the jams are dictated by the people who show up to them, I get that. If mostly blues guys show up then that's what you play. Great. Truely, I understand the dynamic. But musicians of all types should be encouraged to come out and participate. It's is entirely likely I am just stupid (make that ignorant) and don't know where these venues are if they exist. If not then I want to stop bitching about it and try to help create a venue that's welcoming to "the rest of us".

This rant thing is pretty cool. OK, I'm done now.

[rand]

Hey sparky-girl- Our jams are always available to musicians of all genres. AS LONG AS IT'S GOOD. Blues jams are a popular gig as most musicians can play blues in a band format, even with people they've never played with before. Guitarists usually are a majority at most jams. so when someone brings in another instrument such as keys,horns etc. It's a welcome sight. You are welcome to come down to Louies wed nights 8pm- 12am and sundays 5pm-9. I would'nt expect you to try and plug into a guitar amp, so please bring your keyboard amp. Hope to see and hear you play soon

[jimc]

I don't think any jam would have a problem with you bringing your own gear and most would be happy to help you carry it in. It brings a welcome change to a jam to have keys or a horn.

You don't find keys provided at most (if not all) jams because they typically don't pay very much to the host band so a trio format (gtr, bass & drums) is the most common and cost effective.

The reason that blues dominates is it's a fairly standard format that most can fit into whether they know the song or not. I don't think that such a common vocabulary exists for classic rock and, if the players aren't all on the same page, there's more potential for train wrecks. On the other hand if you sing as well I'll bet Joe Lev and Jimmy at Louie's could back you up on a lot of stuff outside the usual 12 bar format.

Most jams will welcome bands or partial bands that bring something different so you might think about bringing along some of your band mates.

And I do think you need to work on your ranting a bit, there was no f&#k or b#$#*# or c$%#@ anywhere in your post!

[jlev]

Indeed, Jim. Give it a shot, I know hundreds of songs. And I love keyboards. I am so over guitar players! Heehee!!

[sparkygirl]

OK. I'm going to try to come out on the 25th if you guys will help me load in. Hubby won't be able to make it and he is my normal roadie. Then we will see that I am all talk and no substance.

I'll buy a drink for anyone willing do to the heavy lifting for me. After all....I'm...you know...just a girl! sigh. I'm pleased that no one bashed me! On the other hand....I might like it too much!

[jlev]

Hey, we like girls! And keyboard players!!

[guidophelledmann]

Soeaking of keyboard player's. where the hell is Jim Monroe. Anybody got a clue.

[jlev]

Jim is alive and well, retired from his day job and kicking ass. When he's not playing with Joe Louis Walker you can catch him with Catfish(Ray Copeland) and the Crawdaddy's.

[questor]

I'd like to address some of the points within the original posting. Keyboard is my primary instrument.

And to some extent, I'm actually glad so few keys do show up at jams. It means those who do have a much higher likelihood of playing than countless guitarists and harp players on the signup sheet.

Mar 15, 2009 8:39:09 GMT -8 sparkygirl said:

I always go in the hope of finding one sitting there waiting for me but 3/4 of the time there are none.

If it's a jam I really want to be part of, I always take my own keyboard for several reasons:
a. the place will likely not have one
b. I know my instrument already: the sounds, the touch sensitivity, the pedals
c. even if they have an acoustic piano, miking one can be a hassle. And we must always pray it's in tune. (Many times it's just a fixture in the corner.)

AND - pardon me please and please don't crucify me but why do they always seem to be blues jams? Don't get me wrong. Love the blues, love playing the blues. Understand that most people here are part of the Blues Society. But every now and then I need me some Matchbox 20, Maroon 5, Van Morrison, Tom Petty or anything in the dreaded "classic rock" genre.

Why are they mostly blues? Because they require the least amount of preparation and knowledge. Far more will understand and deliver in a heartbeat when told "fast shuffle in C."

The rock artists and implied tunes require familiarity. Jams are supposed to welcome people of all abilities (we all have to start somewhere.) It's more difficult to pull off a good sound with total strangers with songs that have involved chord changes, breaks, bridges and other challenging elements.

I thought this could be rectified by supplying lead sheets. However, here's what's happened at those rock jams:
a. some don't know how to read charts
b. some don't know the difference between C7 and Cmaj7
c. some think C/E means you can play C or E here, your choice! (Heaven help them with E/C.)

Too much effort, too little payoff. More appropriate for jazz jams.

AND - before someone let's me know that the jams are dictated by the people who show up to them, I get that. If mostly blues guys show up then that's what you play. Great. Truly, I understand the dynamic. But musicians of all types should be encouraged to come out and participate. It's is entirely likely I am just stupid (make that ignorant) and don't know where these venues are if they exist.

It's one thing to have an Open Mic night where anybody can play anything.

It's quite another when the host declares it is a blues jam. Therefore anyone who wants to participate in it respects the host who had the smarts to book it by playing blues.

If not then I want to stop bitching about it and try to help create a venue that's welcoming to "the rest of us".

You can always create your own jam. If you have ideas of what would make a jam that brings out the best in people from performers to listeners, then you start it. Discomfort is the mother of invention. And show the club owner how your brand of jam will make him money -- that's THEIR language.

My real-life paying day gig outside of music is as a manager. In fact, one of the songs I love to call at jams (if appropriate) is "Werewolves of London." It's easy, jammers get the groove fast. Under my breath, I'm singing my own version called "Scumbags of Management" (of which I'm one.)

It's interesting. Try leading your own band, running your own jam, as well as hiring and firing people for a living. Handling a jammer who's blowing it for everybody else is an artform unto itself.

You'll then experience why so few want to do it. Hey - that's almost in direct proportion to the number of keyboard players present at jams!