Jam Etiquette Question

[IamGroot]

Is there a rule of thumb about when the house bass player should sit down and let the jam session attendees play?

IExample last night. I was passing through town and there was a Jam session from 8 to 11 pm. Almost 10 pm and the house player was still on stage and there were 3 bass players on the list waiting to play The furniture had been changed out several times already.

 

[5StringBlues]

In my opinion, the jam SHOULD BE for the jammers.

 

[catcauphonic]

Is there a rule of thumb about when the house bass player should sit down and let the jam session attendees play?

IExample last night. I was passing through town and there was a Jam session from 8 to 11 pm. Almost 10 pm and the house player was still on stage and there were 3 bass players on the list waiting to play The furniture had been changed out several times already.

So the house bass player played non stop from 8-10? Unless the other 3 all put their name up there at 9:55, it seems a little gluttonous.

I haven't been to a lot of them, but I assumed they were there mainly to do a few songs as a band and crowd warmup, then kinda be on standby for when there's gaps in the list?

 

[JRA]

Is there a rule of thumb about when the house bass player should sit down and let the jam session attendees play?

it's probably a "politics as local" thing. and a club jam is as "local" as it gets.

 

[IamGroot]

So the house bass player played non stop from 8-10? Unless the other 3 all put their name up there at 9:55, it seems a little gluttonous.

I haven't been to a lot of them, but I assumed they were there mainly to do a few songs as a band and crowd warmup, then kinda be on standby for when there's gaps in the list?

Thanks for confirming that.

 

[IamGroot]

it's probably a "politics as local" thing. and a club jam is as "local" as it gets.

It was about as local as ir gets. Wont be back.

 

[ElectroVibe]

I went to a bluegrass acoustic jam once in a nice outdoor setting where people could stop and listen. There were definitely three guys who were friends and sat together, not letting anyone else take a lead. I guess I can understand since they were probably there week after week and I was the new guy.

The sad thing was when this amazing mandolin player came by briefly. He played near me and BLEW AWAY their best guy. Sad that he didn't get more spotlight.

 

[jeffb28451]

I hate a "jam" when some self- important/ homey/ local/ house/ captive (whatever descriptive you choose) hogs the stage. Jams are for jammers. Play 2 or 3 and move on...

 

[Joedog]

I hosted jams for years, in 2 different bands. We'd do a 45 minute set, then open it up to jammers. We would fill in as needed/requested. I was more than happy to sit, sip a beer, and hobnob while getting paid. People come to jams to play. OP's BP doesn't get it. I bet they don't get big crowds.

 

[filmtex]

In my opinion, the jam SHOULD BE for the jammers.

I work two open mic/jams every week, and as soon as I recognize another bass player in the house, I step down at the next break. I agree totally. I generally let them play as long as I can.

 

[5StringBlues]

I work two open mic/jams every week, and as soon as I recognize another bass player in the house, I step down at the next break. I agree totally. I generally let them play as long as I can.

I do the same, but the "list nazi" has other plans sometimes................

 

[IamGroot]

I do the same, but the "list nazi" has other plans sometimes................

I would like to confirm 5 String is a gentleman.

The list nazi on the other hand is the reason i stopped visiting when i was playing down the street. I had talked a family member from Europe to go with me to check out the real blues. We ate a steak dinner,she was amazed, but I was not asked up.

 

[5StringBlues]

I would like to confirm 5 String is a gentleman.

The list nazi on the other hand is the reason i stopped visiting when i was playing down the street. I had talked a family member from Europe to go with me to check out the real blues. We ate a steak dinner,she was amazed, but I was not asked up.

And that's not even the list nazi I meant, tho I suspect I know the one you mean........................

 

[CallMeAl]

I played the bluegrass jams in Seattle for a while. Each had their own culture. Some had chord charts ready to go. Some were friendly, yet disorganized. Some were just folks wanking off.

Funny thing taking an EB to bluegrass jams. When you show up, they go "thank god, a bass player!" Then a DB shows up and it's, "step aside son, the REAL bass is here!"

Now I found a blues jam in Ithaca. You're pretty much expected to have a rhythm section with core tunes, and the melody players (harp, keys, guitar) float around. It's more like a band open mic than a jam. Not the most welcoming or educational format, but makes for a great night of music!

 

[fig]

We'd do a 45 minute set, then open it up to jammers.

That's how previous bands I worked with did it when we hosted the jam. Sometimes after that first set, I'm out for the rest of the night. Didn't mind at all as I still got paid LOL.

 

[Samatza]

When we did this we would play about 5 tunes and then open it up to others. I don't see the point of getting people to a jam and then not letting them play.

 

[buldog5151bass]

IMI, when there are musicians waiting, the house bassist should give up his spot after about 3-4 songs. But too often it doesn't happen.

 

[IamGroot]

Glad to hear there are well run jams out there.

Mark May in Houston always stood out as a guy who knew how to run a jam.

 

[ElectroVibe]

There is a balance. Obviously the people who are the most loyal week after week should be given more time if they want. But they need to welcome the newbies so as not to discourage them, and leave them with a good impression.

 

[fhm555]

I once hacked off a list nazi when he got me up and wouldn't call any of the other bass players up. I asked a couple times what was up and he finally said, "they all suck". I thanked him and packed up. It's a jam, if people show up and sign up, let them play.