Oddly's Adventures: A session report

[Oddly]

What song did you play??

I don't sing, so I took the approach of providing some tastefully-chosen simple and fitting backing lines (well, that's what I'm calling them) where I felt it appropriate.
That seemed to be what the original bass player was doing so I followed his lead, which freed him up to add harmonica and guitar (he seemed to be the group leader in that regard, providing a bit of backing to others.)
Nobody gave ma any dirty looks, told me to stop, or threw anything at me, so I reckon it went well.

 

[kesslari]

Most excellent, Oddly! I'll bet they were just glad you didn't bring a bodhran

 

[Spidey2112]

I found it quite a challenge, but really enjoyed it and managed to avoid any glaring mistakes.

(mic drop)... as it should be.

 

[roller]

I just have one question -- do you wear your Gene Simmons dragon boots to something like this? I would guess that you do.

I know as a gig report this is a failure...no photos, no food pics...but I wanted to share as it's a good feeling to be back out playing with other people again without any of that band drama nonsense.

 

[fhm555]

Having spent my formative years playing in a family situation where it was strictly for our enjoyment, it shaped my outlook on music into a wholly selfish pursuit. I don’t worry what anyone else thinks, i play for my enjoyment and in fact will not play if it’s just to be gawked at by random onlookers. That all changes if there is lucre in the mix but barring that, playing music strictly for my enjoyment is as close to a spiritual experience this crusty old cynic has ever come. If it brings you joy, that’s all that matters. The upside to me finding happiness in playing is the happiness is like a contagion, it quickly spreads and before you know it, everyone within earshot is infected with a smile on their face and a joyful heart. Keep going my friend, it’s rare places like the one you've discovered where the true purpose of life can be found.

 

[Oddly]

Most excellent, Oddly! I'll bet they were just glad you didn't bring a bodhran

Would you believe there was one lurking in the room, but nobody dared pick it up?
Obviously being Irish I can play one perfectly, but I choose to wait for the coming apocalypse, when I'll be stripping buck naked, painting myself blue and, bodhran in hand, using the haft of my war-axe as a beater, charging bravely into the fray.

I just have one question -- do you wear your Gene Simmons dragon boots to something like this? I would guess that you do.

I'll have to shamefully admit I wasn't aware of Mister Simmons' choice in footwear. Now I feel I've let the side down, but am about to hit up Amazon to redeem myself.

 

[Beersurgeon]

Awesome that you found some friends to hangout with and jam!

 

[LBS-bass]

While waiting for my next project to kick in (if it ever does), I googled Jam Sessions in Dublin to see what was happening these days.
A couple I have attended (and found they weren't for me) popped up, and also one that looked promising.

Located in an upstairs room of a pub about 15 minutes drive from me. Parking available.
Runs on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (my two days off).
A relaxed and supportive environment.
All levels welcome.

I contacted the organiser and asked if a barely competent electric bass player would be welcome and got an enthusiastic yes.
Seems they have a guy plays some bass, but much prefers guitar and harmonica.
They said they might have a bass amp, but I decided to bring along my GK combo just in case.

Anyway, I thought I'd report in on my night.
It turns out it was more what I'd call a song circle situation.
About 12-15 people, some with guitars, one with a harmonica, some just singers.
Ages from maybe 20-70.
Certainly nobody seemed at absolute beginner level, there were songs from Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, John Prine, Mary Coughlan, Roy Orbison and many others.
Several using tablets or songsheets, others playing/singing from memory.

Each person played a song they fancied, others joined in as the mood took them and I took a cue from the original bass guy and played along where I thought I could add some notes in the right place.
I found it quite a challenge, but really enjoyed it and managed to avoid any glaring mistakes.
Everyone was very welcoming and friendly and understanding, and there was a real appreciation of everyone else's contributions...which were pretty much all excellent, especially given that almost nobody there had any performing experience outside of this group!

I certainly intend to make this a regular outing, and hope to make more meaningful contributions as I get to know the others a bit better. I may suggest that if they'd like, they could send me whatever songs they are planning on doing, so giving me a better chance of supporting them properly.

I know as a gig report this is a failure...no photos, no food pics...but I wanted to share as it's a good feeling to be back out playing with other people again without any of that band drama nonsense.

Sounds like tons of fun! I have a friend who attends a regular session like this; they also call it a "jam" but it really is a more structured thing than what I'm used to calling a jam. He really enjoys it. Since he plays bass, I have never gone out to one of them but I did participate in a similar thing when he had a party at his house and invited a lot of the same people to "jam" in a similar style.

Glad you had fun and found something that you can do regularly

 

[Tony In Philly]

Fifteen years ago my band grew out of a very similar type of open jam. It's the best play to sort out compatible musicians.

 

[Funky Ghost]

Next time remember to bring the spoons.

 

[1bassplayinfool]

Keep going back and keep getting better at it. Never give up... get after it!!!

 

[higain617]

When I was in Dublin, I was told the tin whistle could get you a few free pints, as well.

 

[rollie 55]

While waiting for my next project to kick in (if it ever does), I googled Jam Sessions in Dublin to see what was happening these days.
A couple I have attended (and found they weren't for me) popped up, and also one that looked promising.

Located in an upstairs room of a pub about 15 minutes drive from me. Parking available.
Runs on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (my two days off).
A relaxed and supportive environment.
All levels welcome.

I contacted the organiser and asked if a barely competent electric bass player would be welcome and got an enthusiastic yes.
Seems they have a guy plays some bass, but much prefers guitar and harmonica.
They said they might have a bass amp, but I decided to bring along my GK combo just in case.

Anyway, I thought I'd report in on my night.
It turns out it was more what I'd call a song circle situation.
About 12-15 people, some with guitars, one with a harmonica, some just singers.
Ages from maybe 20-70.
Certainly nobody seemed at absolute beginner level, there were songs from Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, John Prine, Mary Coughlan, Roy Orbison and many others.
Several using tablets or songsheets, others playing/singing from memory.

Each person played a song they fancied, others joined in as the mood took them and I took a cue from the original bass guy and played along where I thought I could add some notes in the right place.
I found it quite a challenge, but really enjoyed it and managed to avoid any glaring mistakes.
Everyone was very welcoming and friendly and understanding, and there was a real appreciation of everyone else's contributions...which were pretty much all excellent, especially given that almost nobody there had any performing experience outside of this group!

I certainly intend to make this a regular outing, and hope to make more meaningful contributions as I get to know the others a bit better. I may suggest that if they'd like, they could send me whatever songs they are planning on doing, so giving me a better chance of supporting them properly.

I know as a gig report this is a failure...no photos, no food pics...but I wanted to share as it's a good feeling to be back out playing with other people again without any of that band drama nonsense.

cool

 

[Oddly]

When I was in Dublin, I was told the tin whistle could get you a few free pints, as well.

Absolutely. You just have to swear never to play the damn thing...

 

[rollie 55]

Absolutely. You just have to swear never to play the damn thing...

a guy once said to me if you dont turn that thing down im gonna shove it up your @r#e

 

[S-Bigbottom]

(mic drop)... as it should be.

If you drop the mic you will not be returning.





[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Wisebass]

When I was in Dublin, I was told the tin whistle could get you a few free pints, as well.

That ' s what they tell tourists so they come back and pay another!

Absolutely. You just have to swear never to play the damn thing...

Whistleblowers aren' t welcome! (no politics! just a joke between working class kids)

greetings

Wise

 

[Pickup Artist]

I'm not even close to being a competent bass player, but because of your story I will check out a local music workshop.

Peace and wheelies

 

[Jim Kernan]

I'm not even close to being a competent bass player, but because of your story I will check out a local music workshop.

Peace and wheelies

It helps.

 

[Oddly]

I'm not even close to being a competent bass player, but because of your story I will check out a local music workshop.

Peace and wheelies

I strongly advise it.
I consider myself barely competent but reckoned that as it was an all-levels session, I'd get by...and I did.
In fact I was far less worried about my bass skills than my social ones...I'm something of a loner, and don't always get along in polite society, but, well, sharing a love of music gave common ground to build on.

Looking forward to your own reports of your musical travels.