HVBS Rules and Guidelines for our Jams
Open Letter To Musicians Attending The HVBS Jams:
The great thing about the HVBS blues jams is that they bring out many people who haven’t experienced open jams. One of the not-so-great things about them is that, well, they bring out a lot of people who haven’t experienced open jams.
With that in mind, let us offer a few suggestions:
The great thing about the HVBS blues jams is that they bring out many people who haven’t experienced open jams. One of the not-so-great things about them is that, well, they bring out a lot of people who haven’t experienced open jams.
With that in mind, let us offer a few suggestions:
- FOLLOW SONG LIMITS. Three songs mean just that. Be respectful of those waiting to play.
- KEEP YOUR SELECTIONS TO A REASONABLE LENGTH. Most songs performed live last an average of 5-7 minutes. Many songs in collections of ‘50s blues averaged just 3 minutes apiece. We are not saying you should stick to a 3-minute tune, but if Sonny Boy Williamson can say what he wants to say in several songs in a 33-minute album, it shouldn’t take 15 minutes for a single song. Each jam set is 3 songs or 15 minutes total.
- GET ON AND OFF THE STAGE QUICKLY. Be prepared with both your equipment and your material. Be in tune and be ready to play. People are not there to watch you take your time setting up your equipment. When you’re done playing, get OFF the stage quickly so the next performer can play.
- THIS IS A BLUES JAM (Pt. 1). That means you should go there prepared to play blues, not classic rock, not hardcore country, not jazz fusion. Those styles are great, and there are places to play them, but this ain’t one of them. It won’t get boring; blues styles are varied enough to survive a full night honoring those styles. The idea is for others to play along with a song they may not be familiar with; don’t make it un-fun for them to do that. Bottom line: if you need to constantly shout out chord changes, it probably isn’t the right song choice. Choose a different one.
- THIS IS A BLUES JAM (Pt. 2). This time with the emphasis on “jam.” We all have people with whom we love to play and with whom we’re comfortable. But the whole purpose of these jams is the chance to network, play with new people, and try out new ideas. Be open to jamming with whoever gets put on the bandstand with you. Participants are called up one at a time to play with the house band. Additionally, full bands will have an opportunity to play together after everyone has had a chance to perform.
- THIS IS A BLUES JAM (Pt. 3). It’s not a personal showcase, nor is it an audition (although it can serve as both if you do it right). Be sure you're playing together. Listen to what’s going on around you and don’t fight with the rest of the band, not musically and certainly not in terms of volume. In the words of a late great bass player from Boston, "Ninety percent of playing is listening." While we are on the subject…
- BE VOLUME APPROPRIATE. This advice is often ignored at all performances, but for some reason, it seems to happen in the jams even more. Usually, it starts out at a reasonable level, and then by the midpoint of the jam set, it can get loud. Blues ain’t loud! Keep in mind that the drums are usually unamplified (except occasionally the bass drum). If you're having trouble hearing the drummer and the others on stage with you, then turn down your volume. Be cognizant of that (and the drummer will be thankful for that).
- A FULL BACKLINE IS PROVIDED. Pedals and small pedalboards are permitted (as of 1/1/24). We also discourage bringing your amp. If you do bring an amp, anything over 12 watts will be turned away.
- BE OPEN TO CRITICISM AND ADVICE. Jams offer incredible learning opportunities and constructive criticism could help you sharpen your listening and playing skills.
- RESPECT THE VENUE. The venue is allowing us to play there. They supply everything we need to have a great time. As a patron, you should buy something to eat and drink. They have to make a living too.
- HAVE FUN.
- See all of the above.
