zc> A lot of the people at the jams I've been to here in London are not
zc> good musicians. I'm not that good but I know what's tasteful in terms
zc> of playing and some of these guys are simply wanking on stage, not
zc> saying anything through their playing and it is depressing because jam
zc> nights at clubs are becoming less and less popular due to these
zc> people.
aha! stage wankers! not exclusive to jazz, let me tell you... sad however
that it seems to be such a problem in london. i guess w/all the good music
and clubs that DO go on there, i had an unrealistic perception of london.
as far as jams go, the only reasons to go (if you're a good player) are:
1.you don't get to play much (i.e. it's a hobby)
2.you don't get to play jazz (or whatever) enough
3.you're looking for new players
4.the players are even better than you
5.you want to impress your girl(boy)friend/agent/mgr/a&r/you get the point...
> next time you're in l.a. give me a call, my band plays tunes w/changes and
> we still groove like a mofo...
zc> Well of course you do - that's my point, AJ appeals to musicians since
zc> it challenges in a similar way to jazz. But lousy musicians
zc> (eg. one chord cowboys
that's a great dig! can i use that sometime?
zc> at local jams in London) sound bad since it shows up
zc> lack of technique, ability and musicianship like a magnifying glass.
along w/knowing when & what to play, it's important to know what and when NOT
to play...
zc> I'll look forward to seeing you if I go to LA!
i hope you make it. i like where your head is about playing (now that i've
heard more...)
zc> Next time you're in England we should jam.
when that becomes a reality i'll let you (and the rest of the world) know!
t-bird
... [to end a solo] you take the horn out of your mouth-miles davis