NWB - Community Blog

Personally I think that is a great idea Bob. I don't see it being any different to a band I played in going to a Jam Night to run through new numbers, (before entering into the true spirit of the evening).
We would do an acoustic rehearsal at gittist's house and then off to a Jamm to run through them properly.
I would welcome Chord Charts if expected to play a number I was unfamiliar with. At least I would know which notes"fit".
Incidently if The Witton Chimes still has a Jam Night, quite a few bands get up and do their own thing.

Absolutely - seen it done loads of times. If its the difference between listening to Summer of 69 again or hearing someone chance his or her arm at something new with the aid of prompts I'd sooner people brought dots every time.

It's a great idea mate. What a refreshing change that would be!!
I've done hundreds of jam nights as a resident bass player, and the times I've wanted to twat somebody because they've sulked off calling me a tosser because I don't know a particular tune, is frightening.

To be honest, I think you'd be welcomed with open arms (see what I did there?), at most jam nights. You certainly would at one of mine, in fact I'd probably end up giving you a reach around out the back.............!!

I pity the poor house bassist at some jams when you can see them obviously watching the guitarist's fretboard to figure out what chord they've moved to. Thank god I just have to hit things.

Having a cheat sheet must surely beat the hell out of having chord changes shouted at you as they happen or having to decipher them yourself, whilst still playing.

@Tubthumper - Exactly my point Nic.
The number of blogs on here about muso's getting pissed off by punters expecting them to be a human juke box. Yet some muso's, who in some cases are worse than the punters they're complaining about, will turn up at a jam night, expecting the "resident muso's" to be that very same human juke box.

Don"t worry jam nights are meant to be a free for all ,from the ones i"ve been to & had a sing at there"s pros & learners & all ages & there have been some great nights & to be honest from my point of you it gives you a better insite of what other music is out there ,just go ,keep an open mind & enjoy ...the one at "the railway inn "/chorley on a sunday nights is really cool & everyone there are up for anything ,andy @'the stories .

Posted by 4most Wanted
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"The number of blogs on here about muso's getting pissed off by punters expecting them to be a human juke box. Yet some muso's, who in some cases are worse than the punters they're complaining about, will turn up at a jam night, expecting the "resident muso's" to be that very same human juke box"

Damn right pal!

my main issue with jam nights is that they always seem to take the same format (wherever ive been anyways) people are nervous about getting up, some dick gets up a blasts his guitar for 5 mintues, hes then joined by people who want to play classic rock standards all night.

i'd love to go to a proper jam night where people get up and "create" something different, not just blues/classic rock solos for half an hour.

back on topic. i cant read any form of music and i dont really know chords at all, so i am a watcher of other peoples hands but yeah a more structured layout might be a good thing to try. just run it past the guys/girls on the night. im sure you'll get plenty of takers

I think that the plan would be to just ask the musicians first when you arrive and if the gutarist (or whoever) is insulted then just say "no problem" and find another! If you still have no joy then find another jam night.

To answer the question, is it acceptable? for me it would be refreshing....

Is it cool? erm.... not really I suppose but are jam nights supposed to be cool?

Jam nights are just shit!

The nervy people aren't too bad. The people that really piss me off are those that treat it like they're about to play the London Paladium. Its not meant to be serious, tis a midweek, let your hair down on a work night and get slightly squiffy type event purely for easy going socialisation where everyone has something in common, i.e. the love of music.

Get a grip of yourselves you sad serious bastards

@ Lord Standing - I thought your opener was a bit negative but then I remembered why I've never fancied going to one, other than the fact that I'm a shy retiring person and couldn't see me forcing my way on to the stage ;-)

And when was the last time you went to one John? You've obviously not been anywhere near the Stanley in Accrington for years. In fact there's only one bloke I know who runs his jam nights in the manner you suggest, and he's not local to us.

I've been to the Stanley Street Club but not to the jam night.

The most regular one I ever went to was the Derby's every Wednesday, that was poo.
I used to run one at the Rodney when I was at college, it was shit too.
Used to go to one at Clitheroe where the Clitheroe Mafia used to get up at the end of the night and play something complicated (Jessica or the like) that they'd been rehearsing for weeks to make everyone else look bad.
Been to the Good Night a few times.

None of them were particularly pleasurable experiences.

I don't really enjoy playing on foreign equipment either to be honest. I like to know my way around my gear.

Well you're right about the Derby's and Key Street, but the Stanley is just in another league - excellent musicians, no ego's, no pre prepared material. Excellent and different house band every week (few of whom actually play with each other outside of the jam nights) and really good gear. Any time you ever fancy a shufty I will cheerfully give you a lift over (and Earl Standing too if he's not tucked up in bed by 10).