Jam Anxieties

Feb 24, 2021 | Welcome Column

One of the very best things about bluegrass is jamming, right? Nothing presents a quintessential picture of a bluegrass festival like folks hanging around in lawn chairs picking in the shade, voices joined in joyous harmony.
But for some folks, jamming is stressful. How can this be?
Well, there are the rules, the etiquette of jamming. These are second nature to most of us, but for newcomers, it can seem like a secret code. The are many places you can find various versions of the rules of jamming on the internet, but before there were websites, there were only two ways to learn these things: Trial and error, or through a mentor. In the first scenario, novice jammers are snarled at like wolf cubs trying to get a bite from the kill – harsh, but quickly instructive. The second scenario, learning from someone who knows the ropes, is a smoother ride.
A jam can be a pretty Darwinian experience sometimes!
Some jams – many jams – have a undefined, but unmistakable level of expertise. And sometimes, folks that wander in and don’t match up well skillwise may experience some “chill” if the current jammers aren’t inclined to nurture jammers who aren’t at their level – even if the basic rules of etiquette are followed. I prefer the nurturing approach – jammes who can’t keep up will wander off before too long, generally – no need for cold shoulders.
I have written before how jams begin, grow, and break into smaller jams and sometimes dissolve altogether. This is a natural process and should not be a source of anxiety, unless it’s important to you to keep track of who you’re jamming with. It can be oddly disconcerting to make a connection with some pickers at some semi-dark jam and realize at some point your friends have all wandered off and failed to notice!
Some sources of nervousness comes from simply wanting to make a good impression – especially if you’re in a jam with players better than you. If you play your best and don’t screw up too bad, you can hang with the best. But, sooner or later the mask slips and you play like you play, for better or worse. Blushing doesn’t show up that well by lantern light, and everybody screws up once in a while, so don’t sweat it.
Of course, this story is meant to be light-hearted – jamming should be, first and foremost, fun, and it’s up to you to make sure you’re having fun. The recipes for fun differ for everyone. Some people consider the best jams the ones that last multiple hours. “I had a great time – I didn’t move from that spot all night!, is common exclamation, and I’ve had experiences like that. In general, though, I like to take in multiple jams, and get the full spectrum. Some jams never quite take flight musically, but you may meet some great people and have a lot of laughs. Some jams are so exciting and in-the-pocket, very little needs to be said.
My advice – never let the fear of doing something wrong get in the way of getting into the moment, and having fun.

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