I have a large collection of books, and when people see them, they have two questions: One, “Did you read all of those?”, and two. “Why keep ’em after you’ve read ‘em?”
The fact is, I enjoy revisiting books. Many books (not all) have rewards in rereading them a second time or a third time, or in some cases, over and over again. Yes, the surprises are gone after the first read, for the most part, but a really good book continues to entertain.
I feel the same way about good movies, and in some cases, TV shows. There are some movies I could watch anytime, and some of those, I would be glad to watch any random 15 minute segment within them. Similarly, some books are written so well, I could open it up and read any page at random and enjoy it all over again.
Recurring jam sessions can be like this. Time and time again, we seek out the folks at these events with whom we had jammed in previous months or years, and we do it all over again. Now, obviously a jam session is much more dynamic than a finished film or a printed book. No two jams are the same, even with the same songs and the same people.
Often, a wonderful comfort zone is created at these events. You will almost certainly meet people you’ve never met before, and jam with people for the first time ever, and great times and memories will ensue. But, typically, you’ll find some old friends, and darned if you don’t drag out those same songs you play last year and the year before. Then, it IS like reading a favorite old book, and just as comfortable.
I haven’t been to the Great 48 Jam in the past couple of years, but I am going this year. And I intend to find some old friends and do some picking and singing, and I just know,halfway through at least one tune, I’ll be thinkin’ “Dang! I played this same tune 3 years ago with these same people!”. And I’ll be thrilled to revisit the fun at the scene of the crime!
Jeannie Ramos, Cliff Compton, Duane Campbell – I sure hope you’re going to be there! Rick Cornish, Larry Kuhn, Tim Edes, Montie Elston – I hope to see you there. Randy Weese? Paul Sato? Any chance? Cory Welch, Melissa Blas? Alan Bond, John Kornhauser? I hope our paths cross at some point! The two Larrys (Cohea and Chung) – will they make the trip? Jeanie and Chuck – the Ministers of Musical Mirth? I’ll be looking for you!
Maybe I won’t see ANY of these people, but I’m still gonna have a lot of fun!
