From Reverend Keith A. Gordon,
Your Guide to Blues.
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In cities and towns all across America there are musicians gathering in nightclubs, usually on a weeknight, to play the Blues. Armed with a harmonica or a guitar, amateur musicians take their turns at the microphone belting out Blues standards in a classic Blues Jam. If you've ever wanted to play with a Blues band, a Blues jam is your best opportunity.

Start by locating the the jam. Check the local paper for club listings and look for events during the week. Many music clubs host jam sessions on Monday evenings. These "Blue Mondays" are usually hosted by a professional musician or band. They provide the sound equipment and the house band to get the jam started. You only need show up with your instrument.

Once you've located the venue for the session, try to go early as possible and meet the host musicians. Remember, these artists usually do a Blues jam for little, if any, compensation. It's the love of playing music that brings everyone to the jam. Many jams will have a sign-up sheet you must sign before you will be called onstage.

When you are called up, be ready to plug in and play. This means have your guitar tuned, and any extra equipment setup and ready to go. A word of caution, you don't always get to play the songs you want to play. The jam host usually decides which song is played, but most likely it will be an easy standard Blues song that everyone will know. Even if you've never heard the song, you will soon get the hang of the chords. Pay close attention to the leader as he will cue you when to start a solo. When you get the nod, let it rip but keep attuned to the leader, as he will cue another player. This cues the end of your solo. It is important that you keep your head up and aware of cues and endings. Volume is another issue. Host players will appreciate your playing more if you maintain a compatible sound level. Remember, the player that fits in easily will always be invited back.

When your turn is over, usually two or three tunes, quickly remove yourself and make way for the next jammer. This can be hard especially if you just had a smokin' set, but courtesy is the order of the evening and it's always better to leave them wanting more than to wear out your welcome.

When you are done, stick around an listen and support other players. The time can be used to make musical contacts, discuss equipment, and find musicians for your own band. Always try to invite friends and buy something from the host club. The more people that show up, the longer the jam will survive.

As with any gathering of enthusiasts, politics can creep into the mix. You must be open-minded with the leader as he or she must keep everybody happy and sometimes must step on some toes to keep the jam moving. There also might be times when special musicians show up and elbow out the newer players. Instead of being upset that you lost your spot, study the more experienced players to see how they fit in with the other musicians.

Blues Jam sessions can be the outlet for your Blues talent. When run well, they are musically competent, socially satisfying, and personally rewarding. Now, go out and jam!