My 2018 Music Goal, Log House Jam

kansuze (63)in #piano • 7 years ago

If you have been following,
you know my goal is to play in an
open mic or jam session this year.

And no sooner did I mention that when...

Our regular Friday haunt is closed this week so a small group is getting together to jam in a beautiful log home in the country. Perfect!

That was Friday.

It's perfect because it's a small group. At most events, I watch or occasionally sing, but everyone going knows I play the piano. Am I ready for this? My piano teacher says I am and there was lots of time to practise on Friday. And as the host of the party is a blues guy, I thought cramming in as much blues as possible was probably a good idea, so I did. I was pumped!

The rain last week had melted most of the ice except for my front walkway which had been turned into a treachorous rink. Before I had a chance to say I would carry my piano, my Sherpa had whisked it away and returned. "You wouldn't have made it," he said gravely, probably so I wouldn't protest. So much for being a big girl and carrying my own instrument.

Unloading the car at our friends' place, I understood why groups hire roadies. In came a piano, a Beatle bass, a 12-string guitar, amplifier(s), my stool, drinks, anything else? They were surprised and pleased to see the piano.

By the time I was setup, there were 11 of us; 1 drummer, 4 experienced guitarists, 2 newer guitarists, me, 3 others who don't play but might sing, and also a friendly dog. The guitars weren't too loud and it was hand drumming. I adjusted the piano volume and asked someone if the piano was loud enough.

Beautiful log home. There's my piano in the upper left corner.

They started to play. Experienced guitarists just glance at each other's fingers to see the first chord, typically the song's key, and they take it from there. I can catch the odd chord but I kept missing the start. So for awhile, one of the men was calling out the chords to his wife on his right and me on his left. I think we each caught only half of them.

The guys more or less took turns choosing songs while the newer guitarists and I tried to follow. (Hey! I was expecting some 12-bar blues!) I sat patiently playing very little. Not used to hearing my piano with other instruments, I was having trouble picking it out. After a few songs, someone said they couldn't hear the piano at all. I turned it up. Should I be using a different piano setting?

We had a blast and there was plenty of chatting and munching. During a short break, one of the guys told me I could jump in any time. I said I didn't want to experiment on them too much (seriously) and he said they would be fine. I really didn't want to wreck anyone else's music while I figured out the chords. Still... when were we going to play those easy blues progressions? I NEED CHORDS! By then, the newer guitar players had switched to singing and I joined them a little later.

And then the evening had ended.

So, wow, first jam! If you had asked me earlier to predict how I would feel, I might have thought either elated or frustrated, depending on how it went. Instead, I felt like the player who dressed for the game but never left the bench. As always, it was still a fun time, but I have to play more, otherwise I'm a chauffeur for a piano and not a musician.

Chatting in the car, my Sherpa said the piano wasn't loud enough. I could turn it up more and switch to a different voice but he pointed out that the speakers are angled towards me. So it looks like I'm shopping for a piano stand AND a keyboard amp now. Live and learn.

For next time, a strategy.

This jam had been short notice and I jumped at the chance to play with a small group of friends, but next time I will be prepared with songs of my own. That was in my longer term plan anyway and it makes sense; the experienced players can accompany me much easier than I can accompany them. I will also talk to my piano teacher about more ear training.

I'm not about to give up and...