GUITAR BOARD

having read the thread on best blues session I thought Id chip in
with a different slant on this. My best blues session is one that Ive
been involved in - either playing or in the audience. I reckon there
are great blues sessions happening all the time. You just need to be
there

As Im a weekday Londoner, Ive started going along to the Blues Jam
Nights which happen in the city centre. Mondays after 9:00 is at Aint
Nuthin But (Kingly Street), Tuesdays after 7:00 is the Spice of Life
(Charing X Road) and Thursdays is the Royal George (after 9:30 or so,
also Charing X Road). So wheres the best blues session ? - well Id
say any one of these three venues. What you get is some very good
players getting thrown together and just getting up and making great
blues. OK sometimes the results are a bit patchy, but the general
standard is very high indeed. Certainly, Ian Segal, who runs the ANB
sessions, is a superb blues-man. Just being in a small crowded pub to
hear him sing & play is a treat.

Im finding the whole experience very stimulating - in playing terms.
There is nothing like playing in public to bring you on. I find I still
fall back into the same old pentatonic boxes too much though, and Im
not slick enough on 9th chords and fancy turnarounds. I must get more
mobility up and down the neck. Ive taken my 335 down to London now, so
thats a statement of intent to play more and improve.

The downside for me is the smoky atmospheres. Bring on the smoking in
public ban!! Its great being in the company of like minded musicians.
All the nights are very friendly. There are about 20 or so guitar
players who frequent these sessions, so you see (and get the chance to
play alongside) many of the same people regardless of which night you go
to. Im not really good enough to play alongside some of the guys whom
I now get to jam with, but Im learning so much. A few weeks ago I
ended up on stage with a former presenter of the Old Grey Whistle
Test. The variety of styles being played is amazing too.

If youve never tried a jam night, Id heartily reccommend taking a deep
shot of courage and getting out,finding your nearest session and
jamming.

cheers

andrew blues