Peanut Butter is not a jam!

 

I've rekindled my liking for peanut butter lately. It is so nice on toast. 

I went to a jazz jam last night. I awaited my turn to play. Lots of people started coming up in groups that were obviously friends. After one lot finished, I headed towards the stage with my violin and my little amp. I then realised that I was standing among a group of young people who had already started playing All of Me. This tune is usually played in C. I got ready to join in and then realised that they were playing it in F, obviously to suit their singer. This was not a jam, it was a rehearsed piece. Normally, at a jam, a piece is jointly decided on. This happens on the spot. No one gets to do forward planning. I realised that I was not taking part in a jam. This must be peanut butter!

Okay, as I said, I like peanut butter BUT it is not a jam.

In music jamming has a spontaneous element. You often finish up joining in on tunes you hardly know. The unexpectedness of the procedure makes it fun. It is not supposed to run like a rehearsed concert. 

Ah well, I guess I'm stuck playing my unaccompanied tunes these days. I'll put out the empty jam jar.

Boy, I deserve a coffee after that!

[Keep that bathroom free!]