..."You should come over and jam sometime..."

...a difficult question, indeed. As a knee jerk reaction, I would probably go with "no"...the very idea of jamming makes me think of a bunch of people with instruments making a lot of noise, and not getting anywhere. Waiting for two hours outside an apartment building because they went out for dinner, and perhaps a movie, and left their cellphones at home. Or, after a half hour's playing, a "band is born", booked into a bar next weekend for three sets. Of course, every band I've ever been in has started out with, I suppose "jamming"---from the first awkward practice, to actually writing original songs. But just to "jam" for the sake of it..?..I don't know...
My aversion probably stems from the fact that I'm not a very good player. That is, I can't just play a "pick up" "session", I need many practices before I feel comfortable with the other players, as I do with, say, The Responsibles (who after eight years together, have developed a "mind meld" that many musicians possess). That cohesion only took four or five years to cohere...
Also, having been to a few "jams", I know that there is a good percentage chance of the old standbys being dragged out, and beaten into leather.."Louie, Louie", etc, along with the inevitable, and ofttimes unendurable "Blues Jam". Sure, I guess it sounds cool to those involved, much like revving an engine does to a gearhead at 3 in the morning. So many players, guitarists, especially, when left to their own devices, fall back on the ol' 12 bar crutch. Fun, because it's easy. And if you didn't like the solo you played the first time around, chances are that you'll have your chance again. (HINT--if you don't want to be invited back, pretend you are excited for your "turn", and then when it comes, drop your hands at your sides and stare into space--it worked for me!)
...reading this over, I *sound* like a wanker...one that doesn't like music unless it's already packed and ready to go. Maybe this is a result of my New Wave upbringing? Who knows? I should try to be a little open minded, but I draw the line at adding didgeridoos...
In a practical sense, I should have done more "jamming" earlier on, as now, I really don't have the time for it (see previous post). As I pointed out, most of my disgust comes from a feeling of inferiority. So, I end this (less than outstanding--see previous post encore) entry with a vow--to try playing with more people, and to simply have fun.....or, start another band...

...a question of taste...

...firstly, an announcement...my son was born this past week. Everyone is happy healthy, and home safe. No real need to go into details here..
...musically speaking, the little fella has had no real opportunity to "groove" yet..mostly my warbling and good ol' CBC Radio 2. Amongst music fans, of course, the question of a child's musical future is a natural one..so here are some answers...

1. No, there will be no pictures taken in the style shown. Hopefully, there will be no "mohawks", studded wrist bands, or mini band T-shirts either. I am not one to pass judgements on others, but I do have my own opinions.
2. Have I decided what instrument(s) my child is going to play? Huh? I mostly try to decide which hand to hold the dirty diaper in during changing. If he expresses an interest later on, he will of course be encouraged. Otherwise, he has other things to do first.
3. What kind of music will we let him listen to? What? Am I his programme director? Is there a CanCon minimum here? For a while, I think he will be listening to what most other infants listen to. I'm not sure if there is an alt-kiddie scene, and I won't be looking to hard for it if it indeed exists.
4. Of course, he will grow up around music--most people these days do, in one way or another. Do I think he'll "dig" my favourite artists? Probably not. In fact, I hope he doesn't. That's the way it works. During his teens (can't even think about that right now!) I expect that he will positively hate every band his farty old Dad likes, and revel in music that I just can't understand. Perhaps, given time and experience, he may come to enjoy things other than what's "in" for he and his contemporaries, which is the best hope I can have.
5. If Dad is still in a band when he is of age to go to bars, again, I doubt he will want to see his sad old pops "rockin'" on stage, much less drive him home after the gig.
...still, there is always hope....(please form a boy band, please form a boy band, please form a boy band...Papa wants to retire!)...