Jam > x

#15 Reply
Posted by Drew_Kingsley on 08 Jun, 2004 21:55
I think that the problem with "jam > X" to start a show is that the jam can be uninspired. I would rather a jam occur spontaneously rather than written into the setlist. Granted I\'m not sure if this happens often with The Breakfast.

#16 Reply
Posted by freddiewaht on 08 Jun, 2004 23:43
i think it can be helpful to the band to start with jam to sorta warmup.i do love me a doughboy opener though!!

#17 Reply
Posted by Mark on 09 Jun, 2004 09:19
I think opening up with a random jam for the locals is the way to go. I definitely miss it!

#18 Reply
Posted by Wolfman on 09 Jun, 2004 18:51
The guys are defnitely conscious of the experience level of the audience and often open the set accordingly. Formula in new cities, anything goes in New England and other strong cities.

I\'m still not sure what is the best way generalize what people want, especially when you\'ve got a room full of fans who you don\'t know. Kroop always said, along with some posts in this thread, that you gotta play simple versions of catchy songs at the beginning of a set to draw people into it. While I\'m certain that this will work for some people, I\'m not sure that it will turn on more people than a 2-5 minute jam into WUIAC or Sundance or Escher\'s etc. would. When I think about who, at the end of the day, is really going to flip out over this band and go to lots of shows, I think it\'s the people who are turned on more by jam > x. When I see a band for the first time I get much more involved by seeing them open with a creative jam into a nutty tune rather than 3 5-minute songs. The key is learning whether that puts me in the majority or minority. Variety is important as well.

#19 Reply
Posted by leith on 09 Jun, 2004 20:13
Phil and Friends use the Jam>x formula so no one misses a "song". By the time the audience is mostly there the "song" begins. The Dead have adopted this method also. Now if The Breakfast had the problem of waiting for a venue to fill I guess this would not be bandied about. As for my 2 cents I enjoy a band starting off w/ a jam. I like to see where they are headed. Opening Jams really let one hear where musicians are @ Headspace wise if you know what to listen for. I find here on the West coast that most people prefer the Jam>x rather than a 3-5 min. song it lends more to the "what the **** is gonna happen now?" factor.

#20 Reply
Posted by Stephengencs on 10 Jun, 2004 02:32
Quote
Originally posted by freddiewaht
i think it can be helpful to the band to start with jam to sorta warmup.i do love me a doughboy opener though!!

called an hour before showtime......HAHAHA...

#21 Reply
Posted by freddiewaht on 10 Jun, 2004 22:23
i dont think there will be another doughboy opener at porters.but if it happens,im sure nobody will run out the doors pissed!

#22 Reply
Posted by Stephengencs on 11 Jun, 2004 10:00
Wah, the Band on the Run call on the other thread would be a great opener tonight........

#23 Reply
Posted by weekapaug19 on 11 Jun, 2004 10:09
Quote
Originally posted by Stephengencs
Wah, the Band on the Run call on the other thread would be a great opener tonight........

They cover that song? That\'s awesome, I love that tune. Would love to see that tonight

#28 Reply
Posted by Stephengencs on 11 Jun, 2004 16:31
at first i never dug it too much. always loved vera st, but after porters ep2>doughboy>ep2 and the 2nd night cafe 9 opener, I am SO sold ...