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Old 12-03-2008, 09:50 PM   #1 (permalink)
Martian
Young Crumudgeon
 
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Location: Canada
TFP Jam Band - Concept

So I've had this idea rattling around in my head for a few weeks, but haven't really done anything with it. I want to get it out.

The premise is quite simple; get as many TFP musicians together as possible for a virtual jam. Since it isn't feasible for us to actually congregate somewhere, the next best thing would be to harness the power of the internet.

I'm envisioning a technically simple vehicle here. A myspace account is created, allowing us to upload a track. That track will consist of a simple beginning. We will then play hot potato, with each member contributing something to the track. Classical training or years of practice are not necessary for this; if you want to add some killer guitar riffz, go for it. If you're more comfortable strumming out a rhthm part, do that. If you want to add some bongo sounds, be my guest. Sing, play the spoons, tap your desk. Whatever you can record.

And therein lies the one and only caveat. Each member participating will have to record his or her own part. This isn't a huge hurdle, though; a basic setup can be achieved with a microphone and some free recording software. We don't all have a studio in the basement, after all.

The other concern is that someone will have to play 'producer' and actually put everything together. Mixing and balancing recorded tracks, and perhaps sending musicians back to do another take. For the sake of simplicity and not making this poor bloke's head explode, it's recommended that we keep it to only one member actively submitting at a time, but if we put the component tracks on myspace anyone can jam or write or whatever in anticipation of their turn.

So I've been playing with this idea as a new project. I've already assumed that I will likely be the producer on the first track if this actually happens, but I was hindered in not knowing what direction to go in musically. I thought a spontaneous jam, while fun, may end up excluding a large portion of our userbase, and I want this to be inclusive. I want anyone who has the necessary basic technical setup to be able to add their voice. So I need something that many people will feel comfortable with.

And then I stumbled over inspiration. Completely by accident I found myself listening to a song that is simple, easy to learn, well known and doesn't have any overly fancy chord permutations. It's the perfect piece, and can be easily made to be as simple or complex as the performers want it.

The inspiration is here. The track is Ben E. King's hit song, Stand By Me.

Notably, that is flexible, and if anyone has a suggestion of another song meeting the criteria, I'm certainly open to such things.

So, what I'm looking for now is commitment. I want to gauge what the reaction to such a project would be, and at least get a rough idea of how many participants there are. If it ends up being just me and Fly and grumpyolddude, I don't know if it'll be worth it.

Well, okay. Yeah it will be. Still and all, I think the point is clear.

If anyone out there is interested in participating, please signal such now. Additional indication if you're willing/able to mix tracks is also appreciated, as that might come in handy.

Go!
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I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame
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