Early on in my journey with The Blues I was taught some critical lessons regarding how you work with other players in a blues band. These rules may vary slightly depending on the person, but I have worked with and sat in with many players at shows and jam sessions, and I would say that these concepts are pretty much universal. I believe they are rooted in the tradition of the music too, in that they come from the ideas of collaboration, sharing, support and creating ensembles where the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts. My teachers and mentors schooled me in this stuff and passed it down in much the same way that it was passed down to them. This process is also is part of the history and tradition of The Blues: Mentorship, sharing and passing on what was given to us.
Here are some key foundations though that are part of entering into this world as purveyors of this art form:
- Do your homework! This includes learning songs and understanding the language and vocabulary of the art form
- When you get together with other players, listen and watch first. Find out how you can make this connection better by your presence
- Don’t overplay, and play to the song and the groove
- Learn to play by numbers with regards to following progressions in songs
Here are those key Rules of the Blues as I understand them:
- Most of the time, and in most blues bands, there is a song leader. That person is usually the person at the mic—but not always. They will call the song, describe the groove and structure and other key aspects of the song–including “stops,” variation in progression, structure for verses (if the song has them), and structure for solos (if different than the rest of the song).
- Don’t assume if you aren’t sure. Lay back and watch until you understand how things work
- Looking to that song leader ALWAYS at the “turnarounds” and other key times for signals about “stops” or other changes, solos, etc. (Critical)
- Support other soloists as they play, and wait your turn. Once again, this is determined by the song leader
- Watch carefully and listen, paying attention for other signals as to changes in volume, etc.
- Lay back especially under vocals and other solos. Don’t overplay and support the ensemble
- Pay attention to others first. Don’t make this collaboration all about you, UNLESS asked, at the right times, and by the song leader, to showcase yourself.
- Play with your heart and soul, always listening, supporting and encouraging—and also remain open. These things are what the blues is all about.
There may be other rules as established by the needs of a given band or situation. Be open and remember the primary rules.
Play on!
Join our Facebook page Real Blues You Can Use for more discussions on these topics. For in-person or virtual lessons, coaching and mentoring with Mark, contact him at: imwiththebandmz@gmail.com and visit his website at: www.im-with-the-band.org.
Mark Zanoni
I'm With the Band 