FEEDBACK LOOP #1

Why not write about other bands that are totally killer. Most people on this website are open minded people that probably listen to all sorts of music. Definelty the focus of this site should be on the jam scene but there's no need single out any another band because they might not exactly fit the jam scene. I enjoy reading about all sorts of good music and that's why I use this site and also for shows and shit but we all enjoy different types of music here, so let's not be close minded to anything else.

I have been struggling with this topic since "other" bands have been appearing on JamBase. I think the frustration comes from wanting to see, hear or read about JamBands in the traditional sense but feeling "duped" because the band doesn't fit into "the jam mold". My suggestion would be to somehow divide the field. I am very open to hearing new music outside the genre. But when I want to be sure I will hear improvisational jam from a new band, Jambase in in a position to help assure that by differentiating the performance types.

To be defined, we need some criteria. Yet, we grow as people and as a social group by cross-pollination. So as I try to consider what "Jambase" should cover it seems to develop a catch 22. The more you cover the less you are a genre based site.

The one characteristic, that I see all bands must have to be covered here, that rises is innovation. The bands and scenes that are news worthy here must be breaking new ground and expanding horizons.

I also check this page everyday for news and happenings and there are many days where there is very little new. So if branching out will give birth to a more dynamic and updated site than I am for it.

yeah bands that are fucking amazing live deserved to be covered. Who gives a shit what "scene" they are part of. If they are good live, write about them.

I'd love to see more folk/world/americana covered, not just jambands. Lots of bluegrass/folk/swing/Cajun/old-time/Irish/etc. bands list their shows here, why not review them more frequently and recommend their shows once in awhile?

I think jamband music is less a style of music and more a state of mind about the music. I find jamband music is positive, with good vibes, and no negativity. Almost like jamband music = eternal optimism. I feel that any music represents this optimism and positivity should be covered.

Firstly, I would like to comment about the label "Jam Band" and how I feel it misrepresents much of this burgeoning music scene we've all been experiencing for the last several (5-10+?) years. I think this 'scene' can be typified by live music that excels in the 'Moment' and is generally of a positive nature. There are many bands, musicians, and DJs that improvise but are not a "Jam Band". There are many bands that are labeled a 'Jam Band' but have tight compositions and/or lyrics. It's all music of many different forms, all being created and blending together to me.

I have always seen Jambase as a site that facilitates seeing 'Live Music'. Much of the music that is on this site is getting harder and harder to pigeon-hole into one genre or sub-genre, and that's a beautiful thing. What I could always depend on, even if it wasn't the music I'm into, is that the 'quality' of music highlighted by Jambase is always excellent. Of course 'quality' is subjective, when 13-year old girls think corporate enterprises like Britanny Spears is high-quality. But this scene, which is mostly driven by grass-roots organizations and word-of-mouth, I believe has the ability to discern between good music versus music driven by business or insincere means.

That being said, I would personally invite all forms of music to hit this site, as long as the quality-level of the music highlighted stays high. I think, for the most part, that has been achieved by Jambase.

Himmm ? Well... jro421 has pretty much stated what I intended to. I will admit that I have seen a few bands listed on the concert calendar that I did not expect to see here but YOU as Jambase then have the ability to see how many jambase members are attending that specific show. When it seems to be a hot new act, then jambase will probably do a write up of the act. Lets face it, not every jambase member likes noodling jams ( ala Southpark episode ;> ) There are as many multi-genre/interesting jamband fans as their are stars in the sky. It is what it is & has been... & I think your doing a wonderful job. The only thing I wish that was possible is for the midwest vibe to go nation wide...especially in my new neck of the woods, Seattle !!!!
It has just started to happen....Keep it coming !
Peace & Take Care,
Mrcharly
www.olympicsoundcollective.com :>

I love this site. Plain and simple, it informs all of the "good" people where to go and see great music and find old friends.

To me, the jam scene is exactly that, JAM. A mixture of a bunch of different things all smushed and mixed together to result in something that is truly sweet to the senses. And as you all know, there is no one kind of JAM, there's rasberry, strawberry, etc. So that's OUR SCENE, all kinds of different flavors (genre or style of band) made up of all kind of ingredients (hip-hop, jazz, rock, reggae, bluegrass, etc.) So that said, I agree with jro421 that no band should be excluded because they are not what someone envisions as JAM. Because we all like different flavors and to celebrate both the differences and likes is to celebrate what art and music truly have to offer.

However, I would NOT like to see mainstream thoughtless corporate contrived pop music on this website (to this point I don't think I have). If I were editor of Jambase my pre-requisite for whether or not a band should be covered on this website is: Is this band comprised of artists or marketing gimmicks?? If, the answer is ARTIST, than yes I think this community is open to all forms of art as long as it has some layer of soul, feeling and realness to it. If the answer is this band is a bunch of CORPORATE PUPPETS, well than I say let them stay on MTV's website and spare us.
(I want to clarify however that I understand some bands that are considered worthy jambands have big label contracts. IMO, if they are able to maintain their integrity, which the Grateful Dead did for so many years, to me they still maintain the soul that makes them go out there and create music for us to hear. So what I'm saying is there can be fine line, which obviously makes an editor/writer in your position difficult at times. So, THANK YOU for listening to not just the music but also to the community you serve so well.)

I think that jambase should stay true to it's name and concentrate on bands that use improv in their live instrumental performances. Separate sites should be made for RapBase or PopBase. Free-style hip-hop is not my idea of jamband music, and it's not what draws me to a festival.
You'd have to be schwag smoking custie frat boy to think of Bonnaroo as the "face of jamband". That's as accurate as saying that Warner Bros was the face of Haight-Ashbury in 1967, or Phish sounds like the Dead. Too many bands get invited to Bonnaroo based on the wallet size of the bands fan base. Vegoose has a better jamband lineup.
Jewish/caucasian reggae me want to vomit. Let's leave it for MTV to use as filler between Linkin Park videos.

what kind of bands do i think "belong" on jambase?

well, i've never been a fan of lables placed on bands, and i've never been dissapointed about a band i've read about here. all bands that display some sort intergrity, quality, pureness and just a love and passion for what they do "belong" here. even if they happen to be a so called "CORPORATE PUPPET", you have to honestly ask yourself, do i enjoy this music. mainstream is just another label that detours people from good music.

in closing, if jambase didn't cover "indie rock" and "hip-hop" and whatever else you want to label MUSIC as. i wouldn't of gotten turned on to saul williams or broken social scene as early as i did. thank you jambase!

All these other bands are great, but the true nature of a jamband is a band that utilizes their songs as vehicles in which jams can ensue. Sure this band or that singer is cool and should be covered in a jamband festival review or something, but if I wanted to hear the song just like the album, I'd buy the album or turn on the radio to the radio station that plays them. Every type of music has an outlet...this one is for JAMBANDS! HARPER

Fantastic Thread! I think that point of JAMBASE is, and continues to be, a forum for LIVE music by LIVING performers who perform well! Its almost too simple, and when I try to argue with myself over that point, I ask "why is The Mars Volta on JAMBASE" and the reason is obvious when you listen to their music and check out their live show: lots of care taken to express musical thoughts in person and on CD - Brittany doesn't do either, as far as I'm concerned (other thoughts, but not musical ones). I love Umphrey's McGee, and they are a JAMBAND insofar as they do have improvisation and open-ended jams, but their song structure is more Prog-Rock - yet their live shows pretty much fit the JAMBAND mold: improvisation, massive song-sandwiches and segways, choice covers, tons of energy... hard to argue with that!

To me, it seems the evolution of jambands have really morphed many styles and genres of music together. Sure, it's easy to classify a jamband as one that uses it's lyrics and writing to launch into extended jams. Yet, with the different types of jambands now and the broad range of tunes that are being played, it's evident these bands are being strongly influenced by sources outside of the jamband community (i.e. hip hop, electronica, jazz, bluegrass, etc.). It should be asked, "With these other styles of music having such an obvious influence (an influence besides your run of the mill guitar noodlers and so- called "guitar gods") , how can a site like Jambase not include them or even question if they 'belong'?" With that said, great question and a great idea to get perspectives from all around. Keep up the thought provoking forums. Thanks.
-Vin

Someone recently said (I think it was Kimock in an interview, but I can't find it now) that the label "Jam" is more representitive of the fanbase than the music. How else could you lump the Grateful Dead, Soulive, The Drive-by Truckers or Yonder Mountain in the same category? Interestingly enough, I'd venture to guess that most Jamheads respect the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Bob Marley but wouldn't label them with Jam. Maybe its a generational thing, and maybe its because they don't perform live any more (once-in-a-blue-moon Pink Floyd reunion aside), but it probably has more to do with thier prior lables as "Rock 'n' Roll" or "Reggae." It doesn't make them unworthy of note here at Jambase.

What this site has meant to me is access to musical information; who's playing locally, when is so-and-so coming to town, what show can I go see when I visit that city and a heads up to other bands who share the same fanbase. Its like when you go to see your favorite band and they have a sick opener that you never would have heard of had you not stumbled on them that night...only bigger.

Really, its a lot like an organic referential database...kinda like a musical google where one's interest in the Grateful Dead informs them about Phil Lesh and Phriends and BAM! now you fall in love with Trey and Page and Kimock and Molo. Then you go to another Phil Lesh and Friends show and are introduced to Particle and the Black Crowes. Its like good luck with compound interest.

Whatever has been driving you heads at Jambase, its working. Please don't limit yourselves to music labeled by some cretin as "Jam." Good judgement has never lacked here. There are plenty of times when I don't think This band or That band is any good (even though I read a glowing review here), but I'm never hurt by learning a bit more about them and thier influences and thier side projects.

Keep the fire growing! Keep the music flowing!

Thanks Andy, Ted, Dee, Mike, Kayceman, Andrew and co. Keep up the good work.

I feel that all bands that choose to affiliate themselves with the so called "Jamband" scene should be represented on JamBase. Even though a certain band may not be defined or classified as a traditional Jamband (ie. Grateful Dead, Phish, String Cheese Incident, etc.), if they feel most comfortable playing to fans of Jambands, playing at "Jamband Festivals", and the likes, then they should definetely have a spot on this website.

I dont think it should be constricted just to "jambands". i love jambands but i also love a lot of other stuff. i think most people who really appreciate music, appreciate a wide variety of it. I think the basis for whether or not they belong on jambase should be how well they perform live. most people in this community really love to see a great live show, no matter what kind of music it is. bands that are really talented and put on a good live show should be all be included on jambase.

I think you ought to send two people to shows or at least to the big ones like cheese and the like. I will tell you I have lived in NYC and Boulder and have seen lots of big and small shows and sometimes I feel like your reviewer's oppinion is supposed to be taken as gospel. So a little blurb ever so often like "I didn't like xyz but some people thought it was the sickets thing of the evening" Or just a fan comment or two from the revewier in the article is all I am asking. Also... How does that work with reviewing shows, can we just review a show and send it in or something??

Also We should talk about other music as long as it doesn't detract from anything jam band related

This is a very complex issue, and is tantamount to actually defining the music and the scene, yet I am glad it is open for discussion like this.

I think it is interesting to note that some of the bands written about here may not have been widely known in the jamband community before they were written about here. This website sometimes has the power to transform a cool band that may not be widely known into a "jamband", or at least one followed by the jamband community (for me a good example is The Duo- I might not have heard about them or seen their shows had they not played with Gordo and garnered attention here).

So other than playing with a previous member of Phish, characteristics of bands that are covered here might include...there should not be any specific characteristics.

If someone who is an avid reader/contributor to/employee of this site and member of "the scene" feels that an artist he or she sees or listens to is worthy of mention or respect by other members of the community, then they should inform us and let us decide. I trust the judgement of the editors and contritors of this site, who are obviously jamaholics, to present us with content that they feel is worthy and that we will probably like. If we don't, then we'll check out the site the next day for something else.

Things have been going well so far, keep it up!

www.baltimorelive.blogspot.com

Is this all because of the Motley Crue article? Which seems right to the point. The band's nostalgia act is lame, but I applaud the write up. Whether or not the article incensed readers, it was exciting to hear about the musical journey of one musical fan. The odyssey gets us here for one reason or the other. As a community, I believe it is more important to understand the context under which a particular review is comprised. Oh yeah, a Crue cover every once in a while rocks too. By the way, what about an article on the Nuge?

i say bring on the Fu#*ING diversity! . . . . . let's be the scene that can't be genre-fied or easily defined . . .

Music is music. If the music seeks to dissolve the ego and channel truth in an earnest, unassuming way, whether that be through the composition of sound or the syntax truth of lyrics, I believe people should have avenues to experience that music. I think it may be possible, with the help of resources like jambase, and the word-of-mouth seed spreading prominent in jam band culture, to create a much larger, multi-faceted, but still communally progressive and honest community of performers, artists, and listeners. Secularized thinking like assigning a bands' sound to a rigid, specific genre of music seeks to create a false sense of identity for those who connect to that style of music and only that style of music. If fans of jam music would seek to accept and integrate the styles and modalities of other genres of music into their community, this would only further diversify the myriad of influences melting together under love of music. It seems like collective egocentrism to suggest that jamband music is in anyway a more valid channel of universal truth than any other form of music. That's my 85 cents anyway. Hey, anyone on this thread dig Groovatron?

Why are we all so worried about labeling our music? This site should dedicate itself to great LIVE music in whatever form or style it is presented. If a band brings it live and they are good people who believe that music transcends cultures and especially labels, Jambase should cover them. By labeling our music we are excluding people who have a terrible misconception of 'jambands.' Great music is great music and to hear it performed live by truly gifted musicians is one of the great joys of life. Jerry didn't just listen to 'jambands' he listened to music in all formats and thats what makes him the greatest. Let us all go see live music and let Jambase cover any band that perpetuates the kind spirit in performance.

I agree that generally, most people on this site are open minded to new music, so why not explore that? Also, I love all the jam acts as much as the next guy, but part of the allure of these bands is that they give you something new each night...and so, give us new bands everyday! I would rather hear about some sick band from the boonies that I am unaware of, than some tired review of String Cheese or something (unless of course it's a super hot show). Bottonline, I think it's good that we;re even having this conversation, and change is good, as long as the change you present, is well..umm...good!

I think this site should stick to bands that mainly focus on live improvization. Isn't that what the "jam" in jamband means? I don't mean just jazz or funk...it could be groovin hip-hop or what ever. As long as the focus is creating music in the moment. And Bonneroo....is not the face of improvizational music.

A band should receive coverage on JamBase if it means that this site will be introducing their loyal readers to something new and innovative. Music is an ever-evolving cycle and we have to respect that cycle's beauty. In the word's of Mr. James Marshall Hendrix, "Music is magic and magic is life." Therefore, the kinds of bands I think "belong" on JamBase are those that reflect this passion to strech out and not remain stagnant - risk takers within their own rights, ready to expand not only their listeners minds but their souls.

1st off, this is a great idea........asking for community feedback. it shows a dedication to the user of this site, that other sites take for granted.

2ndly, everyone who reads what this site has to offer & visits the venues mentioned here & supports the music being made by artists reported on here, are Connoisseurs.

I think the community surrounding this website has refined tastes in music that require of the artist a more expert handling of their craft. sure, there are a ton of guitar players out there, many of them are really good, but can anyone besides a handful of people really create an emotion w/ their ax like Warren Haynes?

I don't think the genre is as important as the caliber of performance, especially LIVE. Whether I like to listen to rap or bluegrass, or progrssive rock or noodling, I want to hear the person/band that is going to blow me away doing it. I want to hear the best, and I think that 'jambands' are the cream of the crop of their respective genres and that to me is what brings them all to this site.

everyone here wants to hear a bad ass band/artist who makes their mouths drop & ears ring w/ sweet harmonic joy. If the thumping dance hall beat of a 'De La Soul' or 'Matishayu' do that for you, they belong here. On the flip side, if the great singing/songwriting of 'Iron & Wine' or 'Joss Stone' float your boat and take you to lyrical ecstasy, then I feel like they belong here as well.

We are looking for the best act we can find and many of those acts have transcended time and space and cultures and borders. we are a community of love and peace, just like the forefathers/mothers of 'jam' back in the 60's & 70's. true purveyors of the scene look to INclude, not EXclude, so in my opinion, the more artists welcomed to this site, the better.
I might not go see all of them, but if someone is speaking about them the way I would speak about Galactic, then I at least want to feel their joy on this site. I think the next best thing to experiencing my preferred 'Jam' is to hear someone else talk about their experience at their preferred 'Jam'.

Jam on!!!!!

Thanks Jambase for opening this forum for our opinions! I agree with the term "jam" describing the listeners rather than the music. I feel that Jambase has an olbligation to provide it's readers with information about the bands that are currently defining the genre in addition to providing it's readers with access to new bands that may not even be considered as part of the jam scene. As much as I enjoy reading about Keller, Rat-Dog, WP and all the other bands that headline festivals all summer long I REALLY enjoy discovering new bands. It seems that as open and accepting as the jam community can be there are still a lot of listerners with very closed minds. Embracing new bands with different sounds can only help the genre change and grow. Enbracing bands that don't fit the jam stereotype can help dispell the connotation that "jam" music is just guitar noodling and long songs with few lyrics.

I really enjoy the interviews on this website and would love to see more in the future. The interview with John Barlow was amazing! Keep up the good work Jambase.

we all know or at the very least should be aware of "outsiders" view of our scene.first and foremost we are roundly seen as elitist snob hippies with no real diversity or openess to other forms and genre's.that being said I feel that what is really there after you peel back the ol' onion is a ton of rabid,intelligent music fanatics .just don't try and feed us corporate bullshit keep this site dedicated to the grassroots community and all it's different bands.NO motley crue NO white stripes NO gansta shit. stay true to what allows you the honor of reporting on this magical scene.so what if we as fans demand technical proficiency and are prone to dig 20 minute jams.peace to all and remember.....talking about music is like dancing about architecture!!!

This is a site I usually check everyday for tour info., reviews, news, and opinions on the state of the scene. I definitely do not think Jambase should limit themselves exclusively to bands that embark on extended improv. journeys. Please, that's ridiculous. If the music is quality, and both the good people working at Jambase and the regular concert-goer can easily discern what is indeed quality music and what is not, then it should be acknowledged here. Leave it to the individual to determine if it strikes their fancy. That said, I would like to see more references to, and articles about, the roots of so-called jam music. Yonder Mountain would never be where they are without Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson and the funk of Galactic will never compare to the funk of James, Bootsy and Clyde Stubblefield or the Meters. I think that article on "What is Jazz" was a step in the right direction. It caused me to look up and listen to artists I'd never even heard of. It reminds me of when I began listening to Kimock, and then right around the same time I saw a bumper sticker that said "who is Steve Kimock and why does he keep blowing my mind?" There is just so much out there that I still don't know about and probably love.

The music seems to be in a constant state of creative growth, but sometimes I feel the scene is not. Certain bands are going to attract certain audiences, and to each his own. My problem is that I have met some absurdly intelligent kids at shows and through other avenues that love this stuff and have the ability to truly influence people. Yet, I find that some people fall victim to the whirlpool nature of this scene. It upsets me to see kids drop out of college to hop on Cheese or Bisco tour and dome like nine pressies a night. It is a waste of potential because we have the opportunity to mobilize as a viable political, social, environmental force. I mean dead-heads/hippies became writers, politicians, artists (even NBA players) and spear-headed peace and environmental efforts of the late 60s and early 70s. That's not to say that many on the Jamband scene won't do the same, but I don't know if the desire to do so is as strong as it was. I wish there could be some way of re-creating that energy influence that they had just a generation before us. Not necessarily on a large scale, but perhaps just changing one ignorant mind at a time on an individual level. Because there are so many people out there that have no idea about the beauty of music, peace, love, nature and all the other ideals that stand at the core of this movement. And I know, at least on a personal level, that I've turned a couple people on to this and it changes their lives for the better. I think this sort of thing, with the discussion board, is a way to mobilize.

This has been a great thread here! One of the interesting things about this debate is that its all largely subjective. As an example, there have been a few references to "corporate music", and the need to keep it off the site. One posting went on to name the White Stripes as just such band. But the inherent rub for me is that I find the White Stripes to be innovative artists. Their approach to music composition is really quite unique and they put on a killer live show to boot. Yes, they are signed to a big label and have been successful. But they have also come up through the ranks like most, playing small clubs, sleeping on floors and living the artists life. I guess I just reject the supposition that success = corporate. As horrible as pop culture can be, occasionally the masses do get it right and quality bands make it big. That’s not to say JamBase should cover every White Stripes show from here on out. But I do think they should keep their eyes and ears open for great artists, even if they cross over into the mainstream.

I think Jambase has done an incredible and tangible service to the entire international music community, and I am grateful that I, not just as a Musician but also as a fan of music as an art, have access to jambase as a tool to seek out new bands and scenes. On that note, i would like to encourage jambase to give some of the smaller bands like Groovatron, Starrunner and GreenLemon, oppurtunities to be interviewed and exposed to the greater mass on a more regular basis. Thank you Jambase

i agree with most people when they say as long as the band puts on a good live show, and if their somewhat improv they might as well be featured on jambase. if your not open minded enough to see other types of bands and music on this website then you might as well not consider your self part of the scene. thats my opinion...