Old Time Jam
Each month BOTMA sponsors an Old Time jam, usually led by Richard Smith and Denise Warren. Players of all levels are welcome, and invited to participate as they are able. A big part of Old Time is teaching and learning new tunes. This is historically the way the music has been passed down through generations.
Old Time is music from before recordings and radio were readily available, when most people did play an instrument or two, and professional musicians were very rare. Folks sat down and played together, and taught their children. Most of the tunes have roots in the British Isles, and many were originally dance tunes. In the 1700s and 1800s, European settlers, guitars and fiddles met with banjos and rhythms from African-American tradition, and an original American music developed.
Modern country and bluegrass developed from Old Time roots. It is not uncommon to hear the same tune done in a bluegrass jam and an old time jam.
An Old Time circle differs from other jams in several important ways:
We all play the tune together all the way through. Play melody, play backup-your choice. Listen to the group. Does it need more lead? Does it need more rhythm? Perhaps a harmony line? Try to fit in.
Unlike bluegrass and other forms, there are no solos. Don't wait to be asked to play lead. If you know or have figured out the tune, feel free to play along with the leader.
We usually stay in one key for a while. Banjos and Fiddles sometimes re-tune for each key. The most common keys are D, G, and A.
Unlike Irish and other forms, we play each tune through many times rather than switch after 2 or 3 times through. This gives everyone time to figure out the melody, or an interesting accompaniment or rhythm.
Most tunes have an A part and a B part, usually done twice: AABB. Some tunes are crooked, meaning that the A or B parts or both parts may have extra beats, or missing beats. And occasionally a C part is thrown in there!
The most important part of an Old Time jam is to come on in and play!
Click here to view our Old Time YouTube Channel!
Reach out to Richard and Denise at freeholdotm@gmail.com