Post-Gathering Slow Jam February 2012 - Key of D

"Regulars" of the Slow Jam at the Annual Ice Cream Social
(photo courtesy Michael McCluskey)

We have a slow jam after each Monthly Gathering (see link at left for Monthly Gathering dates and information). This is in addition to the song circle and an occasional "fast" jam, both of which may also rev up after each Monthly Gathering. The goal is to have a nurturing environment for those new to jamming to get their feet wet. We've selected a "core" group of common Old Time tunes that you can count on being played. Listed below, if you become familiar with these you'll be in good shape to join us after the next Monthly Gathering!

Slow Jam at the Great Aunt Stella Center
following a Friday Evening concert

There are a lot of tunes here, that's so we can have some variety. Each month we begin with a different key; playing the tunes in one key always seems to fill the time and let's those that play in specific tunings the freedom to set up in advance and stay there all evening. We'll go through these in the order listed below. For beginners who might think this is too many to learn completely, the tunes at the top of each list are the easiest. The mp3 and midi samples, and the music/chords, are offered only as examples for those who need them. If you know a different version, as long as we're in the same key that should be fine.

Some general resources to learn new tunes:

• Hetzler's Fakebook
• Pegram Jam site (Here's their "Recipe for a Happy Jam")
• Wayne Erbsen's Instructional Books
• Chords to folk songs
• Traditional Music Library
• Jay Buckey's free tab for many instruments
• List of tunes from New Mexico Folk Music and Dance Society
• Great website from Seattle area to learn fiddle music. Lots of slow mp3s!

Click here for our observations on Old Time Music Slow Jams!