As we wait for any last minute entries, let me have my semi-final say about eJam 1.
This started out as an idea about a year or more ago. I finally voiced it here on the SZ to see if any of the members here would be willing to post some of thir talent in the form of song. In my five years here I have heard very few music postings.
This was not a contest, but a jam, as similar as we could come to the winter Louisianna Jam, that many of us could not make. The object was to choose a song or three that people would be willing to take a chance on and let us hear their strengths and weaknesses. Surprisingly, there were very few weaknesses, if any and a mountain of strengths. Also surprising was that many of the e-jammers were SZ members who are from the quieter part of the membership - many non-playing (aka pro) keyboardists.
The musicianship was fantastic. The comments very supportive. The overall result, if I say so myself, more than could have been hoped for.
Some members chose not participate in this first session, mainly - I hear - because of the song selection. And that's going to happen. Hopefully future eJams will include something for everyone. Other members were busy with projects or time constraints - well, you can't expect 100% participation in anything, but I feel this #1 eJam was very well represented.
Many members thanked me for doing this. It wasn't me, it was YOU. I only expressed an idea that got tossed around and then came to life. I do not want to be the eJam commissioner, but I do love putting in my 2 cents worth. If anyone feels there is a different way to go about this, please feel free to express yourself.
My feeling for this jam was to ask anyone who belongs to SZ to participate. Some wanted restrictions, like having to use styles, but then we would have missed some very good renditions. So, I feel the less restrictions we have, the more wide open the field.
I hope you enjoyed this first SZ eJam. I have taken the liberty to post all of the entries on a website for easy listening - a special word about Eddie's YouTube link, it doesn't seem to work. Take care and God bless, all.
http://szmembersite.googlepages.com/szmusic