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January 22, 2007
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The Jam NYC Bulletin
musical news, prurient humor, and other minutiae
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NEWS |
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Over the weekend, we put some some long-delayed
finishing touches on Studio 3, including
rack-mounting of the PA system, staining and sanding
of the doorway moulding, and adding a radiator
cover. We'll also be getting our friend Gabe
Schwartz in to "tune" the room - just as soon as we
can find him. And for the power-hungry, we've added
some extra power strips in each of our studios.
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EDUCATION |
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The philosophy behind our Open
Jams (especially Monday's Newbie Jam) is this: A
little guidance is far better than constant
hand-holding. It's like learning to swim by being
tossed in the pool: You'll
swallow a little water, but we won't let you drown.
By getting in a bit over your head, you'll learn
much faster. And this is a lesson not just for
musical neophytes: If you're lucky, you'll have many
opportunities throughout your life to feel like a
beginner.
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ARTS & LEISURE |
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A CD released last week is generating a lot of
water-cooler talk at the Jam: Meet The
Smithereens,
a fairly reverent remake of the first "official"
U.S. Beatles
album. While the release by a well-known artist of a
CD of cover songs is not unusual, a tribute to a
single artist is fairly rare. And covering one album
from start to finish is a novelty usually reserved
for such genre-bending exercises as Dub Side of
The Moon or Charlie Hunter's take on Natty
Dread. The Smithereens, in contrast,
are playing it straight.
Of course, the Jam is haven to many a tribute band,
including
two dedicated to the Fab Four: No Mersey, which has
a decidedly "live at the Cavern Club" vibe, and
Newspaper Taxis, which generally favors the more
layered recorded works. But these bands (like the
acclaimed Fab Faux) don't release CDs - they play
out. And you don't have to be a big fan to
appreciate the fact that the Beatles won't be
touring anytime soon. So would anyone other than
Beatles or Smithereens diehards want to listen to
"Meet The Smithereens"? That depends. While the
record is lacking in certain aspects (particularly
the lack of a high harmony vocal), it is brimming
with energy and enthusiasm. The other night I
chatted with fans of both the Beatles and the
Smithereens, some of whom found it a "perfect match"
- and others who'd "rather hear them each doing
their own songs."
Trying to answer the question "is it good?" is
impossibly subjective. But I DO have a response to
those who say: "What's the point?" Commercially,
there isn't one. And despite the claim that the
songs are done "Smithereens style," it's tough to
argue that "Meet The Smithereens" makes any kind of
artistic point. Th only point, then, is that the
Smithereens are having fun playing songs that they
love. And that's good enough.
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WEATHER |
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Monday (1/22): Newbie
Jam with Patty
Murray from 6:00 to
8:30 pm at 701 7th Ave., 7W. Join us for a
professionally-facilitated
open jam session specifically geared to newcomers -
but where
all are welcome. $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
Friday (1/26): Open
Blues and Rock Jam from 6 to 10 pm
at The Jam
(701 7th Ave., 7W). $15 for Jam members, $25 for
everyone else, all gear included.
Saturday (1/27): Open Rock
Jam at The Jam (701 7th
Ave., 7W), 4 to 8 pm. $15 for Jam members, $25 for
non-members, all gear included.
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EXTENDED FORECAST |
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Next Thursday's Red Lion Showcase (2/1) features
the Jam debuts of Rardi and
Neil Young tribute Ragged Glory, A Perfect
Circle tribute Open Circle, and two 2006
Jammy Award winners: Dave Sasser & The
Mojo Conga Jam (Best Original Act) and
The Rolling
Bones (Best Tribute). And at 11 pm,
we'll also be announcing the 2007 Jammy
nominees.
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PERSONALS |
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[To respond to or place personal ads, just
send us an email.]
Bass player wanted for newly-forming Kinks
tribute. Must love the material and play it with
requisite mojo.
Full Metal Jacket, a hard rock outfit that
goes through drummers like Spinal Tap goes
through
drummers, is once again seeking a frontperson.
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POSTSCRIPT |
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"If you want to swing, you've got to hang." -David
St. Hubbins
Jam Master G
a/k/a Gregg Raybin
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