simple improv workshop

Bedford MA

Description

Boy, Craigslist is depressing..... most people here aren't even interested in their own creativity, because they cater to non-creative people who want to sing along to beaten-to-death covers...... not even a consideration of making completely unique takes on covers or covering more unique bands (except YOU, Ween coverband guy who ignores me....that's fine). Does anyone want to create original music? Not some highly predictable 1-4-5 shit.....or maybe start there and take a turn and start flying... I'm looking for people with good ears and a sense of rhythm, no advanced academics required, HOWEVER, bass players should know how work with a drummer and let a lead player span the possibilities. Drummers should be able to play beyond 4 minute spans. Lead players should think beyond the pentatonic box and high school level of reading the bass player's "one". I'm implying a mix of prog, jazz and psychedelic stuff, rock oriented but any tangent is applicable. It's not about technical wizardry, it's understanding that of the many mistakes made, half are likely useful deviations to be appreciated. The point is to play something you haven't heard yourself play before and like it. Instead of a Berklee acumen, it would help to have taste in diverse interesting music. Sure simple stuff can be beautiful, but if you listen to Phish or Zappa or bands/players that apply different sounds, world music, funk, fusion bands, etc. Admittedly, all those players are above my head; I'd like to focus on rhythm oriented music, but having some ethereal moments of freedom would be fun to explore here and there....talking a bit before, and after a jam as to where the focus could lie, recording everything and perhaps refining some things at the next get-together. Enthusiasm to memorize important changes, signposts, fills, licks, space, speed, etc. is key. I've had fun doing this in the past, more fun than the players I played with. They verbalized not grasping or caring about what they improv'd in regards to doing it again.....I seem to have no problem with doing that, or articulating how to improve a piece the next time. I'm calling it a workshop because I have no expectations.....no expectations of reliability, common taste and ability in people who have their shit together, have transportation and a compatible schedule. Maybe even understanding give and take- trying everyone's ideas. I have a basement space in a non-smoking house in a quiet bedroom community 15 miles northwest of Boston. I have 16input recording capability, adequate drum kits, a bass cab, guitar amps, digital keyboards and a PA. 4-5 people can move around comfortably. My ideal meet up times are weekend days, but weeknights are a possibility, in a window between 6-9:30 pm. I'm 51, guitar is my primary instrument. I'm a functional bass player as well. I love keys but I'm not a nimble ivory-tickler. I love adding synth pads and weirdness to the percussive elements of the drums and stringed instruments. Also, I never find drummers who want to "jam", so I'd sit in if other guitarists materialize. If you're interested, write me. I can send some previous attempts at this kind of thing. As a side note, I also actually do like concise 4 minute pieces of crafted music,