Conference marvin::uk_music

    
    
    It might be a good idea for all you south-east punters, but what
    about us Scots who can't participate?
    
    
    Michael
    

    I'll go for it!!  Some questions...
    
    Venue/location?
    When?
    What songs, i.e. do we learn some stuff, or just improvise round
    popular classics?
    
    Re last note, maybe more than one session could be organised, or
    we should perhaps go for a more central location, say somewhere
    in the top part of England.....
    
    So, who else is interested, what do you play, what gear can you
    offer, etc.
    
    And, what about a pa?
    
    I've got an electric guitar (well really its a lump of wood in
    disguise) and hope to be getting an amplified acoustic in a few
    weeks. However my main instrument is bass (I've got a fairly old
    Vox Standard) and for amplification I have a Marshall 50 plus a
    Vox 2x15 (reputed to be one of George Harrisons old ones) and can
    get hold of a Peavey combo.
    
    Anyone else??
    
    Bob

    Sounds good: I'm always interested in a bit of the live stuff. I
    normally play Jazz but I'm prepared to play anything!!
    
    Instrument: Bass
    
    Gear: Wal Custom 5-string Fretless, Shergold Marathon Fretless,
          Washburn Force 40 fretted basses, Carlsboro amplification.
    
    Heroes: Jaco Pastorius, Percy Jones, Jeff Berlin
    
    Location: Basingstoke       
    
    Available: Yes
    
    Tony

                                               
    Well, I think that to make it easier on people who aren't very
    experienced with improvising (ie me!) we should have a few set 
    tunes and keep the style quite open.  Everybody knows my influences,
    but I'll play anything.
                           
    Gear ?
                        
    Well I've got a SF8002 electric guitar, a Vantage active electric
    guitar and two acoustics for people to borrow.  I'm picking up a
    Fender 12 string acoustic soon too.
                  
    -Tony

    
    Well, I don't mind travelling.

    Count me in...
    
    Guitar: Fender "HM" Strat (evil whammy, lock-nut, bridge humbucker
 		with coil-tap)
    
    Pedals: DOD American Metal, Stereo Flanger, Compressor/Sustain
    	    BOSS Digital Reverb, Noise Suppressor
    
    Amp:    Cheapo 50W (yuk)
    
    Drum M/c: Roland TR-505
    
    Location: Basingstoke
    
    Influences/Style etc. : ZZ Top, Robert Cray, Jeff Healy, Dire Straits,
    	      Bon Jovi, anything with 12 bars in the key of A.

    Andy Joyce @BST (7768 5332)

    

    Well, I just put an answer in the "Music exchange" note, then saw
    this one...
    
    Since there appears to be a surfeit of bass players (wonders will
    never cease!) I'll volunteer as a guitarist.
    
    Gear:
    
    Peavey T60, Squier Strat, Gibson Explorer
    
    Peavey Classic amp.
    
    I've also got some bass gear if anyone needs it. If we allow my
    buddy the vocalist to come (he's not a DECcie) then I'm sure he'll
    bring his PA  8^).
    
    Musical styles: Blues, jazz, R&B, rock.
    
    I agree with the votes for a "set list". We all know what happens
    with unplanned jams - lots of blues in E, and everyone twiddling
    and not listening...
    
    Nick

    Well, I'd like to be there, but I may be too shy to play!! Anyway,
    I'd bring the (new!) Strat along..
    
    Keith

          
    
    Keith you WILL play!! We need all the help we can get, and you
    are itching to show us the Strat  8-)    
                                         
    Well - we seem to have lots of guitar players and bass players.
                                                   
    Anybody know any drummers or keyboard players (or ANY other instrument
    players) ?
         
    As soon as we get "a band" together then we should start thinking
    about venue etc..
         
    -Tony

    Wish I could be there.
    
    Tell me when and I'll be a-tappin' my toes and snappin' my
    fingers, ok?!

Hey this sounds like a lot of fun. Count me in.

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster/Session Rockette 30.

Location: Basingstoke (Snamprogetti House)

I've started playing again this year after a long absence so still feel pretty 
clumsy. I know where the right notes are, problem is I don't always hit them. 
Improvising around a 12 bar in A sounds OK but I think that I could stretch to 
something rather more.

I'd rather not travel further then Reading, some of us chaps have family
commitments you know.

I vote that we have a preliminary meeting where we could sort out things rather 
more easily than via Notes. There are quite a number of practicalities to think 
of e.g. do we have one big jam or several smaller groups that have practised 
beforehand. What do others think ?

Nigel

Influences: Blues, Folk/Rock, Dylan, West Coast Psychedelic, Beefheart, Doors
etc. etc.

         
    Okay, well shall we need to sort out some sort of organising team.
    I don't mind trying to organise it, but I could probaby do with
    help because I've never done this before.
         
    How about if we book a conference room for a discussion one lunchtime?
    If so when ? where ? Any day other than friday is fine with me.
    How about in DECpark ?
         
    -Tony

	With the number of Basingstoke folks you've got, I'd say
	The Jeckyll and Hyde one lunchtime/evening would be a good halfway
	house.

	I don't play anything, but I might pop along just to watch Keith !!

	Woof bark meow

    
    Well, I am (temporarily) transport-less (my car was nicked) so I'll
    have to make sure I have enough time to get there, so Basingstoke
    at lunchetime is a no no.
    
    -Tony

    
    Well Tony, going on the basis of the interest so far we should have
    no problem in pulling this off, providing of course that it is all
    organised properly.  I would love to play the drums at the jam,
    so I will like you to add my name to your list !
    
    Drums: Kestral (Who ? ) 5 Piece Power Tom Kit.
    
    Cymbals: Magic Hi-hats, 16" Crash, 20" Meinl Ride, 8" Splash.
    
    Don't let the brand names put you off, beleive me the kit sounds
    great and looks great.  
    If by any chance more drummers are interested in this event,
    which I am sure there will be, I would only be to happy to use someone
    elses kit.  I will now go away and put a note in the DRUMS
    conference!!!
    
    Stephen.

    
    Okay, what day is easiest for everyone ?

    Include me in as they say (subject to venue).
    
    Richard Briggs
    
    Home: Reading
    Work: SNamprogetti, Basingstoke.
    
    Instrument: Washburn 6 string, Ibanez 12 (awaiting repair), classical
    
    Motivation: Own amusement, and drunken sing songs at parties. Generally
    bashing away to Eagles, Creedence, Beatles, Simon & G. Having said
    this, can't abide ill-disciplined get togethers!
    
    Aspirations: Genuine US built Strat. Cherry Red and WHite with maple
    neck. More to hang on the wall than actually play. Still working
    on the wife!
    
    Richard Briggs
    LARVAE::BRIGGS
    7849 3313
    Location: Snamprogetti House
    Home: Earley, Reading

    
    Okay, when are we going to meet down the G&H ?
    
    How about Monday 30th January at 12:30 ??

    Make it the J&H and that sounds OK to me.
    
    K.

    
    Why did I say G&H ?? I've had too much coffee  8-)
                                                      
    I *meant* J&H !                                   
                                                      
    Ok for everyone else ?

    I'll be there in spirit - keep me posted, chaps....
    
    Bob, of Welwyn, willing to travel to the session, also willing to
    try and dredge up rusty keyboard technique if someone's got one.
    
    I'm keen!
    

    I'll try and make it, but I'm busy that morning. If I can't get
    along, I'll abide by any decisions you come to!
    
    Nick

    re .24 :

>    try and dredge up rusty keyboard technique if someone's got one.
    
    I'll bring my DX-7, but it isn't rusty :-) :-)

    To repeat my reply in 118.mumble, I'll come along with guitar,
    100W guitar combo and DX-7/MT-32 synth combination, as long as I'm
    not expected to play the keyboards (haven't got past the white notes
    yet).

    I'll post a note in the COMMUSIC conference - maybe that way we'll
    get some more keyboard players.

    Looking forward to it already,

    Derek 
    SWAS Warrington.

    Count me in if the dates are right. I work in Leeds but will be
    down South on odd occasions during the next few months. Could I
    suggest March 29th or 30th, I'll be in London then.
    
    Equipment.
    
    Marlin Sidewinder Strat Copy + 50W Combo Amp
    
    Pickup Equipped Acoustic.
    
    I play Lead/Rythem plus vocals in a small band playing mostly 60s/70s
    covers in some of out local pubs. I could possibly borrow our PA
    which has 150W, 3 Mics+stands. We also have other instrument amps.
    Most of this belongs to our Bass player so I can't promise for certain.
    
    Richard Bell
                                                       

    
    .27 >> Could I suggest March 29th or 30th, I'll be in London then...
        
    Er..I'll be in Boston, Mass then !

    
    I have an FZ1 sampler, 100 watt amp and two 15" cabs. Also an 8 chan
    mixer.  Surely a garage would be better than a pub -- I mean, won't
    the landlord object?
    
    Richard (Reading).

    
    No, we are meeting to make arrangements in the pub.

    
    Phew! Only I remember getting fed up with landlords punching
    me in the face when I was in a band...
    
    Richard.

Ok... you've got me too.

    Kit: 7 Piece Pearl Export + DR1 rack Zildjian & Sabian cymbals.
    
    Location: Basingstoke
    
    Influences: Anything that takes my fancy but mostly all types of Rock -
		from heavy to pop. Some Jazz and a touch of funk.

    Fav drummers: Jon Bonham, Neil Peart, Nigel Glockler, Phil Collins.

    If anyone wants a jam this Sunday please give me a call. I normally have
a session from 6-9 pm at Brighton Hill Community School with a bass player, 
unfortunately his amp and speakers suffered a severe blow out (200+ quids worth)
so I have a venue but no one to jam with.  
    I know this is out of the blue but if anyones interested they can give me a
call on 7781-4404. I'll jam with anyone but (I pray!!!) I hope there'll be more
than just lead guitarists.
    Maybe we could discuss it one night over a few jars ?

		See ya round ,
				Alan Lloyd @UCG

    
    
    Ok in answer to the note posted in NOVA::COMMUSIC
    I will come along.......although I can't play much!!!
    A few chords on the guitar (rusty) and a few bits on 
    keyboard (which I am learning).
    
    Equipment:
    
    Korg M1 + Atari 520 with Pro-24
    
    Has it been agreed on when and where yet.
    
    Jason Flowers. Basingtoke -833 3221 or (0256) 881135
    
    P.S I may be able to get 2 other Decies with Korg M1's
        1 Technics AX7, drum machine, 4 track etc. to 
    	come along ;-)
    
    

    
    Great, we need all the help we can get!!!!!            
                                                           
    Can you all make it to the Pub on the date mentioned earlier ?
    
    I'm sure someone (Keith?) could supply directions if you're not
    familiar with the place.
    
    -Tony

    
    
    I think I have it March 30th Jeckll and Hyde (sp?)
    On the A33.
    
    Jason.

    
    No, no, no!!!!!!
    
    We are all meeting for a drinkie to discuss it on the 30th January
    at the J&H.
    
    -Tony

    Drummer number 3 signing on......
    
    Phil Lee @UCG The crescent , Basingstoke ......
    
    My band just folded so I am looking for some exercise .....
    
    Equipment :
    
    7pc TAMA Swingstar , 1 Pearl DR-1 Rack , Couple of Sabian AAs
    Paiste non descript Crashes /hihat . DIXON x2 Bass Pedals
    7pc Premier Club ( for sale ) + stands.
    Non Descript ( think Tiawnese made ) 3 Rotos on stand
    Various other bits ........

    Interest:
    
    Sort of Technical/fast/progressive stuff . ROCK/FUNK?/REGGAE/JAZZish
    Weird Timings/Rudiments
    
    Influences :
    
    Mark Brzeizcki ( Big Country )
    Phil Gould     ( LEVEL 42 )
    Phil Collins   ( loads a groups and sessesh )
    Niel Peart     ( Rush )
    Stewart Copland  (Police etc... )
    + miriads more

    	Name the Place and I'll be there for a drink/JAM......

    Phil ..............

    Can't make 30th. These things called customers want to see me!
    
    Please copy me on all decisions, in fact hadn't someone better note
    all respondents here and create some sort of VAXmail distribution
    list?
    
    Richard

    
    Sorry, I got my mail address wrong.
    
    What I meant is that anybody interested in playing or co-ordinating
    should mail on suburb::dallison to be added to the jam_mail.dis
    list.
         
    Cheers,
    -Tony

    
    I've contacted Linda Lack of S&SC, and she says that they may be
    able to back us (be it financial support or whatever).  We need
    to sort out a location first though, then we can sort out financial
    details.                     
         
    -Tony
    
    BTW - I've only got three names on the .dis, I want more mail!!!

    Well, the .dis is growing - we still want more though.
    
    -Tony

    re -.1
    
    sound like you in pain there....  8^)
    
    Bob

    
    O.k, I've put you people on the lis. but in future could interested
    persons mail me, so we can try and keep this topic sort of tidy.
    
    Cheers,
    -Tony

    
    Sorry, I am unable to attend the meeting.  Something cropped up.
    If you people want to meet the discuss your ideas then please do.
                          
    I'll let you know via the .dis of a new date.
                          
    Sorry,                
    -Tony                 
    
    BTW - Could I pleae have a summary of whatever you people decide
    or of any new ideas ?  

Ok peeps !!!
	The first DECjam meeting went really well (4 people turned up)
But we have decided to have our first official meeting session at 
Brighon Hill Community School, Basingstoke, 6 'til 9pm Sunday 6th? Feb.
	As I've mentioned earlier I have a booked session at this time 
each week and I would like to think that we could use the time 
constructively.
	So far we have 2 drummers, keyboards/guitar and a guitarist.
There is a drum kit but we need amps etc., could everyone bring at least 
their own instrument (Not a sexual reference). The general idea is that 
we get together to see the level of commitment we have, the tastes of 
music and ideas that everyone has. Everyone can make some noise and 
have a jam.

	The room costs 8.25 for the 3 hours so the more people turn up 
the cheaper it gets.... so everyone better be there !!!

	A map will appear here sometime in the near future.

	Remember we could get something really good going so all you
apathetic ?!'$#" get off yuor backsides and come on down !!! 

		Alan (Who did turn up)

    
    Right, I wanna go on Sunday, but I am car-less.  Is anybody from
    Reading going ? if not I'll check out the train time table!
                             
    Either way, I'll be there!
    
    -Tony

    
    I am waiting for a map of how to get there.  Once I have it I will
    post info here, and circulate it via the distribution list (which
    I might add needs more people).                  
    
    Is anybody from central (sort of!) Reading going on Sunday ?  I
    would appreciate a lift.  
                     
    -Tony

    
    
O.k - the Sunday session is nearly upon us.
                                           
Could all persons who are coming please mail me by Thursday so we know what 
sort of number of people we are dealing with.  I will not be here Friday so I 
*must* have the mail by Thursday evening.  
                                           
BTW - I need a lift if anybody is going from Reading - I'm only little  8-)
                                           
My thanks to Andy Lloyd for writing these directions.
                                           
Thanks,                                    
-Tony                                      
                                           
----------------------- DIRECTIONS ---------------------------------------
                                           
Ok Peeps,                                  
	Here are the instructions painstakingly copied off a street plan of 
Basingstoke. They are an accurate copy of the map so don't hold it against me
if the map's wrong.

I have it on good faith that you just follow the signs to Winchester
on the ring-road until you come to Brighton Hill Roundabout
and from there take the Brighton Way road (2nd exit on Left I 
think) and the School is the 1st turning on the right.

But for all you out there who need exact instructions here goes.

I assume all the Reading muso's will be coming along the A33.

The first MAJOR Roundabout you'll meet will be the 'Reading Rd 
Roundabout'.  There are 3 other small roundabouts before this but just 
follow the signs to Basingstoke.

At the Reading Rd Roundabout take the road sign-posted 
'Ringway East'. 

This then takes you on to Black Dam Roundabout, take a right onto 
the 'Southern Ringway'. 

Continue on The Southern Ringway by going straight ahead at 
Hackwood Rd Roundabout.

You will then come to Winchester Road Roundabout. Take the 1st left 
at the roundabout and go along Winchester Road (A33).

The next roundabout is Brighton Hill Roundabout (Yippee!!), take the 
second exit to go along Brighton Way.

The entrance for the Brighton Hill Community School is about 150 yds
along on the right.  As you go through the gates a left turn takes you in to 
the car park.   The practice room is straight ahead and on the the left.

If everyone can be there by about 5:45pm we won't waste too much time 
setting.

There are some rules to be followed or else we won't allowed to practice 
there again, namely, smoking or eating is only allowed in the canteen NOT the 
room. 

It is a classroom in a secondary school and they won't tolerate fag ends and 
rubbish scattered everywhere. Even if we decide there is not enough interest 
in the whole idea I still have practices there every Sunday, and I do not
want to lose that.

			So I'll see ya there folks!
					Alan.

      
    First off, my apologies for calling Alan Lloyd "Andy" all the time.
    I got confused between him and some else - sorry Alan.
         
    Right - down to business.  I have been contacted by about six people
    who are coming on Sunday - which isn't bad considering its only the 
    first "proper" get together.  
              
    Anybody else who wants to come is more than welcome.  The more people
    the merrier.  Don't be intimidated by "lack of ability/experience".
    Its doesn't matter - GET INVOLVED !!
    
    See you all on Sunday!
         
    Cheers,
    -Tony                               

    Count me in.
    
    Will bring a six string acoustic with pickup. Would probably put
    myself in some sort of rythm capacity.
    
    Richard Briggs
    @Snamprogetti
    
    Living in Reading

    Looking thru this set of notes confirms all the popular beliefs
    about drummers - there must be loads of them out there but of course
    the need to read and write must be keeping them away!
    The whole thing sounds like a logistical nightmare but a whole loada
    fun. 
    I have the following: Strat, Les Paul copy(noisy pots) DX7, various
    effects, Yamaha Drum machine (just in case the drummers don't
    materialise) TX81Z. Couple of mics, keyboard amp (small). Couple
    of acoustic guitars.
    
    Charles Weck DEC Park 4127

    If you had enough hands, you could have a session on your own, Charles!

    So, how did Sunday's session go, then, eh......?
    
    Bob

         
    It went quite well.
         
    Two keyboard players, two drummers and four guitarists turned up.
    We started trying to play a few tunes but not everyone new the same
    stuff so it turned out that we just worked out a good progression
    (or even not so good!) and jammed over it!!
         
    It was fun to do, but we needed a bass player and a singer.
         
    I'll mail a more detailed summary via the .dis.
         
    -Tony

    I'm very interested in coming along but I already have 3 different
    rehearsals on Sundays! I would have come this week but I didn't
    finish my last rehearsal till about 8-00.
    
    Tony (bass)

>    So, how did Sunday's session go, then, eh......?

Great fun if rather chaotic at times. I'll leave it someone else to give the 
definitive report but a few subjective impressions.

There were 8 of us, 2 drummers (1 drum kit), 2 keyboards, 4 guitars sharing 2 
amps. We ran through some twelve bars and one or two other bits & pieces that 
could be quickly taught to everyone else.

I think one point that we realised is that we actually need some preparation
prior to a session. The main problem is that few people can actually remember
any tunes, the only one that everyone knows is 12 bar blues which is great at
first but can be a bit limiting after a while (sorry Andy). I think we
established our various musical tastes are basically compatible and decided to
choose a few (2 or 3) tunes each and to come along next time with copies of the
music/chord charts for everyone. 

Another thing that we realised is that particularly with the kind of free-form 
jamming that we were indulging in that 4 guitars is just too much (man). The 
volume as everyone tried to make themselves heard left everyone's ears ringing. 
So next time I think that we are planning on two groups, a bit of preparation 
and a bit more structure so that it is more of a rehearsal than a jam.

We still haven't decided exactly where this is all leading, I think that at 
present we are not fit for external consumption but there is certainly enough 
enthusiasm there for us to get something together (man). The ultimate aim is to 
play in public in some form but the exact format has yet to be decided.

Finally I would like to thank everyone who came along on Sunday, I get few 
opportunities to play with other people and really enjoyed the session even if 
it did reveal to me that my playing is maybe not as good as I thought it was. I 
look forward to making this a regular Sunday date.

Nigel

    
    There is now a conference set up for UK musicans.
                               
    Its on SUBURB::MUSICIANS_UK
          
    Please have a look in there, there may be something in there for
    *you*.
    
    Cheers,
    -Tony Dallison (co-mod)