Jammin'

Music: the universal language. Everyone says it, but you really only understand it when you jam. You can get together with a completely diverse bunch of people you hardly know, and as long as you can figure out the chord progressions you're communicating and making music together. It's a simple thing but it matters a lot.

That's why I've been working hard to turn my Tuesday night "Riverdale Roots" gig at the Oasis East into a jam night. As a singer-songwriter (who works with a very empathetic percussionist) I have a tendency to get stuck to my own material, my own quirky method of presentation, my own schtick. Jamming is the opposite of that. It's not about anybody's songwriting prowess or performance style; it's about finding common ground. Last night two guys from my hockey team showed up and played- the audience couldn't tell we'd never played together before as we busted our way through Neil Young tunes and the like. Actually it's a little like playing hockey; as long as you know the rules of the game you should be able to play with anyone, anywhere.

Kim Jarrett, superb singer-songwriter, also showed up to showcase some of her material, as promised. Her work is really melodic, catchy but also deep and evocative. She has a great voice, excellent presence, solid lyrics, and a fine friend in Mike, the 5-string bass player, who really helps ground the songs. We'll be working on a combined gig at some point; meanwhile you can catch her July 4 at the Free Times on College Street.

Highlight of the jam: the incomparable Suzanne de Bussac on piano, Jem from the hockey team on my Telecaster, and me on harmonica, lighting up Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry." Universal language. I love it.