Jamming Demystified: Joe Kennedy’s Guidebook ‘Spread the Jam’

Joe Kennedy’s ‘Spread the Jam: An Essential Guide to Sitting In and Jamming with Musicians’ isn’t simply a book; it’s a beacon for musicians seeking to navigate the thrilling yet often daunting world of impromptu musical collaborations. Joe Kennedy AKA Big Joe Kennedy, a luminary in the blues and jazz spheres, with roots tracing from the Midwest to the heart of New Orleans, distills over two decades of expertise into a comprehensive guide that’s as insightful as it is inspiring.

‘Spread the Jam’ book cover

The book unfurls in ten harmonious chapters, each akin to a musical movement in a symphony, guiding readers through the intricate dance of spontaneous musical creation. ‘Chapter One: The Beginning’ lays the foundation, offering a melodic panorama of the diverse jamming landscapes one might encounter, beckoning readers into this vibrant musical realm.

As the composition progresses, Kennedy orchestrates an exploration of musical ‘Forms’ in ‘Chapter Two,’ elucidating the blues’ cadence and the lyrical ballads’ soul, painting them not merely as musical styles but as living, breathing entities waiting to be understood. The crescendo builds with ‘Chapter Three: Listening and Communicating,’ a poignant ode to the essential interplay between musicians—a subtle dance of non-verbal cues and shared energies that forms the backbone of memorable musical conversations.

‘Chapter Four: Styles’ emerges as a virtuoso performance, dissecting and demystifying the varied playing techniques and nuances intrinsic to different musical styles. Kennedy’s astute guidance offers a compass to navigate these diverse terrains. With ‘Chapter Five: Going to The Jam,’ the tempo quickens as Kennedy takes readers on a detailed expedition, offering insider insights on navigating the uncharted territories of jam sessions—a roadmap woven with practical advice and seasoned wisdom.

‘Chapter Six: Calling A Tune’ and ‘Chapter Seven: Networking and Jam Etiquette’ weave intricate melodies of guidance, demystifying the roles of lead instrumentalists and vocalists while painting a vivid picture of the communal ethos that underpins successful musical collaborations. The book’s magnum opus arrives in ‘Chapter Eight: Improvising a Solo,’ where Kennedy’s expertise shines, delivering technical and theoretical insights that transcend mere notes, offering a gateway to unlocking the improviser’s soul.

As the journey nears its finale, ‘Chapter Nine: Tips and Ad Libs’ emerges as a delightful coda, offering nuanced practices and exercises that elevate musical exchanges, solos, and the spaces between them to an art form. Finally, ‘Chapter Ten: Wrapping Up’ delivers a poignant cadence—a harmonious conclusion enriched with personal reflections and resonant conclusions drawn from Joe Kennedy’s vast tapestry of experiences.

In ‘Spread the Jam,’ Joe Kennedy isn’t merely imparting knowledge; he’s conducting an orchestra of enlightenment, inviting readers to join the symphony of spontaneous creation. Through eloquent prose and expert guidance, Kennedy’s opus is a love letter to the transformative power of music—a masterpiece that not only educates but also inspires, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of musicians, both seasoned and aspiring.

Big Joe Kennedy in a band jam

About Big Joe Kennedy: Born with an innate passion for music, Big Joe Kennedy’s symphonic journey commenced at the tender age of 8 when he first sat at a piano, igniting a lifelong love affair with melodies. Hailing from the heartland of the Midwest, Kennedy’s musical narrative resonates with the soulful echoes of blues and the improvisational cadence of jazz.

His formative years were steeped in the vibrant musical tapestry of Milwaukee and Chicago, where by the age of 15, Kennedy found himself enraptured by the allure of blues jams, embracing the raw, emotive power of this musical genre. Fueling his artistic ambition, Kennedy pursued a jazz education that propelled him to the luminous city of Las Vegas, where he honed his craft and attained a graduate degree in performance.

In 2009, Kennedy embarked on a transformative journey to New Orleans, a city pulsating with the rhythms of jazz, blues, and cultural dynamism. It was here that Kennedy’s musical odyssey burgeoned, weaving him into the fabric of the city’s musical legacy. His dexterity at the keys and his intuitive understanding of musical dynamics led to collaborations with esteemed venues such as Mahogany Jazz Hall, 21st Amendment, and the evocative Trixie Minx burlesque shows, solidifying his position as a revered musician within the vivacious New Orleans music scene.

Not merely content with his musical prowess, Kennedy’s aspirations extended to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Leveraging his multifaceted experience and a keen pedagogical insight, he embarked on a journey as an educator, imparting musical wisdom through workshops in New Orleans and campuses nationwide, aligning his teachings with the esteemed National Music Education Standards set by NAfME. A pinnacle in Kennedy’s illustrious career manifests in his literary opus, ‘Spread the Jam.’