What is Jam Band Music? Or, What is a Jam Band?

It is difficult to explain exactly what jam band music is or define exactly what jam band is. Because this fast growing music scene combines elements of nearly every genre of music on the face of the planet, many different musicians and bands fall into the category. And with the musically open mind shared by both those who play jam band music and those who listen to it, there aren't many groups out there that are completely exempt from being grouped into the term of jam band.

Among the largest influences of jam band music include blues, rock, jazz, reggae and funk, though every band obviously has their own specific style and personal influence. Jam band music also throws in bits of bluegrass, hip hop, techno, electronica and almost anything else you can think of.

The jam band scene is becoming more and more popular these days, after remaining relatively in the shadows for quite some time. Large, multi-day, outdoor festivals such as Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee and Coachella in Indio, California bring tens of thousands of visitors every year; not only does this expose fans to new music they may have never heard otherwise, but it also opens up avenues for the bands themselves to gain new fans that they might not have been able to.

This is a strong, loving, tight-knit community, too. Internet websites and chat rooms have popped up all over the web, dedicated to sharing the latest news, trading live audience recordings that are completely legal, or even finding rides to the shows that just can't be missed. Everybody goes out of their way to help one another and look out for each other - something that you really don't see in a lot of other communities these days.

As far as bands goes, the biggest influence on the jam band music scene and community is without a doubt the Grateful Dead. Though their days as a beloved group are long gone, the surviving members do still play shows on occasion. The Grateful Dead is the group that first made bootleg tape trading popular in the '70s and '80s, and sparked the trend of turning a three or four minute song into a twenty plus minute, awe-inspiring jam.

Some of the more popular names in the jam band scene today include Umphrey's McGee, Keller Williams, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Gov't Mule, and Les Claypool, just to name a few. Besides playing outdoor summer festivals, many of these bands tour regularly, as well. Check with your local venues to find out when they are playing in an area near you.