jam musical An idea posited, a venue explored. Dri mentioned the other day an interest in writing a play that would be underscored live in performance by a Jam Band. What is a Jam Band you may ask. A reprinting of the definition from the inaugural Jammies' program at JamBands.com tells us to "Please cast aside any preconceptions that this phrase may evoke. The term, as it is commonly used today, references a rich palette of sounds and textures. These groups share a collective penchant for improvisation, a commitment to songcraft and a propensity to cross genre boundaries, drawing from a range of traditions including blues, bluegrass, funk, jazz, rock, psychedelia and even techno. In addition, the jam bands of today are unified by the nimble ears of their receptive listeners." Jam Bands elaborate on themes during musical interludes between lyrics. They explore thematic musical tangents. Dri wants to write a play that incorporates this musical sensibility into the show/performance. I suggested that the idea be taken one step further. A Jam Musical. Melodies are roughed out, but not solidified so as to leave room for the jam sensibility. This idea is also reflected in the actors lyrics. A rough plot or outline is formed, but specifics are not set. This sets up the need for actors with good improvisational skills, however, as the actor creates the character they will begin to put together a vast repetoire of lyrical tricks.There would be high points in the roughed out music and the outlined lyrics that must be hit in order to further the story, but the skin changes. The approach to this can be seen as almost a modern (serious) commedia delle'arte. As the actors work with the musicians, and vice versa, they will develop lines and riffs that seem to work well within the context of the play. This however is not a workshop. There is no final product that is being prepared for public presentation. Such a show would keep the play fresh. There is a story and plot, however delivery changes nightly. I think it is an idea worth exploring. Any ideas regarding this? Let me know.