"A great idea for beginning bluegrass musicians to improve their playing and learn proper jam etiquette."
- Jim Jesson, Publisher of Bluegrass Canada.

The Basics

Started in 1996 by Sue Malcolm and Bob Underhill, the Slow Pitch Jam is a unique opportunity for beginners to learn the basics of jamming. A structured setting, patient and knowledgeable leaders and safety in numbers is a perfect way for beginners to experience the sheer joy of making music in a group.

Jay Buckwold, BC Bluegrass Workshop Director says: "A large room is divided into sections with all the guitars together and all the mandolins in one area, and so on. Bob and Sue lead the jam and they display the words and chords to the songs. Each song is explained as to timing, breaks, etc. and played in slow time. Although it is designed for beginners, intermediate and advanced players drop in to help out and sometimes we have as many as 80 people playing together. When its time for the banjo break, all the banjos take the break. It feels good - when you make a mistake, nobody notices."

Maybe it was Bob Underhill’s friendly style and infectious goodwill, or Sue Malcolm’s care, or just the great social atmosphere, but within two days at the 1998 BC Bluegrass Workshop, half of the participants were hanging out at the jam every night.

Watch The Video

CBC Television's 'Living Vancouver' show came to the ANZA Club back in January 2008 and did a short (3:30) documentary on the Slow Pitch Jam. Thanks, CBC! Click on the triangular 'start' icon on the bar below the video to start it.

Comments from Workshop Participants

"Well, I just attended my first slow pitch session. Boy, that's a lot of fun. I usually play folk music, but I think bluegrass offers a good alternative. You don't even have to know much to start, which suits me just fine, and the ones that do know how to play have the opportunity to do so. I can't wait until the next session." ... "Sue is a great instructor and a wonderful person besides." ... "They're geniuses. What a wonderful way of teaching people how to play music." ... "The Slow Pitch Jam was fantastic - the most fun for me came when Bob & Sue took the effort to let us know which chords to play and when." ... "The Slow Pitch Jam was a great idea - I never would have played with others without this kind of structured jam." ... "Great for beginners. Also, it’s a mixer, socially." ... "A vital part of the program." ... "Bob & Sue were very structured & patient." ..."The slow pitch jam was a godsend and kept me from feeling I was too far behind. I loved it!" ..."It proved that I AM capable of making a reasonable sound when other players are nearby. Sue and Bob take the terror out of playing along with the group."

Songbook & Play-Along CD Volume 3 is Now Available!

People have been asking them to put together materials that they can use at home and with friends, to learn bluegrass songs and practice playing along.

This is a fantastic resource for players of ALL bluegrass instruments. It has become so popular as a learning resource that bluegrass clubs in BC, Alberta and Washington State are using it as the basis for their weekly jams.

Here is a wonderful resource for beginning/intermediate bluegrass players.
- Learn to play by ear, in any key with the Nashville Number System.
- 10 classic bluegrass songs played in slow time
- 2 versions of each song; with and without lead instruments for the maximum play-along experience

Musicians featured on the CD: Sue Malcolm on rhythm guitar and vocals; Garry Stevenson on lead guitar and mandolin; Tyler Carson on fiddle; Jay Buckwold on banjo; Paul Bergman on upright bass; Don Fraser on dobro; Dale Rasmussen on harmony vocals. It was produced by Sue Malcolm and Dale Rasmussen.

How to Get Very Your Own Book/CD

To order, please send cheque or money order for $20.00 Canadian plus $3.00 Canadian for shipping to: Sue Malcolm, #314-1422 E 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC Canada V5N 5R5.

In the Vancouver area, there are two retail outlets for your shopping convenience:

On the West side: Rufus' Guitar Shop, 2621 Alma Street (at 10th). Info: 604-222-1717 or www.rufusguitarshop.com

On the East side, visit Bone Rattle Music at 2012 Commercial Drive (at 4th). Info: 604-251-2663 or www.bonerattle.com.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@slowpitchjam.com

Volumes 1 & 2 Are Still Available

The first two Slow Pitch Jam Songbooks each contain thirteen bluegrass standards, chording information, instructions on the Nashville Numbering System and jamming etiquette. All the songs are sung by Bob and Sue in a slow, learnable style. There's also verbal introductions with chording tips and a track on tuning your instrument. It's all you need to get started in the fun world of jamming, bluegrass style. It's kind of like having Sue and Bob come into your living room and guide you gently through every one of these easy three-chord songs.

Prices and shipping information are the same as for Volume One.

Reviews

To read reviews of the CDs, songbooks and workshops, go here.

Track Listings

SLOWPITCH JAM SONGBOOK & CD VOL 3 I Wonder Where You Are Tonight ..... [MP3] Letter From My Darling Blueridge Cabin Home Mister Engineer ..... [MP3] The Wandering Boy Dark Hollow Pretending I Don’t Care Sunny Side of the Mountain Once More Swing Low Sweet Chariot Plus alternate tracks for each song, without lead instruments.

SLOWPITCH JAM SONGBOOK & CD VOL 2 Rollin My Sweet Baby's Arms Worried Man Blues Blueridge Mountain Blues Ocean of Diamonds New River Train Pallet on Your Floor Gotta Travel On Columbus Stockade Blues My Long Journey Home Can't You Hear Me Calling? Don't This Road Look Rough and Rocky Nine Pound Hammer ..... [RA] I'll Fly Away

SLOWPITCH JAM SONGBOOK & CD VOL 1 In The Pines Bury Me Beneath the Willow Who's That Knocking at my Door? Gold Watch & Chain Your Love is Like a Flower Little Darlin' Pal of Mine I'm Blue and I'm Lonesome Blue Moon of Kentucky Keep on the Sunny Side Can't You Hear Me Calling? Life is Like a Mountain Railroad My Walkin' Shoes Will the Circle be Unbroken