Hooked on Jams


Hooked is formed by Kevin McClain of McMusic Lessons & Performances. He uses loop stations and drum machines to improvise and develop jams based on themes and variations, mashups, musical quotations, and on the spot rearrangements. Kevin is always looking for other musicians in or around the Palos Hills, Illinois interested in the Jam band project. Get in touch on social media if interested. Explore below to see performance examples of Kevin performing with various students and musicians at McMusic Lessons & Performances. 

Hooked: Variations on Phish’s “First Tube”

​In our latest video release, we dive deep into the rhythmic and hypnotic world of Phish with “Hooked – Variations on First Tube.”

Hooked perform improvised variations on Phish

​If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a Phish show when the lights start swirling and the energy in the room begins to peak, you know that “First Tube” is more than just a song—it’s an ascending spiral of tension and release. Originally appearing on Trey Anastasio’s self-titled debut and later becoming a staple of Phish setlists, the track is built on a relentless, driving bass line and a repetitive guitar motif that demands precision and stamina.

​Hooked Breakdown

​In this variation, we explore the core elements that make the “First Tube” jam so infectious and combine it with the Deep beats of a techno Jam.

  • ​The Driving Groove: The foundation is a steady, motoric rhythm that provides the perfect canvas for melodic exploration [00:00].
  • ​Layering Textures: Just as Trey uses his signature looping and feedback to build intensity, this instrumental focuses on how small variations in phrasing can shift the energy of the entire piece [01:27].
  • ​Guitar Dynamics: We highlight the shift from clean, rhythmic stabs to more overdriven, sustained notes that mimic the “soaring” feel Phish fans have come to love [03:16].

​Why We Jam

​At Hooked on Jams, our goal is to help students and music lovers understand the “how” and “why” behind great improvisation. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand basic scales or an advanced player wanting to master the art of the slow-build jam, “First Tube” is a masterclass in staying “locked in.”

​Watch the full performance below:

Phish-Inspired Jam: Hooked – Variations on First Tube (Guitar Instrumental)

​Ready to Start Your Own Jam?

​If this video inspires you to pick up the guitar, piano, or bass, we’re here to help you find your voice. At McMusic Lessons & Performances we offer personalized music lessons in Palos Hills, IL, and online via live video chat.

​“We study the nature of music to nurture a lifetime of creativity.”

Techno Meets Retro: Inside the Techro Jam Performance

​Welcome back to the Hooked on Jams blog! Today, we’re breaking down a session that caught our ear for its unique blend of precision and raw energy. We’re looking at the Hooked “Techro” Jam, a performance that perfectly bridges the gap between structured electronic production and the fluid spontaneity of a live jam session.

​Watch the full performance here:

Hooked “Techro” Jam

​What is “Techro”?

​The title itself gives us a massive hint at the vibe. A fusion of “Techno” and “Retro” (or perhaps “Tech-Intro”), the track leans heavily into driving, hypnotic rhythms while maintaining a warm, analog soul. From the very first second [00:01], you can hear the foundation being laid—a steady, 4/4 kick that acts as the heartbeat for the entire five-minute journey.

​The Build-Up

​One of the most impressive aspects of this jam is the patient evolution of sound.

  • ​The Foundation: Around [01:15], the mid-range percussive elements start to interlock, creating that classic techno “gallop” that keeps the energy moving forward.
  • ​Atmospheric Layers: By the two-minute mark [02:10], we see the introduction of sweeping synth filters. This is where the “jam” aspect really shines—you can hear the performer tweaking parameters in real-time, letting the oscillators breathe and grow.

​The Sweet Spot

​The peak of the session hits around [03:45]. The layers are dense, the syncopation is tight, and there’s a beautiful tension between the repetitive industrial loops and the more melodic, spacey flourishes that sit on top. It’s the kind of sound that would feel right at home in a dimly lit warehouse at 3:00 AM.

​Final Thoughts

​What makes this specific video stand out for the Hooked on Jams community is the focus on the process. It’s not just about the final loop; it’s about how the performer navigates the gear to get there. It’s a masterclass in tension and release.

​Key Highlights:

  • ​Driving Rhythm: A consistent energy that never lets up.
  • ​Live Tweaking: Exceptional use of filters and resonance to keep the repetitive nature of the genre feeling fresh.
  • ​Mood: Dark, immersive, and undeniably “Hooked.”

​What did you think of the Techro Jam? Does it inspire you to plug in your hardware and start twisting knobs, or are you more of a DAW-focused producer? Let us know in the comments below!

​*** Stay tuned to Hooked on Jams for more breakdowns, gear reviews, and live session highlights.

Hooked’s New Sound: Dynamic Music Creation Unleashed

​We’re back with a fresh session! Our latest track, “Rainbow Road Jam (Hooked)”, is a deep dive into the art of the improvised jam. This session blends the familiar with the experimental, drawing inspiration from our favorite melodies and original themes to create something entirely new.

​The Sound

  • ​The Foundation: The jam kicks off with a high-energy rhythm built from the ground up using loop stations and drum machines.
  • ​The Vibe: As the track evolves, we layer in melodic and harmonic shifts that pull from a variety of genres.

​The Performance

​This video is a raw look at our improvisation process. By using live looping, Hooked is able to build a massive, dynamic soundscape in real-time, letting the music grow and change organically as we play.

​What do you think of the new sound? Let us know in the comments below!

​Follow the journey:

Demons in Me, original music by Hooked

New Release: “Demons in Me” – A Haunting New Jam from Hooked

We are excited to share our latest improvised performance, Demons in Me (Hooked). This track delves into a darker, more atmospheric soundscape, combining soulful acoustic guitar work with raw, evocative lyrics.

*** Visit our YouTube Channel. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know what you think of this session in the comments!

Behind the Track

True to the Hooked style, this piece was formed through the lens of improvisation and live arrangement. The video features a solitary acoustic performance set against a fiery, atmospheric backdrop that perfectly captures the tension of the lyrics.

The Story

The song follows a narrative of being on the run and facing internal struggles. Key moments in the performance include:

  • The Pursuit: The opening sets an urgent tone as the lyrics describe being on the run from an unseen force 01:57.
  • Seeking Shelter: A desperate search for “helpers from the shelter” to shake the feeling of vacancy 02:08.
  • The Transformation: The climax of the jam where the internal “demons” take hold, with the lyrics reflecting a sharpening of teeth and a fight to keep those demons contained 02:14.

Stay tuned to hookjams.com for more improvised sessions, arrangements, and music from the instructors at mcmusiclessons.com.

The Wiccan Jam

The Wiccan Jam is an original tune by Hooked. Hooked is formed by Kevin McClain of McMusic Lessons & Performances. I perform improvised jams and arrangements inspired by the themes and melodies of favorite songs and original music. I use loop stations and drum machines to fill out the jam and improvise developments. Often, I will play with students and other musicians. This recording was made with one of my piano students. The jam serve as an excellent learning experience for my students and myself as we explore music hands on in real time and space. Definitely a jam band sound. “The Wiccan Jam” is a common theme that I seem to return to in different jams. I decided to develop the theme into a recognized staple jam that became a favorite to play. Hope listeners enjoy. Please Like, share, follow or subscribe to support my music and teachings. Any support or recommendation is sincerely appreciated.

Learn, live and love the world of music

– Kevin McClain (Hooked on Jams)

Click the image to visit my Facebook

Hooked K-oscillator Jam

Hooked perform an improvised jam with a student at McMusic Lessons & Performances. List to an excerpt from the jam. Like, share, follow or subscribe at https://www.youtube.com/@hooked4174. Join our Facebook group at Facebook.com/hookedonjamz or follow Facebook.com/hook.jams

Hooked perform improvised jams and arrangements inspired by the themes and melodies of favorite songs and original music using loop stations and drum machines to create a full sound and improvised developments. Hooked is formed by musician, composer, and music theorist, Kevin McClain of McMusic Lessons & Performances.

Hooked Slimy Carini

Hooked perform “Slimy Carini”, a mashup of Frank Zappa and Phish.

Hooked, Slimy Carini from 06/12/21 New Lenox, IL.

Hooked is formed by Kevin McClain of McMusic Lessons & Performances. He performs music in a vast array of different styles and genre that include classical music, jazz music, blues music, bluegrass music, country music, alternative music, hard rock, improvisational jam band music, and more.

Hooked perform improvise jams and arrangements inspired by the themes and melodies of favorite songs and original music. Kevin uses loop stations, drum machines and various effects to produce a full band sound. Listen to Kevin perform with one of his piano students and an improvised jam mashing up the motif of Frank Zappa’s “I am the Slime” and Phish’s “Carini”. The arrangement variates from the energy of both songs to a thick, droning seance-like sound.

The idea behind hooked is to take the hooks of songs and rearrange them into something unique and weird. Kevin’s always looking for other musicians near Palos Hills, IL. interested in strategic improvisation that includes themes and variations, covertunes, rearrangements, and heavy improvisation. If interested, please get in touch.

Find us on social media…

https://www.youtube.com/@hooked4174

https://www.facebook.com/hook.jams or join our facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/hookedonjamz

Hooked Jam 06.25.2022

We have been trying out different ideas for our upcoming performance with Intrinsic Arts Fire Performers. Click the video below to check out a practice that toys around with some themes from Beetle Juice, Metallic, and more.

Jam > Beetle Juice Jam (Danny Elfman) w/ Ring of Fire quotes (variations on Johnny Cash 01:03) > Jam > Sweet Dreams quotes (The Eurythmics 02:10) > Whereever I May Roam (Metallica Quotes 03:47) > Breakdown (5:37) > space > Variations on Here Comes The Sun Jam (The Beatles 06:33)

Hooked is formed by music teachers at McMusic Lessons & Performances. They perform improvised jams inspired by the themes and melodies of favorite songs and original tunes.

Like, share, follow, or subscribe at any of the following links to learn more about upcoming streams and performances.

JOIN OUR GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hookedonjamz

Hooked on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hook.jams

OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Hooked on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC616hsSvEjR5Yo9UOBXQnFg

Hooked on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Hooked48715544

Hooked is formed by music instructors at McMusic Lessons & Performances. The duet play, teach, and write music in a variety of styles and genres. They play in different musical acts and projects that range from classical music, jazz, folk, rock, alternative, jamband, and more. The instructors use two BOSS RC-300 Loop stations and an Alesis SR-16 drum machine to produce a full band sound and the agility to improvise development within the music.

McMusic Lessons & Performances on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mcmusiclessons

MCMUSIC LESSONS ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/mcmusic.lessons.performances

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcmusiclessons

McMusic on Twitter https://www.twitter.com/mindsofmusic

Hooked Jam on Wherever I May Roam

Watch Hooked jam Wherever I May Roam by Metallica.

https://youtu.be/eL6s7E3N7-w

Hooked will be performing a set in Manteno, Illinois on July 19th, 2022 at “Fire on the Square” presented by Intrinsic Arts. Come to 2nd street in Manteno to experience the fire performers and a set of improvised jams and arrangements inspired by the themes and melodies of favorite songs and original music. RSVP to request songs we may be able to include in our set.

Hooked is formed by music teachers at McMusic Lessons & Performances at www.mcmusiclessons.com. The music instructors teach, study, and perform music for children and adults. They have had many different musical projects that span across a wide variety of style and genres that include classical, jazz, blues, folk, rock, alternative, jam-band, and improvisational music.
In Hooked, the duet use an Alesis SR-16 drum machine and two BOSS RC-300 loop stations to produce a full, jam-band sound with the agility to improvised development within the music. Performances include musical quotes and variations, song mash-ups, and on the spot rearrangements of covers songs and original music.

McMusic Lessons & Performances is a small, veteran-led, family business. A duet husband and wife write, perform, and teach music in a variety of style and genre. They are invoulved in many different musical projects that range from classical, jazz, folk, and blues, to rock, alternative, jamband, and improvisational music. Please be sure to like, share, follow, or subscribe at any of the following links to support our music and help us reach others.

Our Websites

  1. McMusic Lessons & Performances:
    https://www.mcmusiclessons.com
  2. Hooked on Jams:
    https://www.hookjams.com

On Facebook:
https://facebook.com/mcmusic.lessons.performances

Hooked on Jams
https://www.facebook.com/hook.jams

Our Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/hookedonjamz/

Our YouTube Channels

1.) McMusic Lessons & Performances on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/mcmusiclessons

Hooked on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/channel/UC616hsSvEjR5Yo9UOBXQnFg

Linked In:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcmusiclessons

McMusic on Twitter
https://www.twitter.com/mindsofmusic

Hooked on Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/Hooked48715544

Tips and gratuities accepted at:
https://paypal.me/McMusicLessons

Musicians in Crestwood Illinois

Simply Timbered > Jazz on the Way to the Bob

Jam > Simply Timbered (Phish Mashup) > Jazz on the Way to the Bop (Hooked)

Hooked perform improvised jams and arrangements inspired by the themes and melodies of favorite songs and original music. Visit Hookjams.com for more music and information on streams and performances. Like share, follow, or subscribe at facebook.com/hook.jams.

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