I was going to suggest that when you put a chat client in -- that you consider giving it the following:
- conference chat (to get a chat going)
- grouping capabilities (for musician's different projects)
- an "instant" way to start a jam with the friends you are chatting with
- maybe explore a multi-irc client like Trillian? just riffin'
It would also be a good idea to show people status when they are chatting