JAM SESSION GUIDELINES

Since jam sessions benefit from being well organized, guest musicians should be familiar with the ways of the jam.  To that end, here are some basic guidelines to help the experience be as enjoyable as possible for all.

Jazz is often enough an intimate music form.  In order to create cohesive music, listen to others with big ears, then balance and blend your playing with the group sound.  Encourage group dynamics with your playing, and other methods of communication.  Most basically, avoid playing at an audience, and do not ignore your fellow on-stage musical collaborators.  

Draw listeners ‘into’ listening to the music, rather than blasting your sound ‘at' the listeners.  All attendees, on and off stage, will greatly appreciate your being respectful of their ears and sensibilities.

 Be Prepared:

  • - There will be a sign-up sheet.  Sign up when you arrive.
  • - Choose to play on songs that you are familiar with . Bringing lead sheet hard copies or tablets for reference is fine.  But it is best to have wood-shedded songs prior to playing them with others. 
  • - If you are a singer, bring legible and well-arranged music to hand out.  Otherwise you will need to sing in the standard Real Book key.
  • - Stay off stage until you are called up by the host or band leader.
  • - Be prepared to (perhaps) play only a couple of songs.  The number of songs you play will be dependent on how well attended the session is.
  • - If you are on-stage and don't know a particular song, leave the stage, and be prepared to play later. It happens, no big deal. The same applies if you don't like a tune. It's fine to sit down. 
  • - Trust that the host is working to keep things fair and equitable.

Some Basics:

  • - Take shorter rather than longer solos. Blowing numerous choruses is just not appropriate in this setting.
  • - Two horn players at a time should be max. The host will help maintain the ensemble size.  Be respectful of that.
  • - Briefly discuss and arrange any intros and/or ending tags prior to beginning a song.
  • Be sure that all players have the song up before beginning the tune.
  • - Keep your ears open and stay engaged.
  • - Encourage ‘group’ dynamics.
  • - Non-verbal communication during songs is important.  So stay connected, both visually and sonically, with the other players on stage.
  • - It’s fair game to play a background behind a solo.  Just don't step on the soloist. 
  • - If you trade 4's (or 8's) with the drummer, keep the same order of the soloists as standard practice.
  • - There need not be a drum or bass solo on every tune. 
  • - On ballads: Be careful about song length!!  Split the choruses.  During the last solo, begin the melody out at the bridge.
  • - When playing behind a singer, leave plenty of space.  Do not play the melody, and be sure that the singer's voice is on top of the music. 
  • - Hear the song in your head while you're not playing, which (in part) will help you keep track of where you are in the form.
  • - During the last 45 minutes, the session will begin to be open to more players per song.

Courtesy:

  • - Respect the session’s host.  It is their job to organize musicians at the jam.  Session participant’s are guests.
  • - Avoid getting under the lights and playing 'Look at me'.
  • - Respect the session’s host.  It is their job to organize musicians at the jam.  Session participant’s are guests.
  • - Respect the current soloist, and wait your turn.  You can practice later.
  • - There are always musicians of varying ability and experience at jam sessions.  Be encouraging to all.  
  • - Stick around and listen to other performers.  Be there for them as they are for you.