How to Not Suck at Jazz Jam Sessions and Gigs

Ever wondered if you're "ready" to go play at a jazz jam session or start playing jazz gigs? Or maybe you've been doing these but feel uncomfortable socially or even with your playing.

In this video, I give out my 4 top tips for not "sucking" at a jazz jam or gig. These have little to nothing to do with your actual talent, which is the best part.

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[kevinhornbuckle]

My favorite jazz jam experience till the day I die: My son got a nice scholarship to go to music school in Chicago. He turned 21 when he was a senior (which is this year). I went with him to his first drinking bar; a high level jam. We didn't know what song would be called. To my delight, it was Sunny Side of the Street, which is excellent for trombone. They did it in a bop, up tempo style. I loved it because I remember him practicing it when he was in 7th grade with a Hal Leonard play along. He can go to any jam and do quite well. Jazz has been good to my son.

[OhioGolfAddict]

As an older musician trying to figure this Jazz thing for the last year, I'm very lucky to have a jam here in Columbus that welcomes newer players. Everyone is super cool and helpful.


We had quite a few out of town pros drop in last night so it was pretty intimidating, but I just went up, took my turn to solo(which was very simple by comparison to others), and just enjoyed the surroundings and did my best. Learning Jazz is a marathon, not a sprint, and thankfully the folks that go to/run the jazz jam assist with that long race, judgement free.

[SirMalone]

I know what holds me back is a lack of Repertoire. I understand the language but have not learned enough songs and I don't want to have to get up there and wing it..

[kevinhornbuckle]

I am a late-in-life starter. I am lucky to live in a city that has a jam for learners. The band leaders are very kind and talented teachers. A couple of weeks ago I played for the first time, and made a lot of mistakes. But it was fun and I plan to go again soon. I think your suggestions make a lot of sense.

[marklynott]

Good ideas! And Thank You for defining what is a jam session. A gig is a performance, a jam session is a music session for the musicians, to try stuff out etc.

[pitycake]

Great video! I learned how it's important to know that it's not about how I play but it's rather for others to feel good.

[henryburner]

I have played the tenor sax for 2, 5 years (but have a long musical background). I played for the first time with a big band last year. Mostly easy stuff like C jam blues, Satin Doll and things like that. Some semi-professional players but no "vibing". Good thing about big bands and swing is that your solo can be pretty short. :) I often record myself and prepare by practicing a few easy, common songs for weeks before the session. Thanks for the tips!

[pianojonathan]

Very solid tips, couldn't agree much more! Well said!

[alexanderlochardful]

You really hit it on the nail with these four recommendations! Bravísimo...

[gustavonishida]

Thanks for your nice tips! It really makes me feel more confident about my decisions on jamming or not jamming. Sometimes the band is not serving the music and stand at the stage to call a standard is not easy and, many times, not welcome. I frequently hear musicians saying 'oh, no. Please do not call 'blue bossa' or Stella!'. This kind of behavior really make us uncomfortable. I was wondering if I only could jam playing Chick Corea's Capuccino or some B-side Mingus theme. Apparently, standards are a solid and productive way to get into playing in a group, with other people. Thanks for sharing your point of view. It is really inspiring! Cheers from Brazil!

[davidgrig]

You are great. Thanks for the important rules especially for the rule 2.

[jano]

I do what my sax player said I should. Go up and say "I'm a noob and don't know all the standards", that works quite well lol.

[MrStranger]

This is the perfect video at the perfect time for me as a fellow jazz guitarist. I'm mostly concerned about my site reading inability and worried I might lose my place more easily playing with live musicians (as opposed to a backing track). I could probably cut it if I ask that we play certain songs I already have down, but I don't want to be that assertive. I will take your advice and just check out my local jazz jam first to gauge the scene.

[robertkahn]

Very helpful video! Thanks Brent. The advice about recording yourself is great advice. The mistake I usually make is deleting the recording immediately after the first listen because I think it is so bad! I have found that no matter how bad I think I played if I save the recording and go back to it later it’s really not as bad as I originally thought. I am my own worst critic and that would be the answer to your question of what keeps me from going to open jam am my own worst critic.

[kbqlq]

Great Video (on point), I did not the served music first once and experience that look and was yell at by another player "Don't play when I'am playing"...almost got into a fist fight over it . But, you live and learn and play on.

[juliusthompson]

Although I'm in a college town, there really isn't an outlet for newer jazz players like myself (being older doesn't make matters better). I've performed countless times classically for years, but I'm scared ****less to play jazz live. I don't want to be the cause of the band not being good. I'm going to try and join my university's jazz band in the fall, though, to help.

[nicolasrugolinomusic]

Hi Brent . Really good advices, good job. Could you make a video about how to deal with complex drums solos during jam sessions ? Do you have any exercise to keep in the structure and don't be lost ?
Many thanks.

[Stereosichtgeraet]

I can't count the times when I've come to a session and everybody looks tense and miserable. As if having fun was not allowed in jazz. I think for a host it should be very important to establish a welcoming, uplifting and fun environment. Everybody will sound so much better. Maybe musicians will even listen to each other and enjoy what the other person just played. Wait, that would be silly wouldn't it? Jazz has to be serious business after all! Like a funeral.

[DPHMUSIC.]

Great tips, another thing I would suggest is come in with an open mindset. You are going to be critiqued and you have to be prepared to not take it as an attack rather as people trying to help you.

[TLGProduktions]

Hey, what scares me the most is the level of entry. It feels like I'd have to play the song exactly like the sheet music. No cut corners, all of the embellishments.

Another fear is that the patrons of such clubs that have decades of experience would look down on performers simplifying things and making mistakes.

Seeing prodigies playing great at 14 also discourages. Being 23 and somewhat passable at best is quite demoralising.

Great video, these tips are really useful!