The Art Of The Jam!

Hi,

This is Julian Chan, guest-blogging for Toppings!

First things first, thanks to those who have come for the Sunday Jazz Jam Sessions, it was really good to have you guys (and gals) there jamming as well as sitting to watch people jam. Do spread the love around, and tell more people about The Top Room, whether it's for the weekend jazz shows, or the jam sessions (as well).

For those who don't know, jam sessions are sometimes the best place for a special kind of magic to happen. For the most part, you'll probably get to see kick-butt, read: professional, players on stage (especially if the band running it is one!). And on rare occasions (especially here in KL), you'd come across a real talent or two. But all musicians of all levels stand to learn about jazz and music, by watching good musicians play on stage. I haven't been in the scene long enough to be qualified as a senior, nor my level good enough to be what people would call a real pro. But being in the scene for a couple of years now, I have picked up a lot of ideas and lessons from watching jazz shows, concerts, and also from jam sessions... as well as participating in a few (especially when some of the visiting musicians from well-known jazz bands jam, too!). Some of the aspects include how to behave (musically or otherwise) on stage, whether it's a show you're doing, or in a jam session.

So as my first contribution to this site, as an addition to it being just a gig notice blog, I'd like to talk a little bit about jam session etiquette. Like everything else we do in this human world, there's always a certain code of conduct, whether spoken/written or not, to what we can or can't, should or shouldn't do. A jazz jam session is no exception. I've played in jam sessions where the whole session just goes out of control and it ended up being a major exercise in self-indulgence. Granted, I'm also guilty at one point or the other of doing this, too! Anyway, here's a good article I found on Sax On The Web, about jam session etiquette, by Grant "King" Koeller. Have a good read:

King Koeller wrote on Nov 17th, 1999:

Gary...your original question is very interesting.

My father was an electric Hammond Organist who played nothing but the standards. He passed away 2 years ago, so in his memory, I play all his favorite tunes.

That jam does sound a bit out of control, only because there are too many people waiting to play. The songs must be way too long!

I've been going to Jam sessions for 25 years now since I was 12 years old and yes there are certain rules.

1. Don't be a solo hog. Say what you have to say in as few choruses as possible.

2. Don't cut another soloist off by jumping in.

3. If you don't know the tune, don't solo. Nobody wants to hear a person who hasn't paid their dues on their horn make a complete fool of himself by trying to make every one think he knows how to play.

4. Don't tell the leader what to do. It's their Jam. Not yours. You can always get your own jam someday.

5. Know when to play.

6. Know when to sit down and chill out and enjoy the other players.

7. Have respect for the other soloists ideas by not doodling' around on your ax when they are playing.

8. If the other players start to riff behind the soloist, then go ahead and join in, but remember the balance, don't cover the soloist up.

9. Remember the solo order so when fours come up, everybody gets a turn.

10. The Bass doesn't need a solo on every tune.

11. If there is more than one horn present don't all play the melody in unison. Use different harmony parts and chord tones to create interest.

12. When playing a Ballad, split up the choruses in half, so the tune isn't an hour long.

13. Don't insist on staying up on stage all night. Play your 3 or 4 songs and make room for the other soloists who haven't played yet.

14. Never be critical of another person on the bandstand. If you have something to say to someone about their pitch, tone, sense of time, or what ever, wait until the break.

15. Never be a mike hog. Always share.

16. Don't call tunes in order to impress somebody. No one wants to hear Carla Bley Tunes with no Bar Lines performed at the speed of Cherokee. Or Anthony Braxton tunes performed with a polka feel.

17. Learn some tunes that you love, and do them.

18. Don't judge other people's tunes. If you hate the song Stella by Starlight, instead of complaining about it, go sit down and take a break.

19. As a horn player, when the singer sings don't play. It's ok to fill in between their phrases as long as it's done tastefully.

20. Use space. Don't play every Jamie Abersold lick that you know in the first three minutes. Save some ideas for later.

21. Be Mature. A jam is supposed to be about mutual respect for all the players regardless of ability, and not just a cutting contest. There is no room for "Higher, louder, faster," types of players who want to show off.

22. If the person ahead of you just took 8 choruses on the blues, don't try to "better" him by playing more if you have nothing to say.

23. Play in tune with each other. Don't have the attitude that "I'm right, Everyone else is Flat".

24. When ending a tune, look to the Bass or piano player for signs as to which type of ending will be used. Is it the 3 times a charm ending? Or that everybody stops at the same time with tight cut off ending? Is the rhythm section going to put a turn around at the end and vamp for a while ending? Turn on your radar.

Here's more from the www.phillyjazz.org website:

Jam Sessions are an old Jazz tradition, and serve several important functions in the Jazz community. They allow new emerging players to test their skills in front of an audience. Jam sessions also provide an opportunity for "cutting contests" where musicians vie for dominance by comparing their imaginations and improvisational skills in a live face-to-face situation. Also, Jam sessions allow musicians new to the area to network, and show what they have to offer. Finally, club owners get cheap entertainment on an off-night, which is why these typically occur on Monday and Tuesday nights. Philadelphia has several long-standing jam sessions.

SITTING IN

First off, let's make the important distinction between a jam session and "sitting in." If a venue advertises a policy of "sitting-in" that means that musicians are invited to play with the regular band, typically after they have played a few sets as a group. This is really not the same as an "open mike" or "open jam", but if you are a pro or semi-pro, you are certainly within your rights to ask to "sit in." Realize the expectations will be higher than an open jam session, so if you are unsure of your abilities, this is not the time to find out how good you are. These are the occasions when you'd better hope you can play Cherokee in B.

Upon occasion, a working group may ask another musician to "Sit In" on a regular gig. This is an honor, typically bestowed upon visiting professionals as a courtesy, and can often be fun for all. It is a SERIOUS breech for musicians of any level to ASK to sit in on a professional engagement. If the leader and group members want you on the bandstand with them, trust me, THEY will ask YOU !! Even if you are best friends with the leader or one of the sidemen, it puts them in a very awkward position to either acquiesce or refuse. It will do more harm to your reputation among musicians than good for your career if ask to "sit- in" where it it not the accepted practice.

JAM SESSIONS

Players who are new to the scene would do well to visit a few times without their axes, and check out the scene. Get a feel for the type of tunes played, and how other visiting musicians are treated. Especially make note as to whether or not reading on the stands is permitted. In general, at any session worth it's salt in Philly you will be expected to know the tunes by heart. Less formal sessions may be more lenient. Regardless, don't assume that because the regular bass player who has been there every Tuesday for five years is reading a chart that you will get the same courtesy. There is a sign on the bandstand at 23rd Street that says "If you don't KNOW the tune, don't PLAY the tune." - 'nuff said.

It doesn't hurt to buy the leader a drink, and make some small talk but watch how quickly a beer drinker can acquire a taste for Courvoisier when you do !! When you do get the nod, you should be aware of the "house rules".

You may get to choose your tune, but be prepared to have it chosen for you, and not necessarily in the key you are used to. If you are a beginner, don't overstay your welcome. If you are invited back for a second tune, that's a good sign. If you are not, don't leave in a huff, but promise yourself to woodshed more starting the following day.

Pianists are usually happy for a break, especially after forty or fifty choruses of "Rhythm Changes." This is a the best time to ask to sit in on keyboards.

Horn players generally have it pretty easy, but if you are a newcomer, it's probably best to avoid bringing your combo stand and setting up your alto/tenor/flute/flugelhorn until you are a regular. This dates me, but I remember a time (pre-AIDS) when a horn player would hand me an axe, mouthpiece and all, and let me blow when I ended up in a strange town and was able to seek out some live Jazz. Now I usually carry a mouthpiece and reed with me, but it is pretty rare anymore to find players that will hand over a Mark VI to a total stranger.

Guitarists can generally use a house amp if one is available, but ask the guitarist first. If no such animal exists, you should inquire first of the session leader before setting one up, and at least wait for a break if you need to tear it down and leave.

I have recently heard from a new bassist in town who was declined when he asked to use a regular bassist's upright. You probably wouldn't think to haul your German flatback into a club where you might not even get to play a single tune. As I said earlier, it is best to check a session out as a listener first, and just ask flat-out what the policies are.

Almost inevitably the drummer will be left-handed. Statistics will probably bear out that left-handed drummers at jam sessions far outnumber left-handed drummers in the general population, so you can safely assume this occurs to discourage drummers from sitting in. Draw your own conclusions, but again, ask the drummer if it is alright to move his high-hat for a couple of tunes, but don't expect to rearrange his kit.

Harmonica players - let your conscience be your guide. Unless you are Toots Thielman, don't get on the stand during "Giant Steps" and start wailing because you suddenly feel inspired. If you are familiar with neither Toots Thielman nor "Giant Steps", remember that jam sessions need audiences as much as players. Here is a good guide to sitting in for blues harpists.

Percussionists - It is probably best to seek out a Unitarian-Universalist church whose Wiccan committee hosts a drum circle on full-moons. You'll get free coffee too !!

In general, singers tend to get "no respect" as jam sessions unless they are well known. Don't take it personally, but if you do get selected, try to pick something unusual, but not TOO esoteric.. Unless it is a real strain, try to learn tunes in their common "Real Book" keys.

Tunes to avoid for singers:

1. Stormy Monday Blues

2. Misty

3. All of Me

4. Over the Rainbow

5. Lover Man (or just about any Billie Holliday tune, unless you REALLY REALLY do it well.)

6. My Funny Valentine (added by Mel Martin)
   

Tunes to avoid for instrumentalists (this does not apply if you know how to play it REALLY, REALLY well, and have good ideas on leading the band to play them well) - this I added myself. Reason being, they're terribly overplayed:

1. Summertime
2. Fly Me To The Moon
3. Blue Bossa (especially if you're a college student!)
4. The Girl From Ipanema (most people screw up in the middle section)

Don't get discouraged if you feel you've been mistreated. It's part of paying dues, and even Charlie Parker was laughed off the stand as a young man. Legend has it that was his inspiration to practice hard. Look how HE turned out !!! .... Uhhh, maybe that was a bad example ..... Anyway, LOTS of great players have been embarrassed at jams. It'll make you a better musician eventually.

Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed the article so far. Jam sessions are the best place to learn about how to play. But being in KL, it's very uncommon to get "laughed off" stage... it's a very Malaysian trait of giving face. At most, you'll get told properly AFTER the jam. However, if you're being a real butthead on (and off stage), we'll probably ignore you most of the time! LOL!

Keep practicin', y'all!

Visit me at my blog, Julian's Head.

JULIAN CHAN

PS: I'm not kidding about the butthead part!