Lets go to a jam session!

Hello! I'm Chigusa, a jazz drummer. Last time, I previously wrote about what jazz drumming is.
●Is it true that jazz drumming is difficult? We approached the truth!

This time I will go one step further and talk about jam sessions!

Perhaps you think “My rock and funk drumming have become stable to some extent, so I'd like to try jazz drumming...”
Even if you think so, it is hard to tell your bandmates that you would like try jazz. However, where to start…
The easiest way to solve this problem is to go to a jam session.
What? Session!?? Jazz!??
Of course, I understand how you would feel.
You may think it's impossible to play with trained jazz musicians in a dim, moodily-lit jazz bar.
But it's okay. In fact, most jazz musicians trained by doing sessions to improve their skills, finding friends, recording, and playing live, to become a better musician.
Even Miles and Coltrane secretly participated in New York sessions even after they were active as professionals.

Miles Davis Sextet - On Green Dolphin Street

I would like to introduce the good points and the merits of jam sessions.

What is a jam session?

A jam session is an improvised live show in which players gathered on the spot to play songs one after another.
The organizer is called the host. There is no limit to the number of people, and there are various parts.
When you participate, first write your name and part in the reception note. The host decides the guest's performance order and nominates them (generally the order of arrival at the bar or shop).

After the host first plays one song, each person performs the song they brought with one after another.
In most cases, a front man or vocalist requests the song, but in some cases, participants who play rhythm instruments also request songs.
Some places require reservations for each part in order to keep a good balance, and some places do not, so sometimes it is quite surprising that there is no bass, there is no piano, and on the contrary, there are 5 drummers.
In these situations, it usually gets awkward, but a jazz session is never canceled.

During the session, it's like this, and it's exciting to learn who you’ll play with and what kind of songs will come out.

Merits of jam sessions # 1, Improve your playing ability

One of the important points in a session is how you yourself can perform in a given situation.
If there is no bass, the piano has to play the bass part, and if there are a lot of vocals, the band has to play accompaniment.
By repeating this kind of improvisation, you will get better at it whether you like it or not.
It’s a little hard for beginners, but the host is used to it, so you don't need to worry at all.
At first, I was pretty nervous that I might mess up the session, but no one cared about it.
Even accidents are part of a session, the mistakes make you grow.
By repeating these training sessions...

I can totally relax when playing and it almost looks as though I am sleeping (laughs)

Merits of jam sessions # 2, making friends

If you keep going to the sessions, you will make a lot of friends.
Everyone who participates has common purpose in performing.
If there are people who play the same part, it is very fun to talk about the musical instrument, and for people who play other parts, you will also play together in future again.
Also, senior musicians are very important.
If you participate many times, you will notice you are given useful advice and they will see your growth.
Those reliable people are very encouraging for future musical activities.
In my case, all the players I know are from jam sessions, and I also met my professional drum teacher at the session.

Merits of jam sessions # 3, you can play the songs you want to play

Every time you participate in a session, you will find an overview.
If you play with the same player several times, you will find out what songs he likes.
And when you get along with your host, request the songs you want to play.
It's okay if you bite off more than you can chew, and at those times experienced seniors will take the lead.
I have requested songs that I thought were absolutely beyond my ability, but so far I have been able to play them all.
At that time, don't forget to prepare the sheet music. If possible, it is better to let the host know what song you want to play.

Jam sessions have great advantages such as "getting better", "making more friends", and "making your dreams come true".
If you think about 3 hours of practice in the studio, I think it is better to perform on stage, listen to other people's performances to study, and make friends.

If you are a beginner just starting out, why not go to a jam session?!