About us
This group is open to all levels of musicians who would like to learn and explore jazz standards & improvisation with others in a friendly & supportive environment
The "novice setlist" sessions are especially suited for those getting started with jazz, looking to build up a repertoire of standards and learning to improvise with other musicians in a relaxed environment. Each session is individual and there is no longer term commitment.
If you're already comfortable with the above, but are looking to improve the more nuanced aspects of your playing and over more challenging standards - then check out the sessions at the sister group, "Practice Jazz Jams (Intermediate)".
If you're new to the group and had some questions on how it all works just drop me (Xie) a message!
A contribution is charged to cover payment of the room hire, meetup's monthly organiser fee, and my time in organising the sessions.
Upcoming events
7
- £12.00
Novice | 9-11am Feb 7 Vortex upstairs
The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Street, N16 8JH, London, GBUpdate: full for drums, guitar, piano, lead instruments
full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/
What is it
The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group.
See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending.
Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie).
Location: Vortex upstairs
Who's it for
Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians.
There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g.
https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics
You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing.
While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements.
Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas.
Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time.
What it's like
A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on.
Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments.
Tunes this week (Sat 7 Feb)
- Blues in the Closet in F (warm up)
(Stanley Turrentine) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vNUao-Cww
- Corcovado in C (note odd number of measures)
(Cannonball Adderley) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=open6GCI6ZA
- Caravan in Fm (note: the form is AABA, first chord C7) (tricky, rhythm instruments learn accompany parts)
(Stringspace) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTnxMoRWd8
- There is no greater love in Bb
(Freddie Hubbard) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelwhSdHhw0
Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference.
Tune preview - next novice session (Sat 14 Feb)
- Autumn Leaves in Gm
(Art Pepper) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmaCfzyf9NY - Chameleon in Bbm
(Stringspace) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynX6UywBl9Y - Beatrice in F
(Sam Rivers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs - Beautiful Love in Dm
(Munne, Hamilton) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gcuEdDzg-g
Preparing for the session
The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books.
Resource for sheet music:
https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html
http://therealbook.info/
Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc.
Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off
Equipment
there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch
Vocalists
Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing.
Observing
Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal.
Cancellation policy
Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible.
Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session.
-----
any questions do get in touch!
10 attendees - £15.00
Novice | 12-3pm Feb 7, 9M Studios
9M Studios, 9 Morecambe Street, London, GBUpdate: full for drums, bass, piano, guitar, 1 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments
** The 9M Studios sessions are now 3 hours long. The group is encouraged to use the last hour to call additional songs that are not on the repertoire list - similar to an open jam, or to experiment with arrangements such as intros and endings for the original repertoire. **
full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/
What is it
The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group.
See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending.
already full for your instrument? Please check back on Wednesday mornings, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie).
Location: 9M Studios, SE17 1DX
Who's it for
anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians.
There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g.
https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics
You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing.
While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements.
Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas.
Playing the melody, or "head" - the responbility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time.
What it's like
A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on.
Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments.
Tunes this week (Sat 7 Feb)
- Blues in the Closet in F (warm up)
(Stanley Turrentine) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vNUao-Cww
- Corcovado in C (note odd number of measures)
(Cannonball Adderley) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=open6GCI6ZA
- Caravan in Fm (note: the form is AABA, first chord C7) (tricky, rhythm instruments learn accompany parts)
(Stringspace) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTnxMoRWd8
- There is no greater love in Bb
(Freddie Hubbard) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelwhSdHhw0
Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference.
Tune preview - next novice session (Sat 14 Feb)
- Autumn Leaves in Gm
(Art Pepper) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmaCfzyf9NY - Chameleon in Bbm
(Stringspace) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynX6UywBl9Y - Beatrice in F
(Sam Rivers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs - Beautiful Love in Dm
(Munne, Hamilton) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gcuEdDzg-g
Preparing for the session
The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books.
Resource for sheet music:
https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html
http://therealbook.info/
Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc.
Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off
Equipment
there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, and microphones. Limited number of music stands. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutchVocalists
singers very welcome though usually I suggest you come to the intermediate sessions where you can pick your own song and key (as chances are many of the above are not in the right key for your range)
Cancellation policy
Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible.
Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session.
----
any questions do get in touch!
8 attendees 
Weekend afternoon open jam (Free) | 7th Feb 3pm-late, Vortex downstairs
The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Street, N16 8JH, London, GBAfternoon sessions, free and open to a public audience. Anyone can join in to play (or sing) - please put your name and instrument (or vocals) down on the sign up sheet, which will usually be on the downstairs bar.
New format: the open jam will start shortly after 3pm, open from the start to those who are dropping by to join us.
The house band will also play a couple of songs throughout the afternoon, including from the future standards repertoire - which everyone is also encouraged to call. Contact me for sheet music.
There will also be a possible break for a 30 minute novice+, improver or intermediate set.
Many people also come to the open jam, who are looking to join a novice+ or intermediate rehearsal for the first time, so I can get a sense of your playing first.
We'll likely go somewhere for food afterwards.
See you then
Xie7 attendees- £12.00
Novice | 9-11am Feb 14 Vortex upstairs
The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Street, N16 8JH, London, GBUpdate: full for bass, 2 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments (sax, trumpet, violin, flute), 1 of 2 spots taken for guitar
full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/
What is it
The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group.
See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending.
Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie).
Location: Vortex upstairs
Who's it for
Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians.
There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g.
https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics
You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing.
While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements.
Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas.
Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time.
What it's like
A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on.
Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments.
Tunes this week (Sat 14 Feb)
- Autumn Leaves in Gm (warm up)
(Art Pepper) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmaCfzyf9NY - Chameleon in Bbm
(Stringspace) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynX6UywBl9Y - Beatrice in F
(Sam Rivers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs - Beautiful Love in Dm
(Munne, Hamilton) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gcuEdDzg-g
Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference.
Tune preview - next novice session (Sat 21 Feb)
- Chitlins Con Carne in C (warm up)
(Stringspace) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XauDUc8rDrE - Footprints in Cm
(Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-rrt8IYhe0 - Bye Bye Blackbird in F
(Clark Terry) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGblgP6AoGY - Well you needn't in F
(Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JC1iqeoNQg
Preparing for the session
The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books.
Resource for sheet music:
https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html
http://therealbook.info/
Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc.
Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off
Equipment
there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch
Vocalists
Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing.
Observing
Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal.
Cancellation policy
Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible.
Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session.
-----
any questions do get in touch!
5 attendees - Autumn Leaves in Gm (warm up)
Past events
903
