Novice | 11am June 1, Vortex downstairs

Note: full for drums, bass, piano, guitar
This session is downstairs rather than upstairs, due to studio availability

full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/

What is it

a pre-selected set of jazz standards for each session that you can prepare for in advance, and rehearse live with others in a friendly and welcoming environment. 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: Vortex downstairs

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.

http://bit.ly/dubjazz

You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions.

Bass players expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas.

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.

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

Tunes this week (June 1)

• Blue Monk in Bb (warm up)
• Song for my father in Fm
• Satin Doll in C
• Honeysuckle rose in F (see Ben Webster recording for slower)

Tune preview - next novice session (Jun 9)

• Blue bossa in Cm (warm up)
• Honeysuckle rose in F (see Ben Webster recording)
• Cantaloupe Island in Fm
• Out of nowhere in 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 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.

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any questions do get in touch!