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About us

This group is for those who have experience playing over jazz standards, perhaps in the sister group , "Practice Jazz Jams (Novice)", and are looking to improve the more nuanced aspects of your playing and over more challenging standards

If you've never played with the group, please first come to any of the weekend afternoon open jam sessions at the novice practice jazz jams group - they happen every two weeks at the Vortex. See here: https://www.meetup.com/practice-jazz-jam-sessions/events/

Any questions please drop Xie a message

Upcoming events

4

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  • £15.00
    Intermediate setlist | 1-4pm April 11th, Vortex upstairs

    Intermediate setlist | 1-4pm April 11th, Vortex upstairs

    Vortex, 11 Gillett Square, London, GB

    Update: full for drums, bass, guitar, piano, 2 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments

    1-4pm rehearsal, Vortex upstairs

    Note: ensure you've practised these songs before the session. This includes confidently playing the head if you are playing lead instrument, common motifs for comping instruments and any specific bass lines or rhythms. Listen to a few versions of each song. Ideally be able to play the melody even if you're on guitar or piano.

    Attendees would be expected to be comfortable playing at a novice session first before signing up. Please join one of the weekend afternoon open jams first to play a few songs with other in the group.
    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.

    Location: Vortex upstairs

    The instruments are limited to up to: 1 drummer, 1 bass, 1 keys, 1 guitar, 3 lead instruments. The top of the description will indicate if there is an available slot for your instrument.

    Playing the melody, or "head" - the responbility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet), 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.

    Tunes this week (Apr 11th)

    • Softly as in a morning sunrise in Cm

    (Michael Brecker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSLdcEaUOJ0

    • Lawns
      (Carla Bley) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq8EKd1T8iw
      lead sheet https://musescore.com/user/43734032/scores/7508708
    • I Remember You in F

    (Scott Hamilton) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQip0H5UKEc
    (Parker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLvmK7YC7Io

    • Recordame in Am

    (Zenon, Cohen) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfRisFQE4vw

    Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recordings provided as primary references.

    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
    No refund will be provided if you can no longer make the session. If the session is cancelled, a full refund will be provided.
    -----
    any questions do get in touch!

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    7 attendees
  • £15.00
    Novice+ | 1-4pm Apr 18, Vortex upstairs

    Novice+ | 1-4pm Apr 18, Vortex upstairs

    Vortex, 11 Gillett Square, London, GB

    Update: full for drums, bass, piano, 1 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments

    Note: please sign up for the session here directly - I will keep the instrument availability up to date.

    This is a novice session with some of the songs swapped out for more tricky standards. There is also a single slot each for piano and guitar, as part of progression from playing as individuals toward paying more attention to the collective sound of group. The additional time will also allow ballads to be sometimes included.

    The group is also encouraged to use some of the additional time to listen to parts of well known recordings together and pick up on features and ideas beyond what's on the real book.

    Attendees would be expected to be comfortable playing at a novice session first before signing up.

    Sometimes the group gets through the setlist, with multiple renditions, with time still to spare. If everyone is happy to move on, feel free to use the remaining time to call and jam over a few tunes.
    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 message Xie to find out more about signing up to attend.
    Location: Vortex upstairs

    This novice+ session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 1 bass, 1 keys, 1 guitar, 3 lead instruments. The top of the description will indicate if there is an available slot for your instrument.

    Playing the melody, or "head" - the responbility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet), 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

    Tunes this week (Sat April 18)

    • Hot House in C (bebop)

    (Charlie Parker & Dizzy Gillespie) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PDjh9zgULM
    (Eric Dolphy) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBsrb-_mKHE

    • Moonlight in Vermont in Eb (ballad)

    (Gerry Mulligan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-LFuSc1sSE

    • Black Orpheus in Am

    (Stan Getz) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaiZA7ZRSO8

    • Hackensack in F

    (Coltrane, Getz, Peterson) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beCGdmrP8Xc

    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.

    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.
    -----
    any questions do get in touch!

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    5 attendees
  • £17.00
    Intermediate vocals with performance | 1-5.30pm Apr 26th, Vortex down/upstairs

    Intermediate vocals with performance | 1-5.30pm Apr 26th, Vortex down/upstairs

    Vortex, 11 Gillett Square, London, GB

    Full for drums, piano, vocals
    Please use this link to sign up and pay
    https://tickts.co.uk/events/intermediate-vocals-with-performance-1-530pm-apr-26th-vortex-downupstairs
    (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group (intermediate), otherwise your ticket will be cancelled)

    1-2.50pm: rehearsal, Vortex downstairs
    2.50-4pm rehearsal, Vortex upstairs
    5-5.30pm: 30 minute performance, Vortex downstairs

    Please plan for 10 minutes to set up, and a 20 minute performance. To fit within the time, likely plan for either short renditions of all 4 songs, or longer versions of 2-3 tunes.

    The group should collaboratively work on the overall sound of the ensemble, which songs go in the 20 minute set, and other details such as how to start/end tunes and particular arrangements. There will not be an assigned lead for the group.

    Note: ensure you've practised these songs before the session. This includes confidently playing the head if you are playing lead instrument, common motifs for comping instruments and any specific bass lines or rhythms. Listen to a few versions of each song. Ideally be able to play the melody even if you're on guitar or piano.

    Attendees would be expected to be comfortable playing at a novice session first before signing up. Please join one of the weekend afternoon open jams first to play a few songs with other in the group.
    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.

    Location: Vortex downstairs & upstairs

    The instruments are limited to up to: 1 drummer, 1 bass, 1 keys, 1 guitar, 3 lead instruments. The top of the description will indicate if there is an available slot for your instrument.

    Tunes this week (April 26th)
    Vocals session with Arzu - reference recordings to come

    • Bewitched in F
    • Love for Sale in Em
    • It's Alright with Me in Em
    • Nica's Dream in Fm

    Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recordings provided as primary references.

    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

    Cancellation policy
    No refund will be provided if you can no longer make either of the sessions. If the session is cancelled, a full refund will be provided.
    -----
    any questions do get in touch!

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    3 attendees
  • £17.00
    Novice+ | 1-4pm May 2, Vortex upstairs

    Novice+ | 1-4pm May 2, Vortex upstairs

    Vortex, 11 Gillett Square, London, GB

    Full for drums, 1 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments
    Please use this link to sign up and pay
    https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-1-4pm-may-2-vortex-upstairs
    (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group (intermediate), otherwise your ticket will be cancelled)

    This is a novice session with some of the songs swapped out for more tricky standards. There is also a single slot each for piano and guitar, as part of progression from playing as individuals toward paying more attention to the collective sound of group. The additional time will also allow ballads to be sometimes included.

    The group is also encouraged to use some of the additional time to listen to parts of well known recordings together and pick up on features and ideas beyond what's on the real book.

    Attendees would be expected to be comfortable playing at a novice session first before signing up.

    Sometimes the group gets through the setlist, with multiple renditions, with time still to spare. If everyone is happy to move on, feel free to use the remaining time to call and jam over a few tunes.
    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 message Xie to find out more about signing up to attend.
    Location: Vortex upstairs

    This novice+ session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 1 bass, 1 keys, 1 guitar, 3 lead instruments. The top of the description will indicate if there is an available slot for your instrument.

    Playing the melody, or "head" - the responbility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet), 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

    Tunes this week (Sat May 2)

    • I Should Care in C (ballad)

    (Blue Mitchell) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIjYDtk3dF8

    • This I dig of you in Bb (up tempo swing)

    (Hank Mobley) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ-i3i2B9O0

    • Comes Love in Gm

    (Wynton Marsalis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bypu3nbhIXk

    • Walkin' in F (note several hits in head)

    (Ammons, Stitt) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZBRz8zvYEU

    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.

    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.
    -----
    any questions do get in touch!

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    3 attendees

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