Return to the Jazz World

Many of us have an activity or hobby which we enjoy so much that we want to do it every week. It may be a church group, bowling league, poker night, or whatever. It's taken me some time to find a regular weekly activity, but I think I found one I'll keep for a while: jam sessions.

When I started piano lessons as a kid, my background was mostly classical and church music. Then, starting in high school, I discovered jazz band. While I loved the rhythms and cool grooves, I was quite content to just play what was on the page and not branch out. As a result, I learned lots of unusual chords and how to accompany soloists, but I didn't take many solos myself.

Fast-foward to two years ago. I played a gig at the Kern County Fair with some professional players, several of whom attend the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop. One of them liked what she heard from me and invited me to join. Unfortunately, my schedule didn't allow me to commit to the one night a week, but I told her to keep me posted; one day I will make it, I promised.

That day finally arrived last month. Being new to the scene, I didn't know whether to start with the beginning workshop or the open jam session. After all, I knew I could read chord charts, but I wasn't sure how well I could solo. I decided it was better not to get in over my head too soon, so I sat in with the beginners first. (I liken it to skiing on the 'bunny slopes' first to get a feel for the mountain before braving the black diamond runs.) It didn't take that long for me to find my footing, and I was soon happily jamming along.

Most of the musicians at the beginning workshop fall into one of two categories: students who are learning their instrument and how to play jazz for the first time; and more experienced musicians who know their instrument, but are new to the world of jazz harmony, improvisation, and soloing. The open jam session is for intermediate to advanced level players, some of whom have been gigging for many years. This session usually calls harder tunes and experiments a bit more. It's a great way for everyone to learn in a real-world situation with a supportive environment.

After the first day, I felt pretty comfortable with it, and the player who moderates the sessions asked me a little about my background. When I told him what my favorite styles and players were, he strongly encouraged me to return the next week, and we would play some of my favorite tunes...at both the beginning and open sessions.

By the next week, I was playing at both sessions, calling tunes, taking solos, and generally having a great time. It hasn't taken long at all for me to get hooked, and I'm not as nervous playing at the open level as I thought I would be. Soon, I may even be a regular.