Follow-up to Jams

My previous post talked about music jams, but I feel I left out something pretty important – knowing styles.

Whatever jam you end up at, it’s really helpful if you are somewhat familiar and comfortable with that style. Blues jams require a drummer to know how to play a shuffle, 12/8, and a rhumba (at the least). FYI – a blues rhumba is not quite the same as a Latin rhumba. Even better than simply knowing a few beats, it’s great if you know some songs that may be played. There are some “standard” songs that seem to get played at jams. Try and learn those songs – the form, the groove, the lyrics, etc.

Jazz jams – It’s best to do your homework here. In my experience, the most important thing to know are the tunes. However, if a tune gets called that you don’t know – ask a few questions:

What is the form? AABA (32 bar form), blues (12 bar form), 3/4?

What is the style? Are the A sections done in a Latin feel and then the B section swings, e.g.?

Are there any hits/stops? Is someone willing to cue you?

Use your ears and your eyes. Please communicate by keeping your head up and looking at the players that you’re up on stage with. Cues will be given in most cases, but if you’re not attentive, then it doesn’t do much good.

When you hear a tune you don’t know, write down the name of it and try to locate a version of it later. It may be helpful to ask the person who called the tune. There are many versions of the same song, but there may be one in particular that most people refer to when talking about it and learning it.

Have fun!