Novice+ performance | 1-6pm Nov 24, Vortex down/upstairs

Note: direct sign up is not available, please message Xie if you are interested in joining.

1-2.50pm: rehearsal, Vortex downstairs
2.50-4pm rehearsal, Vortex upstairs
5.30-6pm: 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.

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.

full list of scheduled sessions: https://4142298.xyz/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 downstairs & 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 (Nov 24)
Festive themed setlist, led by Sam (drums), for the final open jam of 2024.

Please practise the following songs, as well as some of the arrangements in these particular recordings.

Sam will take lead on arrangements on the day, using these as the basis. Feel free to come with arrangement ideas!

• Charlie Parker - White Christmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDDsGdzXSqA
• Roy Hargrove/Christian McBride - Frosty the Snowman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic0wEAc29eE
• Count Basie Orchestra - Jingle Bells https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dXXjhOCv-Q
• Count Basie Orchestra - Little Drummer Boy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwqwN4xSQBU
• Sonny Rollins - St Thomas

Tune preview - next novice+ session (Nov 30)
TBC

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
Payment by bank transfer for both sessions. No refund will be provided if you can no longer make either of the sessions. If one or both sessions are cancelled, a pro rata or full refund will be provided.
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any questions do get in touch!