“Big Jazz Jam at the Albemarle” part of the Albemarle Concert Series.

Saturday 4^th July 2026 at the Albemarle Music Centre in Hull,

Advice on Jamming -

So here are some things to think about before you get up to jam –

What am I going to sing or play?

Sean Miller - "It is important that you prepare something beforehand.  Have a song in mind that you know well.  If you are singing, know the basic melody and the lyrics.  Have a recorded version in mind that you like and have tried to copy.  If you are playing try to learn the melody off by heart.  At this stage don't worry too much about the chord changes or form.  You can do so much just by playing around with the melody."

Rob Law - " My advice would be to pick a ‘Jazz Standard’ which you know well. Jazz Standards are tunes which most jazz musicians know or are aware of, have been around for decades and are regularly played by jazz bands. They can be found in the ‘Real Books’ in ‘lead sheet’ form (chords and melody). Examples are ‘Fly Me To The Moon’, ‘Misty’, ’Night and Day’, ‘Watermelon Man’, ‘Blue Bossa’, ‘In A Sentimental Mood’ etc. At Jam sessions players often have Real Books or commonly now an app ‘IRealpro’ where they can quickly find the chord changes to accompany you. Picking a non-standard tune is ok, but the musicians may not know it so more preparation would be required for a slick performance.  "

What do I need to bring with me?

Sean Miller - "Obviously you need your instrument and possibly a lead sheet with the melody and chords for the band.  Most players now have access to iReal Pro, which has 100s of jazz standards there.  But if your song choice is more obscure, having a hard copy of the piece is important to share with the band.  Have enough copies so all band members have one each."

Rob Law - " Bring your instrument if you are an instrumentalist. If you are singing a mic will be provided. If you are playing/singing a non-standard tune you need to bring a chord chart or lead sheet for each player in the band so they can accompany you. Ideally the sheet/chart should be on one A4 page with an easy to follow structure. The musicians only need chords and structure to create a good accompaniment. "

Mike Horne (Jamming beginner) - " In addition to the advice above, if you play a transposing instrument (horn or sax) bring a copy of the music in "concert pitch" (for C instruments) for the rest of the band."

What do I need to discuss or negotiate with the band?

Sean Miller - " three things are key here.  Tempo, style and key. Everything can be discussed with the band beforehand.   "

Rob Law - " You need to tell the band what key you are playing/singing in. Also if you are performing in a certain style, let them know.  Have an idea of the tempo you want to perform at. eg 'Fly me to the Moon in C as a bossa, about here ***clicks fingers**. "

How do we start?

Sean Miller - " If you are confident you can try counting in the band.  Have the tempo in your mind before you start, then tap out the speed and count "1,2, 1,2,3,4".  This can be practiced before hand.  If you are not so confident you can just tap the tempo to the pianist who will be happy to then count the tune in  "

Rob Law - " It is standard for the band to play 8 bars of introduction. This is often the last 8 bars of the tune, or could be an 8 bar ‘vamp’. If you struggle counting 8 bars, look around and the band will count you in or signal your entry. If you are performing a ballad, eg. ‘Misty’ you may start the tune yourself. You play/sing ‘Look at’ and the band comes in on ‘me’. Ask the pianist for your starting note if you’re singing. Alternatively if you have a specific idea for an introduction, discuss it with the band.  "

Mike Horne (Jamming beginner) - " for me this is the hardest bit! As a untrained singer it is easiest if I just start and let the band join in behind me. I have noticed some other singers like the band to play an intro so that they can get the pitch right. However once the band has started it is not possible to change the tempo! "

Who is going to take a solo?

Sean Miller - " You can decide this beforehand.  Usually the featured performer carrying the melody takes the first solo.  If you are singing and not scat soloing, look at the pianist or melody player who will begin soloing.  More experienced ensembles will do this intuitively but if you are less experienced, this can all be decided beforehand  "

Rob Law -

"There is a ‘standard form’ for jazz performances-

1. The Head (or written melody) performed once by singer or lead instrument.

2. Solos on the form (the chord changes of the Head).

3. The Head again-performed once

As the guest, you are entitled to take the first solo, either instrumentally or scatting. Solos could be 1, 2 or more times through the form, but should not go on too long- it depends on the size of the band, the length of the form and how much interest you can sustain from the audience. 

When you have solo’d or if you’d prefer not to, it’s a good idea to step to the side and watch the band. Other band members will solo next. Sometimes all of them, sometimes not- again depending on how long the performance is going on. It’s a good idea to practice listening to the changes as they play. You can hum the tune to yourself to know when the full form has been solo’d over. Generally speaking a good soloist will indicate in their playing or through a ‘look’ that they’ve finished and the next solo will start. Keep looking at the band. When the solos have finished one of them will give you a nod, or count you back in for the final Head. Most communication in bands is non verbal, so standing to the side and watching and listening is good learning. It shows you are enjoying what is going on, and prevents you standing at the front feeling awkward while not performing!  "

How do we stop?

Sean Miller - " Again, experienced ensembles will improvise this using a range of devices, such as Count Basie or Duke Ellington style endings or perhaps looping the last line 3 times.  There is also what is called a turnaround, where the band loops a 2 or 4 bar chord progression until eye contact and body language indicate when to stop.  This could be a sudden stop or a slowing down to finish.  But if you are less experienced, all of this can be decided and practiced beforehand. "

Rob Law - " Most Jazz Standards finish with a 2-5-1 chord sequence. It is usual to perform a '3-tag ending’ where the phrase at the end is repeated three times (usually with the taking it up a tone and back down). eg. Fly Me To The Moon- instead of ‘in other words I love you’ we get ‘In other words, in other words, in other words I love you’. The band will then perform a standard ending to finish the tune. If you have a particular ending vocally or on your instrument, and feel confident you can conduct the band to finish with you. If you are not confident with either of these, simply finish the head and let the band finish the tune for you! "

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