Jazz is a conversational art form. Long hours in the “woodshed” working on scales and chord changes and phrases are part of every player’s experience. There are no shortcuts, and jazz demands much from it’s practitioners.

But there comes a time when we have to take the horn OUT of the practice space and sit in with other musicians who are speaking the same language. There are wonderful and diverse tools which simulate live performance (Jamey Aebersold’s Play-along books, Band-in-a-Box, and many web-based resources), but these are not enough. Real jazz requires that we spend SOME time (the more the better!) honing our chops with other jazz musicians.

Yet the bandstand is not the ideal place for musicians in transition from the “in my room” to the “play in public” stage of musical development. It’s better to have a safe, non-public place in which to try out those new-born improv skills where you won’t feel intimidated by better players or terrified by performance anxiety. Best of all, it would be great to have an knowledgeable jazz musician on hand to guide the session and offer constructive suggestions about how to play in the “real world” of small-group jazz.

I have been fortunate to receive that kind of intense, professional guidance for several years at the Aebersold Summer Jazz Camps. Learning to play in jazz combos is a MAJOR part of these camps–and its value cannot be overstated. The only “bad” thing about it is that you go home wishing there was a way to keep that thing going–to make combo sessions part of your normal life, and not a rare, annual (at best!) experience. I talked to many fellow-players at Aebersold Camp who expressed a desire to find such a session in their communities back home.

Well, for those who live in the Raleigh/Durham area, that chance is yours.

I’ve started what I call “PlaySafe Jazz Combo Workshops” in my well-equipped home music studio. I’ll provide the keyboard and rhythm section, and those who want to receive an instructive opportunity to play authentic jazz can come out to join in the sessions. You’ll find lead-sheet style music ready for you to play, so there’s nothing to bring but your horn.

The intention of these sessions is to give the players a close-to-real performance setting, but without the pressure of audiences and condescending bandmates. This won’t be just an open “jam session,” but a true educational combo with room to discuss jazz styling, solo approaches, nomenclature, bandstand courtesy–or any other topic that attendees bring to the mix. We’ll give everyone a chance to play, but without the need to be afraid.

One thing about these sessions: They’re not free. I’m running this as part of my music studio, not as a just-for-kicks playalong. Here’s the deal:

• If you’re just showing up for the sessions, the cost is $15.
• If you’re in my band, the cost is $12.
• If you’re taking occasional jazz lessons in my studio (once a month or less) the cost is $10.
• If you’re taking private jazz lessons in my studio at least bi-monthly, the cost is FREE.

These sessions will be from 7:00-9:00pm, and they’ll be on the TWO Thursday evenings of each month starting in September 2008. (That’s the 11th and 25th this September.) I’ve posted the dates through December, 2008, on my calendar, which appears on this website.

Anyone who wants to come is welcome, but I need to know who’s coming in advance, so send me a message or phone me.

I know you’ll have a great time at these sessions, and I look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to ask me anything prior to coming over.

Dave

You can purchase a Combo Session by clicking on the PayPal Button below. It’s easy!