Wednesday, June 9, 2010
For Beginners
Beginners, don't hesitate to ask musicians for advice and technical help. They're usually pretty open to ushering new people into the genre. However, do keep in mind that musicians are often poor and if you're asking for the help of a professional they will most likely want to charge you. I recommend working with someone who has been a practicing musician for awhile but is new to JAZZ. They'll be less of a power dynamic and they're more likely to practice and help you for free. However, paying a professional will get you there faster and they'll be more committed to working with you. So keep these two options in mind. There is also programs at community colleges and places like Community Music Center in San Francisco. It's important to network with musicians that you know. Many of them have their own back story from when they were a beginner and they can give you resources for someone at your level. All of this takes time, patience, and a whole lot of heart and tenacity. Good luck.
One thing to note about Jam Sessions...
The jazz community in San Francisco is a very small, tight knit group. Based upon my experiences as someone who is new to this genre, it takes time to gain respect from other musicians because many of these people have been creating music all of their lives and many have been in jazz for ten years or more. Most professional jazz musicians seem to be between the ages of 30 and 60 years old simply because it takes so long to hone enough improvisational skill to perform. As a beginner, I warn you that it isn't something you can just fall into without a certain amount of training like rock and roll for example. I mess around a lot at jam sessions but it isn't something I recommend for everyone. Jazz jam sessions can sometimes be a very stressful environment for beginners and can lead to burn out and discouragement. Always come prepared to a jam session especially if you're a vocalist. Vocalists always need to know what key they're tune is, the tempo of their tune, and have transposed lead sheets in their key. The instrumentalists will groan if you do not have these things. Usually, they're pretty polite especially if they know you're a rookie like me, but it is still annoying to deal with. DO NOT rely on the musicians to transpose your lead sheets on the spot. All of them have different abilities, do not assume that they'll be somebody there to figure out your key or your lead sheets. However, if you do come unprepared, most of the time from what I've seen, there is usually someone who can transpose but don't make a habit of this. I have done this and it gets old pretty fast.
Jam sessions are meant to create a space for any musician regardless of their abilities to play with other musicians in a free form fashion and they are also excellent events to network and gain infomation, but it is a human construct therefore it isn't a perfect system. It is important to gain a certain amount of knowledge before flinging yourself into jam session after jam session. These jams are meant to be fun but take it easy as a newcomer. Jam sessions are good for experimentation and gaining some performance skills within a band setting but it's even more important to practice on your own or within a teacher-student setting. The latter will help you hone your skills internally and then they will in time exude themselves externally. I'm not saying beginners should avoid jam sessions. I'm just saying we need to be patient and earn our stripes first. I learned this the hard way, but I'm glad I learned it at all.
Jam sessions are meant to create a space for any musician regardless of their abilities to play with other musicians in a free form fashion and they are also excellent events to network and gain infomation, but it is a human construct therefore it isn't a perfect system. It is important to gain a certain amount of knowledge before flinging yourself into jam session after jam session. These jams are meant to be fun but take it easy as a newcomer. Jam sessions are good for experimentation and gaining some performance skills within a band setting but it's even more important to practice on your own or within a teacher-student setting. The latter will help you hone your skills internally and then they will in time exude themselves externally. I'm not saying beginners should avoid jam sessions. I'm just saying we need to be patient and earn our stripes first. I learned this the hard way, but I'm glad I learned it at all.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Jazz Jam Sessions and Open Mics in San Francisco
I appreciate any suggestions/corrections that people may have regarding the accuracy of my reviews...thank you!
1534 Fillmore St.
(415) 346-8696
rasselasjazzclub.com
This open mic is lead by the Tod Dickow Quartet. I have only been there twice to sit in but the house band and the visiting musicians are very talented and tend to be older, which means that they tend to be more experienced. There is also a wide array of vocalists, which is interesting considering I very rarely see singers at jam sessions. The Band leader told me that the house band is pretty fluid, different people play there from night to night on Mondays. Rasselas itself has a very nice look to it, more of a restaurant feel rather than a divey night club. Much to my annoyance, you have to buy a drink and if you pay by credit card or debit, it's a $10 minimum. I don't know this through experience, but many musicians have reported to me that Rasselas doesn't treat the house bands very well. But as someone who just goes there to sit in and listen to some good jazz, it's a great time with quality musicians and atmosphere.
A good time to go for sitting in is around 9:15pm. The house band starts at 8:30pm. There is a sign up sheet next to the tip jar. There is no cover charge.
Grant & Green Saloon
1371 Grant Ave. (at Green)
(415) 693-9565
www.myspace.com/grantandgreensf
I really enjoy this jam session when I'm able to make it over there. If I had a car, I would probably go there every Monday to sing. Since the jam session starts at 11:15pm and ends at 1:30am, I would have to sing first and then leave immediately; otherwise I wouldn't be able to make it home without taking a cab. However, the house band does start at 10pm so that's something that definitely should not be missed. It seems like a very lively group. I typically go to jazz jams alone and hang out with whomever happens to be there, but this is the one place that I don't feel comfortable going to alone as a woman because it's divey and feels a lot like a pick up bar. But the sound is amazing and I've seen the best musicians hang out there. I haven't sang at Grant & Green yet but I will eventually. However, when I went to the bar to get a cup of water, the bartender asked me for my ID even though I wasn't planning on buying alcohol. At that point, I had lost my ID a couple weeks ago so I was kicked out of the bar! If you're under age and want to get some water ask a friend to get it or you will be kicked out! There is no cover charge at this jam session.
1511 Haight St.
(415) 552-6949
I have a fondness and a lot of memories attached to Club Deluxe even though a lot of musicians tend to degrade it on a pretty regular basis. I can understand their side of it because they make next to nothing when they perform there and the acoustics are pretty low in quality. But, again, as someone who sits in and enjoys listening to the music, Club Deluxe is a very positive atmosphere. The decor and style of the place comes off as very classy as well as nostalgic. It's a small and cozy club so you're practically sitting right next to the musicians while they play. It has a very personal feeling to it all. Club Deluxe was my first jazz club and it ushered me into the jazz scene in many ways. I have also heard from various people that the drinks are made well even though they are a tad pricey. The jam session is lead by Eugene Warren on Bass (a very talented bassist and a good human being) so be sure to approach him to sit in if you're new. The house band is pretty fluid so different musicians are always playing there. There is no cover charge. I'm extremely comfortable singing there because I've hung out at Club Deluxe a lot and I'm familiar with many of the musicians there. A good time to go is around 9:30pm.
3109 24th st
Kaleidoscopefreespeechzone.com
Michael Parsons Jam Session
7:30pm-10:30pm
This jam session is extremely laid back and new so the crowd is a little sparce at the moment but I'm confident that it will gain momentum. It is held every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Apparently, this is not a traditionally structured session according to some musicians that I've talked to. Traditionally, the leader of the jam session is supposed to perform with the house band for awhile and then step off to officially open it up for other musicians to play. But Michael is eager and loves to play piano, so it seems that he will typically let people play and then come back up for another round. Which is fine, because it is his jam session after all. No complaints on this end because he is a great piano player and yet another good person in jazz to get to know. So approach the piano player if you want to sit in. Kaleidoscope is yet another place that I have fond memories with. It is a casual performance space in an excellent part of the Mission District right next to Philz Coffee. It's cozy, colorful, and feels a lot like you're sitting in someone's living room. The acoustics are amazing and the woman (Sara Powell) who runs it is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet! There is also a lot of interesting artwork to check out on the walls. There is no cover charge.
2937 Mission St.
(415) 285-3369
savannajazz.com
Sam Grobe-Heinz/Tomoko Funaki Trio, Starts at 7:30pm, $5 cover charge.
2496 3rd st
(415) 643-8592
5:30pm-8pm
I came here to sing once but I didn't get the chance because I came too late in the night! Make sure to come before 5:30pm or exactly at 5:30pm because there was a whole mess of people waiting to sit in so obviously it's a good open mic to go to. It seems to have a huge following. The Dogpatch is out in the middle of nowhere but it's a really nice place. It's well-lit, clean, and has a very jovial feel to it. I remember it having really great sound as well. Just an overall very friendly place. There is a $5 cover charge.
Madrone Art Bar
500 Divisadero st.
(415) 241-0202
madronelounge.com
Wil Blades Jam Session. 7pm-12am. I haven't been here yet but I will report my experience when I have. No cover charge.
Cafe International
508 Haight St.
(415) 552-7390
www.cafeinternational.us
I have not been to this one yet. There is no cover charge. Jazz starts at 4pm.
Savanna Jazz
2937 Mission St.
(415) 285-3369
savannajazz.com
The house band starts at 7:30pm and then opens up the jam session at around 9pm. Robert Meier (Bass) is the band leader so approach him to sit in. I sat in with a very nice bunch of guys. Really understanding and easy to communicate with. I really enjoyed the stage even though it was super small. The overall vibe of the place was positive. And they were super nice to me even though I totally messed up my second song. It's unfortunate that people were going there to eat but not staying for the jazz. I hear that Savanna doesn't get a big crowd but I suspect it has something to do with the location in the outer Mission/Excelsior. The place was a little worn but the ambiance was nice and true to the spirit of Jazz. I liked that when the musicians took a break, old performances of Jazz legends were put on the TV. Jazz legend portraits hang all over the walls.
There is a $5 cover charge.
Monday
Rasselas Jazz Club1534 Fillmore St.
(415) 346-8696
rasselasjazzclub.com
This open mic is lead by the Tod Dickow Quartet. I have only been there twice to sit in but the house band and the visiting musicians are very talented and tend to be older, which means that they tend to be more experienced. There is also a wide array of vocalists, which is interesting considering I very rarely see singers at jam sessions. The Band leader told me that the house band is pretty fluid, different people play there from night to night on Mondays. Rasselas itself has a very nice look to it, more of a restaurant feel rather than a divey night club. Much to my annoyance, you have to buy a drink and if you pay by credit card or debit, it's a $10 minimum. I don't know this through experience, but many musicians have reported to me that Rasselas doesn't treat the house bands very well. But as someone who just goes there to sit in and listen to some good jazz, it's a great time with quality musicians and atmosphere.
A good time to go for sitting in is around 9:15pm. The house band starts at 8:30pm. There is a sign up sheet next to the tip jar. There is no cover charge.
Grant & Green Saloon
1371 Grant Ave. (at Green)
(415) 693-9565
www.myspace.com/grantandgreensf
I really enjoy this jam session when I'm able to make it over there. If I had a car, I would probably go there every Monday to sing. Since the jam session starts at 11:15pm and ends at 1:30am, I would have to sing first and then leave immediately; otherwise I wouldn't be able to make it home without taking a cab. However, the house band does start at 10pm so that's something that definitely should not be missed. It seems like a very lively group. I typically go to jazz jams alone and hang out with whomever happens to be there, but this is the one place that I don't feel comfortable going to alone as a woman because it's divey and feels a lot like a pick up bar. But the sound is amazing and I've seen the best musicians hang out there. I haven't sang at Grant & Green yet but I will eventually. However, when I went to the bar to get a cup of water, the bartender asked me for my ID even though I wasn't planning on buying alcohol. At that point, I had lost my ID a couple weeks ago so I was kicked out of the bar! If you're under age and want to get some water ask a friend to get it or you will be kicked out! There is no cover charge at this jam session.
Tuesday
Club Deluxe1511 Haight St.
(415) 552-6949
I have a fondness and a lot of memories attached to Club Deluxe even though a lot of musicians tend to degrade it on a pretty regular basis. I can understand their side of it because they make next to nothing when they perform there and the acoustics are pretty low in quality. But, again, as someone who sits in and enjoys listening to the music, Club Deluxe is a very positive atmosphere. The decor and style of the place comes off as very classy as well as nostalgic. It's a small and cozy club so you're practically sitting right next to the musicians while they play. It has a very personal feeling to it all. Club Deluxe was my first jazz club and it ushered me into the jazz scene in many ways. I have also heard from various people that the drinks are made well even though they are a tad pricey. The jam session is lead by Eugene Warren on Bass (a very talented bassist and a good human being) so be sure to approach him to sit in if you're new. The house band is pretty fluid so different musicians are always playing there. There is no cover charge. I'm extremely comfortable singing there because I've hung out at Club Deluxe a lot and I'm familiar with many of the musicians there. A good time to go is around 9:30pm.
Wednesday
Kaleidoscope Free Speech Zone3109 24th st
Kaleidoscopefreespeechzone.com
Michael Parsons Jam Session
7:30pm-10:30pm
This jam session is extremely laid back and new so the crowd is a little sparce at the moment but I'm confident that it will gain momentum. It is held every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Apparently, this is not a traditionally structured session according to some musicians that I've talked to. Traditionally, the leader of the jam session is supposed to perform with the house band for awhile and then step off to officially open it up for other musicians to play. But Michael is eager and loves to play piano, so it seems that he will typically let people play and then come back up for another round. Which is fine, because it is his jam session after all. No complaints on this end because he is a great piano player and yet another good person in jazz to get to know. So approach the piano player if you want to sit in. Kaleidoscope is yet another place that I have fond memories with. It is a casual performance space in an excellent part of the Mission District right next to Philz Coffee. It's cozy, colorful, and feels a lot like you're sitting in someone's living room. The acoustics are amazing and the woman (Sara Powell) who runs it is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet! There is also a lot of interesting artwork to check out on the walls. There is no cover charge.
Thursday
Savanna Jazz2937 Mission St.
(415) 285-3369
savannajazz.com
Sam Grobe-Heinz/Tomoko Funaki Trio, Starts at 7:30pm, $5 cover charge.
Sunday
Dogpatch Saloon2496 3rd st
(415) 643-8592
5:30pm-8pm
I came here to sing once but I didn't get the chance because I came too late in the night! Make sure to come before 5:30pm or exactly at 5:30pm because there was a whole mess of people waiting to sit in so obviously it's a good open mic to go to. It seems to have a huge following. The Dogpatch is out in the middle of nowhere but it's a really nice place. It's well-lit, clean, and has a very jovial feel to it. I remember it having really great sound as well. Just an overall very friendly place. There is a $5 cover charge.
Madrone Art Bar
500 Divisadero st.
(415) 241-0202
madronelounge.com
Wil Blades Jam Session. 7pm-12am. I haven't been here yet but I will report my experience when I have. No cover charge.
Cafe International
508 Haight St.
(415) 552-7390
www.cafeinternational.us
I have not been to this one yet. There is no cover charge. Jazz starts at 4pm.
Savanna Jazz
2937 Mission St.
(415) 285-3369
savannajazz.com
The house band starts at 7:30pm and then opens up the jam session at around 9pm. Robert Meier (Bass) is the band leader so approach him to sit in. I sat in with a very nice bunch of guys. Really understanding and easy to communicate with. I really enjoyed the stage even though it was super small. The overall vibe of the place was positive. And they were super nice to me even though I totally messed up my second song. It's unfortunate that people were going there to eat but not staying for the jazz. I hear that Savanna doesn't get a big crowd but I suspect it has something to do with the location in the outer Mission/Excelsior. The place was a little worn but the ambiance was nice and true to the spirit of Jazz. I liked that when the musicians took a break, old performances of Jazz legends were put on the TV. Jazz legend portraits hang all over the walls.
There is a $5 cover charge.
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