[Dixielandjazz] Sitting in and jam sessions

[vaxtrpts at aol.com]

 I am a bit surprised to hear Art and Bob both sort of "go off" on sitting in and even about jam sessions.
I know for one, that I would not be a jazz musician today if it wasn't for the fact that I was allowed to sit in during jam sessions by older musicians when I was a college student.  Those experiences are what helped me decide on a career in jazz music rather than classical music - which is what I was pursuing at the time.
There are "ways" to ask to sit in.  You don't need to do it in the middle of a set while the band is on stage.  Also, one need not be "too persistant." If the answer is "no," then just use it as a learning experience about the music business.   
I have always let musicians who are known to me, sit in with my bands. (Including my big bands...............)  If it is later in the evening and things are a bit looser, I might even let a young person who shows real interest sit in - even if I have never heard them before.  I can tell you that there are some very successful younger players out there today who were "allowed" to play with us when no one had ever heard of them. 
As far as jam sessions go - I love them!!!!  A chance for people to meet other musicians, hear some new stuff and share the love of jazz.  I have learned a lot over the years from really listening to better players who I "jammed" with.  And now as a "more experienced" player, I can even turn such a situation into a teaching event and try to help other players.  I have always thought that jazz music was about sharing whenever possible, not exclussion.
(Now this doesn't go for the usual person coming up to the stand from the audience and saying "See that lady at my table?  She used to sing with.................. She's great.)

 

Mike Vax
Friends of Big Band Jazz, Prescott Jazz Summit, 
Stan Kenton Alumni Band
www.mikevax.net
www.bigbandjazz.net
www.prescottjazz.com
www.getzen.com