#thejtproject

[justinunlocd]

Got to see the amazing @aprilmaymusic and @thejtprojectmusic last night! Go check out their music! It's amazing the journey you're on April! So glad you're chasing your dreams! It's inspiring! Maybe I'll do like you and finally get my behind out of Wichita one day, lol. • • • #aprilmay #thejtproject #music #jazz #contemporaryjazz #smoothjazz #music #livemusic #singing (at Bradley Fair)

[alexandraellen]

Not many people have the joy and pleasure to be a bridesmaid (FINALLY!!!) on their honeymoon. A week ago (2 weeks after me, not that it’s a competition😂) two absolute legends got hitched... @jusleeruth, one of my longest, closest, loyal and empathetic friends married @timbohiatt, a truely gentle, strong, thoughtful and super funny guy. It was an honour and privilege to be part of your special day, entering into the next phase of your adventure. May you continue to bring glory to God by reflecting His love for you with each other everyday. Tim, you got a wife and a new bestie!! So much love for you both, miss you already 😭💕😘 #thejtproject #adjustintimezones #marriage #wedding #bridesmaid #love (at St. James, Croydon)

[thesetlisthck]

Pass the Jam

Jam sessions.  Great for musicians, but how great are they for the audience?  After watching a recent jam at HCK, I realized that jam sessions can get out of hand quite quickly.  What starts out as a recognizable song deteriorates into a solo fest where each musicians improvises for at least 5 mins.  Superstition (a 4 minute and 26 second song) went on for 15 mins the other night.  The audience was with the players when they stuck to the script, but once minute 2 of a solo rolled around, I could see their attention was waning.

I think it's great to have open jam sessions at a venue.  They foster a sense of community with artists, are great networking opportunities, and can be a lot of fun.  But sometimes I think people forget that they're playing for a mixed audience, not just their musician friends.  Not everyone is interested in hearing a 10 minute solo.  Some people just want to hear some good music that they already know.  I hate to call music a "product", but in this business that is what you're selling.  The product has to be accessible to a wide audience so people keep showing up for the jam.

Part of being a successful musician is being able to captivate the non-musical.  It's one thing to be able to entertain a group of trained musicians, who are already predisposed to liking music.  But when you can grab someone who doesn't devote their life to music, that's when you know you got it.

Jam sessions are great, but please people, remember that you're playing for a mixed crowd.  Keep it light, keep it simple, keep it grounded and keep it fresh.  Pretend you're playing music for a child; you want to expose them to something great, but you have to spoon feed it to them.  I'm not saying to dumb it down completely, just keep the solos at a manageable length so people don't tune out.

That all being said, keep the jams going!  We need jams so musicians can connect and make even more music.  Our new PROJECT THURSDAY is a great example of how awesome a jam can be.  The JT Project hosts an open mic/jam every Thursday night from 9 PM to midnight.  It's a great opportunity to hear great local, regional, and touring musicians share their gifts.  Visit the HCK website for more info.