What is the Real Jam?

The Musicians Association of Jacksonville is hosting and promoting a series of sessions we are calling “The Real Jam”.  The name “Real Jam” signifies that we will be playing selections from the “Real Book” as that is the bible of American standards. The Real Jam will be held at the union hall at 2030 Schumacher Avenue and will be open to the public for participation or listening. It is intended that the Real Jams will be held on the first Wednesday of each month. The gathering start’s @ 6:30 and the downbeat is at 7:00pm. It is expected that we will play till 9:00 but it could go longer.

The Mission

The Real Jams are an opportunity for local musicians to get together and improvise standards from the Real book. These sessions will allow seasoned musicians to explore American music and network with other musicians. They also present an opportunity for improv-newbies to explore the art form and meet mentors that may help them along their musical journey. The mission is to make you a better player. The mission is to encourage you to expand your capabilities. The mission is to have fun through play.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Many excellent musicians have trouble improvising, but this is usually because, like becoming a capable musician, improvision takes practice! Learning how to make up parts, on the fly, from just a lead sheet suggestion is a skill and it must be exercised. These sessions are an opportunity to trade tips, techniques, scales, and riffs which are the tools we use in the pursuit of excellence.  Playing with other musicians makes you better. This is an opportunity to expand your musical horizons through osmosis.  By improvising and grooving with others, making music as a group, you will ascend to new musical heights.

What to expect

The Real Jams are open to the public therefore union membership is not required. All are welcome.  We invite musicians of any skill level and age to attend. Come to the jam, meet and greet, sit in on some tunes or just listen and absorb. Meet the local talent and hear what they can do. Show us your skills and help others. Grow.

This is also an opportunity to see the facilities that the union has to offer and to meet some of our members. Come and have fellowship exploring this most American of art forms.

What to bring

Bring your ears, your instrument, a stand and, if you have one, a copy of the real book. The hall has music stands, but we only have a few so bringing your own will ensure that you have one. The hall has a grand piano, drum set, PA, vocal microphones and a bass amplifier. Coffee and Tea will be available and there is a refrigerator should you wish to chill your own beverage. The event is free, but donations to the hall and the coffee fund are always welcome. A list of tunes that may be called and their key will be made available before the event should you wish to download or print lead sheets.

Have fun

This is a judgement free zone of encouragement, enlightenment, and egalitarian engagement where we hope to inspire each other’s talent to new heights through the great American songbook. We hope to hear you there.