The house band will open
To get the session started the house band will play a few tunes.
Chippy Jazz Jam
All welcome, from beginners to pros.
The Chippy Jazz Jam was founded by Andy Hooley (saxophone) and Paul Jefferies (bass), not only to bring all that's best in the world of jazz to the inhabitants of Chipping Norton, but also to encourage new players to perform with an experienced band. They're both busy professional players and so have entrusted the running of Chippy Jazz Jam to David Marshall (piano) and the house band, “No Evil Spoken”
The house band also includes Jamie Castell on saxophones, Milo Thurston on bass, and Murry Burnett on drums. If you're interested in seeing the band playing a gig, there's an example on the Rose and Crown (Oxford)'s YouTube page.
Where and when
Sessions take place at the Chequers, Chipping Norton, usually on the last Sunday of every month, from 7pm until around 9.30pm. You'll find us in The Barn, at the back. Please stop by the bar on your way in and avail yourself of one of the many fine refreshments on offer.
The next planned sessions in 2025 are:
How it Works
The fun of a jazz jam comes from getting together some musicians who may never have played together before, some of whom may be playing a tune for the first time, and producing some swinging music as a cohesive band. To help the jam run smoothly it's been organised as follows:
Sign up on the sheet
Whilst the house band play a sign up sheet will be circulated. Put yourself down for a couple of numbers (more may be available if we have time).
When you're called, come and blow!
The MC will call people up based on what's on the sheet, and try to give everyone a decent turn.
If what you're planning to play is a jazz standard then no problem - even if the band don't know it they can probably find it in iReal Pro or any Real Book they have with them. If you've picked something unusual then please bring charts in C and Bb at least - there's not much signal in The Chequers so looking up charts on the spot can be tricky! Do you have a particular way you'd like to play your tune, e.g. an inventive new arrangement of Desolate Shore or a different introduction to Have you met Miss Jones? Be sure to tell the band!
An amplifier will be available for your bass guitar if you're sitting in for a couple of tunes on bass. A guitar amplifier is usually available (you'll need one) though you might want to check on the Whatsapp group first. A vocal microphone will also be provided.
Just listening?
If you're a jazz fan but not a musician or singer then you'd be more than welcome to come and listen in. No cover, no minimum, just some swinging jazz!
For a challenging exercise, try tapping along with the brass's offbeat patterns if someone calls “In a Turquoise Mood”...