Coffey Street Studio Jazz Sessions at Coffey Street Studio

A very common practice among jazz musicians is to organize “sessions”. These events are an occasion to meet people and workshop new music or musical ideas. Unlike a jam session, which might be hosted in a club or bar, a session is usually closed to the public and hosted by one of the musicians involved, either in their practice space or home. It is also restricted to the musicians invited, unlike a jam session where any musician present might play a tune or two.
These sessions are invaluable gatherings for musicians as it is one of the most direct ways to connect to people, and can be very exciting artistically, especially when a strong, spontaneous connection is formed between those present. It is a an intimate process that is crucial to most jazz/ improvising / creative musicians’ practices. When musicians who are also composers gather, it is common that original music gets passed around and workshopped during a session. This means discovering new music on the spot; yet by no means does it equate to music of a lesser quality or that is half-baked. Yes, it is music that has not been extensively rehearsed, but the best jazz/improvising musicians have elevated this practice of performing music they have never seen or heard before to the highest of levels....

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A very common practice among jazz musicians is to organize “sessions”. These events are an occasion to meet people and workshop new music or musical ideas. Unlike a jam session, which might be hosted in a club or bar, a session is usually closed to the public and hosted by one of the musicians involved, either in their practice space or home. It is also restricted to the musicians invited, unlike a jam session where any musician present might play a tune or two.
These sessions are invaluable gatherings for musicians as it is one of the most direct ways to connect to people, and can be very exciting artistically, especially when a strong, spontaneous connection is formed between those present. It is a an intimate process that is crucial to most jazz/ improvising / creative musicians’ practices. When musicians who are also composers gather, it is common that original music gets passed around and workshopped during a session. This means discovering new music on the spot; yet by no means does it equate to music of a lesser quality or that is half-baked. Yes, it is music that has not been extensively rehearsed, but the best jazz/improvising musicians have elevated this practice of performing music they have never seen or heard before to the highest of levels.
For the audience, it is a chance to be a part of an intimate creative process and exchange of ideas, and hear music that is truly new, spontaneous, and in-the-moment. The energy that emanates from the collective discovery of new music or the connection with like-minded musicians is magical and makes for a deep and rich experience.

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