The Jazz Crossing Jam Sessions

How does one learn to play jazz?

One of the most effective vehicles for learning jazz is the traditional jazz jam session. This is where jazz musicians get together informally at some local club and jam (play) with each other, trying out new ideas and having fun doing what they love. Less experienced players thrive on these sesiions as it gives them the chance to watch and listen to more seasoned players and then get up themselves and try out what they have seen and heard. The more seasoned players simply do it for fun and to help out the younger players and keep the tradition alive. Everyone supports each other so that new players will feel as comfortable as possible.

You will find many sessions of this type in Seattle and other cities, and lately one in Port Townsend, Washington. I (Greg Vinson) am a local musician, educator and jazz lover who noticed several things and decided to act on them:

• Port Townsend is a jazz town what with Centrum and all the festivals.

• The up and coming musicians in the school districts are extremely talented but lack improvisational experience.

• There are a lot of experienced jazz players who live in the area, many of whom are current or former music educators themselves.

I saw the incredible potential in so many of the high school jazz ensemble musicians so I decided to try and put something together. I wanted to find a venue that was open to all ages and a time that would not impact school schedules.

On Sunday, September 21, 1997, the first Jazz Crossing jazz jam session/workshop took place at the Otter Crossing Cafe (the old Hudson's Cup) at Point Hudson in Port Townsend from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

A host of seasoned players came to this first session. Port Townsend's own guitar, bass and piano legend, Chuck Easton, was there and immediately became a co-sponsor of the event. This alone was plenty of incentive for any jazz lover lucky enough to have heard Chuck play before.

A supportive audience is needed as well. You do not have to be a player to attend, just a jazz lover. The wonderful Port Townsend community comes out to support this event and its hosts, the Public House Restaurant and the Upstage Restaurant. The session is free to all.

This has recently become a once-a-week event due to its popularity, every Sunday, but at different times and places. Before, it was twice a month. I would like to thank the Port Townsend/Jefferson County Leader, Mark at the Upstage Restaurant, Joanne at the Public House, and Carol at Otter Crossing for their encouragement and support of this idea.

Hope to see you there!