JAZZ LAB RULES ver 1.2015

Whoever shows up is the right group.

This is a class, not a performance.

We will endeavor keep the song form at all costs — the only exceptions being for singers.

Everyone gets a turn to solo, and anyone can pass when their turn comes.

Solo over one chorus only, please.

Trap drums with brushes only, please and thank you.

No harm in stopping because you/we're lost — just remember to ask for directions.

Please talk while we are playing, especially if it moves along the learning process.

No harm in playing the wrong note (so long as there is such a thing as a wrong note).

No harm in starting over, ever…especially your part.

If there are too many people playing, then please consider just listening.

More is not always better –  jazz is not usually played by large groups.

Nobody has to play everything every night.

Everybody's responsible for their own charts. We have sources and even a copy machine here.

Don't be shy. Ask all your questions — an answer may well be within the group.

…chasing each other up the learning curve…

jazz lab

Until the pandemic started, our small society met on many Monday or Tuesday nights to explore the possibilities of music and honor its' history, playing nearly-forgotten standards from the jazz real book, most of which were written before we were born. We generally abide by the following "rules" – which have evolved slightly over the years. Here they are, for the "what-it's-worth" department. By the way, we hope to resume these sessions in one form or another one day…