We’ve decided to start a new series on Teen Jazz where we answer specific questions that have been submitted by our readers. If you have a question about music, performance or the music business, please feel free to post them in the comments!

HOW DOES YOUR SITE WORK?

Teen Jazz is a community and resource for up and coming musicians. If you (or someone you know) would like to be featured on our site, we have a simple application form that you can use to apply to be one of our artists. We also feature a number of reviews and advice articles that are comment-enabled so you can join in on the discussion.

WHO IS THE DRUMMER ON THE ESPRIT DE FOUR ALBUM?

Harvey Mason is the drummer on Fourplay’s Esprit de Four album. He also contributed a few of the compositions on the album, including the title track! You can read our review here.

WHAT IS THE JAZZ SLANG TERM FOR “COOL”?

There are a few jazz slang terms for “cool.” Among them are “the bomb,” the “cat’s meow” or the “cat’s pajamas,” and “hip.” We have a list of several jazz slang terms here.

WHAT SONGS SHOULD I LEARN FOR JAM SESSIONS?

There are a number of songs to learn for jam sessions. You’re best bet is to attend one or two, find out what songs are played often, and then learn them (every jam session has a different set of “standard” tunes). A few of our suggestions (in no particular order) include:

  • Blues in F
  • Blues in Bb
  • Summertime
  • What’s Goin On
  • What You Won’t Do for Love
  • Song for My Father
  • Chameleon
  • Watermelon Man
  • Cantaloupe Island
  • Always There
  • Autumn Leaves
  • All Blues
  • Blue Bossa
  • Equinox
  • Cold Duck Time
  • Four
  • Maiden Voyage
  • St. Thomas
  • So What
  • Sugar

We have a more detailed list here. You can also check out our advice on getting the most out of jam sessions.

A special thanks to Ryan Saranich, Sean Winter, Curtis Brooks, Cameron Smith, and Tim Price for their input on this set of questions!

Want to learn more about the music business? Check out our popular FREE eBook – Advice for Young Musicians: From Established Music Professionals.

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Published by Shannon Kennedy

Shannon Kennedy is a vocalist and saxophonist living in Southern California. She is author of "The Album Checklist" and the founder of Teen Jazz. She has been contributing articles to music magaizines and websites since 2004.