JAZZ JAM SESSION PROJECT LIMERICK

The JAZZ JAM SESSION PROJECT was initiated in Spring 2022 by Birgit Burhenne, an experienced and versatile singer who also started playing bass-guitar a few years ago, and Joe O'Callaghan, a professional jazz musician and one of Irelands best jazz guitarists.

The project was initially planned as an annual event over the summer. The first term ran for 7 sessions from June to August which took place at the Piano Bar, 101 O'Connell St, Limerick and was attended very well by both beginners and advanced musicians. Also professional guest musicians from abroad who had asked around for any jam sessions available in Limerick, came to the twice monthly jazz nights and praised its vibrant feel, location and great interaction between musicians of all levels.

After the annual Jazz Festival Limerick in September '22, participants of the JAZZ JAM hoped to proceed playing music together which led into the JAZZ JAM WINTER SESSIONS 2022, held at the Record room at the Commercial Bar, Limerick.

In 2023, the JAZZ JAM SESSION PROJECT 2023 changed to a longer term, running now from April until October with 2 sessions per month. The jam venue remains at the Record room, Commercial Bar, Limerick. All levels of experience are welcome.

The first jam session for 2024 will start on the 14th of April.

Some impressions

[Videos taken in 2022 at 101, O'Connell St. ]

[Images from the first JAZZ JAM for 2023 on April 16th in the Record Room, Commercial, Limerick. Photos taken by Frank Burhenne ]

We invite you to a jazzy and reclusive jam where you can improvise and above all, enjoy playing music together ! This project is hosted as a non-public event. Our setting offers participants the opportunity to relax into playing and sharing music with a group of other musicians of all levels. We also might play some free improv at times to add a bit of daring vibe, the freedom of personal expression and 'non-orderly' sounding sound.

The JAZZ JAM SESSION PROJECT is not a workshop with tutors ! It is a place to gain confidence with your instrument, to evolve skills and interests in the presence of other musicians and to benefit from each others input.

Some of you might bring a lot of experience, others may not have played or sang much in front of people... there won't be any critics, panels or competitions! Be attentive and listen to each other when playing. If someone gets lost, be suppor-tive. The jam is a place where respect is as important as is your participation.

If you are interested to join in, you can get in touch by email or phone to get more information if needed. You can also just book a session online with our booking system below or just drop in at a date that suits you.

PARTICIPATION / BOOKING

If you wish to take part in the jam session project you are not requested to commit to ALL sessions. You choose the bookings that suits you best. You can book either a single jam or a package of 4 sessions which will all be payed at the session night.

Please approach the organiser to pay your fee before the session starts to avoid disruptions.

TUNES

A list of the tunes is available for all participants by download on this page to have preparation time before a session.
Song suggestions are welcome on the night. The list is a guideline and does not imply you have to learn all listed tunes !
We use it as a focus for the coming sessions to play something, everyone might be able to share with a bit of preparation at home.

As a participant, you will receive a password to download sheet music listed for the sessions, available in concert, Bb and Eb,
(for personal use only) by using the Request Button below.

GEAR

We will provide

Vocal amp with microphone and stand
Bass amp
Drums will be provided by Jam session drummer Eddie O'Donovan until organized otherwise

You need to bring

Guitar amps
Every participant should bring their own music stand and instrument lead, best with their name labelled onto it.
Keyboard ( please inform the organizer if you want to bring your keyboard so we can organize
that only one instrument is provided per session. This should happen preferably in turns )
Quiet instruments like violin, cello, etc, please bring a pickup, a lead cord, and a small monitor amp if you feel  you need to boost the volume of your instrument.  Otherwise just bring your instrument.