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 e-bass a few years ago, and Joe O'Callaghan, a professional musician and one of Irelands best jazz guitarists.

The project was first 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. Even professional guest musicians from abroad who had asked around if there were any jam sessions available in Limerick, came to the twice monthly set 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 resumes with a longer term, running from April until October with 2 sessions per month.The jam venue remains the Record room at the Commercial Bar, Limerick.

All levels of experience are welcome.

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 every participant the opportunity to relax into playing and sharing music with a group of other musicians of all levels. Every session will start with a free improv where everyone is invited 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 have not played or sang much in front or with anyone...

there won't be any critics, panels or competitions! Be attentive and listen to each other when playing. If someone gets lost, be supportive. The jam is a place where respect is as important as is your participation.

Musicians who are interested to participate, can get in touch by email or phone to get more information if needed or you can just come to one of the dates outlined.

PARTICIPATION / BOOKING

If you consider taking part in the jam session project you are not requested to commit to ALL sessions. You choose the booking that suits you best. You can also pay at the session night. We prefer payment upfront for all booked sessions.

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 also welcome on the night. This 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.