Jazz jams on the Front Range

What gets played

Players call standards, including blues tunes, rhythm changes, and songs like Autumn Leaves, All of Me, Blue Bossa and Summertime. Hosts tend to keep the early sets to the best-known tunes so more players can join.

How signup works

Signup is often looser than at a blues jam. Some keep a list, and others run on a word with the host. Some are sit-ins with a house trio and have no open list, so find out how signup works before you go.

How a set goes

A tune starts with the melody, called the head, then players take solos over the form, sometimes trade fours with the drummer, and play the head again to end. Whoever called the tune sets the key, the tempo and the feel, and everyone else accompanies.

Habits worth knowing

• Call tunes you can play without a chart. If you need the page, pick an easier tune.
• Comp lightly while someone else solos, and sometimes drop out entirely.
• Bass players and drummers often play whole sets, so pace yourselves.
• Make the end of your solo obvious so the next player knows where the band is in the form.