Let’s Jam

Ezra J. Washington

What to know

Thank you for your interest in helping us to build a premier Special Event Band! We are in the very beginning phase of doing this and plan on it taking some time. We want to make sure that we are creating a professional product to target a specific niche of special events.

As you know from our initial phone discussion, this is a “start-up” situation. To reiterate my background briefly: I have years of Band Direction experience in education as well as professional bands. Additionally, this band project is designed to fit under the umbrella of my existing Wedding/Special Events branding. I LOVE WEDDINGS! The main idea is to have this band be THE premier band in our area for weddings and corporate events.

In an effort to serve that purpose, I want to share what that entails. Here are the main “pillars” of the brand:

Skill - Musicians must be highly skilled

Professionalism - Musicians present themselves in-line with the image of the band

Commitment - Musicians are always punctual, prepared, and in good communication with each other.

Jam Session Prep:

We have set the following dates as “Intro jam” dates:

Wednesday July 30th 2pm - 10pm

and

Friday August 1st 11am - 10pm

We’ll be jamming in multiple band settings at “The Lighthouse.” This is my personal studio and it only accommodates one group worth of space at a time. Since there are over 3 dozen musicians, I’ve decided to spend these dates/times spreading out the process. Please let me know your availability so that we can organize everyone into groups by time-slot/date.

If neither date works for you please let me know ASAP.

Timeline

Your punctuality will be greatly appreciated! Since we will be hosting multiple jams, please plan to arrive ready to go. The sessions are taking place on my personal property and there will be some quick adjustments between groups.

Each session will have a welcome time in the main house followed by a transition to “The Lighthouse” (Studio) across the yard. Take the welcome time to meet the other musicians that you will be playing with while the previous group is playing out in the studio. Refreshments available during this time. Once you move out to the Lighthouse here is what to plan for.

10 min - Setup

40 min - Jam!

10 min - Strike

Unfortunately we won’t have time to hang out together outside of the Jamming time. There are just too many musicians coming. We will however, plan for that in the future!

Charts

The charts can be found here:

“3rd Table” Audition Jams

Examples vids are embedded below:

“Easy Lover”

Guitarists: Get ready to shred on this one. You don’t have to play the solo from the recording if you don’t want to. I am excited to hear some face-melters!

“Treasure: Billboard Live Cut”

Adjustments: We are playing this in a different key… Check the chart!

Horns: Be prepared to solo on this one during the breakdown section (2:11- chorus) (I put it in F for you… what more could you ask for lol?) Solos can of course be written if that helps you nail it. Have fun with it!

I intend to go straight from “Treasure” to…

…“Bad Girls” as a medley.

Adjustments: You’ll hear me (or another musician) acting as Music Director in your ears to make the transition.

The process of how we build that transition is what I am interested in seeing everyone work together on. This is my way of seeing everyone’s arranging/teamwork/adjustment skills in the group setting. I’m a nerd, and the teacher in me will never die… lol!

Bassists: This can be your time to shine (if you haven’t already on treasure)

Horns: Let’s hear the line from the recording!

Examples:

To help you to catch some of the vision of the band to be formed, here are a few quick examples:

What you’ll need:

Everyone:

-In ear monitors / good live headphones (the band will perform with no stage monitors so you will need these anyway)

-We are using a Presonus RM16ai for mixing. If you would like to manage your own monitors, you can access it through the “Qmix-UC” app. If you like, someone else can manage your monitor mix for you… It’s your choice.

-If you are looking at charts/lyrics, they must be on a device such as a tablet or phone with a stand clip. This is especially important for horn players.

-Something to take notes with

Guitarists/Bassists:

-Your instrument / pedal board

-No amps unless it is vital to your effects. You’ll be going direct to the mixer for these jams. Performances will be slightly different but for rehearsal, spare your back from lugging the amp to the studio!

Drummers:

-Breakables only. We have a rehearsal set! (bring your own sticks of course)

-Suggestions for drummers: Throne / Snare / Kick Pedal / aux equipment / sample pads

Keys:

-We have a Roland A-70 (basic rehearsal) keyboard. It will get you a piano sound and a stereotypical 80s balled EP.

-If you prefer your own board we can furnish a stand for it.

What now?

Contact me ASAP with your availability during the days listed! Schedule is “first come / first served.” Once I have set the schedule, you’ll receive confirmation through email.

I am excited to meet all of you in person and can’t wait to jam with everyone!!