Improvising in jazz and other idioms requires balancing harmony, rhythms, and melodic patterns. Each Jazz Jam begins by examining a key portion of a jazz standard, planning how to improvise over the changes, and then giving everyone a chance to put theory into practice. We’ll spend the rest of our time applying what we’ve just learned in other jazz standards or pop tunes that attendees wish to play. Beginners will get to learn the full scope of music knowledge waiting for them. More advanced players will be able to deepen their theory and swap tricks. And everyone will get to solo and build their confidence. This jam is hosted by Ralph Hughes.

If you require the use of a drum set, please call (303) 777-1003 at least one day PRIOR to the day of the jam.

Support Swallow Hill's Free Community Programming

To directly support the cost of having free community jam sessions hosted by professional musicians and leaders in the community, we ask that you consider contributing a donation of any amount.

No donation is too small, and please know that you do not have to donate anything to participate as we want everyone to be able to attend. Let’s jam!

Ralph Hughes

EWI (ELECTRONIC WIND INSTRUMENT)

MA in quantitative economics | retired informatics designer | lead horn for the Starving Oligarchs Jazz Band which performs at the Secular Hub's monthly "Speakeasy" | host of 2nd Saturday jazz jam at SHM

Teaching style: The goal is to connect your instrument to your inner voice, letting your fingers take care of the details. Ralph helps folks achieve this by blending equal time blocks of music theory with playing through the changes using a call-and-response format.