Recommended music spots in Kyoto where you can join jam sessions

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Recommended music spots in Kyoto where you can join jam sessions

• Bassist / Bass InstructorDoi Shigeaki
  In 2005, released a CD from Biwako Record under the name Outergarden, and appeared at a large outdoor music festival in Shiga Prefecture with an audience of about 1,000, as well as on NHK TV. Later, with the newly joined group Shimizu Resort.R, independently released multiple CDs and performed at music festivals such as Minami Wheel, on FM radio, and on NHK TV. Around the same time, participated as a support player and in recording for many artists, gaining experience across a wide range of genres including pop, rock, jazz, funk, and Latin. Currently active on multiple fronts: teaching as an electric bass instructor at a major musical instrument retailer, leading workshops, running a music school and teaching at several others, performing with a personal Latin-funk band and a big band, serving as a host member for jam sessions, and writing for web magazines. Studied comprehensive electric bass techniques and music theory under Noboru Kuroishi. For lesson or performance inquiries, please contact me via my website. Blog: http://shigeaki-doi.hatenablog.com/ Lesson: http://www.shigeaki-doi.com/lesson/ Lesson: http://www.shimamura.co.jp/lesson/index.html Lesson: http://culture.jeugia.co.jp/

What is a session?

Have you ever heard the terms “session” or “jam”?

Multiple musicians performing together. Often refers to something non-continuous. Also known as a gig or a jam.https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A3%E3%83%A0_(%E9%9F%B3%E6%A5%BD)

Although it's been popular for a long time in genres like jazz and blues, it's been gaining momentum in other genres as well.

I think you can get a feel for the atmosphere by watching this video.

I think another good point is that by playing with people of a wide range of ages who share the same hobby, you can receive all kinds of inspiration.

Sometimes you might just hit it off and form a band on the spot!

What kind of things are you doing?

There are various ways to run it, but it often proceeds as follows: the host member, who acts as the MC, calls up the next performers to the stage, and the people who are called perform a song together.

It varies: sometimes we decide in advance which pieces to play, and other times we decide on the spot.

Even the same song can be performed with such different arrangements.

Then, how is it decided…?

It gets decided on the spot!

Of course, there are some rules to a certain extent, though...

Engaging in dialogue through sound while playing music with people you’re meeting for the first time

I think it's one of the highlights of the session.

Where is it happening?

Sessions seem kind of intimidating...

It kind of feels scary...

I often hear people say that as well.

That's exactly why you should take the plunge and join!

I'm interested, but I don't know where it's happening.

Here are a few places in Kyoto that host sessions for those interested.

In addition, they are held at so many other shops that I can't list them all here.

They might be doing it at your favorite live house too!

Live Spot RAG (Live Spot Rag)

https://www.ragnet.co.jp/livespot/

It’s held about twice a month as part of the regular schedule.

Waondo

http://hasekazune.wix.com/home

Funky Soul Session: It’s held on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

Kyoto Gion Pickup

http://live-report.gion-pickup.net/

Midnight Session: It is held a few times a month.

Bar OUT LOOP-WAY (Bā Aut Rūpuwei)

http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~outloop/outloopfiles/session.htm

Blues Session: Held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month and on the last Sunday.

SILVER WINGS (Shirubā Uingusu)

http://www.limekoubou.com/main/flame.html

Jam Session: It is held on the third Wednesday of every month.

Le Club Jazz

http://www.kyotodeasobo.com/music/place/jazzbar/le-club-jazz.php

Besides every Sunday, it is held frequently.

Sauriru

http://sahouril.com/index.html

It’s held a few times a month on an irregular basis.

studio246 Omiya

http://widewindows.com/246kyoto/

It’s a rehearsal studio primarily operating in the Kansai area, and about once a month they choose a theme and hold an event inside the studio.

Lastly

Even sessions in the same genre can vary in many ways depending on the shop.

I think that by visiting various places, you’ll start to see their unique characteristics and differences, which will make it even more interesting.

Some places advertise that observation is allowed and that sessions are beginner-friendly, and there are also workshops where you can learn session know-how, so I think it’s a good idea to start by joining those.