[2026] A Roundup of Recommended Western Songs for Jam Sessions

Headin’ HomeJoshua Redman

Headin’ Home

It’s a bit on the minor side, but definitely worth playing! Even during the rests, if every member shares the same 16th-note feel, you should be able to capture a groove similar to the original.

The bass line, which fills every gap, is the key to the track.

Drummers who tend to overuse crash cymbals can end up ruining it, so be careful!

Summertime BluesBlue Cheer

Blue Cheer – Summertime Blues HQ

A true classic among classics, Summertime Blues.

In this video, we introduce Blue Cheer’s arrangement.

The song was originally released by Eddie Cochran in the 1950s, but thanks to how easy it is to arrange and how cool it is, it’s been covered by psychedelic rock bands like Blue Cheer in the video, early punk bands, and in Japan by artists like Kiyoshiro Imawano.

It’s very easy to adapt, so have fun with it however you like! An acoustic version is great too!

Lively Up YourselfBob Marley

Bob Marley – Lively Up Yourself: Boston Music Hall ’78 (Footage)

Bob Marley’s classic, Lively Up Yourself.

This video features a live performance, and in the live setting you can feel a laid-back vibe, almost like a jam session.

Sing when you want, play your instrument when you want, take a break when you want.

Everything is free, and that feeling of surrendering yourself to the groove is, I think, the true essence of reggae.

This settles it for the weekend session!

Autumn LeavesChet Baker&Paul Desmond

” Autumn Leaves ” Chet Baker – Paul Desmond

Autumn Leaves is a jazz standard.

In Japan it’s called “Kareha” (Fallen Leaves), and it’s especially common at jazz bars with lots of beginners, where this tune is often used in sessions.

Recently, the same chord progression has even been used in an Evangelion insert song, and both in Japan and abroad it’s one of the most widely recognized jazz standards.

The chord progression is relatively easy to master, but taking a solo requires outlining the chord tones, so it’s a bit more challenging.

If you’re thinking, “I want to try a jazz session!” this is definitely a great tune to start with.

SpainChick Corea

Chick Corea Akoustic Band – Spain

Composed by Chick Corea in 1972 and released as a work by his band Return to Forever.

Although it’s quite challenging to play, it’s a fun and cool jazz tune! When everything locks in nicely, it’s incredibly satisfying, isn’t it? It’s a piece that’s rewarding to try!

Johnny B. GoodeChuck Berry

Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode [HQ]

This is Johnny B.

Goode by Chuck Berry, a pioneer of rock ’n’ roll.

It’s especially recommended if you’re tired of three-chord blues jams! Try raising the usual session BPM to 140—you’ll find it turns into rock ’n’ roll for the most part! For those not familiar with blues, try lowering the three-chord BPM to around 90 and give it a session.

You’ll be able to play a blues jam easily!

Phonochose #1 : Live-looping à l’AmourJacque

Jacque(s) – Phonochose #1 : Live-looping à l’Amour

When people hear “jam session,” many probably imagine a band sound with guitars, bass, and drums.

But thanks to advances in gear, you can also create techno music like in the video.

Using acoustic elements can produce a distinctive texture as well.

If you don’t have bandmates to play with, or you want to avoid a conventional band sound, please take this as inspiration.