Every week, I get together with a small jam group. I’m on piano, joined by guitar, bass, and drums. Some weeks are about trying ideas and seeing where they lead. This time, four tunes came together especially well—and I wanted to keep them.
Weekly jam session
Emily
Written by Johnny Mandel, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
“Emily” has such a lyrical melody that it leaves plenty of room for the group to listen and respond. I love the balance we found here between the tune’s tenderness and the momentum of the rhythm section.
Meditation
Written by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Newton Mendonça. The English lyrics are by Norman Gimbel.
“Meditation” brought a different atmosphere: relaxed, spacious, and quietly propulsive. The performance had the kind of natural flow that makes a jam session feel less like rehearsal and more like a conversation.
Blue in Green
Written by Miles Davis.
“Blue in Green” was a beautiful third addition to the set: quiet, patient, and full of room for the group to listen.
Day and Night
Written by Cole Porter.
“Day and Night” stretches out with an easy swing, giving each player space while keeping the melody at the center.
These recordings are a snapshot of why I keep showing up each week. Nothing elaborate—just four people listening closely and making something together.