The Cape Codder

Jazz Jam on Cape Cod

By Cheryl Kain

June 21, 2007

Have you ever wanted to get up and sing with a real, live jazz band? Maybe you play saxophone or trumpet, and want to show off some of those “chops?” Cape drummer Bart Weisman's jazz jam sessions are open to professional and amateur jazz musicians alike, so whether you play simply for your own enjoyment, are a student, or already out there earning a living playing sessions, this is the platform for you.

At a recent session, the rhythm section was comprised of Weisman on drums, Ted Jellinek on piano and Laird Boles on upright bass. Guest musicians from the Cape included frequent “jammer” Henry Duckham, talented scat singer Maggie MacDougall, and WOMR radio host and singer Julian Jackson. There was a trombonist, clarinetist, saxophonists, drummers, bassists and a flugel horn player rounding out the afternoon. It’s a ripe opportunity for students on the Cape to “sit in” with professional musicians and hone their improvisational skills and hear other local and regional players.

Weisman plays venues all over the Cape with his Bart Weisman Group, and was inspired to create Cape Cods only regular Jazz Jam in October 2006, “because the one we did at the Provincetown Jazz Festival was so successful. It has been going non-stop since then,” Weisman says. He’ll introduce a guest musician, they’ll converse briefly over what key to play in, and off they go. The enthusiasm of the rhythm section and soloists is matched by the audience, as they tap out a beat with their toes and offer up generous applause. There always seems to be enough time for everybody to try their wings, and Weisman organizes and orchestrates the jam fluidly, never missing a beat.

The Jazz Jam is such a delightful marriage of spontaneity, whimsy, educational opportunity and just plain fun, that whether you’re a listener or musician, you’ll find yourself entertained, perhaps meeting some old friends, or making new ones, while enjoying great food and a day to remember.