Jam Session @ The Shed DMV 4/19/24

In an area with no shortage of iconic and long-standing venues, it was a pleasant surprise to see The Shed DMV emerge onto the local music scene in 2022. The Shed wraps rehearsal spaces, studio capabilities, and equipment rentals all under one roof. It is musician owned and operated, and it shows – rates are affordable, the three studios are varied, and the building itself is open 24/7 for rehearsals that cater to even the most unruly of musicians’ schedules. You can request the use of a grand piano or timpani set as easily as you can request guitar amps and PA speakers, making it a perfect spot for ensembles of any kind size or genre.

Rather than being in competition with other rehearsal spaces in the area, The Shed DMV simply offers a different spin on it and their newest endeavor tackles onsite performances and open jams. Chuck Levin’s joined the first Jam Session at The Shed hosted by vocalist and Telefunken artist Dominique Bianco last Friday, April 19^th. We had an exciting sneak peek into this new outlet for jazz musicians!

Bianco and her house band started the night off with a performance worthy of attendance all on its own. Supported by Jose Andre on keys, Grant Le on bass, and Brendan Brady on drums, Dominique sang through classics from Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bill Withers but also found time to incorporate a few of her own original tunes which showcase her unique combination of wit, humor, technical skill, and songwriting acumen. Whether living right in the pocket or veering into masterful solos, each member of the house band kept the show cohesive but also had individual moments to shine.

Piano prodigy Jose Andre Montano was a standout. Though still a teenager, his playing evokes a deep understanding of many styles of music and his radiant joy represents the hope all musicians have for their own experience in the industry. We look forward to seeing where he goes during and after his next chapter at Julliard.

The inaugural Jam Session at The Shed followed! Like any traditional jazz jam, instruments were passed around and additional guitarists, bassists, drummers, and woodwind players stepped in to call tunes. Fender instruments ruled the night for guitars with Strats, Teles, and a Precision Basses but we also heard a Godin archtop added to the mix. A house Roland RD-800 and Yamaha Oak Custom drumkit held down the rest of the rhythm section all night while wind players brought in their own horns.

The free-flowing sense of communal sharing is what makes a jam session special and pays homage to the history of jazz while also carrying its torch even further. They played everything Red Clay and Firm Roots to bebop classics like Lady Bird and Donna Lee. Anyone looking to join in on the next jam should feel welcomed immediately and be prepared with a song of their choosing to shred over!

Click here to learn more about The Shed! 

Blog by Juliette Bell

Photo/Video by Emory Hensley