jam session

American  

[jam sesh-uhn] / ˈdʒæm ˌsɛʃ ən /

noun

1. Music.

   1. a meeting of a group of musicians, especially jazz musicians, to improvise, experiment, or play for their own enjoyment.

   2. an impromptu musical performance, especially of jazz.

   3. a special performance by musicians, especially jazz musicians, who do not regularly play together.

2. an informal, freely collaborative meeting, conference, or discussion.

   The event was a laid-back jam session for creatives to get together and network.

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jam session British  

noun

1. slang an unrehearsed or improvised jazz or rock performance

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Etymology

Origin of jam session

First recorded in 1930–35; perhaps jam ¹, or shortening of jamboree

Example Sentences

Is this a concept album or a jam session?

From New York Times

On June 27, enjoy a special virtual jam session at 11 a.m. featuring music led by five tune leaders.

From Seattle Times

Aside from hosting and playing underrepresented voices on KEXP’s local show “Audioasis” and Seattle Channel’s music video program “Video Bebop,” behind the scenes, Walker started a small, laid-back jam session for women of color.

From Seattle Times

This offbeat jam session is also peculiarly funny; the deadpan absurdism of the writing is accentuated by Iwaisawa’s bold direction, which uses long periods of stillness and silence and odd shifts in action.

From New York Times

Now, he said, he felt it was time to unleash a bear jam session.

From Washington Times