We, in the jazz community, can sometimes get lonely barricaded in our practice rooms or in green rooms.
I know it can be intimidating to see us up on stage, and it may seem that we are some sort of unapproachable deities, and you but a mere mortal. But we are, of course, human. And we, like the rest of humankind, are often found wanting the affections of another.
Sure, we’ll tell you things like “I’ve got no room in my life for love” or “my music comes first” or “baby, it’s just me and my horn”...but we only say that because we’re broke, and can’t afford to take you out on a date. Dinner and a movie is bloody expensive. And chances are, you probably make more money than we do. So, despite our stoic rhetoric, what we really want is for you to make that first move.
So if you’re reading this, and find yourself interested in our affections, here is the Professor’s Playbook for how to pick up a jazz musician.
As stated above, you need to make the first move. So when you approach us on the break of our gig, the first step is to tell us how great we sound, and then offer to buy us a drink. Even if we’re not interested upon meeting you, we will nevertheless accept your drink proposal. It’s most probable that we used up our two free drinks before the gig even started, so chances are another free drink will be welcome. This is your chance to charm us.
