Where the Audience Shapes the Music: Inside Brooklyn’s Most Inventive Jam Session
Every Sunday night at pinkFROG café in Brooklyn, something extraordinary happens. Musicians and music lovers alike gather not for a typical jam session, but for The Spontaneous Jam Session—a fully improvised musical experience where the audience is part of the creative process. Co-hosted by bassist Marcelo Maccagnan and drummer/MC Maxime Cholley, this event invites the public to submit prompts—anything from a feeling to a story or a random phrase—which become the seeds of spontaneous musical compositions, performed and created in real time.
Now, this one-of-a-kind event has inspired a new live album, a direct reflection of the energy, risk-taking, and collaborative spirit that defines The Spontaneous Jam Session.
The Album: A Sonic Snapshot of a Singular Night
Recorded entirely live without rehearsals, second takes, or prewritten material, the album features five compositions born from five audience prompts:
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A Few More Warm Days
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Echo Park Rising
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Real World Human Convention
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One Part Martyr One Part Fool
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Staring Up at the Moon
Each track was composed in the moment, with titles assigned only after the performances, capturing the spirit and essence that emerged from the collective improvisation.
The musicians—Simona Smirnova (vocals), Yotam Ishay (keyboard/piano), Andrew Cheng (guitar), Andrew Denicola (saxophone), Marcelo Maccagnan (bass), Maxime Cholley (drums), and special guest Sandra Kluge (tap percussion)—responded to audience ideas with a dynamic blend of jazz, world music, and experimental textures. The result is a series of immersive, evolving soundscapes that challenge genre boundaries and highlight the vitality of live improvisation.
An Audience-Centered Creative Process
Unlike traditional performance settings, The Spontaneous Jam Session positions the audience not just as listeners but as co-creators. Their ideas are the catalysts for the music, giving each session a unique narrative arc and emotional landscape. This model of real-time co-creation fosters a deep connection between performers and participants, transforming passive consumption into active collaboration.
About the Session and Its Creators
Founded in November 2022, The Spontaneous Jam Session has cultivated a diverse and loyal community. Musicians from jazz, R&B, Indian classical, Middle Eastern, and experimental backgrounds come together to explore the infinite possibilities of sound. The event has become a hub for fearless musical exploration in Brooklyn’s vibrant cultural scene.
Marcelo Maccagnan, a Brazilian bassist known for his genre-blending compositions, brings influences from rock, Brazilian folk, jazz, and electronic music to his work. His latest album Night Tales showcases his commitment to what he calls "Progressive Jazz"—a forward-thinking, deeply expressive style rooted in improvisation.
Maxime Cholley, originally from France, brings a global sensibility and technical brilliance to his role as drummer and co-leader. Having worked with icons like Steve Vai and Tigran Hamasyan, as well as composing music for Meta and producing for rising stars, Maxime is known for his left-handed drum setup, intricate grooves, and genre-defying versatility.
Looking Ahead
As the Spontaneous Jam Session continues to evolve, it remains a vital reminder that music is not just about perfection—it's about presence, risk, and connection. The newly released album stands as both a time capsule and a testament to what can happen when creativity is unchained and shared in real time.
For those seeking music that surprises, challenges, and resonates, this is not just an album—it’s an invitation. And it all started on a Sunday night in Brooklyn, where the next great composition could be sparked by a single thought shared over coffee.
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