Cory Henry & Nick Semrad - Full Jam session at NAMM 2016

About This Footage

This rare footage of a full jam session between Cory Henry and Nick Semrad, captured at the Nord Booth during NAMM 2016, offers an intimate glimpse into the creative process of two exceptional musicians. The clip's brevity belies its significance, as it provides a unique opportunity to observe the improvisational skills of these artists in real-time.

The term "jam session" itself is somewhat misleading, given that it implies a lack of structure or purpose. However, for musicians like Henry and Semrad, who are known for their virtuosity and technical mastery, jam sessions serve as an essential tool for developing new material and refining their craft. In this context, the jam session becomes a dynamic process, where musicians engage in a dialogue of sound, pushing each other to explore new sonic territories.

The Nord Booth setting at NAMM 2016 adds another layer of interest to this footage. As one of the premier music industry trade shows, NAMM provides a platform for manufacturers and artists to showcase their latest creations and innovations. The fact that Henry and Semrad chose to jam at this specific location suggests that they were eager to connect with attendees and share their musical vision.

Cory Henry's background as an organist and keyboardist is well-documented, with his work spanning multiple genres, from gospel and R&B to jazz and rock. His collaborations with artists such as Snarky Puppy and Kirk Franklin have cemented his reputation as a versatile and innovative musician. In this clip, Henry's mastery of the Nord organ is on full display, as he navigates complex chord progressions and melodic motifs with ease.

Nick Semrad, while less well-known than Henry, has also made significant contributions to the music world. As a guitarist and composer, he has worked extensively in the jazz and experimental genres, often incorporating elements of rock and electronic music into his work. In this jam session, Semrad's playing is characterized by its fluidity and expressiveness, as he trades lines with Henry and creates a rich tapestry of sound.

The chemistry between Henry and Semrad is palpable throughout this clip, as they engage in a series of intricate musical conversations. Their improvisations are marked by a sense of spontaneity and risk-taking, as they push each other to explore new sonic territories. The Nord organ's versatility allows for a wide range of tonal colors and textures, which Henry and Semrad exploit with ease.

In an era where music is increasingly homogenized and formulaic, this footage serves as a powerful reminder of the value of improvisation and creative risk-taking. By witnessing the jam session between Cory Henry and Nick Semrad at NAMM 2016, viewers are treated to a rare glimpse into the artistic process, one that highlights the beauty and spontaneity of live music.

Curated from public records and music databases.

About Jam session

A jam session is a relatively informal musical event, process, or activity where musicians, typically instrumentalists, play improvised solos and vamp over tunes, drones, songs, and chord progressions. To "jam" is to improvise music without extensive preparation or predefined arrangements. Original jam sessions, also called "free flow sessions," are often used by musicians to develop new material (music) and find suitable arrangements. Both styles can be used simply as a social gathering and com...