Q : What is this “jazzin’around” thing?

A : Well! that’s a game for the summertime. A game to be played alone, between friends or in the family. Every week till the end of August, we give you an example. This week Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo a la Turk”, next weekMingus’s “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”.

Q : A game! Well, it must have rules then ?

A : The game “jazzin’around” borrows from the game of golf : the number of shots (18) and the scoring method (the better you are, the less points you get. Now, if you do not play golf, do not worry, neither do we).
To start a round of “jazzin’around”, you pick a famous track from a famous album. Starting with this song, you compose a playlist of 18 songs. For help, you use whatever internet resource you put your hands on : Google, Wikipedia, Youtube, etc.. or call your local Jazz Expert.

Q : So far, it sounds pretty easy. What else?

A : Easy, yes but no! You need a “link” from one song to the next (a “link” being a common word, the same song or the same performer,…). A “link” can only be used once in a list. (And if possible try to use a little “humour” in your linking).
The “nature” of your “link” gives you points :
0 : same title but different song (our hole in one)
1 : first word = last word of previous song OR same writer and/or composer OR previous artist is the composer
2 : two words in common (between names of artist+name of song - common words can be extension of one word : ex : “tenderness” or “tenderly” goes with “tender”)
3 : one word in common (between names of artist+name of song, …)
4 : same artist - different song (artist can be member of group, duo, trio, etc) OR same song - different artist

Then, on top of each “note”, you receive a bonus (points to deduct)
5 : last song and first song have same title OR same artist at the end and the beginning
2 : a song is another track from the selected album
1 : song recorded by unknown (but promising) artists (non major company’s artists OR MySpace artists)

Q : Gorgeous! Can anyone play this game?

A : Sure and we encourage it : “jazzin’around” is a lot of fun and makes you discover great music or artists you can buy afterwards. Everyone can play alone or with friends, family, office co-workers,… You can compete with two playlists or build one playlist alternatively.

Q : If I am really good at it, can I send you the results?

A : If you are really proud of one (or more) of your playlists, if you achieve a minimum of points, you send said lists to address .If approved, it will be “published” with your name attached … but,no! you do not win a toaster. Don’t even ask!