C-Jam Blues is a great first jazz tune. It’s so simple to learn the melody by ear, and yet it swings so hard that pros still love to jam on it. It’s a 12-bar blues, and the melody is the same 2-note phrase repeated 3 times (per chorus).
Videos to learn the melody/changes
C-Jam Blues
Oscar Peterson - C Jam Blues
09:07
Duke Ellington - C Jam Blues (1942)
03:05
Oscar Peterson Trio - C Jam Blues
03:54
Red Garland Trio C Jam Blues Groovy 1957
08:23
C-Jam Blues - Barney Bigard 1968.
04:31
C Jam Blues - John Pizzarelli Jazz Quartet @ La trastienda, Buenos Aires, 8 Jun 2011
09:10
C Jam Blues - Willie Thomas, Jamey Aebersold
05:23
C Jam Blues - Deseő Csaba, Joe Fritz Quartet - Háló Klub
04:16
Hey brother thanks for all the info I have already added this sweet little tune to our list.. Man! I have been looking for some easy stuff for a change. I have played solid Blues and rock guitar all my life but somehow I find myself in a absurdly good jazz band without the least bit jazz knowledge, if it wasn’t for my voice they would probley toss me out..LOL
I remember comping to this song my freshman year of high school in the bottom band. First guitar part I had read with real changes. Man, even with a two-note melody, I felt like the hippest little freshman in the band on this song. Not only is it a great jam, it’s nostalgic for just about everybody. Great post.
Yeah man, everyone loves this tune! It’s so simple, but it SWINGS like crazy! Especially Oscar.