The jam sessions at Guimarães Jazz represent one of the Festival’s most identity-giving aspects. This improvisational component reveals jazz’s more informal side, allowing the audience that is perhaps less familiar with the music the chance to enjoy a more direct and closer environment with the musicians. This year, the jam sessions at the CCVF Café Concerto will be conducted by saxophonist Jeff Lederer and trombonist Joe Fiedler, two of the most interesting performers on the American jazz scene. Rounding out the group will be New York native Mary LaRose on vocals, the celebrated drummer and composer recognized for his long and prolific career, George Schuller on percussion, and finally on bass, the young and talented Nick Dunston.