jam band
noun
plural jam bands
: a band (especially a rock band) whose performances are distinguished by frequent and often lengthy jazzlike improvisation
Blues Traveler is part of the new wave of jam bands … that play long, long shows and inspire fan devotion reminiscent of the Grateful Dead.—
Dean Johnson
Dean JohnsonThis Friday, the jam band Phish—which … remains uniquely regarded for its improvisational prowess and zealous, wayfaring fans—will arrive in New York City for thirteen shows …—Amanda Petrusich
Amanda Petrusich… Moon Taxi embodies the best of the jam band aesthetic: positive, bright, challenging and fun.—Ann Powers
—sometimes hyphenated when used before another nounAnn PowersGov't Mule brought a refreshing oomph to … the jam-band scene.—Matt Wake
Matt WakeExamples of jam band in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The jam band scene – long reigned over by groups like the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers Band – exploded in the Nineties as newer artists like Phish and Widespread Panic began filling arenas and fomenting their own rabid vagabonding fanbases.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
By the late 1970s, Gayden had embraced transcendental Indian and Native American spirituality and formed the funk and jazz jam band Skyboat.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Fun Phish facts The all-world jam band is headed to the Bay Area next week.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025
Seals loves his ex-band leader’s playing and proudly embraces the jam band label.
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
From electronic dance music to hard rock to folk to jam bands, Florida’s festival scene has plenty to offer now through December.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2025
Set in the enchanted forests of Michigan, this festival offers a kaleidoscope of lights, immersive art installations, and a lineup that spans jam bands to electronic beats.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 3 June 2025
Electric Forest, Michigan’s notable electronic and jam band festival, has also seen a slowdown in sales, igniting more concern over the landscape overall.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Creamery Station and Drop Party Park City Music Hall, 2926 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport
Two Connecticut groove/jam bands take the stage at Park City Music Hall.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025
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Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
By the late 1970s, Gayden had embraced transcendental Indian and Native American spirituality and formed the funk and jazz jam band Skyboat.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Fun Phish facts The all-world jam band is headed to the Bay Area next week.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025
Seals loves his ex-band leader’s playing and proudly embraces the jam band label.
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
From electronic dance music to hard rock to folk to jam bands, Florida’s festival scene has plenty to offer now through December.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2025
Set in the enchanted forests of Michigan, this festival offers a kaleidoscope of lights, immersive art installations, and a lineup that spans jam bands to electronic beats.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 3 June 2025
Electric Forest, Michigan’s notable electronic and jam band festival, has also seen a slowdown in sales, igniting more concern over the landscape overall.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Creamery Station and Drop Party Park City Music Hall, 2926 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport
Two Connecticut groove/jam bands take the stage at Park City Music Hall.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jam band.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jam%20band. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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