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

This 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

… Moon Taxi embodies the best of the jam band aesthetic: positive, bright, challenging and fun.

—Ann Powers

—sometimes hyphenated when used before another noun

Gov't Mule brought a refreshing oomph to … the jam-band scene.

—Matt Wake

Examples of jam band in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

American jam band Goose is launching its own destination festival, Viva El Gonzo, taking place May 8-10, 2025, in San José del Cabo, Mexico. —Dave Brooks, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2024

Like all good jam bands, Goose can hold a tight groove to advance a song and then bust out into an impressive shot of improvisational fun. —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above