Members of the Iowa State Jazz Club know what a good groove is, and they know how to get it — with lots of practice.

The club, founded by ISU student Jeremy Pfeffer in the spring of 1996, consists of about 10 members who get together every week to play, talk about and listen to jazz.

Judging from their dedication, they don’t need to be told twice that constant nurturing is essential to the development of any good jazz musician.

“It’s essential when you’re playing jazz to listen to lots of it,” said Pfeffer, senior in music.

As an experienced jazz bass player, Pfeffer said jazz skills can be improved by listening to lots of different types of jazz and blues.

Pfeffer originally started the ISU Jazz Club, because as a bass player for the ISU Jazz Band, he saw a need for a club that explored all types of jazz.

“I originally wanted to start it so people in the jazz band could have an opportunity to listen to something that came before the music they play now,” Pfeffer said.

Although he had an idea and a purpose, Pfeffer needed a plan of action.

Brian Quinn, fellow bass player and president of the club, agreed to help Pfeffer with logistics.

“I filled out the forms and made a mailing list that reached 85 people,” Quinn said.

Quinn made posters to hang around the music building and formed a mailing list made up of members of the jazz band and others who he thought might be interested in the club.

Now that the club is on its feet, Quinn sends a weekly e-mail message to members of the club concerning club events and artists who are coming to Ames.

Upcoming jazz and blues concerts are also discussed at weekly meetings, though most of what happens during the meetings depends on the creativity of the club’s members.

“Sometimes we talk about jazz, sometimes we listen to stuff,” Pfeffer said.

Group members often bring articles or recordings they think are worthy of attention. Quinn has a jazz collection of about 200 CDs and brings them to every meeting. According to Quinn, the more unique the album, the better.

“I like to add interest to people’s music perspective,” Quinn said. “I also invite the members to bring their own music.”

As president of the club, Quinn is responsible for bringing music and preparing history lessons about jazz greats.

“I sometimes give a brief interpretation of the music while I play the recording,” Quinn said.

His interpretations may include background information about the artists, commentary on the specific instruments being played or special riffs that should be given extra attention.

Along with the music discussions and listening sessions, the jazz club also tries to form combos within the club to provide members more opportunities to learn.

Both Pfeffer and Quinn are experienced jazz performers, and they said they are willing to help new musicians who want to learn more about performance.

Along with his membership in the ISU Jazz Band, Pfeffer is the bassist for Jazz Triangle, a local band that plays at Cafe Beaudelaire, 2504 Lincoln Way, every other Sunday night.

Quinn is a member of the ISU Jazz Band, three jazz combos and a pop band, and he has made guest appearances with the Jazz Triangle.

Both musicians encouraged anyone interested in learning more about jazz to join the club.

“To join, all you have to do is show up,” Pfeffer said. “You don’t have to know anything, you just have to want to learn.”

The ISU Jazz Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Room 24 of the Music Hall.