Back in the late ‘90s, long before YouTube leaks and social media teases, Aerosmith.com quietly shared a rare basement recording called “greatmoments91.wav.” A file that, to this day, remains a fascinating piece of Aerosmith lore.
The website labeled it simply as “Rehearsal at Joe’s,” confirming it was from a rare basement tape recorded at Joe Perry’s home studio, The Boneyard. With the file tagged SO91, it’s safe to place this session in 1991, right as the Get a Grip writing and demo phase kicked off.
More importantly, this was shared via Aerosmith’s own Boston office, Vindaloo Music. This wasn’t a bootleg floating through shady channels. This was a sanctioned little peek into the band’s rehearsal space, giving fans a glimpse of a jam session that might otherwise have stayed locked in the vault.
What the Clip Tells Us
The recording itself is a unique slice of Aerosmith — and I mean unique. Forget the polished rock anthems you’d expect from the Get a Grip era. This is Aerosmith stretching out into a funky, bluesy, jazz-infused jam, unlike anything they’ve officially released.
It starts with a laid-back jazz-tinged progression of chords, smooth and loose, rolling along with a groove that feels organic, unforced. It’s not trying to be “rock,” it’s just existing in its own cool little pocket.
Then comes the kicker: Tom Hamilton’s bass riff, which could almost be mistaken for slap bass — an unusual flavor for Aerosmith, but it fits perfectly here. The way Tom locks into the rhythm gives the jam a bounce, a swagger, that turns what could have been background noise into something seriously engaging.
Steven Tyler, never one to sit still, scats over the top of the intro. No words, no lyrics — just instinctive vocal melodies, riffing in real-time with the band. His voice becomes another instrument, weaving around the groove, playful and raw.
Joe or Brad follow with a guitar solo that isn’t trying to show off, but rather explores the feel of the jam, bending notes and phrasing in a way that’s more about mood than fireworks. It’s unpolished, unhurried, and that’s precisely why it’s captivating.
A Moment Only Aerosmith Could Own
The thing is, this kind of jam in anyone else’s hands might come off as noodling — background noise for a soundcheck or a warm-up. But there’s something about Aerosmith’s chemistry that makes this groove hit different. They can rock a jazzy riff and make it feel like it belongs. It’s that undeniable Aerosmith attitude bleeding through, no matter the style.
It’s a reminder that their roots are deep, and while they’re best known for arena rock, this band can pivot to a funky, bluesy jam and still sound unmistakably themselves. You can hear the fun they’re having. It’s loose, but it’s alive.
Why It Likely Stayed in the Vault
As good as the jam feels, it’s not hard to see why this stayed off the official albums. It’s not a “song” in the traditional sense. No chorus, no hooks, no structure screaming for radio play. This wasn’t a track designed to conquer the charts — it was a musical conversation happening in real-time, born from the moment and left there.
That’s probably why it’s so charming. It wasn’t overthought. It wasn’t polished to death. It just was.
A Final Thought
“Rehearsal at Joe’s” is less about what Aerosmith was working toward, and more about who they are at their core. It’s a snapshot of five guys in a room, following the music wherever it wants to go. A vibe. A groove. A great moment, indeed.
For the fans who appreciate the weird little corners of Aerosmith’s history, this track is a gem. Not because it’s a lost hit, but because it shows a side of the band that only surfaces when the record button is rolling and no one’s trying too hard.
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