What's your approach to quickly adapting to different musical styles when working as a session musician?

One of the things is that when studying music I learned from a very young age to be open to all musical styles since each one has its richness and that has helped me over the years since I had to adapt to various musical styles during performances or in the music studio.

Without music there is no life

My approach to quickly adapting to different musical styles as a session musician is to focus on understanding each genre's unique groove, dynamics, and rhythmic nuances. I prioritize listening closely to reference tracks and identifying key stylistic elements to authentically match the artist's vision, whether it’s jazz, rock, funk, or beyond. This way, I deliver a tailored and cohesive performance for each project.

I think styles are instruments.
I always try to start from the assumption that the guitar (in this case my instrument) must be a sound resource for the composition I'm working on.
In any case, extreme curiosity and listening to a lot of music without any kind of preconceptions is fundamental in the growth of a musician.

An ability to quickly adapt to various styles is gained through broadening your horizons and listening to as many genres and style as you can. Taking it all in and trying to figure out what sets it apart. Figuring out the intricacies that may be found in the sound of the instrument, the feel of the playing and the technicalities or lack thereof of the groove (in the drummers case).

You can busk it to a certain degree, but an authentic and true adaptation is what sets the great session musicians apart. 

I study and listen to a lot of music and I own many different drums setups, snares and cymbals, in this way I can quickly adapt my approach to different sounds and genres.

I listen to what similar artists are doing and see what I could bring to it, but if the client really wants something that just sounds like another performance I am just gonna keep it simple and do that. 

Listen, listen and listen to it again. And if you don't feel it, listen to it some more. Until you feel it, and you will. When you do 'feel' the song, the rest is smooth sailing.

In order to be able to do that, you need to have a big musical vocabulary, and listen to different genres of music in your free time, of course.

My approach to adapting to different musical styles as a session musician starts with understanding the essential characteristics and nuances of each genre. I begin by listening to key artists, classic tracks, and studying the typical structure, rhythm, and tone associated with the style I’m working on. This helps me quickly grasp the "feel" and stylistic specifics that audiences and clients expect.

I also rely on a foundational skill set in theory and technique, which allows me to switch between genres efficiently. For instance, jazz demands a different touch and improvisational mindset compared to rock or pop, so I adjust my phrasing, tone, and dynamics accordingly.

Finally, clear communication with the artist or producer is essential. I make sure I understand their vision for the track and any specific stylistic cues they want to emphasize. By combining technical preparation, active listening, and adaptability, I can contribute authentically to diverse musical projects.