June 30, 2013
Jazz Bass Lines for Non-Bassists with Rob Ewing
Jazz Bass Lines • SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 11 AM
A step by step approach to constructing effective walking bass lines over standard jazz harmony. Recommended for pianists, arrangers, and anyone interested in developing a better understanding of the function of the bass in the jazz rhythm section. Open to all, no bass playing experience required!
Rob Ewing is the director of the Jazzschool Community Music School. He works with several Bay Area jazz groups including the Marcus Shelby Orchestra and Disappear Incompletely – The Radiohead Project.
The Art of Singing Duets with Greta Matassa
The Art of Singing Duets • SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 12 NOON
A workshop for jazz vocalists who have wondered how to make a duet with a fellow singer really work and be as fun and spontaneous as the “pros” make it look on stage!
Many of you are gigging now and occasionally you may want to pair up with a fellow singer to share the fun, the band, the expenses and to benefit from a shared audience.
Topics covered in this workshop include:
- Finding compatible keys
- Sharing the song form
- Harmonizing with each other
- Unison
- Call and response
- Scatting together
- Finding good songs for dueting
You can enroll as a pair, or Greta will pair you off during the clinic.
For more information please visit www.gretamatassa.com
Greta Matassa is one of the most talented singers working in jazz today. She has been voted “Northwest Vocalist of the Year” by Earshot Jazz six times in 15 years!. Greta’s latest album “I Wanna be Loved” Resonance Records remained on the national jazz charts for radio airplay for 3 months. This new release features arrangements by Tamir Hendelman. She is surrounded by a host of top LA musicians and string orchestrations. Greta has been a mainstay on Seattle’s Jazz stages for many years and with her recent successful dates at New York’s Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, tours of Russia, Singapore and Hawaii and Japan, Greta’s sound is now reaching new audiences. Greta has released seven CD’s on the respected jazz label Origin Records and a DVD live concert with guitarist Mimi Fox. Greta is also a respected and generous teacher. She offers private lessons locally and nationally, via Skype. She is on the faculty of many of the nations jazz festivals as a performer and clinician.
July 1, 2013
Motivic Development with Billy Buss
Motivic Development • MONDAY, JULY 1, 6 PM
This workshop covers ways to derive and develop extensive compositional and improvisational language from simple melodic themes. Concepts to be discussed include advanced modal harmonies, positive and negative harmony, numerology, tonal magnetism, melodic contour/shape, serialist techniques such as retrograde, inversion and chromatic and diatonic “spirals.” Additionally, students dissect original compositions of the instructor’s and others, considering the questions: where does the melody originate, how is it developed and where can it go? An informational packet out-lining these concepts will be distributed.
New York City-based trumpeter Billy Buss received a B.A. from the Berklee College of Music and a M.M. from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.
July 7, 2013
My Computer Plays Music with Maye Cavallaro
My Computer Plays Music • SUNDAY, JULY 7, 12 NOON
Many computer programs are available that make practicing fun and easy. Suitable for both vocalists and instrumentalists, this workshop will survey a few of them, focused on Band in a Box and GarageBand. Participants will learn how to input chords from lead sheets into Band in a Box and prepare backing tracks, change keys, “feels” and print out simple chord charts. Then we’ll import these backing tracks into GarageBand and learn how to record ourselves and listen back to our tracks, make a simple mix and share these as mp3s or burn them on to a disc to share with others. All levels welcome.
“Maye is very prepared, organized and the musicians she brings in are excellent and wonderful to work with.” — CATHERINE STERN
Creative Harmony for Jazz Guitar with Rale Micic
Harmony for Jazz Guitar• SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2 PM
This workshop with internationally-renowned jazz guitarist Rale Micic covers:
- common jazz reharmonization techniques
- application of these techniques to the guitar
- examples of creative harmony by contemporary guitarists (Jim Hall, Joe Pass, Mick Goodrick, Kurt Rosenwinkel)
- finding new ways to develop and apply new chord voicings
- application of creative harmony in linear improvisation
- use of conceptual approaches to rhythm, melody, and harmony
- use of creative harmony in development of original style
Participants will be able to use harmonic concepts and techniques to further advance their playing, as well as to develop an original style.For intermediate to advanced jazz guitarists. Students should have basic knowledge of harmony and scales (major, minor and symmetric).
In 1995, Rale migrated to the United States from Serbia upon receiving a scholarship from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where he was mentored by the legendary guitarist Mick Goodrick (instructor to guitarists Pat Metheny and John Scofield). Rale is a CTA Records recording artist and has been featured in numerous publications including DownBeat and JazzTimes. He has performed at prominent jazz clubs and music festivals in the US and Europe.On his latest album, 3, Rale explores the interaction between his musical roots in Serbia and his extensive knowledge of jazz with his trio consisting of New York’s hottest rhythm section, bassist Scott Colley and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.
July 14, 2013
Unsung Gems From the Great American Songbook with Maye Cavallaro
The Great American Song Book • 3 SUNDAYS, JULY 14, 21 & 28, 12 PM
The Great American Songbook is a collection of tunes written from 1930 to 1950 and is a vital part of the repertoire of jazz musicians. While many songs by the Gershwins, Harold Arlen, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin are well known, there are countless other composers and lyricists whose songs are not performed as often. This 3-part workshop focuses on these less frequently performed pieces.
Workshop time includes listening to re–corded examples by jazz greats to develop ideas for new arrangements. Instructor Maye Cavallaro provides 10 lead sheets for songs including practice-backing tracks. An accompanist joins the group during the third session, for students to perform arrangement ideas.
Solo Jazz Piano with Dan Zemelman
Solo Jazz Piano• SUNDAY, JULY 14, 4 PM
A hands-on masterclass on the art of playing solo jazz piano. Participants play for each other and receive feedback from the instructor. Topics covered include: left hand techniques (walking bass lines, comping), developing the ability to play convincingly in various styles, harmonic options (playing “in” and “out,” chord substitutions, diminished harmony), melodic interpretation and more.
Dan Zemelman is a leading Bay Area-based jazz pianist, composer and teacher. He has performed throughout the U.S. with Marcus Shelby, Richard Davis, Mads Tolling and others, in addition to leading his own trio
Blues and Soul Music with Rick Estrin and Buddy Akacic
Blues and Soul Music • SUNDAY, JULY 14, 4 PM
Discussion and demonstration of the technical and emotional components of blues musicianship as a basic precept for effective performance across genres, from blues and gospel to jazz and beyond. For musicians interested in developing their groove and expression. Also for non-musicians interested in developing a deeper appreciation for the inner workings of the blues and the poignant human feelings found in all soul music. Musicians, bring your instruments!
Directed by Rick Estrin, blues harmonica virtuoso and Alligator recording artist, with organizational support from Buddy Akacic.
July 21, 2013
Secerts of Gypsy Jazz Guitar with Paul Mehling
Paul Mehling • SUNDAY, JULY 21, 11:30 AM
Paul Mehling • SUNDAY, JULY 21, 11:30 AM
This workshop focuses on various aspects of Gypsy guitar in the tradition of the legendary Django Reinhardt. Topics include rhythm, picking, scales, arpeggios, chords, soloing, and more. One-on-one evaluation is available to all attendees, with a directed jam at the conclusion of the workshop, time permitting. Bring your instrument, recording device (or paper and pencil) and questions!
Guitarist Paul Mehling is the leader of the Hot Club of San Francisco.
The Metronome is Your Friend with Paul Mehling
Paul Mehling • SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2 PM
Returning with his popular workshop for musicians and singers of all levels, Mehling demonstrates a range of practice techniques making creative use of the metronome. Improve your productivity and increase your musicianship! Open to all.
Guitarist Paul Mehling is the leader of the Hot Club of San Francisco.