Sunday, 08/02, 11:30am-1pm

Starting from the premise that jazz improvisation involves the spontaneous creation of new melodies, this workshop offers practical approaches for developing and expanding that skill. Emphasis will be placed on presenting melodies convincingly — an essential foundation for presenting improvisations with clarity, depth, and personality. The workshop begins with a discussion of recorded examples illustrating a wide range of melodic approaches and improvisational concepts.

Harvey Wainapel has developed and applied these ideas in performances with artists including Ray Charles, Joe Lovano, the hr-Bigband (Frankfurt Radio Big Band), and Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, as well as through performances of his own music in 17 countries. Drawing on more than 50 years of professional experience, Wainapel will also share practical ideas for personal musical development, performance preparation, and communicating effectively within the jazz tradition.

Wainapel is a saxophonist and clarinetist whose career has included performances and recordings with artists including Kenny Barron, Dave Brubeck, McCoy Tyner, Billy Hart, Mike Clark, the hr-Bigband (Frankfurt Radio Big Band), and the Metropole Orchestra. A longtime San Francisco Bay Area resident, he has developed a deep connection to Brazilian music through more than 20 extended visits to Brazil for study, performance, and recording with many of the country’s leading musicians.

Japan’s JazzLife calls Wainapel “a musician with his own unique and deep sound.”

“It’s a pleasure to listen to Harvey’s soulful interpretations.” — Joe Lovano
“Harvey understands Brazilian music in a way that’s very unusual; he’s got the spirit, he’s a great musician!” — Ivan Lins