Mr. Bergevin's welcome was intended to get students to consider the name of the Jazz Colony and why is it called this?
Mr. Bergevin first learned of the "Isle of Shoals" which claims to be America's first Musicians' and Artists' Colony by stumbling upon a book by Caleb Mason which has a great charcoal sketch of a flautist on the cover.
He referenced the attached wikipedia definition of an Artist's Colony and encouraged folks to read it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_colony
Key among the definition is the idea that it is a place where "creative practitioners live and interact with each other". This is the type of community which the EW Jazz Colony is attempting to achieve and he hopes that, while we're not living together away from everyday life, we are embracing the idea of striving to become creators and not just craftsmen.
Mr. Alex Dugdale's group plays tonight (Wednesday July 8) at Tula's in Seattle.
Tomorrow the Ave B Combo plays at Romeo's in Edmonds.
Below are some of the summaries from the adults helping to steer the direction of the Jazz Colony.
Steve Treseler = blue
Dan Chappelle = yellow
Michael Glynn = green
For the large group workshop, I introduced some improvised games and listening exercises adapted from Butch Morris's "Conduction" system and John Zorn's game piece "Cobra." These conducted improvisations are fun and engaging for improvisors of all levels and encourages players to experiment with new sounds, listen to one another, and find inspiration for original compositions. It was a blast!
Watch Conduction and "Cobra" in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
In the jazz theory/harmony class, we discussed the fundamentals of tonal harmony, including diatonic chords, chord function, and cadences. We also worked on identifying chord progressions from folk songs by ear. Here is the website where you can practice chord dictation: http://tonedear.com/ear-
-ST
I put together a program for the drummers focused on independence and control. I spoke with the drummers attending last night (Lauren, Eric, Cedar, Brady) about gathering at 5:30 on Tuesdays to go through this and bond as drummers, if they are able. Miriel and Hugh were not there. Worked with Cedar for an hour at 5:30 so he has gotten an intro.
This is ninja - It works on drumming from the subconscious mind, to open up the conscious to work on style, interpretation, etc. It is not to replace what they are currently doing with their private instructors, but only to supplement.
I went through the program with the author in late teens and it rocked my world as a drummer. I have handouts.
Cheers!
Dan Chappelle
This info from Michael Glynn
Here's the stuff for the rhythm section people:
The most critical element in learning how to play jazz is listening. Finding good role models and listening carefully to their playing can help to teach us how jazz is supposed to sound and feel. For those of you who may not know the names of many rhythm section players, or for those who are just looking for some more people to check out, here is a very brief list of some of the greats. I have chosen players who played in the 1950s and 1960s and who often played bebop or in related styles. I chose this period and style not because it is necessarily the best, but because much of the jazz we study and play in school is based on this music. There are of course many great players from before and after this period as well.
PIANO:
Wynton Kelly
Red Garland
Horace Silver
Herbie Hancock
Sonny Clark
BASS:
Ray Brown
Ron Carter
Sam Jones
Paul Chambers
Charles Mingus
DRUMS:
Philly Joe Jones
Art Blakey
Roy Haynes
Elvin Jones
Kenny Clarke
GUITAR:
Grant Green
Herb Ellis
Wes Montgomery
Jim Hall
Kenny Burrell
When you are listening to jazz, try to focus on what the rhythm section is doing, and especially your own instrument. Here are three versions of the song "Four" played by Miles Davis with three different rhythm sections. Try listening to all three and comparing what the rhythm players are doing. What is the same? What is different? What do you like about each? Dislike?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
recorded 1954
piano - Horace Silver
bass - Percy Heath
drums - Art Blakey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
recorded 1956
piano - Red Garland
bass - Paul Chambers
drums - Philly Joe Jones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
recorded 1964
piano - Herbie Hancock
bass - Ron Carter
drums - Tony Williams
The most critical element in learning how to play jazz is listening. Finding good role models and listening carefully to their playing can help to teach us how jazz is supposed to sound and feel. For those of you who may not know the names of many rhythm section players, or for those who are just looking for some more people to check out, here is a very brief list of some of the greats. I have chosen players who played in the 1950s and 1960s and who often played bebop or in related styles. I chose this period and style not because it is necessarily the best, but because much of the jazz we study and play in school is based on this music. There are of course many great players from before and after this period as well.
PIANO:
Wynton Kelly
Red Garland
Horace Silver
Herbie Hancock
Sonny Clark
BASS:
Ray Brown
Ron Carter
Sam Jones
Paul Chambers
Charles Mingus
DRUMS:
Philly Joe Jones
Art Blakey
Roy Haynes
Elvin Jones
Kenny Clarke
GUITAR:
Grant Green
Herb Ellis
Wes Montgomery
Jim Hall
Kenny Burrell
When you are listening to jazz, try to focus on what the rhythm section is doing, and especially your own instrument. Here are three versions of the song "Four" played by Miles Davis with three different rhythm sections. Try listening to all three and comparing what the rhythm players are doing. What is the same? What is different? What do you like about each? Dislike?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
recorded 1954
piano - Horace Silver
bass - Percy Heath
drums - Art Blakey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
recorded 1956
piano - Red Garland
bass - Paul Chambers
drums - Philly Joe Jones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
recorded 1964
piano - Herbie Hancock
bass - Ron Carter
drums - Tony Williams
Great thoughts from all!
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