Past

Calling All Cats: Jazz Appreciation

This class has passed
This class has passed

What’s it all about?

“Life is a lot like jazz; it’s best when you improvise”: George Gershwin. Mix together raucous horn sections, cascading saxophone melodies, and unbridled piano comping – and you’ll get a taste of what jazz music is all about!

The origins of jazz music can be traced to the town of New Orleans in the early 20th century. Since then, jazz has become an unstoppable force as an art, language and a genre of music, transcending race barriers and social inequalities.

But how do jazz musicians actually communicate to each other when they play? This class is all about understanding the holistic nature of jazz music, the little whispers of conversation emanating from different instruments interacting with one another.

What will we cover?

At the start of the class, we will be introduced to jazz melody, rhythm and texture, listening to key artists from different eras of jazz music. We will go through the musical timeline of jazz and we will use the concepts of melody, rhythm and texture to compare and contrast different eras.

For instance, a trumpet solo from Miles Davis may sound completely different to a saxophone solo from John Coltrane. The sole focus of the class is music appreciation; however, some notable historical developments will be drawn upon to enhance the listening experience. By the end of this class, you will be able to go to Bennetts Lane (while it is still here), and show off your inner jazz geek.

Who will be teaching?

10 years ago, Justin was introduced to jazz music by Kenny G. Kenny G was a horrible influence, but it prompted Justin to explore Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian and Louis Armstrong, and he has been hooked ever since. He even went so far as to study jazz improvisation in Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle. Now running his own music school – Leaders of Rock – as well as touring interstate with his band Rejuvenate, Justin is keen to share all he knows about jazz, and how it has shaped him to become who he is.