I won't be around to see Joe on Friday, but out of interest how do the Komedia door people know that someone is a member of the Co-op? Is there a special handshake or password?
Stuart
The mission of the Brighton Jazz Coop is to organise a regular programme of educational jazz improvisation workshops in Brighton, Sussex, UK
Jam Session Tuesday 5th August
If you want to look at the tunes in advance I will be doing Five Spot After Dark and Angula (Julian Nicholas tune). You may have kept these from previous workshops. Py will lead a couple of others.
Five Spot is a minor blues so you could check out the scales in advance. I will also circulate a solo I have written over one chorus of the sequence. On the topic of minor blues we could also learn Footprints by ear. Pete was playing it last week.
Post your views by hitting the comment link below.
Steve
Five Spot is a minor blues so you could check out the scales in advance. I will also circulate a solo I have written over one chorus of the sequence. On the topic of minor blues we could also learn Footprints by ear. Pete was playing it last week.
Post your views by hitting the comment link below.
Steve
Joe Robinson at Jazz Club this Friday
Joe tutors some of our sessions. If you want to improve your improvisation, listening to players of this quality live is really important. See you at the Komedia on Friday? You will always see other BMJC members there and can also get a discount with a BMJC membership card.
Geoff Simkins Session 22.7
Geoff took us through a Tom Harrell tune. Some found it hot. What did you get out of it.
Here's an idea. If you want something to do whilst waiting for your turn to solo work out what the chords are. You could start with the 7th of each chord and then move on to the 3rd and then the 5th. If you find this easy you could work out the guide tones. Always tons of brain work to do when you are waiting your turn. Alternatively you could just listen to everyone else's solo and see what you can learn from that.
Here's an idea. If you want something to do whilst waiting for your turn to solo work out what the chords are. You could start with the 7th of each chord and then move on to the 3rd and then the 5th. If you find this easy you could work out the guide tones. Always tons of brain work to do when you are waiting your turn. Alternatively you could just listen to everyone else's solo and see what you can learn from that.
Suggestions from Members
Hi
Thanks for the email. I would like to make a suggestion.
I came a few times, but despite my best efforts, I wasnt able to pick up the songs fast enough (keyboards) to enjoy it. I am not proficient enough yet, but keen. I know its a good place to learn fast but only once you're at a minimum level or proficiency.
Along with the sometimes huge group of 20 or 30, It would seem sensible to me to break it into alternate weeks with different levels, or maybe 2 separate nights in a week, or even 1 long night with 2 sessions of different ability levels. I would be happy to pay more for this.
Its great that the group is carrying on, and good luck to all the new organisers.
Bill Palmer
Nigel Thomas Session
Nigel led a few rounds of a Chick Corea modal number. Comments? Feedback welcome.
RE: Farewell to John
It’s a nice idea Corrado but from past experience far fewer people attend the jam sessions. It would be good to say goodbye to John and give him our farewell present (any ideas?) with a full house. We could still have a bit of a party on eve of 29th, maybe a shorter than usual jam and an elongated drink afterwards?!
Alice
From: Corrado Bargione
Subject: Farewell to John
| Hi all, 22nd July will be the last workshop organised by John. He told me that he will attend the jam session on 29th July so this may be a good opportunity to give John our farewell present (whatever that may be) then. To make the jam session on 29th July special perhaps we could invite all the tutors that may be able/want to come and say goodbye to John. What do you think Corrado |
Minutes of the Committee meeting of 8 July 2008
Present: Py (chair), Jayne, Alice, Steve, John Bailey, Andy Furgeson, Corrado.
Appologies: Bruce
1-gear
Corrado has agreed to take the drum kit. Jayne will take the other gear. Others to help with loading and unloading.
2-money
Alice is collecting subs and taking over the bank account from John. John talked about the current bank account. He will organise signatures for the minutes of 24 June to be signed and then for the new signatories to be added to the bank account. Andy F agreed to help out with getting the new signatories established. Steve warned that this can take a long time due to current money laundering legislation.
3-blog
It was agreed that the blog could be published to the membership. Steve asked Py to email him his photo. Corrado has updated the website and put a link to the blog on it.
4-any other business
It was agreed to keep the discussion on the objects of the BJMC to a future meeting when there is a bigger attendance. Tim is sorting tutors for next term on a rota basis.
Minutes of the BJC Committee meeting of Tuesday 24 June 2008
resent,
Steve, Ed, Stuart, Py, Charlie, Bruce, Jayne, Tim, Corrado
Apologies
Alice
Officer Role Descriptions
The role descriptions were agreed except that the communications and secretary positions were combined.
Appointment of Officers
The following officer positions were agreed:
Treasurer – Alice
Membership Secretary – Jayne
Tutor Officer – Tim
Kit Officer – Py
Communications Officer and Secretary – Steve
Chair – Py
Corrado volunteered to help Steve with the blog and to run the website.
Finance
It was agreed that Alice, Steve, Py and Charlie will be the four cheque signatories.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will follow the workshop next week and will discuss subscriptions and programme for the following term.
Mark Bassey's Session
I thought Mark's session on Tuesday was excellent. Enjoyed Perdido a lot. It is good to play over Rhythm Changes. Mark is a really excellent tutor who comes with a really well worked out idea of what he wants to teach and how to do it.
Farewell to John
Hi all,
22nd July will be the last workshop organised by John. He told me that he will attend the jam session on 29th July so this may be a good opportunity to give John our farewell present (whatever that may be) then. To make the jam session on 29th July special perhaps we could invite all the tutors that may be able/want to come and say goodbye to John. What do you think
Corrado |
Re: bjazzcoopstuff
Sorry I didn't make it on Tuesday - had the plumber in and didn't get sorted until 9pm - did I miss anything?
Bruce
Your Views Please
This Blog is your opportunity to comment on how we organise the workshops. Do the sessions give you enough blowing or theory? Are they pitched at the right level? Are there any musicians that you would like to have as a tutor for a session? Are we friendly and welcoming enough? Do you have ideas for new things we could do? Do you want some day or week-end workshops? The BJMC is there for you. Log in and comment on this post.
Re: website
There is not risk to admitting we are an education organisation. We are not offering accreditations. Under what laws would colleges be able to challenge us? We don't yet live in a police state (debate). We already are jazz educators. No harm in admitting it. We do this to learn and have fun don't we? Well I do.
Re: website
Couldn't you just say on the Blog that this is the Blog for Brighton Jazz Musicians Co-op (BJMC) and not to be confused with Brighton Jazz Club?
On the other things - I think there are two types of consideration involved. So - OK we all know what we think happens at the Co-op and want to represent that accurately - but we may have to consider any legal implications?
So if we set ourselves up as Jazz Educators, could we receive a legal challenge from schools/colleges with Jazz programmes, would there be legal requirements to provide certain things,would we need to provide proof of the qualifications of these people to teach, etc. etc.
I think it might be "safer" to be vaguer and more informal - we wouldn't want to risk some kind of challenge of our educational credentials?
Bruce
RE: bjazzcoopstuff
Hi Py,
Yes, I'll be there on tuesday and yes I agree with the agenda and your final point. In relation to the large photograph of you I'm "undecided"!
I thought I might print off all the e mail correspondence and pull out the main points. It might be useful when we have our big talks about how to run the cooperative (does anyone object?). I think the discussions are an important process and the longer we can take to have them the better it is in some ways. Obviously, there is a danger of never deciding! Perhaps we should set a date in September and be prepared to give the 'meeting'/'pub chat' an hour or so.
I agree with Corrado's point about how unique the co-op is and I think we should continue to underscore its principles. I think there is a need for an official document, be it a constitution or 'mission statement'. This is one aspect. The other is the way the sessions hang together and are run. Given the longevity of the co-op, can we assume we have time to try different approaches?
Jayne
bjazzcoopstuff
hello chaps will everyone be in on tuesday? i suggest the following agenda- 1-gear 2-money 3-blog 4-any other business the blog is an excellent idea-my only criticism is that as chairman,there should be a large photograph of me at the top of the page. are we all agreed that the plan is to run the co-op as usual until september to give everyone a chance to get used to their roles and have a meeting then to discuss possible changes to the way it runs? wiggidy-wiggidy-wiggidy-wack py |
Re: website
Hi Corrado
Thanks for this. A couple of comments. First the blog is not viewable by anyone other than the committee at the moment and will not go live without agreement on the content so stuff like the subs is just an example. We did say that we would discuss subs. My view is that we should pay more for the jam sessions to build up the funds for when subs don't cover the cost of the tutor. Yet to be decided when we have a proper look at the finances and do some rough budgeting.
Second, I think that giving people space to improvise is promoting jazz education. I think the workshops often do more than that though. What scale should you play over that chord etc. We talk about tutors not facilitators. What are they teaching? Is that not jazz education? I would therefore argue for my suggested objectives statement rather than the one you quote. I also think the Co-op could provide a more structured approach to jazz education by building a repertoire of important jazz standards which covers the various types of tunes we play. This is more contentious as some people are happy to do whatever the tutor wants to do. We have covered a lot of educational ground in the past year if in a somewhat haphazard way. Julian almost always works on pentatonics, Mark B did whole tone scales and applying it to the blues, Angel did a blues by ear, Simon Savage often does guide tones, etc. Very few, if any tutors, have done much work on patterns although Terry sometimes touches on improvisation ideas such as rhythm and approach notes and has supplied handouts to that effect.
Regarding the name... you are right although I don't think anyone uses the full name anymore. I don't think it matters that two organisations share the same initials and certainly don't think that the Jazz Club has a right or would even want to complain about that. I think the full name is a bit too long and could also put off beginners who don't yet think of themselves as musicians. All for debate I suppose although I would have to set up a new blog to change the address.
Steve
Thanks for this. A couple of comments. First the blog is not viewable by anyone other than the committee at the moment and will not go live without agreement on the content so stuff like the subs is just an example. We did say that we would discuss subs. My view is that we should pay more for the jam sessions to build up the funds for when subs don't cover the cost of the tutor. Yet to be decided when we have a proper look at the finances and do some rough budgeting.
Second, I think that giving people space to improvise is promoting jazz education. I think the workshops often do more than that though. What scale should you play over that chord etc. We talk about tutors not facilitators. What are they teaching? Is that not jazz education? I would therefore argue for my suggested objectives statement rather than the one you quote. I also think the Co-op could provide a more structured approach to jazz education by building a repertoire of important jazz standards which covers the various types of tunes we play. This is more contentious as some people are happy to do whatever the tutor wants to do. We have covered a lot of educational ground in the past year if in a somewhat haphazard way. Julian almost always works on pentatonics, Mark B did whole tone scales and applying it to the blues, Angel did a blues by ear, Simon Savage often does guide tones, etc. Very few, if any tutors, have done much work on patterns although Terry sometimes touches on improvisation ideas such as rhythm and approach notes and has supplied handouts to that effect.
Regarding the name... you are right although I don't think anyone uses the full name anymore. I don't think it matters that two organisations share the same initials and certainly don't think that the Jazz Club has a right or would even want to complain about that. I think the full name is a bit too long and could also put off beginners who don't yet think of themselves as musicians. All for debate I suppose although I would have to set up a new blog to change the address.
Steve
2008/7/3 Corrado Bargione
Steve
the address is www.brightonjazzcoop.org.uk I started this as a favour to John and it lists only basic info and details about the co-op. There is no cost attached as I am hosting the website, only the renewal fees for the domain name (£10 for 2 years). However John has recently renewed the name until August 2010. I'll add the link to the blog this w/e plus the tutor list for the next three weeks.
I don't know much about blogs. I have registered my name and what I saw seems to be informative enough. However I have a couple of points:-
- As you can see from the website the correct name for the coop should be Brighton Jazz Musicians' Co-op or BJMC in order to make a distinction with the Brighton Jazz Club (unless we seek permission from them to use the same abbreviation BJC)
- As somebosy else pointed out the coop does not provide jazz education. I have done a bit of jazz education and it requires a framework that the coop is not able to provide and also people may be put off all together. In the website AboutUs section (see below) I and John decided to go for something less specific in order to encourage anyone to join in. The Brighton Jazz Musicians' Co-op (BJMC) aims to promote jazz music through open workshops in Brighton, UK. The workshops are open to everyone who is willing to play jazz and improvised music.
- Jazz sessions are listed for August with a fee of £2.50. I do not recall this been discusses and/or agreed. In the past we used to pay a pound. Whilst I agree that a pound may not be enough perhaps we should sell the idea that the money collected will be used for creating a fund for next tutor season
Corrado
Trinity Jazz Summer School
http://www.trinitysummerschool.co.uk/
In a few weeks I shall be off to this Summerschool , which is starting up for the first time this year. Although it is basically the same event that has happened for several decades as the Glamorgan, Porthcawl or Barry Summerschool - just that the whole thing has been moved from Wales to the banks of the Thames!
Personally I have been going to this Summerschool for over 10 years now and it does still feature some of the best Jazz Educators in the country - in fact one of the leading lights - Simon Purcell has won several awards of this nature and so have Pete Churchill and Nikki Iles for their work in Leeds.
It also features tutors who are regular favourites at the Co-op - like Geoff Simkins and Julian Nicholas as well as many of those who regularly lead bands at Brighton Jazz Club - like Julian Siegel, Bobby Wellins and Stan Sulzmann.
Anyway, this is going to be its first year away from the green valleys of Wales and nobody really knows what it will be like - so I shall write my Trinity Jazz Blog here and hopefully others will share their experiences as well - I know at least 4-5 people who are going from this area?
In a few weeks I shall be off to this Summerschool , which is starting up for the first time this year. Although it is basically the same event that has happened for several decades as the Glamorgan, Porthcawl or Barry Summerschool - just that the whole thing has been moved from Wales to the banks of the Thames!
Personally I have been going to this Summerschool for over 10 years now and it does still feature some of the best Jazz Educators in the country - in fact one of the leading lights - Simon Purcell has won several awards of this nature and so have Pete Churchill and Nikki Iles for their work in Leeds.
It also features tutors who are regular favourites at the Co-op - like Geoff Simkins and Julian Nicholas as well as many of those who regularly lead bands at Brighton Jazz Club - like Julian Siegel, Bobby Wellins and Stan Sulzmann.
Anyway, this is going to be its first year away from the green valleys of Wales and nobody really knows what it will be like - so I shall write my Trinity Jazz Blog here and hopefully others will share their experiences as well - I know at least 4-5 people who are going from this area?
Summer School News
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <info@mehrclef.com>
Date: 2008/7/2
Subject: MEhr Clef Summer School
To:
2nd July 2008
Dear Jazz Friends,
It's not far to go now until August and if you have not yet made arrangements for your summer holidays, why not join us for another week of exciting, intensive, exhausting and great fun Jazz at Roehampton University with the 'Dream Team' - seven of the very best tutors in the UK. There are still places available both weeks for instrumentalists (except pianists) and vocalists. Our new venue is very conveniently located in south west London, and apart from a lovely lake surrounded by a gently sloping lawn with plenty of trees for those (hopefully) long, warm summer night, the University offers:
Modern en-suite single rooms arranged in flats, each flat with its own large kitchen/sitting room
Teaching block with lecture rooms under one roof bar with tables, chairs, sofas and a large stage for nightly performances (next to teaching block) Chapel with Steinway Grand for Student and Tutor Concert Cafeteria/restaurant Nearby shops, post office, pubs, restaurants
COURSE DETAILS:
17-23 AUGUST FOR INSTRUMENTALISTS AND VOCALISTS AGED 18+ (NO UPPER AGE LIMIT)
All instruments welcome
Tutors:
Nick Weldon – Piano
Jeff Clyne – Bass
Trevor Tomkins – Drums
Alan Barnes - Woodwind
Steve Watermann – Brass
Lee Gibson – Vocals
Ursula Malewski – Theory
Rick Simpson – Vocal Accompanist and Assistant Piano Tutor
Guest tutors to be confirmed
Tutor Summer Concert: Thursday 21 August 7.30pm
Final Student Concert: Saturday 23 August 2.30-4.00pm – Family and Friends welcome
24-30 AUGUST FOR INSTRUMENTALISTS AND VOCALISTS AGED 14-21 YEARS
All instruments welcome
Tutors:
Malcolm Edmonstone – Piano
Jeff Clyne – Bass
Trevor Tomkins – Drums
Alan Barnes – Woodwind
Steve Waterman – Brass
Lee Gibson – Vocals
Ursula Malewski – Theory
Rick Simpson – Vocal Accompanist and Assistant Piano Tutor
Final Student Concert: Saturday 30 August 2.30-4.00 - Family and Friends welcome
COURSE FEE EACH WEEK:
£675.00 includes tuition, accommodation in en-suite single rooms, breakfast and dinner.
If you would like to attend one of the courses, please contact us on 020 8997 4050 / 07718 424509 or info@mehrclef.com. We can send our application form as a word document so you can return it by e-mail and provide bank details for internet banking.
Warmest wishes,
Ursula and the Team
MEhr Clef
Tel +44(0)20 8997 4050
Mob +44(0)7718 424509
Fax +44(0)20 8998 5545
info@mehrclef.com
www.mehrclef.com
From: <info@mehrclef.com>
Date: 2008/7/2
Subject: MEhr Clef Summer School
To:
2nd July 2008
Dear Jazz Friends,
It's not far to go now until August and if you have not yet made arrangements for your summer holidays, why not join us for another week of exciting, intensive, exhausting and great fun Jazz at Roehampton University with the 'Dream Team' - seven of the very best tutors in the UK. There are still places available both weeks for instrumentalists (except pianists) and vocalists. Our new venue is very conveniently located in south west London, and apart from a lovely lake surrounded by a gently sloping lawn with plenty of trees for those (hopefully) long, warm summer night, the University offers:
Modern en-suite single rooms arranged in flats, each flat with its own large kitchen/sitting room
Teaching block with lecture rooms under one roof bar with tables, chairs, sofas and a large stage for nightly performances (next to teaching block) Chapel with Steinway Grand for Student and Tutor Concert Cafeteria/restaurant Nearby shops, post office, pubs, restaurants
COURSE DETAILS:
17-23 AUGUST FOR INSTRUMENTALISTS AND VOCALISTS AGED 18+ (NO UPPER AGE LIMIT)
All instruments welcome
Tutors:
Nick Weldon – Piano
Jeff Clyne – Bass
Trevor Tomkins – Drums
Alan Barnes - Woodwind
Steve Watermann – Brass
Lee Gibson – Vocals
Ursula Malewski – Theory
Rick Simpson – Vocal Accompanist and Assistant Piano Tutor
Guest tutors to be confirmed
Tutor Summer Concert: Thursday 21 August 7.30pm
Final Student Concert: Saturday 23 August 2.30-4.00pm – Family and Friends welcome
24-30 AUGUST FOR INSTRUMENTALISTS AND VOCALISTS AGED 14-21 YEARS
All instruments welcome
Tutors:
Malcolm Edmonstone – Piano
Jeff Clyne – Bass
Trevor Tomkins – Drums
Alan Barnes – Woodwind
Steve Waterman – Brass
Lee Gibson – Vocals
Ursula Malewski – Theory
Rick Simpson – Vocal Accompanist and Assistant Piano Tutor
Final Student Concert: Saturday 30 August 2.30-4.00 - Family and Friends welcome
COURSE FEE EACH WEEK:
£675.00 includes tuition, accommodation in en-suite single rooms, breakfast and dinner.
If you would like to attend one of the courses, please contact us on 020 8997 4050 / 07718 424509 or info@mehrclef.com. We can send our application form as a word document so you can return it by e-mail and provide bank details for internet banking.
Warmest wishes,
Ursula and the Team
MEhr Clef
Tel +44(0)20 8997 4050
Mob +44(0)7718 424509
Fax +44(0)20 8998 5545
info@mehrclef.com
www.mehrclef.com
John Bailey leaves the BJC
Our thanks go to John Bailey who has run the BJC almost single handed for a decade and a half. John is currently embarking on a major life change that involves him selling up and moving to the European mainland. He will move on a better player for the BJC and much missed by his many mates.
The BJC is going to be run by a new committee. More information on this Blog. The Blog will be used to enable wanabe jazz musicians to share their views on the running of the BJC and also to share advice and learning about this great music. Join it. Contribute your views to it. Bookmark it.
The BJC is going to be run by a new committee. More information on this Blog. The Blog will be used to enable wanabe jazz musicians to share their views on the running of the BJC and also to share advice and learning about this great music. Join it. Contribute your views to it. Bookmark it.
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