Hi all

Last Tuesday Mark Bassey was with us and the time was spent on Walking Shoes by Gerry Mulligan.

It has an interesting chord sequence to solo over and slightly tricky rhythms in the melody.

Then we did Mini Minor a tune written by one time Sussex Jazz Orchestra leader Ian Hamer which is a minor Blues.

And Mark is now the new Leader for the above mentioned orchestra.

So all in all a great time was had by all.

This Tuesday we have the return of Sax Dave Black which will be another night not to be missed so please come and join us.

Here are some thoughts on one's progress.  In past times there were a lot more places to play and a large number of musicians playing seven days a week in Clubs Pubs and large hotels etc.  Sadly those days are gone so now we tend practice a lot at home by ourselves which is important of course but jazz is not in the main a solitary experience I know there is great solo pianist but most jazz is played in a group interacting with others.

 To really improve we need to play with others often as we can to apply what we have been practicing at home.  So by coming along to the co-op evenings it is a big opportunity to do the above.

 As each week is a different experience with each tutor bringing another way of looking at things and playing different styles of music?

Also some tutors let us have the music in advance others don't normally because they are busy... but this should not stop you from coming along because it is a great learning curve to play something new and sight unseen which is very good for improving your reading and improvising skills.

So I expect to see a queue around Seven Dials every week.

 Andre