The Jazz
Workshop takes place every Monday night from 8 p.m. and there is always a sound
system, and a rhythm section of piano, bass and drums ready and set up by 8
p.m.
Guest rhythm
section players are invited to make use of these instruments.
There is
also usually at least one experienced horn in attendance, to give novice
musicians some guidance in ensemble playing, although we do not actually
provide any musical instruction. We also have a large selection of ‘fake books’
available.
From 8 p.m.
to about 9 p.m. the time is normally reserved for beginners, and less
experienced players to ‘have a go’, and from then on more experienced players
usually join in, forming appropriate line-ups under the direction of Derek
Mander, our leader and piano player.
For drummers,
(and other instrumentalists if they duplicate each other), we operate a “rule
of three”, - play three numbers and then let the next person waiting play - to
ensure that everyone gets a fair turn.
The kind of
jazz played at the workshop could be described as modern/mainstream, based on
‘standards’, but we have had musicians from all spectrums of jazz attending,
and playing together very successfully.
Musicians
and listeners are invited to simply turn up on a Monday night, or please call
us for more information on 01494-771200 or email us on ‘info’ at jazzworkshop
.org. uk.