JATH2008

A rare and unique program that transformed the student participants.

When the first big band arrived in NY, made their way to the rehearsal studios, and began to set up for their first meeting with Jon Faddis, it was apparent that they didn’t know what they were in store for. True to form, Faddis arrived and immediately put them at ease - setting the stage for what could be the most musically productive day of their lives.

Just within the first day of their residency, each student spent six hours with Faddis, five hours with Kenny Washington, and three hours with Ralph Lalama. By day two, the rehearsals had set their own groove, and even included a surprise visit by the great James Moody!

The Transformation

It was mid afternoon on day three - the rehearsal was being led by Artistic Director Rob Derke - and it was the first time putting together the big band with Lalama’s solo sections. This could not have been the same band as the day prior. Relaxed, swingin’, tuned in to the inner voicings in the horn parts. Everything coming together and making room for a new level of maturity seen in bands of the highest level.

Students experience Lieb

On day four, students were treated to an inspiring improv masterclass given by Dave Liebman, a true genius of both saxophone and improvisation. Combining a historical reference through the music of Lester Young and Lenny Tristano with his eye toward the future in creating an individual voice, Liebman imparted his approach on the students - giving them much food for thought in how they might approach their solos the following night on stage at Town Hall.

Performance

On the fifth night of the residency it was time to give an audience a taste of a somewhat long lost tradition in Jazz. These up and coming students had rehearsed with the same masters that they now shared the stage with. Their energy level was at an all time high, yet Faddis had a relaxed confidence that put the students’ focus right in the moment. Solo sections were open and members of the big bands were trading solos with their heroes on the most important stage in NY Jazz history.