Although singing has been integral to jazz from its beginnings, comparatively little research has been conducted on vocal jazz and the sounds and expressions of jazz voices. The 12th International Jazz Research Conference, entitled Jazz Voices, will focus on exactly this theme. The conference will take place from 17–20 May 2018 at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz and will be hosted by the University’s Institute for Jazz Research, in cooperation with the International Society for Jazz Research.
International researchers from different disciplines, including musicology, jazz & popular music studies, media and cultural studies, sociology, history, and American studies, are invited to submit papers addressing the conference theme from diverse perspectives and approaches.
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Purchase Tickets ONLINE Here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ellen-johnson-tickets-12979815979
Unleash your creativity in a fun, supportive and interactive environment using free vocal improvisation to activate the imagination. Using simple exercises that incorporate music, sound, language, movement, and rhythm you'll learn to be spontaneous and inventive. Creativity is important to succeed in today’s world and improvisation teaches you how to stay in the moment and adapt quickly to unexpected events. These techniques can also assist in problem solving, better communication, teamwork and cultivate leadership. Studies have determined that using these skills can turn down inhibition and crank up creativity! Open to singers of all levels, instrumentalists or anyone interested in exploring these expressive techniques to benefit their well being.
with Jason Martineau, piano
Bass & Drums, TBA
Vocalist and lyricist, Ellen Johnson has been enamored with the music of Charles Mingus having recorded six Mingus compositions with original lyrics to three of them (with permission of Sue Mingus and Jazz Workshop). Her version of “Peggy’s Blue Skylight” on her debut CD, Too Good To Title, featured alto saxophonist and frequent Mingus collaborator, Charles McPherson. Ellen has performed Mingus compositions in concert and other venues along with other jazz compositions. Ellen has also performed and/or recorded with Sheila Jordan, Bobby McFerrin, Charles McPherson, Louie Bellson, Pete Christlieb, Roy McCurdy, Billy Drummond, Larry Koonse, John Stowell, Cameron Brown, and Hugh Martin. “Superior jazz singing by an artist of the highest quality.” – Jazz Journal International
On Monday, December 3, the Jazzschool will present its 4th annual vocal scholarship fundraiser at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. Whereas in past years the focus was firmly on Murphy, his music, and his influence (the man himself was in attendance at last year's event), things will take a different turn this year when NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan will be the fundraiser's honoree. Jordan, who turns 84 on November 18, plans to be on hand to enjoy the performances of Kitty Margolis, Madeline Eastman, Ed Reed, a special video presentation by Ellen Johnson, author of the upcoming biography, "Jazz Child: The Sheila Jordan Story" and -- also serving as the evening's musical director -- Laurie Antonioli. They will be accompanied by Matt Clark on piano, John Shifflett on bass, and Jason Lewis on drums.
A performance class focusing on all aspects of jazz singing including building a repertoire, communicating with the rhythm section, phrasing, interpretation, improvisation, developing an authentic vocal sound and style, and microphone and performance techniques. Maximum enrollment: 6.
Prerequisites: phone consultation or consent of instructor.
An introductory class for singers interested in developing a jazz repertoire and learning to sing with an accompanist. Students learn to create individualized jazz charts — the sheet music in the right key — so that they can work effectively with instrumentalists. Each week, the class explores songs, styles, lyrics and delivery while listening to examples of great jazz vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Mark Murphy, Anita O’Day and others. A pianist joins the class in week three and students have the opportunity to perform in class. Some repertoire is provided and students are also welcome to bring songs of their choice. The class includes vocal warm-up exercises to promote healthy vocal technique and covers the basics of effective microphone technique.
Class limit: 8 students.
Featuring:
Ellen Johnson, vocals
Bevan Manson, piano
Brad Dutz, percussion
Rick Shaw, bass
The Wahya Consort makes their debut with a premiere of, "Mingus and Beyond." The name "Wahya," Cherokee for wolf, was specifically chosen by the group to represent the extraordinary beauty and expressions of nature through their musical compositions that focus on original, creative and improvised music with elements of jazz, classical, and world music.
The Consort, in support of the Ojai Music Festival occurring the same day, is providing a discount for their concert to people attending the June 12th performances of composer and conductor Maria Schneider's 18-piece big band and the world premiere of "Winter Morning Walks" with soprano, Dawn Upshaw.
Featuring
Sheila Jordan
 & Ellen Johnson
Alan Pasqua, piano
Peter Erskine, drums
Darek Oles, bass
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