Author: kmani

This year’s jazz workshop was a unique experience to say the least. Here are my biggest takeaways:

Not as brutal

Back to back days from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. sounds dreadful on paper. Turns out, I’m not being crammed information like my anxiety said I would.

There is a lot of valuable knowledge to acquire about jazz and journalism. Our instructors made great use of the time we had by teaching us a lot without intensifying or boring anything.

Newfound love

With a new understanding of its history, jazz has become an art form I can truly appreciate.

Here, you’re surrounded by those seeking the same appreciation, as well as cats who’ve been playing for years. This workshop can really bring that feeling out.

From intricate to simple, rhythmic to Cecil Taylor, jazz has it all.

Live music

The live music on a nightly basis is phenomenal. You get to see how talented these musicians are with your own eyes, and even dance a little if you feel like it.

Sometimes, I get so used to hearing music on my phone that it isn’t as interesting to me. Jazz workshop reminded me of the essence of music through various stylistically different performances.

Meeting people

There are people from all around the world that came here, literally. A good amount of locals participate as well.

Getting a chance to sit down and connect with a few people over music and even general interests is priceless to me.

The jazz workshop is an open field of opportunity, perspective, and relationships waiting to be explored.

This year’s jazz workshop hosts many talented musicians with a variety of backgrounds. Among those musicians is passionate guitarist Ian Gadow from Wilmington, North Carolina.

A UNC Student

Ian is a rising senior here at UNC. As he studies under an information science major, Ian is involved in the music scene through classes and consideration of a music minor.

Music Production, guitar lessons, Rap Lab, and Jazz Workshop are all under his belt for classes he has taken at UNC. Ian is also looking forward to the beat-making lab, which he has signed up for next semester.

Why Jazz Workshop?

Ian seeks the experiential education credit for his degree. He found that this class is a perfect fit. In 8th grade, he first picked up an upright bass to play for his school’s band. A year later, Ian moved to an electric bass and shortly after, developed more of an interest in the electric guitar.

“I chose jazz workshop to be out of my comfort zone,” Ian says as this will be his first time performing on stage with a guitar. The hours of practice have been taxing for him, especially since this is also his first time playing jazz.

Ian says this workshop has been challenging, yet inspiring for him. “Having the resources and being able to go and talk to all of these very talented musicians, there’s no greater opportunity to do that.”

After hearing Ian jam out during Monday’s sessions, I can tell he is up for the challenge. Ian has been studying hard for Friday’s performance and says he feels both “excited and nervous.”

Musical Influences

Ian has heavy metal to thank for picking up the guitar. “I’m a huge Steve Vai fan” he says. The first song Ian began learning was “For the Love of God,” the seventh track on Vai’s 1990 album, “Passion and Warfare.”

“I love Yngwie Malmsteen.” Both are former members of the heavy metal band Alcatrazz who despite not having much commercial success, left an astounding musical legacy.

It is George Benson and Eric Gale who really got him into jazz. Ian is quite fond of the progressive jazz style of play.

Forthcoming

Ian is looking forward to mastering his musical craft and eventually being able to produce and mix his own beats. He says his favorite styles of production is rap, being a fan of Three 6 Mafia and J Dilla.

J Dilla is a jazz-influenced producer most prominent in the mid-1990s. “Dilla brought in that jazzy swing to rap,” Ian says as we discuss some of our favorite contributions to hip-hop. In the near future, he will have his own style of production, fused with the many genres and artists he appreciates.

For now, Ian prepares for the student concert on Friday, which Jazz workshop participants have been practicing all week for. It is an honor being alongside such talented musicians as we eagerly anticipate their performance.

Follow Ian Gadow at https://www.instagram.com/ian_gadow/

Al Strong, Rahsaan Barber, Roland Barber, Stephen Anderson, Jason Foureman, and Kobie Watkins performed for us in the elegant Moeser Auditorium. There was much talent to look forward to, most of which being a part of UNC’s faculty. 

One performer I was particularly excited for was 2x grammy-nominated trumpeter, Al Strong. Strong has an extensive discography embodied by his own unique sound. Another is guest trombonist, Roland Barber, a prolific performer and composer having worked with Lauryn Hill, Chaka Khan, and many others.

Before the show, Dr. Anderson prefaced us with Al Strong’s attention to detail when it comes to writing music. This was displayed in the intricate, yet harmonious performance about one hundred of us witnessed that night.

You could both hear and see that each instrumentalist played with immense passion. Strong played while scrunching his face almost the entire night, so you know he was focused and almost unable to miss a note. Roland and Rahsaan Barber played their brass instruments with dirty, soulful bends. You would think Anderson and Foureman’s fingers were cramping by the end of the show by how fast they played their piano and bass, respectively.

The highlight of the night for me was seeing Kobie Watkins absolutely shred the drum set. This world-renowned Jazz drummer is known as “Swing Master” and that night I found out why. Every hit was precise, exactly where he wanted it. It seemed effortless to him as he awed the crowd with his smiles and expressions. When Watkins is really in his zone, he does this thing where he tilts his head up and gazes as if he is letting a drummer’s spirit take over and play for him.

Monday night at Moeser Auditorium, I gained a true appreciation for Jazz. The energy and emotion that artists pour into their instruments is truly infectious.

 

https://rolandbarber.com/

https://www.levasmusic.com/

https://scjazz.org/sc-jazz-masterworks-ensemble/members/kobie-watkins