Aebersold Summer workshops '09

[Chris Fitzgerald]

[blog]

We had a really fun year. The faculty gang was all there: Rufus, Lynn Seaton, John Goldsby, Daivd Friesen, Bill Moring, Franks Smith, J.B. Dyas, Bob Sinicrope, and Rich Armandi. There were a lot of great students and a lot of good hangs. John Goldsby borrowed my office bass and left a set of Weichs on it which I will probably eventually replace one by one with Evahs.

Did I mention I saw a lot of Evah's? I played at least three student basses with them on them (no evah weichs, though), and the two with higher action (get to da choppa!!! do it NOW!!!) felt and sounded great to me. I also got to play a bunch of nice basses, each one with its own particular vibe. I caught great sets by Rufus, Lynn, and John (among many others) from the front row, and got to hear a lot of faculty bass/drum combinations, which is always interesting. Without getting into specific names, its always interesting how different "all star" lineups function, and how other groups made up of lesser known players can sound just as good or better when they're all on board with the group concept. Always a lesson there.

My combos in both weeks were full of people who came hungry to learn, and who learned to work together quickly. The group the second week went to some pretty amazing places considering where they started, but both groups did great.

There were some amazing players of all instruments among the students, and a couple of bass players who, if they stick with it, are gonna be monsters. And speaking of monsters, I got to play the second week with guitarist Corey Christiansen, who, in addition to being a great afficianado of obscure Chuck Norris jokes and a tireless goofball, is an absolutely *great* player. When Vic Juris goes to bed each night, he checks his closet for Corey Christiansen.


I also met some TBers in the flesh. Unfortunately, I remember their real names but not their handles, and don't want to give anybody's anonymity away, but they were all gentlemen and good young musicians getting better all the time. All in all, it was big fun and a breath of fresh air to hear all of that great music.

[/blog]

[ole Jason]

Ahhh I should have taken the week off from work!

[Treyzer]

Thanks Chris for the update. It sounds like a great time was had by all. I'm sure even an old dog like me would enjoy a jazz camp like this one!

All the Best

T

[Jake deVilliers]

Sounds idyllic DURRL.

I've taught at the BC Bluegrass Workshop and its very affirming, just as you describe it. The students blow you away with their capacity to absorb and the late night jams with great players like Tony Trischka and Emory Lester rekindle the flame. Its a terrific experience.