A new jazz improv program will soon take place monthly at the East End Arts Council, with support from the Jazz Foundation of America. The program will be held at 133 East Main Street, Riverhead, in the Arts Council’s renovated, historic Carriage House building, which is located behind the gallery and school.
Jazz in the Carriage House will consist of small performances, talks, improv sessions and interactive demonstrations, all focusing on the only form of music truly rooted in American history. The program kicks off on Thursday, October 29 from 7-8:30pm when premier jazz musicians Billy Johnson and Teddy Charles, armed with upright bass and vibes respectively, will play their uniquely beautiful music, discuss the history of jazz in America and share their experiences of becoming performing jazz artists, followed by a Q & A session. To close out the evening, attendees will be encouraged to join the musicians for a session of jazz improvisation.
Subsequent sessions, will be held the 3rd Thursday of each month on an ongoing basis, and will include both demonstration and instruction in jazz techniques and improvisation. All attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their instruments. Current music students of the School of the Arts and EEAC members may attend this program at no charge. There is a nominal fee of $10 for nonmembers/students. Space is limited. Please be sure to reserve your space by contacting the School of the Arts at (631) 369- 2171 or education@eastendarts.org.
About the Jazz Artists
Billy Johnson, bass, was born during the golden age of jazz in Milwaukee to legendary local performer, William “Scat” Johnson. As soon as he was old enough, Bill accompanied his father to gigs at historic Bronzeville and Milwaukee clubs. Thoroughly immersed in music from infancy, it was only natural for him to go on to Wisconsin Conservatory College of Music where he attended from 1974-1978. In 1979 Billy migrated to New York City where he climbed the competitive ranks of the New York City Jazz scene while studying with such jazz greats as Ron Carter, Richard Davis, Buster Williams, Cecil McBee and Rufus Reid. At this time Billy received a full scholarship to attend at Long Island University, where he was later named as Bass and Jazz Combo Instructor. While working as a street musician in NYC, Billy was noticed by singer, Abbey Lincoln. His residency with Lincoln’s band, accompanied by hard work and determination paved the way to touring with Lionel Hampton and Illinois Jaquet, with whom he played at the 1992 Presidential Inaugural Ball. He toured worldwide with Arthur Taylor (Taylor’s Wailers) as well as with other greats such as Abraham Burton, Marc Carey, Charles Davis, Wallace Roney and the Geri Allen Trio. Billy’s love of jazz has led him to share his experiences and skills with the community by teaching and performing in local schools, theatres and churches.
Teddy Charles is considered one of the great jazz vibraphonists and composers of all time, playing with such jazz legends as Charlie Mingus, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. As a student at Julliard in the mid 40s, he haunted New York’s jazz clubs, occasionally sitting in with the bands on vibes or piano. His break came unexpectedly one night when he was asked to sit in on piano with Coleman Hawkin’s band for the overdue Thelonious Monk. Soon after, Charles began to appear regularly with the top jazz groups of the day, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Buddy De Franco, playing alongside and writing for such jazz stars as Coltrane, Parker, Max Roach and Miles Davis. He recently appeared with Max Roach, David Amram, Lee Konitz. In the early 1950s he began leading his own groups, composing, producing and recording original works such as No More Nights, Blues Become Elektra and Word from Bird.
About the Jazz Foundation of America
The Jazz Foundation of America is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide emergency assistance and long-term support to veteran jazz and blues musicians. Visit them online at www.jazzfoundation.org or call (212) 245-3999 for more information about their support for musicians and educational programs.
Tags: East End Arts Council, Riverhead, art & culture, learning by Nancy
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