Players of all instruments and abilities are welcome but some basic ability to read music and, especially in the case of rhythm players, chord knowledge is helpful.
Non playing partners are welcome and reduced rates can be arranged.
The course is essentially a "playing" course with tutored ensemble sessions. Any theory of improvisation and music will take place in this context. "Theory" sessions dealing with chord structure and other issues can be arranged at the time on a casual basis.
The course will consist on one or more bands, depending on numbers, each with a rhythm section and front line players and led by an experienced CLJazz tutor who will provide arrangements of jazz numbers in a variety of styles. All players will have the opportunity to improvise on the chord changes of the tunes.
Each band can only accommodate one each of keyboards, guitar,bass and drums and players of these instruments are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
A number of front line players can be accommodated and the bands will be organised to provide suitable balance of instrumentation and ability where possible. Please state when applying if you wish (or do not wish) to be in a particular group.
INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS
Andy is a prolific composer and arranger - although his own groups feature him on trumpet he also plays drums to an equal extent, and has performed with many big names in this capacity. Key career points include - attended Banff Summer School [1988] with tutors such as Dave Holland & Kenny Wheeler - recorded four broadcasts for the BBC's Jazz Notes programme, and three CD's as band-leader - many appearances as a session musician including the albums by Portishead and their Live in New York video - organised two tours with support from Jazz Services, and appeared at festivals such as Edinburgh, Brecon & Glastonbury - received composition commissions from Bristol Brass Consort, South West Jazz, & Jazz at the Albert - theatre work including Blues Brother, Soul Sister [Bristol Old Vic production starring Kwame Kwei Amah & Ruby Turner] & Hold On [national tour starring Peter Straker & Ruby Turner] - played on the soundtrack of the motion picture "A Good Woman" starring Helen Hunt & Scarlett Johannson. Education work - Andy has tutored for Bristol Jazz Workshops for several years, directs a community big-band for Bristol Music Service, and has acted as an external examiner for the Welsh College of Music & Drama.
Ray is a founder member of CLJazz having been involved since its conception in 1984. He runs several workshops in London, Luton and Essex and has also led the Lee Side Jazzmen for many years on trumpet.
Ray often brings unusual and interesting arrangements to Caer Llan and gives useful and informative tips about playing styles and soloing
Vocal Group
"If sheer talent
were the only ingredient needed for success in music, Brigitte
would already be up there with the stars.
She has a tremendous future to explore, one which we’ll be
watching with great expectations”.
Dame Cleo Laine and John Dankworth CBE
"Her debut album
is impressive, as one would expect
from someone who’s well and truly paid her dues”
Humphrey Lyttelton
we will be working on vocal technique,
jazz repertoire (including jazz standards and contemporary material)
and improvisation, and singing will include group singing as well
as individual singing! Also performance and mic technique
ACCOMODATION
Caer Llan house accomodates participants in shared rooms of four or six beds. There are only two double rooms. If couples wish to book when these rooms have been taken then there will an additional supplement of £30 per person to have a room which would otherwise be shared by four. There are only four single rooms at a supplement of £10 per person.
CLJazz aims to keep its courses as cheap as possible. We work on an expenses only basis, paying tutors and accommodation fees, and a very small amount goes into the CLJazz bank account to cover contingencies.
We have recently had some instances of last minute cancellations and stopped cheques when we have been committed to paying tutors and course expenses and I feel it is now necessary to install some terms and conditions as follows:
A deposit secures a place on the course or workshop and is only refundable if a cancellation is made within two weeks of the course commencing.
All deposits will be returned in the event of a course or workshop being cancelled.
The balance is payable on attendance at the course.
If a participant needs to leave, for any reason, before the course has been completed no refunds can be made since we have already committed to pay tutors and residence owners.
Every effort is made to provide the tutors and schedule as advertised but it may be necessary to substitute tutors in exceptional circumstances (such as illness) and vary the schedule according to the demands of the course/workshop when it is running.
No responsibility can be taken for instruments and equipment and participants are advised to mark all equipment with name and contact details to that it can be returned if (when) left behind!