J A Z Z I M P R O V I S A T I O N
"Making it up as you go"...requires a good foundation!
In this small group class, we'll explore improvisational playing and group interplay, using jazz and blues structures and forms to create spontaneous “compositions.” We’ll work with ways to use fundamentals of rhythm, harmony and melody to improvise - challenging students both to create on their native instruments, and provide supportive accompaniment on other “rhythm section” instruments - all "without a net" of written parts or sheet music.
All ages welcome! At least one year of prior private music lessons is recommended.
In this small group class, we'll explore improvisational playing and group interplay, using jazz and blues structures and forms to create spontaneous “compositions.” We’ll work with ways to use fundamentals of rhythm, harmony and melody to improvise - challenging students both to create on their native instruments, and provide supportive accompaniment on other “rhythm section” instruments - all "without a net" of written parts or sheet music.
All ages welcome! At least one year of prior private music lessons is recommended.
I N S T R U C T O R : J U S T I N P E R D U E
Justin Perdue is a jazz guitarist and composer. His jazz guitar work ranges from jazz standards, bebop, and modal styles to purely improvisational “free jazz”.
Justin performs solo and leads the Justin Perdue Group - a cast of seasoned jazzmen including longtime collaborators bassist Jeremy Harlos and pianist/organist Ray Paczkowski, along with saxophonist Steve MacLauchlan, percussionist Carlos Velez, and drummer Daniel Scharstein. These adventurous combos delve into everything from ballads and blues to modal jazz and funky soul as we push the envelope of improvisation with their unique repertoire of my original compositions and post-bop standards. He also plays with the latin/fusion group, Mogani. Justin has played guitar professionally since the late 1980′s, appearing at venues from NYC’s Knitting Factory and Vision Festival to local clubs & Middlebury’s Town Hall theater. Over the years, Justin has recorded and performed with Arthur Brooks, the So-Called Jazz Sextet, Jack Wright, Mogani, and leading my own groups. Recordings and more info are available at www.justinperdue.com. |
After a false start with a few uninspired, non-tempered years of playing the trumpet in grade school, Justin began playing guitar at the age of 12, upon becoming completely enthralled with the Beatles. His influences soon expanded to the Who, Santana, Yes and other progressive rock, eventually giving way to fusion, then jazz and avant-garde classical music. These eclectic influences were fueled with studying classical guitar, electronic music and composition in my early teens.
Subsequently, Justin studied improvisation, performance and composition at Bennington College with trumpeters Bill Dixon and Arthur Brooks. This led to collaborations with the Middlebury College Dance Dept, eventually resulting in several residencies and tours with the dancers and the So-Called Jazz Sextet. Drawing upon these diverse experiences, he taught jazz/improv ensembles at the Gailer School, as well as guitar instruction for individual students. Along with his musical pursuits, Justin enjoys the practices of yoga and restoring vintage British sportscars (disparate pursuits, though both similarly meditative). He also works in online marketing, designing & developing websites as WebStudioPerdue.com. He lives with his wife and son (a budding pianist) in Weybridge, VT. |