PMAC Jazz Pioneers

04/23/20 – The Jazz Pioneers is now an online class for the duration of the semester. Our final concert will feature some of the recordings we’ve been working on in class. We went online around March 22nd. We had been working out of the “Real Easy Book” 3-Horn edition. This is a great book for teaching early improvisers. 

Bag’s Groove

Our first recording project was Milt Jackson’s blues classic – Bag’s Groove. The Real Easy book has three different horn parts, background lines for solos, and shout choruses on most tunes. We have three horns, a vocalist, and a drummer so these tunes are perfect. We came up with an arrangement and a solo order and went off to our private spaces to record ourselves. Here’s where we’re currently at (I sat in on flute because one of our classmates is having issues with the whole online thang): “Bag’s Groove – 042020 Mix”

Song For My Father

Our next project was the Horace Silver classic, Song For My Father. We stuck to pretty much the same format. Merrill sings the melody a couple of times while the horns play a slightly altered second and third part. Then we’re into the solos. Here’s the most recent mix: “Song For My Father, 051230 mix.”

Groove Merchant

Next we took on Jerome Richardson’s “Groove Merchant” a funky, gospel-esque swanger. Merrill sings the melody, Marty and Tom take some solos, there’s a shout chorus and then Merrill takes us out. Groove Merchant 051320 Mix

The PMAC Jazz Pioneers is a jazz combo intended for new improvisers seeking to improve their group playing and soloing skills in a supportive atmosphere. Improvisation is highly encouraged but we’re ready to wait until you’re comfortable to take the first step. Group improv. is frequently the best way to break the ice and test the waters of musical freedom. We use the “Real Easy Book” by Sher Publishing as well as other material brought in by Matt Langley or suggested by members of the group.

Portsmouth Music and Arts Center’s mission is to build community through the arts by providing all people with the opportunity to achieve their full creative potential, regardless of their age, ability, or economic status. We accomplish this through high-quality music and visual arts education programs and by creating ensemble, performance, and exhibition opportunities for students, professionals, and audiences.

Matt Langley teaches adult and youth jazz ensembles at the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center as well as Saxophone lessons and Improvisation classes on any instrument. PMAC offers many opportunities for private lesson students to perform in recitals as soloists and in ensemble settings with their peers.