Zoom Tunes & Masterclass

Zoom Tunes-
presented by the Vermont Jazz Center

Monday November 1, 2021 7:00-8:30 pm EST, special masterclass at 6 pm

ON-LINE; $15 per session

Zoom Tunes

Because indoor jam sessions with horn players and vocalists are unfeasible at this time, the Jazz Center will utilize Zoom Tunes, an online version of a jam session that is as inclusive as possible.

The format was devised and is run by VJC’s junior faculty.
For each session, participants will individually play the “tune of the month” using an inexpensive app (iReal Pro) as a source of accompaniment.

The app is a digital, play-along system with an enormous library of jazz tunes that gives musicians access to backing tracks with easy adjustments in tempo, key and feel.

The Zoom Tune for November 1, 2021 is ’Night and Day’ by Cole Porter.

Ray Gallon will present an hour-long masterclass on the music of Bud Powell starting at 6:00 pm EDT.

Using video and audio recordings, Gallon will demonstrate Powell’s significance as one of the most important bebop pianists; his legacy has impacted us all, no matter what instrument we play.

This special presentation will be followed by the customary 7:00 – 8:30 PM Zoom Tunes with Malik, Ben and Franz.

During the Zoom Tunes jam, participants will divide into breakout rooms supervised by one of the coaches. Each participant will play their own version of the given tune, either solo or along with a backing track.

After playing their interpretation of the tune, players will receive guidance and support from the other attendees and Zoom Tunes coaches, Malik McLaurine (bass), Ben Barnett (trombone) and Franz Robert (piano).

Playing the same composition and hearing the well-considered advice of friends and coaches creates a bonding experience amongst the participants.
Listening to others playing the same repertoire can be inspiring and fun and leads to a fruitful learning experience.

Singers are more than welcomed and are encouraged to use iReal Pro’s transpose feature to adjust the song’s key to suit their vocal range.