Jazz is a conversational music at its very core. It’s communal – no matter what age. Most pivotal innovations were born out of jam sessions.
Voices of Tomorrow is a Jazz Singers’ Jam Night and Brisbane Jazz Club initiative for young emerging artists – both vocalists and instrumentalists.
What to expect? A professional trio – Kellee Green Trio plus Ingrid James as host, 10-20 young artists, professional sound, lights, and a really supportive audience at the iconic Brisbane Jazz Club.
Back in the early 1900’s, there was a strong call and response aspect of jazz.
Think of storytelling – start with an idea which develops, depending on who you are playing with, and negotiate your own sense of how you want to communicate on the night. Take turns playing solos, learn how to listen to each other, test what you already know in a real-life concert situation (from woodshedding to the bandstand), are all ways of developing your artistry. This embodies the essence of the jazz jam community today and jazz education would not be complete without it.
If you are thinking “I’m not good enough to play at a jam session!” – think again. Everyone is in the same boat. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about sharing your stories through your voice/instrument with other like-minded artists who had to also start somewhere. Think about sharing with friends, family and a supportive audience. Think about letting us get to know you, and your journey.
In this safe space, you will meet other like-minded young artists from different schools, and you have a chance to build up a following as well. With a professional trio playing on the night, you can either sit in as an instrumentalist, play with other peers, or just front the group as vocalist or instrumentalist. The choice is yours. If you are interested in performing at one of these nights, please ask your teacher, parent, guardian or school to contact brisbanevocaljazzfestival@gmail.com
