Riverhead - Thanks to support
from the Jazz Foundation of America, the East End
Arts Council will continue to hold monthly Jazz Improv
sessions with master jazz artists Billy Johnson and Teddy
Charles, with the next session scheduled for Thursday June
17 from 7-8:30 PM in Riverhead. Upcoming summer sessions
are Thursday July 8, and Thursday August 12, both from
7-8:30 PM.
Sessions are "living room style", held
upstairs in the Arts Council's Carriage House studio. Each
meeting will focus on interactively informing and educating
participants in all aspects of jazz, and the audience is
encouraged to bring instruments and join in, as many
have been doing. Even if you don't play, but just enjoy
listening to and learning about Jazz music, this is a great
opportunity. What is so unique about this Improv clinic, as
Billy Johnson states, is that it's not a classroom it is "a
chance to work on the music the way jazz musicians used to
learn - by playing together in an informal, comfortable
setting - letting the music develop naturally, by bouncing
ideas off one another."
There is a nominal fee of $10, payable at the
door, to attend. Sessions are free for East End Arts
Ccouncil members and current music students of the EEAC
School of the Arts. For additional information call 631.
369. 2171 or visit
www.eastendarts.org.
Billy Johnson, bass player,
was born during the golden age of jazz in Milwaukee to
legendary local performer, William �Scat� Johnson. As soon
as he was old enough, Bill accompanied his father to gigs at
historic Bronzeville and Milwaukee clubs. Being thoroughly
immersed in music from infancy, it was only natural for him
to go on to Wisconsin Conservatory College of Music where he
attended from 1974-1978. In 1979 Billy migrated to New York
City where he climbed the competitive ranks of the New York
City Jazz scene while studying with such jazz greats as Ron
Carter, Richard Davis, Buster Williams, Cecil McBee and
Rufus Reid. At this time Billy received a full scholarship
to attend at Long Island University where he was later named
as Bass and Jazz Combo Instructor. While working as a street
musician in NYC Billy was noticed by singer, Abbey Lincoln.
His residency with Lincoln�s band, accompanied by hard work
and determination paved the way to touring with Lionel
Hampton and Illinois Jaquet, with whom he played with at the
1993 Presidential Inaugural Ball. He toured worldwide with
Arthur Taylor (Taylor�s Wailers) as well as with other
greats such as Abraham Burton, Marc Carey, Charles Davis,
Wallace Roney and the Geri Allen Trio. Billy�s love of jazz
has led him to share his experiences and skills with the
community by teaching and performing in local schools,
theatres and churches.
Teddy Charles is considered
one of the great jazz vibraphonists and composers of all
time, playing with such jazz legends as Charlie Mingus,
Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. As a student at Julliard in
the mid 40s, he haunted New York's jazz clubs, occasionally
sitting in with the bands on vibes or piano. His break came
unexpectedly one night when he was asked to sit in on piano
with Coleman Hawkin's band for the overdue Thelonious Monk.
Soon after, Charles began to appear regularly with the top
jazz groups of the day, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Buddy De
Franco, playing alongside and writing for such jazz stars as
Coltrane, Parker, Max Roach and Miles Davis. He recently
appeared with Max Roach, David Amram, Lee Konitz. In the
early 1950s he began leading his own groups, composing,
producing and recording original works such as No More
Nights, Blues Become Elektra and Word from Bird.
For more information contact the School of
the Arts at
631. 369. 2171 or email us at:
education@eastendarts.org
East End Arts Council,
established in 1972, is a 501(c)3