RevRay Jazz Course - A ten session course designed to be studied in small groups with the aid of a tutor, also occasional one day Jazz Workshops.
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The next Workshop will be held at Haisthorpe Methodist Church, near Bridlington on Sat. October 17th from 10 am to 4 pm. (Download Application form here.)
Vocals Tutor - Brenda Kirk.
Brenda Kirk Her studies in Music, specialising in Voice Production, were at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales and led to Brenda becoming a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, London. Brenda began her professional career in TV, Radio and the concert platform in South Wales and the West of England, making regular appearances in ITV's 'Land of Song' with Ivor Emmanuel. She gave Leider Recitals (Brahms being a favourite) and Oratorio (her repertoire included the FaurŠ¹, Brahms and Verdi Requiems). In recent years she has made the transition from Classical to Jazz. She now specialises in Jazz/Blues singing in Jazz clubs and various functions and concerts in England and the USA. Brenda's favourite singers are Ella Fitzgerald, Ian Shaw, Eva Cassidy, Janet Baker and Thomas Hanson.
Course Administrator - Jenny Bray. (composer, music director).
Jenny studied music dance and drama at The College Of Ripon and St. John, York and music at the Juilliard School, New York USA. After following a successful career teaching and performing in the USA, Jenny returned to England in 2003. She now teaches piano and voice at her studio in Nafferton, and has been engaged as tutor and administrator on the Jazz Course.
Since returning to the UK in 2005 Jenny has appeared at the Burton Agnes Jazz Festival with Paul Baxter, Rich Hammond, Chris and Rod Mason, other venues include Hull Jazz Club, Pave, Sewerby Hall and radio broadcasts on Humberside UK and National Public Radio USA.
Course Percussion Tutor - Brian Ward.
Ray & Brian first met in 1964 when Brian was playing at the Skyline Ballroom in Hull with the Bob Grant Band. He studied under Geoff Myers who played in the Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Brian has played at many venues in Hull and district, including the Locarno Ballroom, the Birkholme Country Club, and the Westfield Club in Cottingham. He has recorded with several outfits including two albums with the RevRay Trio.
Course BassTutor - Paul Baxter.
Paul Baxter, since completing university in 2001, has been performing as a sideman and artist the length and breadth of the country. As well as running a successful Quintet performing the music of Horace Silver, which has performed at the Hull, Scarborough and Marsden jazz Festival. Paul also runs various outfits performing his own compositions traversing many different styles of music, from 'Free-Improv' to 'Afro-Cuban Jazz'. Over the last 2 years Paul has filled the bass chair in the Rockin' Swing Band 'Dominic Halpin & the Honey B's' taking to many great places around Europe and even Canada. Along with The Honey B's, Paul has had the opportunity to work on other great shows such as 'The Rat Pack' tour which culminated in a show at the Echo arena in Liverpool. Running 'York Jazz' is another of Paul's main activities and through this club he has had the privilege of playing with some of Britain's Finest musicians inc., Peter King, Steve Waterman, Alan Barnes, Mark Nightingale, Dave Cliffe, Omar Puente, Iain Dixon and many more. Paul continues to explore the world of music and has studied with Steve Berry, Zoltan Dekany, Grahame Hearn and on a recent trip to New York had the joy of studying with Boris Koslov (The Mingus Big band, Michael Brecker) and Harvie S (The Manhattan School of Music, Kenny Baron) which were truly wonderful experiences.
If you have any questions or comments concerning the course, please contact me at : (Download Application form here. Next Workshop Sat. Nov. 2nd).