April 20, 2024

Next Time: Sat., 4/27, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

Who was there this past week? Jan (trumpet), Jack (trumpet), Sam (trombone), Steve H (piano, soprano), Paul (bass), Vern (accordion), Liz (vocals), JD (bass), and Matt (vocals). Tom was also there, generously donating his time, talent, and treasure to get a set of drums assembled for Workshop use. At the moment, they are in one of the closets in the basement theater where we play.

Your scribe took the first song choice accidentally by noodling around on Early Autumn (II-xxx) until it was decided that would be our starting point. Paul wanted to work on something everyone really needs to know, turning to How High The Moon (I-180). Jan was feeling all Porterish, and went with You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (II-xxx). Matt got to exercise his powers of choice and voice, singing L-O-V-E (III-252). Sam was ready with his call, All Of You (I-21). Liz opted to sing Beyond The Sea (II-40). Jack turned back time with Yesterdays (I-450). Liz grabbed another chance at the mic on Route 66 (I-xxx). Matt slowed things down on his choice of Angel Eyes (I-27). Paul got us all working on Wayne Shorter's El Gaucho (I-xxx). Matt got another swing with I Won't Dance (III-174). 

A number of people, including the rhythm section, had to head out, so the meeting dissolved at that point. 

Hope to see you next time!

--SJH

April 13, 2024

Next Time: Sat., 4/20, 11am-2pm. TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

Who was there? A reasonable cross-section of our Workshop mailing list: Steve C (piano), Sam (trombone), Jan (trumpet), Jack (trumpet), Steve H (soprano), Matt (vocals), Liz (vocals), and J.D. (bass).

We finally got rolling without a bass player, but Jan put in a call to one. Sam, as usual, called the first tune, Black Orpheus (I-49). Jack found an obscure one, Are You Real (IV-25). Matt took a vocal turn on Always (I-24). Yours truly had the privilege of the next choice, and went to Nevertheless (III-300). Steve C. pulled out a good one, Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (III-455). Matt tried out a classic which he had never sung before, When Sunny Gets Blue (I-440). Jan opted for one he's been working on, Watch What Happens (II-413). 

Back to Sam, we got his weekly surprise in Nostalgia In Times Square (I-336). Steve C. got a second opportunity, going with Don't Get Around Much Anymore (I-122). Matt was in charge of the final two tunes: East Of The Sun (III-104) and Moonlight In Vermont (III-283). By this point we had lost our bass player, who had only been able to be with us for an hour, and several others had to leave as well.

Hope to see you soon!

--SJH

April 6, 2024

 Next Time: Sat., 4/13, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

A good-sized group gathered to hone their jazz improvization skills this past weekend. Present were Sam (trombone), Jan (trumpet), Steve C (piano), Steve H (soprano), Raphael (bass), Matt (vocals), Gary (just visiting), Victoria (vocals) and, after a lengthy hiatus, Steve M (alto). 

Sam kicked off the fun with his pick of Perdido (II-311). Matt got the vocals rolling with Moonglow (II-275). Victoria took a vocal turn as well, opting for When You're Smiling (III-437). Steve C called Benny Carter's When Lights Are Low (II-421). Matt took another turn with his choice of Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (III-329). Victoria's next option was the classic All Of Me (I-20). Raphael took a gamble with the Billy Strayhorn number, Upper Manhattan Medical Group (I-426). Another vocal opportunity for the singers, Matt chose You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me (I-458), while Victoria went with St. Louis Blues (II-366). Jan surprised us all with Alright, OK, You Win (I-27). Steve M finally got a say, turning to Get Out Of Town (II-148). Matt's last pick was Moonlight Becomes You (III-281). 

Many people had to pull up stakes at 1:30, leaving no rhythm section, so the group said goodbye for another week.

Hope to see you next time!

--SJH

March 23, 2024

NO WORKSHOP Saturday March 30

NEXT TIME: Sat. 4/6, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

Personnel making an appearance

Sam (trombone), Steve C. (piano), Steve H. (alto), Raphael (bass), Jack (trumpet), John (trombone), Vern (accordion), Serdar (guitar), and Matt (vocals).

Songs attempted

Sam: Bye Bye Blackbird (II-73)

Jack: Lady Bird (I-235)

Steve H: Perdido (II-311)

Matt: Cheek to Cheek (handout)

Serdar: Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? (II-108)

Matt: Rubber Duckie (handout)

Steve C: Bye Bye Baby (III-68)

Matt: Fly Me To The Moon (II-135)

Raphael: I Could Have Danced All Night (III-156)

John: Wave (I-4xx)

Sam: Move (II-280)

Serdar: All The Things You Are (I-22)

March 16, 2024

Present: Jan (trumpet), Steve H (piano), Matt (vocals), Sam (trumpet, trombone), Jack (trumpet, Serdar (guitar)

In the notable absence of a bass player, we forged ahead with piano and guitar keeping rhythm. 

Tunes Called: 

Sam: Have You Met Miss Jones (I-172)

Matt: Nancy With The Laughing Face (III-298)

Jan: Watch What Happens (II-xxx)

Jack: It Could Happen To You (II-xxx)

Matt: The Lady Is A Tramp (III-277)

Serdar: Angel Eyes (I-28)

Jan: C'est Si Bon (I-xxx)

Matt: I'll Be Around (III-xxx)

Sam: Gone With The Wind (III-132)

Jack: My Ideal (III-292)

Matt: The Frim Fram Sauce (II-143)

Jan: Red Top (III-xxx)

Serdar: St. James Infirmary (II-xxx)

Your scribe had to pull himself away from the fun at this point. 

Hope to see you soon!

--SJH

March 9,. 2024

A happenin' group, including two newcomers, graced the Workshop this time. Present were Jan (trumpet), Matt (vocals), Gary (mandolin), Paul (bass), Victoria (vocals), Lee (bass), Jack (trumpet), Mark (piano), John (trombone), Serdar (piano), and Steve H (piano, soprano).

Your scribe was on the keys for only a couple of tunes before finding out there was another (real) paino player in attendance, and was happy to turn it over in favor of playing sax. We began with Jan's choice, You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (II-436), followed by Matt's first pick of the day, Sentimental Journey (II-343). Mark took over the piano, and we turned to John's option, September Song (II-344). Victoria got her first chance at the mic, calling I Can't Give You Anything But Love (III-xxx). Serdar got the next pick, going to Autumn Leaves (I-39). Matt's next song was L-O-V-E (III-xxx). Mark took a straight up solo, and followed it with an accompanied vocal on All Of Me (I-20). Paul got a opportunity, opting for The Girl From Ipanema (I-xxx). Victoria took another, turning to Take The A-Train (I-398). Jack got his chance with I Thought About You (II-180).

Your scribe had to pick up stakes at this juncture, but things were still in full swing at the time.

Hope to see you next time.

--SJH

March 2, 2024

Next Time: Sat. 3/9, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

Another strong showing at the Workshop for our last hoedown: Jack ()trumpet), newcomer Paul (bass), Sam (trumpet, trombone), Jan (trumpet), John (trombone, piano) Steve H (piano, soprano), Raphael (bass), newcomer Gary (mandolin).

Jan got the first call of the day, so we started with Watch What Happens (II-413). John went early trad, with Struttin' With Some Barbecue (II-372). Sam remained in the same lane with The Birth of the Blues (II-49). Jack opted for both a vocal and a trumpet solo on My Ideal (III-292). Paul thought we needed a bit of Latin, turning to Black Orpheus (I-49). Raphael reminded us of how Annie used to sing Let There Be Love (III-236). Yours truly moved the tempo back up a little, calling It's De-Lovely (III-213). Serdar finally got a chance, choosing ds (I-309). Your scribe had to pack up (as did a number of others, but a scrappy quartet was still working on John's call, Wave (I-431). How they fared after that is known only to them.

Hope to see you next time!

--SJH

February 24, 2024

Next Time: Sat. 3/2, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

Another busy Saturday at the Workshop. Joining us were Tom (drums), Jan (trumpet), Steve C. (piano), Vern (accordion), Steve H. (soprano), Sam (trumpet, trombone), Raphael (bass), John (trombone), Matt (vocals), and Lee (bass). 

The whole shindig got of to a bouncy start with Steve C.'s choice, All Of Me (I-22). Raphael found an intriguing number in 3/4, It's A Big Wide Wonderful World (III-207). Tom got the next call, My Little Suede Shoes (II-282). Matt tok his first vocal of the day, a bossa version of Berlin's Change Partners (handout). Serdar turned to some Rhythm changes with Oleo (I-309). Jan opted for a peppy version of Doxy (II-111). 

Matt took a second vocal turn, this time on I'm Beginning To See The Light (I-200). John thought it was a good idea to dip into the Parker bank, with Anthropology (I-29). Vern brought us back to some Latin with Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars (I-338). Matt called On The Street Where You Live (III-310), and agreed to give it a bit of a swingy bounce.

Sam finally got a shot, and went to Monk's Straight, No Chaser (I-380). Your scribe chose old favorite On A Slow Boat To China (III-309). Some people were packing up, but there were enough left for yours truly to fill in on the piano for Raphael's pick, Let's Face The Music And Dance (III-xxx). As your scribe was headed out the door, a handful were still working on Serdar's choice, Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?

Hope to see you next time!

February 17, 2024

Next Time: Sat., Feb. 24, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

As happened last time, some newcomers stopped in to join the fun--or rather, in one instance, someone who used to come to this same workshop when it was in its infancy. Joining regulars Steve C (piano), John (trombone), Tom (drums), Jan (trumpet), Jack (trumpet), Raphael (bass), Steve H (soprano), Serdar (guitar), and Matt (vocals), were Linda (vocals) and Lee (bass). 

Yours truly had the privilege of getting the ball rolling with John Lewis' Milano (I-272) at an easy swing. Jack picked things up slightly with Have You Met Miss Jones (I-172). Steve C. changed the mood a bit, opting for Mingus' Nostalgia In Times Square (I-xxx).

Matt kicked off the vocal rounds with a handout of How About You. Raphael filled in the space with the peculiar and tricky five-bar phrases of Gloria's Step (I-159). Linda took the mic and belted out a beautiful version of Autumn Leaves (I-39). Tom took the next one, calling Chega de Saudade (No More Blues) (I-74). Matt returned to take on East Of The Sun (III-xxx). Serdar, after weeks of waiting, finally got a chance, choosing On The Sunny Side Of The Street (III-xxx). Jan returned to a favorite, Watch What Happens (II-xxx).

Once again, your scribe had to bail out before the crew landed, but he heard that one or two other tunes were enjoyed before all was said and done.

Hope to see you next time!

--SJH

February 10, 2024

Next Time: Skip ahead to Feb. 17!

Things got very energetic at the Workshop this time out, as we had both listening guests and new participants. Joining regulars and semi-regulars Tom (drums),  Steve C (piano), Jan (trumpet), Sam (trumpet, trombone), Steve H (alto), John (trombone), Vern (accordion), Raphael (bass), Serdar (guitar), and Matt (vocals), were newcomers JD (bass), and Liz (vocals). 

Things got kicked off by Sam's pick of Billie's Bounce (II-44). Tom got the next call, My Little Suede Shoes (II-282). John opted for the semi-spiritual Moanin' (II-270). Jan went back to the bossa on Watch What Happens (II-413). Yours truly changed the tempo, going to an medium-up version of Easy To Love (I-128).

Things started to get particularly interesting when the vocals began. Matt started things off with Fly Me To The Moon (II-xxx). Liz, no stranger to the stage, took her first shot with our gang on Satin Doll (I-349). Vern took the in-between number, calling September Song (II-344), to which Matt added a vocal. Liz got another opportunity, calling Route 66, but in F rather than whatever is in the Real Book. Steve C. went right to another blues, Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West, in honor of our late friend, Carl Sandberg. Matt took us on an Ellington ride with his choice of I'm Beginning To See The Light (I-200). Liz got another call, this time All Of Me, but in C (rather than the Real Book version).

Your scribe had to leave in the middle of this last tune, though things were still cooking. 

--SJH

February 3, 2024

Next Time: Sat., 2/10, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

Another happenin' gathering this past date, with a steady crowd emerging: Jan (trumpet), Tom (drums), Steve C (piano), Steve H (soprano), Jack (trumpet), Raphael (bass), John (trombone), Sam (trumpet, trombone), Matt (vocals), and Serdar (guitar). 

Here's what we played: Jan called Girl Talk (II-151). John called The Gift! (Recado Bossa Nova) (II-154). Sam called Gone With The Wind (III-132). Matt called Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You (I-153). Jack called Stella By Starlight (I-382), and did a vocal. Matt called Unforgettable (III-xxx). Yours truly called It's De-Lovely (III-213). Steve C called Beautiful Love ((I-40). Matt called A Hundred Years From Today (handout). Raphael called Ornithology (I-317). Tom called One Note Samba (I-384). 

Your scribe had to leave before the session ended.

Hope to see you next time!

--SJH

January 27, 2024

Next Time: Sat., 2/3, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

It was another happenin' time at the Jazz Workshop as a sizeable cast of characters dropped in: Jan (trumpet), Tom (drums), Steve H (soprano), Steve C (piano), Raphael (bass), Jack (trumpet), John (trombone), Serdar (guitar), and Matt (vocals). 

We began the day with a call from Jan, who was the first to arrive, but also had to leave quite early: The Gift! (or, Recado Bossa Nova) (II-150). John got the next turn, going with It's Only A Paper Moon (II-209). Matt was ready to sing, and so we grooved on Route 66 (II-xxx). Jack changed the mood with an easygoing version of There Will Never Be Another You (I-xxx). Yours truly wanted to swing a little harder with a medium version of Witchcraft (III-452). Matt got another choice, this time handing out music for the tango Whatever Lola Wants. Steve C. also brought out a handout, this time of Star Eyes. Raphael picked up the pace a bit with Daahoud (I-xxx). Matt got another go at things with Angel Eyes (I-20).

Your scribe had to leave a little earlier than usual, but has it on good authority that the group disbanded before Tom or Serdar even got a chance to choose a tune. Apparently, they finished with a version of St. Thomas. 

See you next time!

--SJH

January 20, 2024

Doing a little catch-up here!

Who was there? Steve C (piano), Raphael (bass), Jan (trumpet), John (trombone), Jack (trumpet), Steve H (alto), Matt (vocals), and Sam (trumpet, trombone)

What was played, and who called it? Steve C: Lucky Southern (I-2xx); Raphael: Lover (II-256); Jan: Come Rain or Come Shine (II-88) as a medium swing; Matt: Bella Notte (handout) i.e., the spaghetti song from Lady and the Tramp; John: Come Fly With Me (III-80); Sam: Little Boat (I-245); Matt: In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning (I-210); Steve H: Somebody Loves Me (I-369); Jack: Angel Eyes (I-20); Matt: Polka Dots and Moonbeams (Handout: different key from Real Book).  

--SJH

January 13, 2024

Next Time: Sat., 1/20, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

Another fun time was had by the attendees at the Jazz Workshop in the Park (in the basement in the senior citizens building). Playing were Jan (trumpet), John (trombone), Jack (trumpet, recorder), Steve C (piano), Raphael (bass), Steve H (alto), Serdar (guitar), and Matt (vocals). 

Yours truly took the initiative to get things going, and opted for Nevertheless (III-300) for the opener. Jack was next in line, and chose Nancy With The Laughing Face (III-298). (Your scribe has often wondered what Nancy thought of that title.) Serdar got himself settled in time to call All Of Me (I-20). Steve C. had a handout from Book V, 'Tis Autumn. Raphael went to a second Kalmar and Ruby tune, Three Little Words (III-406). Jan got seasonal, turning to Baby, It's Cold Outside (II-28). John was feeling the need for a bit of Charlie Parker, for some reason, and pulled up the fun Billie's Bounce (II-xx). 

The cycle began again, and yours truly went to the John Lewis tune, Afternoon In Paris (I-12). Jack sang and played on his choice, I'm Old Fashioned (III-182). Serdar recognized our lack of a Latin tune, and called for How Insensitive (I-xxx). Matt, arriving when he could, asked our indulgence on Fly Me To The Moon (II-xxx). Your scribe had to go as the remaining group was getting started on Beyond the Sea for another vocal by Matt. A little bird tells me that the follow-up tune, L-O-V-E, did not go so well, but things wrapped up with St. Thomas. 

Hope to see you next time!

--SJH

January 6, 2024

Next Time: Sat., 1/13, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

The Workshop got the New Year off right with a solid group of players: Jan (trumpet), John (trombone), Jack (trumpet), Steve C (piano), Steve H (alto), Raphael (bass), Sam (trumpet, trombone), and Serdar (guitar).

Jan was the first to arrive, so he got the New Year's first pick, Fly Me To The Moon (II-xxx). John took the next call with Doxy (II-111). Sam downshifted a tad with an easygoing version of Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (II-355). Jack dropped the tempo further, opting for Candy (I-xxx). Yours Truly wanted to turn the heat up a bit while paying tribute to years past, and chose I've Found A New Baby (II-481). Serdar called All The Things You Are (I-22), with Intro also as an Outro. Steve C stayed in the same book, finding Out Of Nowhere (I-318). Raphael surprised us by not calling for anything surprising, going with There Is No Greater Love (I-406). 

Back to the beginning of the loop, Jan kicked off round two with Girl Talk (II-151). John's second choice took us in the other direction: Ornithology (I-xxx). Sam took us back to slower with Angel Eyes (I-28), though it shifted back and forth between ballad and double-time feel. 

At this point your scribe had to pull up stakes, but the group was still going strong.

Hope to see you next time!

--SJH

December 30, 2023

Next Time: Sat., 1/6, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

You'll find us in the basement theater. It is advertised in the building as the Jazz Jam. Bring your own music stand.

The number of players has picked up, and everyone seems to be enjoying it! This week we had Steve H (piano, soprano), Raphael (bass), W Rayford (drums), Jan (trumpet), John (trombone, piano), Jack (trumpet), Serdar (guitar), and Sam (trumpet, trombone) celebrating his 95th birthday.

We began with a call by yours truly, My Romance (I-265). Raphael turned the page to the little-known (by us, anyhow) Memories Of Tomorrow (I-267). Jan had the next choice, going with One Note Samba (I-314). W Rayford opted for the generally mysterious sounding Stolen Moments (I-384), but at a medium swing. John's turn brought us Dizzy Gillespie's Manteca (II-259). Sam was ready with his call, Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (II-359). Jack chose Miles Davis' Solar (I-363). Serdar wrapped up the first go-around with Alice In Wonderland (I-17). 

Your scribe had to leave quite early, during Alice, but has every reason to believe that the playing continued in his absence.

Hope to see you next time!

--SJH