Cabaret with Deian McBryde!

Deian McBryde is a ladies' man. We mean, a self-confident, approachable man women enjoy being around. Guys like him, too. What is it about Deian that speaks to us? Charisma. The man’s got charm for days. So much charm (and guts and talent) that he’s parlayed his skills into an international singing career. A self-proclaimed, “Sonic Smoothie,” Deian has entertained in the US, Canada, Europe, Russia and Australia as a solo artist and with his little jazz band, The Pretty Girl Orchestra. Now Deian honors us by offering a brand new class at New Mexico Jazz Workshop. If you’ve ever wanted to sing loud and proud, then consider taking Deian’s NMJW class, Cabaret! which starts Monday, March 22 at 6:30pm. We caught up with Deian to talk about the class, about the art of cabaret, and singin’ to the cheap seats.

NMJW: So, what draws you to cabaret? What about this performance style attracts you?

DMc: I'm really drawn to narrative and interpretation. Cabaret is a unique form because, unlike musical theatre, the stories are very personal -- even if you are in "character." This isn't about you acting like anyone other than being more fully yourself, and offering your wisdom and vulnerabilities to the audience. When a cabaret artist is really present to what's happening (something I call, "Being in The Room") people pay attention. Maybe it helps them make sense of the world, in the case of very political cabaret, or maybe it helps them feel the empathy of someone sharing their experience. In cabaret, the drama and the humor are personal and practical to the human experience. I've done a lot of singing from concerts to nightclubs -- the times I've made them laugh hardest and cry deepest have all been in a cabaret.

NMJW: Who are some of your influences, and why?

DMc: It's not completely true but I generally "quote" my mother who "said," "Sing so the people in the cheap seats can hear you!" That's actually not at all true; she never said that and I just made it up. But, true story, when I was a kid and wanted to be one of the Carol Burnett Dancers, she said, "Well, they're not picking people from Mars for those jobs; it's just people like you me." That bit of advice has given me WAY more courage than my talent justifies. Creatively, I'm inspired by the cabaret legend, Julie Wilson, who rode the subway with me one day and said, "I never let anyone tell me how to sing my songs -- that's my only job."

NMJW: Tell us about the experiences with this art form?

DMc: I performed in cabarets in New York for a number of years. Eighty-Eights, The Duplex, Don't Tell Mama... a lot of them. I actually got "medium popular" on the scene but there was always a disconnect between me and the cabaret community in New York because I just wanted to "do my job" as Julie said. So, I did them alone with just a pianist. I didn't hire musical directors, acting coaches, choreographers and a fleet of people eager to take my limited cash -- that always just felt WAY to dilettante for me. But, things did take off when I took my 2nd trip to Australia to perform in the Melbourne Fringe Festival. I created a character (students will hear ALL about that!) and did a nightclub act based on this other life. To everyone's surprise (meaning, me) we won the Melbourne Fringe Festival Prize for Musical Direction that year... and the year after that, too! I ended up performing sold-out rooms in Melbourne and Adelaide, and slightly smaller houses in Sydney for which I am still NOT bitter. I learned from this series to never underestimate the power of a good story to move people deeply and profoundly, with grace and humor. I also sang a cabaret in the middle of a Russian Rave party in St. Petersburg a few years ago -- the kids all stopped everything to watch, listen and cheer. That taught me that a good story lives in your bones, not always in your words.

NMJW: How do you apply cabaret to "modern" music? What are some "modern" examples of the style?

DMc: Well... I dunno. I think cabaret requires a point, a purpose of some sort. I don't agree that it's a night of show tunes strung together with stories about the good old days. But I also don't think it's anything you do in a small room with a two-drink minimum. There are a lot of people doing interesting stuff, especially overseas in Australia. I don't know why but they're just funnier and less self-absorbed about it. I like a cabaret that moves me around through emotions. Too much sweet music is like too much candy on Halloween. So, New York cabaret doesn't inspire me anymore, not at the moment. I want to see funny, bawdy, poignant and beautiful work -- not just hear beautiful singing. In fact, I think that's one thing that makes cabaret AMAZING -- you don't have to be the world's best soprano or loudest tenor to have an impact in cabaret. You just have to have something to say.

NMJW: What can people expect to experience in your class?

DMc: We'll have a mix of singing and non-singing activities. I won't be critiquing the singing (much!). Mostly, I'm interested in helping people draw out their stories and tell them in compelling ways. I'm eager to help them tap into their own charisma and sense of stagecraft to make it happen within the length of a song. I think we'll be pushing some boundaries and creativity buttons (but all safely) and I think we're going to have a lot of fun!

NMJW: (Anything you want to say about the class, the style the work??)

DMc: Please only sign up if you want to work, learn, take risks, grow and transform your life. How's that for subtle?

NMJW: Thanks, Deian!

DMc: Thank you, Marya!

Cabaret! Instructor: Deian McBryde Mondays, starting March 22 through April 26th $90 General $75 NMJW members (and APS teachers) For more information check our website:

www.nmjazz.org

Jazz Camp 2010!

Summer is on the way! Get your kid signed up for Jazz Camp TODAY!

March is the unofficial beginning of the parental quest to find the right summer camp that best fits the budget and the child. Jazz Camp, now in its sixteenth year, is one of New Mexico’s premier summer education programs, and a mainstay for many Duke City families. Jazz Camp is the solution for parents seeking an exciting arts program that not only keeps their children engaged during the summer, but offers them a well-rounded, eclectic mix of activities to nourish their creativity.

“Our Jazz Camp allows kids to explore various aspects of the creative arts,” says Maud Beenhouwer, Executive Director of New Mexico Jazz Workshop. “For parents looking to discover the budding talents of their children, Jazz Camp is an excellent opportunity.”

Parents seeking a creative opportunity for their children at a price that they can manage will find both at Jazz Camp. “The cost of camp is the same as 2009,” Beenhouwer says. “We hope that parents find our camp one of the more affordable choices, and a great value for their money.” “We also have a limited number of scholarships for families in need.”

To go to the Jazz Camp registration form, click HERE.

Jazz is in the heart

Valentine's Day LOOMS-- a ticking clock, a dripping faucet, a weighty reminder of loneliness for the lovelorn, a stress point for those who'd better get it right this year or else. Don't wait until the last minute on that, people. You know what'll happen if you do.

Maybe we all could use something soothing right now. As it's a little too early for cocktails in this time zone, enjoy the Miles Davis Quartet while you ponder what to do for your valentine:

Good luck to the love-struck!

NMJW

It's gettin' kinda KOSMIC at the Jazz Workshop

Here's the deal:

We have this new FANTASTIC series coming up called, Jazz, Deconstructed. Sure, it's not happening until Spring, but you know, why wait to blog tomorrow what you could blog about today? Anyway, with Jazz, Deconstructed, we're going into the wilds of jazz through the thickets and thorny wood. "What do you mean?" You might ask.

Hmm. . .

Watch this video of the Charleston performed by the famous Al & Leon:

Great, right? Now, watch it again. Yes again. This time with Daft Punk over-dub:

That's Jazz . . . Deconstructed. Same song, same soul,beats PERSONIFIED. Jazz, Decontructed is:Amani Malaika & Luis Guerra-- April 7th, Resonance w/Patti Littlefield & Mark Weaver-- April 14th,Joy Harjo-- April 21st, Christian Pincock-- April 28thNow, you may not know that we have had to find a new place to do our series. It's a long story,drizzled in unfortunate events,but there's a happy ending,we assure you.We love the folks at q-Staff-- their Open Eye Cafettewas the perfect place for JD. If you're curious as to know why we're moving house on this series, read this.Here's the good part: we're moving the series toThe Kosmos the newest warehouse-turned-art space, located near downtown Burque.Chances are you already know where this place is-- if you take your Sunday prayers at the Church of Beethoven.

In their own words,The Kosmos has, "breathtaking acoustics, exposed brick and wooden ceiling beams, a central location near I-40 to make The Kosmos Albuquerque's most unique arts and events venue."

We agree.

See ya there!

Evening jazz class is the new HAPPY HOUR!

Looking for a fun way to ward off the winter blues? Drag that instrument out of the closet, or grab the sheet music to a song you've always craved the confidence to sing and take a class at New Mexico Jazz Workshop. This winter NMJW introduces Cabaret! with Deian McBryde, a recent Manhattan transplant, cabaret artist and director of Nob Hill Yoga. “We're very excited about Deian,” Amani Malaika, NMJW Education Coordinator says. “Deian was also the only singer listed as one of America's "MEN WE LOVE" by Girlfriends Magazine, along with Antonio Banderas, Malaika adds. As the instructor of a course that draws out one's natural charisma, Malaika says, “Deian's the right diva for the job!”

From divas to digital music-- NMJW offers two down-and-dirty workshops in audio recording with Luis Guerra, and Larry Mitchell, two award-winning producers who take the mystery out of digital technology, offering you great tools of the trade in real time. Veteran Jazz and Blues guitarist Dan Dowling teaches a course in blues guitar, Christian Pincock leads the Community Big Band and Lewis Winn offers the standard Modern Jazz Ensemble class, with a few new twists.

Also new to NMJW is Beginning Music Theory & Ear Training with Cora Harms. This course offers a solid foundation in music theory for instrumentalists and singers alike. You may want to put that listening to work in Rodolfo Gonzalez's Latin Jazz & Improvisation class, or try singing a new tune in the Vocal Jazz class with Patty Stephens. And, don't forget Real Book Jam, where you can practice all that you've learned in class, play some sentimental favorites, and learn a few new songs, in a relaxed atmosphere. NMJW is the place to be on a cold winter's week night (Saturdays, too!)

For more information visit the website: www.nmjazz.org.

NMJW in 2010!

Hello Jazz Workshop friends!

We've been moving straight ahead with a bullet! New Mexico Jazz Stories was a GREAT success. So much so that we had a hard time keeping with with blogging about it! Tommy Gearhart, Micheal Anthony and Bobby Shew had well-attended performances at the Cooperage! We look forward to bringing you the next volume of New Mexico Jazz Stories next fall!

This fall's Yule Stuttin' was great fun, as usual! On December 5th we met at the Albuquerque Art Museum and had quite the shindig. The proceeds for the event go to our education programs, like our latest program housed at the Juvenile Detention Center was devised by the NMJW education director, Amani Malaika. Channel 13 did a little story on it last week. Here's link to the spot:

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/education/jazz-workshop-helps-at-jail

***

Can you believe it's already mid-December?? We're already in the throws of planning events and classes for 2010! Just visit our website for the latest in classes for adult and teens, as well as the music events we have planned for the coming year. Youth Orchestra begins January 17th, Adult Education classes start in mid-February. Also in February we're proud to present the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra under the Direction of Bobby Shew, featuring jazz trumpeter Scott Wendholt.

Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra

under the direction of Bobby Shew

Featuring trumpeter Scott Wendholt

February 20, 2010

El Dorado High School Performing Arts Center

8pm Tickets $15 General,

$10 Members/Students/Seniors

Here's a little something on Scott:

Trumpeter Scott Wendholt has recorded and/or worked with artists including Vincent Herring, Kenny Garrett, Cyrus Chestnut, Christian McBride, Don Braden and Bruce Barth. To his credit, Scott has been recorded on more than sixty CD's. He has received critical acclaim as a leader and 5 recordings as a leader. Much in demand on the big band scene as well, his list of credits include: The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (formerly Thad Jones/Mel Lewis), Manhattan Jazz Orchestra, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band (led by Jon Faddis), John Fedchock NY Big Band, Gotham Jazz Orachestra (Mike Holober), Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band and the Bob Mintzer Big Band.

Mr. Wendholt continues to be in demand on the playing scene as well as in the educational arena. Scott is currently on the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music as well as the Jamey Aebersold summer jazz camps. He is also in demand as a player/clinician in many colleges and various other learning institutions around the world.

You can buy your tickets online!

Buy tickets for Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra with Special Guest Scott Wendholt

See you at the AJO/Wendholt gig, and have a happy, SAFE Holiday!

That's all for now, folks. More to come!

New Mexico Jazz Stories Week Two!

Hello New Mexico Jazz Workshop friends,

We're moving STRAIGHT AHEAD with our programming this Fall! Check out our Fall/Winter brochure, The Season of Sound for a full list of events coming up for NMJW. Last week, we launched New Mexico Jazz Stories at the Cooperage. Week one featured saxophonist Glenn Kostur-- he took us back to his childhood and the first song that he learned. Along with his band for the evening (Stu MacAskie on piano, Milo Jaramillo on bass and John Bartlit on drums) Glenn performed music he loves, and several original tunes from his discography. The night was just what we wanted out of a Jazz Stories evening: memories and melodies. Here's a little snippet from the show:

On Wednesday, October 28th, we welcome Larry Mitchell to the Cooperage and New Mexico Jazz Stories.

(Photo by Karen Kuehn)

Larry Mitchell is an international solo artist, sideman, songwriter and Grammy-Winning music producer. As a solo artist, Larry has released six guitar instrumental records which met with significant critical acclaim. The albums range from mellow acoustic to scorching rock arrangements. In 1999 Larry was awarded the much coveted The San Diego Music Awards Best Pop Jazz artist and in 1986 and 1987 won the New Your City Limelight Guitar solo contest.

As a sideman, Mitchell toured as guitarist for a wide range of musical artists including: Tracy Chapman, Billy Squier, Ric Ocasek as well as being a band member of "the Crunch" (T.M Stevens Bernie Worrell, Crystal Talefero and Tony Smith) Currently Larry has been performing live with two-time Grammy-Winner Taos Pueblo Native American artist Robert Mirabal as well as the much celebrated Muskogee Creek Native American artist Joy Harjo. Larry shares song-writing credits with Steve Vai and Thomas McRocklin on the "Bad for Good" Album and with Brian Hard Groove (Public Enemy) and Bootsy Collins on the song "It Is What It Is" on Bootsy's upcoming release. .As a producer, Larry has won many production and engineering awards in various categories such as Adult contemporary, Pop, R&B, and Rap. Most recently Larry Mitchell, won a 2008 Grammy for Co-producing the album "Totemic Flute Chants" Johnny Whitehorse in the Native American category.

Larry performs at New Mexico Jazz Stories with a handful of world-class musicians. On drums is Erik Hargrove. Erik played drums for JAMES BROWN, hello. Erik drums for Bootsy Collins as well. Maud Beenhouwer, Executive Director of NMJW is wicked on bass, and though she's not one to toot her own . . . bass, Maud is an incredible performer and collaborator. Larry welcomes a few special guests to the stage to showcase his collaborations including one of the leading musicians in Native American Contemporary music today, Shelley Morningsong and folk favorite Eileen Meyer.

New Mexico Jazz Stories

an evening with some of New Mexico's finest musicians

Wednesday, October 28th @ 7pm

The Cooperage, 7220 Lomas BLVD.

Tickets are $10 general, $8 NMJW Members, Students, Seniors

For more information, call us! 505-255-9798