Tuesday 10 May WAYJO’s Northern Corridor band had the incredible experience of workshopping with jazz drummer and bandleader John Morrison.
“Engaging and inspiring the next generation of musicians, John gave his personal insights, and showed them the ropes of what it takes to play big band music like the pros. From delving deep into the nitty-gritty of balancing, shaping phrases as a unit, and creating interest and momentum in solos, to hilarious recollections of his early days with brother James Morrison, and sharing ‘the only cowbell in Australia’ with jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. John’s given them all a memorable experience they will cherish, and the valuable lessons in musicianship will stay with them forever.” – WAYJO NC Term 2 Guest Tutor, Alex Parkinson (photo by program leader, Adrian Hicks).
The eldest of the Morrison family, John has spent much of his musical life playing and recording with his younger brother James Morrison. After living in New York in the late eighties, John and James returned home to form Australia’s premier jazz big band ‘The Morrison Bros Big Bad Band’. John also has played with a variety of well-known artists including James Moody, Scott Hamilton, Richie Cole, John and Jeff Clayton, Garry Dial, Jimmy Whitherspoon, Eartha Kitt, Don Burrows, George Golla, and Bob Barnard.
WAYJO NC offers training orchestras for high school students wishing to extend themselves, and learn how to read and play various styles of music including jazz, funk, latin and rock – no audition required! Both training bands rehearse Tuesday Evening’s during school terms at St Stephen’s Music Department in Duncraig.
Semester Two registrations open Monday 27 June, and close Thursday 21 July, 2022. For more on NC visit wayjo.com/education/wayjonc
WAYJO NC is part of WAYJO’s Pathways Education Program, supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message, and our Major Partner Minderoo Foundation.
Photograph by Adrian Hicks.