Ok here's a quick summary of what was most helpful from the workshops,
1.Aya Sekine
She gave a very quick brief on the history of jazz and started to emphasize on the importance of groove. I only found out that when you snap fingers and count (in jazz) it is usually - 1 snap 3 snap instead of snap 2 snap 4. which means the snaps are usually the 2 and the 4 in a 4 beat bar. Hence, you will find it becomes a lot more groovy when you count the 2, 4 as compared to eg tradiional japanese songs where u clap hands to the 1 and 3.
Improvisation tip was that it is not always necessary to get too caught up in filling up space with too many notes. One can improvise with 1 or 2 or even 3 notes for a start.
2. Alvin
HE emphazized a lot on the use of the metronome (invest in a good one , sell your cymbal if you have to) and to really slow down eg 50 bpm so that one can really identify all the sub beats eg semi and demisemi quavers and if you don't , then you could end up with 2 people having 2 diff grooves when they think they are playing the same .
Work on rudiments esp the single stroke, double stroke, single paradiddle and flams
Of course, he encouraged drummers to practise any pattern for long periods to develop stamina instead of just nailing a fill and moving to the next with the assumption that it's all mastered. He added that we should pick those fills/patterns of our idols and be motivated to practise them and build up an arsenal of ideas.
he's got a thing for Dave Weckl hoho (too obvious) I think he's great too btw.
3. Lily and Mong
They did the Corinne bailey Ray song Put your records on real well with a little help from Roy on guitars.
They emphasized on listening to the band and being sensitive to volume when u are doing harmony vs lead.
Lily talked a lot about showmanship and confidence and how the audience appreciates a frontman who is willing to entertain and not be shy. Do scales to work on yr high and low range and appreciate that everyone has their own range to make themost of.
Mong talked about how classical vs pop is about having a round tone that blends vs a more forward edgier tone and that rest is the best thing you can do to your voice.Know your voice and avoid foods/drinks that affect its performance.
4. Roy
Roy dwelled a bit on composition/improv ideas. eg you start with the basic motif in the 1st verse then play a higher variant of it in the second verse escalating to a 'high' in the chorus ad that this is what i usually anticipated by the listener in formula pop.
Also think about your desirred tone, volume control, note choice and other factors in your playing.
He showed improv ideas on the progression of C Am F G playing only white notes and how you can begin by just using the 3 notes of the appropriate chord and moving on to all the notes of the scale
5. Don
He played 2 of his songs with Alvin and Roy. Very tasteful and talked a bit about production. How it is very convenient to do a basic recording with just an audio interface and a DAW. That whoever who finances the song project gets to keep the master copy. That it's easy to contact producers with yr demos these days via internet.
6.Addy
He encourages guitarists to slow down the tempo during practise to build muscle memory and focus on accuracy and that speed will naturaly come later. Listen to a variety of musicians and not just your favourite ones . Perform a good soundcheck by playing through a song and listen out for the balance and appreciating if everyone can hear themselves and each other.
Importantly, to stay humble, remember family values, respect yr elders, that music is not the be all and end all and to always learn and share with each other.
He and his band played 2 songs from his album. awesome stuff.
All in all, a good opportunity to be acquainted with local musicians and taking away some ideas from the session. Since the industry is so small, why not stay close and be like a happy small family. We can only learn rely on and support one another.
Thanks Alvin, Lets have more of these soon!
96714402
helmy_74@yahoo.com