Jazz in the lime light next week

Morley’s jazz department is excited to share three events taking place on 23 March from 5:00pm at the Waterloo Centre. 

The events that will be taking place are: 

• Jazz Workshop with Simon Purcell, 
• ‘Sing for Self-Confidence’ Workshop with MOBO award winner Zara McFarlane 
• and a performance from Simon Purcell’s Trio.  

This is a brilliant opportunity for Jazz enthusiasts to learn in a workshop setting with Simon Purcell or Zara McFarlane, with the opportunity then to hear Purcell’s trio at work. 

Simon Purcell: workshop and performance 

Internationally acclaimed pianist and educator Simon Purcell came to prominence during the UK jazz boom of the 1980s through his band ‘Jazz Train’ (with Martin Speake, Cleveland Watkiss et al), a quartet with Julian Arguelles and numerous appearances with visiting American artists (such as Red Rodney, Kenny Wheeler, Eddie Henderson, Jean Toussaint, Valerie Ponomarev, Dale Barlow, Bobby Shew, Conrad Erwig) at London’s Bass Clef club and occasional weeks at Ronnie Scott’s.  

His quintet “Red Circle” with Julian Siegel, Chris Batchelor, Steve Watts and Gene Calderazzo recently appeared at Ronnie Scott’s club and the CD “Red Circle” has received widespread acclaim.  

Simon’s workshop for Morley will discuss strategies to enhance your improvisation skills and your approach to learning, and the following performance will feature Purcell on the piano, Morley’s Flavio Li Vigni on drums and Amy Baldwin on double bass. 

• “Playing credits of top drawer” – Financial Times!  
• “One of the jazz CDs of the year” – Mobo magazine  
• “Favourite CD of the year” – allaboutjazz.com 

Sing for self-confidence with Zara McFarlane 

Morley is welcoming Zara McFarlane to host a workshop for female non-singers and beginners. This workshop will focus on presentation skills, communication skills, self confidence and self expression through the art of singing.  

During this workshop participants will  

• Be introduced to the first 3 steps of Zara’s 7 step vocal coach method 
• Learn how to use their stance to command attention in the room 
• Learn how to use breath to connect with self, relieve anxiety and project the voice 
• Explore ‘voice of sound’ and how tone and dynamics create different emotional impact 
• Learn a vocal riff and song together 

Click here to book your ticket to the workshop.

Coming up in the Jazz world at Morley 

From May 2024, Morley College presents its 4th Jazz series featuring British jazz icons alongside emerging talents as they grace our stage. Stay tuned for the unveiling of our new programme and artist in residence.  

Save the dates May 3rd, 10th, and 17th, for an unforgettable journey through the heart of jazz.