Tuesdays 5:30 - 7 pm 9/19 - 12/5 (11 weeks) no class 11/21

Singing a standard as written is the first step when learning a tune, but to be a jazz performer, a singer must improvise! Improvisation can be everything from creative phrasing to interpreting the lyric in a personal way. In this class, you’ll be coached on improvising with the lyrics and/or soloing like a horn. This is a fun, encouraging, and informative class to work on songs of your choice while getting comfortable on the stage in preparation for a performance at the end of the term.

Prerequisites: participants should have some previous vocal jazz experience. This course is designed for intermediate to advanced singers interested in refining their performance skills.

Please note: This class culminates in a performance in the final week of the term (week 11). All Jazzschool student performances are free and open to the public! Please confirm your availability for the performance date (the week 11 class meeting date) before finalizing your registration in this class.

About Azure McCall

Hawaii’s first lady of jazz is a multi-award-winning vocalist. She is heir to the vocal tradition of Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae and Ella Fitzgerald. Her warmth and sense of humor fuel every interpretation. After releasing her first CD ‘Body and Soul’ she was asked by the great bassist Ray Brown to be his vocalist on tour. Of course, she accepted, beginning an incredible jazz journey – school was in! Soon after, Azure became the first singer to work with Freddie Hubbard’s band. Additional collaborators include Frank Morgan, Tennyson Stephens, Joe Lovano, Geoffrey Keezer, Curtis Lundy, Dizzy Gillespie and many more. In 2008, President Barack Obama asked her to perform at his pre-election party. “That’s why he won,” Azure says (smiling). Azure became the ‘jazz diva’ for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruises. She has traveled to more than 50 countries.