From the audience, a great performance comes across like a seamless miracle. If you could get the performer's commentary on what he does, though, you'd learn that each combines theory, technique and tricks of the trade with his talent in a totally individual way - and that's what students and fans have the opportunity to discover in an intimate series of workshops scheduled at Iridium, 1650 Broadway at 51st Street in Midtown Manhattan.
“We have percussionists Giovanni Hidalgo and Candido, bassists Richard Davis and Eddie Gomez, guitarists John Abercrombie and Pat Martino, drummers Lenny White and Billy Cobham and other legendary artists in the series," says Charles Carlini, organizer of the workshops. “Some of these performers don't normally teach at all, and others rarely come to New York City. So it's a rare opportunity to learn at the feet of the giants."
The series will be launched by Puerto Rican percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo who is widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest congueros. An unrivaled performer whose skill and technique is admired by percussionists around the world, Giovanni combines the flavors of Latin and Jazz with his own unique style. Giovanni has performed with the likes of Dave Valentin, Eddie Palmieri, Paquito d'Rivera and Carlos Santana. He has also traveled all over the world with Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie and Planet Drum, a percussion ensemble led by former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart. At a typical workshop, the visiting artist performs for a bit, discusses the theory and technique in his performance, invites a member of the audience to play and offers feedback and help with style and execution. Throughout, he answers questions from workshop participants. Because of the access and interchange available in the sessions, students “have a treasure in this series," says critic Gary Giddins.
The workshops take place at Iridium on select Saturdays or Sundays from 12 noon - 2 pm. Since space is limited to 50 people, pre-registration is advised. Each workshop costs $39 if prepaid, or $49 at the door, with a discount for multiple workshops. Anyone can receive a schedule of upcoming workshops by calling (212) 714-7722.
“We have percussionists Giovanni Hidalgo and Candido, bassists Richard Davis and Eddie Gomez, guitarists John Abercrombie and Pat Martino, drummers Lenny White and Billy Cobham and other legendary artists in the series," says Charles Carlini, organizer of the workshops. “Some of these performers don't normally teach at all, and others rarely come to New York City. So it's a rare opportunity to learn at the feet of the giants."
The series will be launched by Puerto Rican percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo who is widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest congueros. An unrivaled performer whose skill and technique is admired by percussionists around the world, Giovanni combines the flavors of Latin and Jazz with his own unique style. Giovanni has performed with the likes of Dave Valentin, Eddie Palmieri, Paquito d'Rivera and Carlos Santana. He has also traveled all over the world with Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie and Planet Drum, a percussion ensemble led by former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart. At a typical workshop, the visiting artist performs for a bit, discusses the theory and technique in his performance, invites a member of the audience to play and offers feedback and help with style and execution. Throughout, he answers questions from workshop participants. Because of the access and interchange available in the sessions, students “have a treasure in this series," says critic Gary Giddins.
The workshops take place at Iridium on select Saturdays or Sundays from 12 noon - 2 pm. Since space is limited to 50 people, pre-registration is advised. Each workshop costs $39 if prepaid, or $49 at the door, with a discount for multiple workshops. Anyone can receive a schedule of upcoming workshops by calling (212) 714-7722.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
