All that Jazz in July: UMass program celebrates jazz improvisation for 27th year

By SOLMAAZ YAZDIHA Bulletin Contributing Writer

Published on July 04, 2008

As ambiguous as love or joy, jazz means so many things to so many people. For Mark Baszak, administrative director of Jazz in July, it means much more than music.

"On the bandstand, everybody gets a chance, everyone is heard," he said. "Really, only in jazz is that illustrated. It's a perfect example of democracy and freedom."

In its 27th year, Jazz in July comes to the University of Massachusetts next week with a celebration of the art of jazz improvisation.

"Improv is all about freedom," said Baszak, a West Springfield resident, "freedom to play what inspires you, and to create something new, seemingly out of nothing."

New this summer, the event hosts not one, but two Thursday evening performances, featuring the Jazz in July All-stars, a lineup of master vocalists and instrumental performers. On Thursday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m., the Con Alma Trio takes center stage, featuring the Five College All-stars - Jeff Holmes on piano, Genevieve Rose on bass and drummer Gregory Caputo; with Fred Tillis on soprano Saxophone, Bob Ferrier on guitar and Bruce Diehl, tenor sax. After intermission the Geri Allen Trio takes the spotlight. Allen, University of Michigan professor and pianist, was recognized in 1996 as the first woman to win the coveted Danish Jazzpar Prize.

On Thursday, July 17, at 7:30 p.m. the program showcases Sheila Jordan and Her Trio, followed by the Billy Taylor Trio.

UMass music professor Billy Taylor, whom Baszak deems "an icon and pioneer of jazz music," is a Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and composer, whose other honors include an Emmy Award and two Peabody Awards.

As a summer music institute, Jazz in July is host to numerous music programs, including instrumental ensembles, vocal jazz and teacher training. It brings together a broad range of participants from across the country with faculty members who come to UMass to share their knowledge and experience with other instrumentalists and vocalists. For years, legendary percussionist Max Roach was part of the teaching staff.

"The list of famous alums and former faculty keeps growing," said Baszak. "Our theme this year is really to immerse yourself in our 27-year jazz legacy."

Participants for the program are selected through an admission process, auditioning via audio recording. Each application is judged for rhythm, tone, articulation, and interpretation.

"It is one of those situations where you can have a 15-year-old in an ensemble with a 50-year-old," said UMass professor Jeff Holmes of Sunderland, who is the associate artistic director of the program. "To see different generations collaborating on something that is being created in that moment is unreal. I love seeing that engagement and saying, 'Boy, this wouldn't happen were it not for this type of workshop.' "

"The camaraderie with the students and the faculty is what makes this event so special," said vocalist Catherine Jensen-Hole of Granby, who will be working alongside award-winning vocalist Sheila Jordan to conduct personal coachings and group master classes.

Most workshops revolve around improvisation as the core of jazz. "Improv is performing off the page so to speak," said Baszak. "A lot of musicians play note for note but the best jazz musicians create their own melodies. Our mission is to teach students how to improvise."

"The emphasis is on being able to tell your own story," said Holmes. "It was never about staying at a particular plateau, it was always about reaching for a higher way to express yourself."

"Jazz is lifestyle," said Jensen-Hole. "It's freedom of expression because it's so embedded in improvisation."

For the two-week lecture and performance series from July 7-17, there will be various opportunities open to the public to attend lectures, participate in master classes, and observe student and faculty performances.

"I hope people come away with a sense of self-worth and understanding of what is really great about their own melodies," said Jensen-Hole. "Music is a joyful activity. Sometimes we forget that."

For more information visit www.jazzinjuly.com.