MMC PRESENTS: Improvisation Workshop by Marilyn Fisher and Laurie Lang, 5/17/08

Laurie Lang ((on bass) and Marilyn Fisher (with microphone) during their Jazz Improvsation Workshop....demonstrating their art.............

It always takes a bit of courage to try something new, especially in the musical world. Who will be there, what level of skills will they have, will I make a fool of myself and never show up again? These were the thoughts I had as I drove to the workshop last Saturday.( I'm coming late to active participation in the jazz community and therefore taking advantage of everything that I can. ) I sing with two small bands but have few opportunities to try improvisation or "scat" singing. I dared to ask a dumb question that I had wondered about; "what sounds or words are used in scatting"? Laurie and Marilyn gave a reassuring example that it's a technique and not just a way to fill space if you forget the words. But the most important contribution they made was in bringing together and drawing out a very diverse group of people. Different ages, different instruments, shy people, some with health problems, all beginning tentatively, but by the end of two hours happily playing and singing in what they convinced us was "a band". It was a completely satisfying and instructive afternoon with two fine musicians! Many thanks for your efforts and I'll look forward to more similar events. reviewed by Nancy Kendrick