A workshop on jazz and visual improvisation by Josh Nelson
Explore a new world of music with jazz musician Josh Nelson as he demonstrates visual improvisation from “The Discovery Project” and his newly released album, “Exploring Mars.” During the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival, Nelson will host an interactive workshop where music students can experiment with visual improvisation to a backdrop of classic sci-fi clips and NASA footage. The workshop will take place from 1-2 p.m. Thursday in the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. As the clips play, Nelson said he will demonstrate how to improvise to the clips and encourage students to improvise their own music with the visual element.
Josh Nelson | Courtesy
“We talk about how visual stimuli influence our musical thoughts and improvisatory nature,” Nelson said. “It’s really about having fun, and letting the music ideas flow out in response to cool old movie montages.”
Nelson created “The Discovery Project” in 2011, along with the release of his album “Discoveries,” as a multi-media experiment, which he continues to work on. The album combines modern jazz with classic sci-fi and fantasy films to create an event jazz enthusiasts and newcomers can all appreciate.
Nelson said he will provide a condensed version of “The Discovery Project” with an acoustic grand piano, a projection screen and a projector. The workshop, he said, is an educational outreach component of the group.
His album, “Exploring Mars,” released Feb. 17, is his most recent addition to the group. The album incorporates Nelson’s music with the red planet and NASA/JPL Martian footage.
Chloe Rambo, spokeswoman for Jazz Fest, said all of the workshops are open to the public and everyone is welcome to watch and listen to the artists. For Nelson’s workshop, music students are encouraged to bring their own instrument so they can be involved with the interactive component.
Nelson is a jazz pianist, composer and recording artist in Los Angeles. He also teaches as an adjunct faculty member at California State University, Northridge.
Nelson has performed with many known jazz artists and for the past 10 years has paired with vocalist Sarah Gazarek, penning the name of her debut album “Yours.” The album was in the top 10 on the Billboard Jazz Charts in 2010. They are working on a duo album to be released this year. He is currently touring with Gazarek, along with vocalist Natalie Cole, Richard Galliano and Christian Howes.
Rambo said Nelson is a veteran artist to Jazz Fest and performed with the All-Star Quartet for 10 years.
“Josh is an artist we’ve had multiple times,” Rambo said. “He’s enjoyed the festival and he’s come back, which it’s great to have these high-caliber artists who really love the festival so much that they’re willing to come back to Moscow … They’re used to playing clubs in L.A., clubs in New York and Chicago, so it’s really incredible to have artists like that.”
Mary Malone can be reached at [email protected]