The Portland Woodshed Jazz Orchestra is a local community band made up of motivated adult musicians who want to learn more and experience playing in a big band setting with the support of other professional musicians. Led by Trumpeter/Educator Bryant Allard, the band meets every Thursday night at the Medler’s Burlingame Space. For more about the band contact bryant at bryant@museband.com. More about Bryant
This website page is being used to help support our band through the pandemic by posting resources for the band members.
Jimmy Mak’s March 2009
Band Winter/Spring Schedule:
During the pandemic/quarantine, the band members will meet virtually at 7:30pm on the second Thursday of each month to discuss current and future projects and other topics
Thursday, February 11. Topic: “Review Updates to New Woodshed page”
Thursday, March 11 Topic: “Practicing-Where do you start and Time Management”
Thursday, April 8 Topic: “Blues Vocabulary”
Thursday, May 13
Thursday, June 10
Jimmy Mak’s 2010
Resources:
Music:
Some songs to play with suggested listening links:
- My Little Suede Shoes (all parts). Suggested Listening: Eddie Daniels
- Yardbird Suite Suggested Listening: Steve Davis TBN
- Donna Lee. Suggested Listening: The GRP Big Band with Gary Burton, Eddie Daniels
- Ornithology. Suggested Listening:
- The Shadow of Your Smile. Suggested Listening: Tony Bennett and Juanes The making of of this duet
Scales:
Here are some major scale patterns to learn. I did not write the patterns out in every key. I created patterns in one Key “Bb”. It is your job to slowly learn a pattern in all 12 keys without reading, just using your ear and knowing the notes of the scale. A great brain exercise! As you learn these also be aware of things like tonguing, air support, and dynamics. If you need a sheet with all the major scales (12) let me know and I can make one for you.
Jimmy Mak’s 2015
- Play Along App for Mac users: ireal Pro
This app allows you to have a Rhythm section play along with you on any given song: choose tempos, different key signatures, selection of “Feels” (Swing, Latin, etc..), and more. Located at the App Store.
Burligame Space 2018
Listening Live or YouTube:
- Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta speaks about Chick Corea
- Live Streaming at the: Village Vanguard
- Live Streaming at: Smalls
- Live Stream at the 1905
- Watch and Share Videos with others using our YouTube “Playlist”
More to come including Practice Tips, and Improv Ideas and resources