What the Jazz Festival: Workshops and Masterclass

As part of the What the Jazz Festival, Bram and Lucy Wijnands (USA) will be presenting 2

workshop/masterclasses on the Roots of Jazz and Jazz Piano, as well as Vocal Jazz and

the Art of Storytelling. Both workshops/masterclasses are open to everyone - musicians,

singers, jazz aficionados and curious listeners who want to learn more about jazz. They start

with a presentation, followed by an open master class where pre-selected musicians/singers

will work with the Wijnands.

Note: One ticket is required per workshop. If you are attending both workshops, please

purchase two tickets. Email us at [email protected] if you have questions.

Workshop 1 (1-245pm): Roots of Jazz and Jazz Piano by Bram Wijnands (USA)

Learn about the roots and role of the most versatile instrument in jazz - the piano - from

maestro Bram Wijnands! In the first part of the workshop, Bram will give an overview of and

demonstrate early styles of jazz piano, from Harlem stride and boogie woogie to swing, and

introduce key pianists of the period like Art Tatum and Erroll Garner.

In the second part, experience first hand as Bram works with preselected local jazz pianists

in exploring early jazz piano styles in a masterclass. Whether you play the piano or not, this

workshop will give you a rare insight into the amazing instrument and music from one of the

most underrated pianists in the world today.

Workshop 2 (315-5pm): Vocal Jazz and the Art of Storytelling by Lucy Wijnands (USA)

Let songstress Lucy Wijnands share with you the secrets to why some singers captivate you

more than others! In the first part of this workshop, Lucy will talk about how jazz singers

approach and own a song’s melody through lyrical phrasing and improvisation, and how they

cultivate a stage presence to connect with their audiences. She will also talk about how

singers work with musicians and accompanists to best bring out a tune.

In the second part of the workshop, watch as Lucy works with preselected local jazz singers

in bringing this music to life in a masterclass. Whether you are a singer or not, this workshop

will give you invaluable insights into the work and thought that goes into singing a tune!

About Bram and Lucy Wijnands

By the time he was eight, Bram Wijnands had studied Barrelhouse Blues (Boogie Woogie)

and the stride piano recordings of Fats Waller and James P. Johnson, among others. He

graduated in Jazz Instrumental Education and Performance at the Hilversum Conservatory

(Netherlands) and has since performed all over the world, including Carnegie Hall. In 1998,

Kansas City’s mayor dubbed him “Kansas City’s Ambassador of Swing,” making April 6

“Bram Wijnands Day”. Bram also taught at UMKC Conservatory of Music for 15 years and

continues to spread the jazz legacy all over the world.

Lucy Wijnands is a jazz vocalist whose early years were literally spent cradled on her father,

master jazz pianist Bram Wijnands’s lap, while his hands bounced from one side of the piano

to the next, giving her an understanding of swing music at a very young age. As a teenager,

she began singing at his gigs in Kansas City, and further developed her style at SUNY

Purchase as an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar. Since winning the Ella Fitzgerald Competition in

2021, Lucy is now a regular on NYC’s jazz scene. She has been called a “formidable vocal

talent” (Hot House Magazine, 2023) with an “ innate ability to marry notes and convey

emotion with a down-to-earth authenticity” (JazzLives, 2023). She released her debut album

Something Awaits in 2023 and has performed all over the world.

What The Jazz Festival

What the Jazz Festival is a celebration of jazz music and dance, comprising performances

by international musicians, music and dance workshops, and a swing dance party. The

festival is all about spreading the joy of jazz to everyone through music and dance. Join us

as we celebrate and learn about the amazing art form of jazz with our line-up of world-class

performers and educators.

For details of the full programme, check out:

http://instagram.com/what.the.jazz.sg

http://facebook.com/whatthejazzsg

Or email [email protected]

Host or Publisher The Jazz Loft @ Blu Jaz