A series of five broadband videoconference jazz masterclasses Produced by the National Arts Centre's Hexagon project in association with the Manhattan School of Music.

The National Arts Centre in partnership with the Manhattan School of Music will produce five jazz masterclasses connecting leading jazz faculty at the Manhattan School of Music with accomplished music students in Ottawa, as well as in New York City. The sessions will use the very latest in broadband videoconference technology to connect teachers and students in real time with high fidelity audio and video.

“A superb musical alchemist, Peter Eldridge synthesizes modern jazz with not only pop but also R&B and latin music. The results are varied and dynamic but also aesthetically focused, as Eldridge’s mellifluous baritone and urbane lyrics brim with pop accessibility”(JazzTimes). Peter Eldridge ranks “in the celebrated tradition of melodic poets, most famously represented by such disparate voices as Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison and Steely Dan – singer/songwriters who create catchy, beautiful tunes with insightful lyrics that are both personal and universal” (allmusicguide.com). Mr. Eldridge continues to draw on his many-faceted talent as he pursues an eclectic mix of activities, including composing, performing, arranging, recording, as well as teaching (the Manhattan School of Music, head of the jazz voice faculty since 1993). He has released four solo recordings: Stranger in Town, characterized by its bittersweet swing and called the Best Jazz CD of 2001 by Boston radio station WICN; Fool No More, full of Peter’s original compositions in a sophisticated pop style, released in the same year (both on the independent label Rosebud Records); and Decorum, a 2005 release of originals. Downbeat said of Decorum, “If musical intelligence and artistry were prompters to marketplace success, Decorum would grant him stardom. . . .strong, far-ranging voice . . .hauntingly wistful”. Peter ‘s newest project, the latin-inspired Mad Heaven, was just released this February on Palmetto Records. Jazz Review has said of the album, “Mad Heaven showcases Eldridge as a major player in vocal jazz, an artist of extraordinary depth and conviction”.

The NAC's Hexagon project supports education outreach activities by leveraging next-generation networks like Canada's CA*net4 (www.canarie.ca) and Internet2 (www.internet2.org) in the United States as well as regional high speed networks throughout the world. The NAC's broadband infrastructure includes state-of-the-art optical network access in all its performance spaces as well as on-site videoconference and audio-video production facilities. Hexagon projects include tele-mentoring sessions with master teachers in music, theatre and dance.

Artist info: www.petereldridge.com/live/