The Marryat Players’ first Jazz Workshop took place in April 2019. Around twenty young musicians aged from 11 to 18 spent the day at 3 Marryat Road taking part in sessions with members of the Blues and Roots Ensemble led by Ed Babar, learning some iconic Charles Mingus compositions while looking at swing phrasing, playing by ear, accompanying solos and improvisation. Following the workshop, the students joined with the full Blues and Roots Ensemble seven-piece band for a lively performance.

Video and photography by Richard Lewisohn.

Blues and Roots Ensemble was formed in 2015 with the purpose of sharing the music of Charles Mingus, as well as their passion for jazz, through live performances and education projects. In addition to performing at some of the country's most prestigious jazz venues, Blues and Roots Ensemble has been heavily involved in outreach work, both in a range of primary, secondary and SEN schools, and through more ambitious collaborations with Cambridge Jazz Festival and EFG London Jazz Festival.


how to join

Please email info@marryatplayers.com if you would like to hear about future jazz workshops.