http://youtu.be/fXmc76FRwfw

The musicians participating in Art for Progress’ Young Adult Enrichment Program have been continuing to develop this fall as their band is morphing and evolving toward a more eclectic sound. What was T-10 has now, with a few personnel shifts, transformed into, Statik Vision. The sound has grown from mostly fast, hard rock bordering on metal, to more harmonic, lyrical pieces and even a bit of a pop sensibility. They have been developing original songs for a while now, but the core instrumentalists have begun to incorporate the vocal work we have been doing, and singing their own lyrics.

We start off each session with vocal warm-ups and exercises to improve breath support and tone production. We’ve been recording video of each person singing a few bars, then watching and listening back together and offering critiques. I usually start by discussing some technical suggestions that may be helpful, and each person adds anything they think might help the person in the “hot seat” to more effectively put the song across. We work with existing songs to get a solid reference point, but have begun to dig into their original compositions to develop them as each person figures out how they want to sound singing their own songs. The songs are insightful and personal, and highlight the personalities of each player in new and unexpected ways. Alex, for instance, brings a rich baritone a la Jim Morrison. His vocals give the song, which I had heard played instrumentally many times before, something new and intimate that changes it’s flavor, and completes the picture. Jason’s song is intimate in a different way. His rich, round tone is at the same time aloof and confessional, as he muses lyrically on a long meandering night out. Raymond has switched from guitar to playing drums full time, and he drives the band as though he knows where he’s going. Ray was the first to introduce an original song to the group, and his drumming reflects a detailed understanding of song form and momentum. He has been working on vocals as well, but has yet to break them out with the full band.

In addition to rock music, upon the request of the fellas, we’ve been pressing forward with our exploration of jazz standards and advanced harmony. We have continued to analyze Etta James’ “At Last”, discussing outer chord extensions, and new tense tonalities, while learning about voice leading and how a melody weaves it’s way through a chord progression. We are just starting to identify the functions of certain notes and chords, but I have every expectation that each of these guys is going to blow me away once they get their jazz legs together. As always I look forward to hearing what’s next…