This interactive jazz workshop explores one of the central challenges in improvised music: how to fully express your individual voice while deeply engaging with the ensemble.
Designed for instrumentalists and vocalists of all levels, the session focuses on group interaction, time feel, listening, and collective momentum. Through guided ensemble exercises, participants will explore how groove, phrasing, articulation, and dynamics shape the shared rhythmic field.
We will examine how tempo is not merely a fixed number, but a living environment, which is elastic, relational, and influenced by touch, intention, and attention. Musicians will practice techniques for strengthening internal time, locking into shifting rhythmic centers, and responding creatively in real time.
Special attention will be given to the balance between leadership and support: when to assert, when to yield, and how to build trust within an improvising group. The workshop culminates in coached ensemble playing, where participants apply these principles in performance-based settings.
Participants will leave with practical tools for listening more deeply, communicating non-verbally, and manifesting a personal sound that enhances rather than competes with, the collective musical experience.
About Doug Weiss:
Bassist Doug Weiss has supported the performances of a diverse group of musicians, primarily centering around the concept of improvisation within and around songs.
Recording and performance credits include Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, the Birdland Big Band, Adam Birnbaum, Marc Copland, Kevin Hays, Eddie Henderson, Clifford Jordan, Judy Niemack, Chris Potter, Dominik Raab, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jorge Rossy, Pete Seeger, Bill Stewart, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Lizz Wright.
From 1996-2019 was bassist and musical director of The Al Foster quartet. Doug Weiss is currently a member of Brian Blade’s “Lifecycles” band, Kurt Rosenwinkel trio and Caipi, the Peter Bernstein Quartet, and the Seamus Blake group. Interdisciplinary work with Choreographer Meg Stuart features Weiss’ compositions for Double Bass and dancer, in their evening length piece “All the Way Around”. His bands “The Berlin Quartet” with Belá Meinberg, Jordan Dinsdale, and Ori Jacobson, and “Interstellar Trio” with Melissa Aldana and Colin Stranahan, feature Weiss as a composer, arranger, and bandleader. Weiss taught at the New School University and SUNY Purchase College for over 20 years, and was Gastprofessor at the Jazz Institut Berlin in 2019.
He is currently on the Faculty at the Conservatorium Maastricht.
WORKSHOP DETAILS:
Saturday 7th March 2026
Entry $20 (+GST & BF)
11am to 1pm
All ages and musicians welcome!
Head to our Humanitix to purchase limited seated tickets
How do I purchase a ticket?
Tickets are being sold through Humanitix. Purchase limited seated tickets here. Due to JMI Live being an intimate space, we have a maximum number of guests allowed in the venue. We highly recommend it is best to get in early before tickets sell out.
Location
JMI Live is located at 10 Exhibition Street, Bowen Hills.
Ticket Refund Policy
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are unable to attend after having purchased a ticket, please contact the JMI office (07 3216 1110 or email play@jazz.qld.edu.au) as soon as possible during business hours (10AM-4PM) to let us know you won’t be able to attend. A full refund will be given if we are contacted prior to a performance. Refunds will not be processed if we are contacted after the gig.