ATTENTION:

The health and safety of all that use the facilities of the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts is our highest priority.  Understandably there is a high level of concern regarding the coronavirus (COVID – 19). Like others across the Nation, we are closely monitoring the evolving situation.

The Reggie Workman Master Class March 21, 2020 will be held. Participation is now restricted to select PCC students and alumni. The anticipated attendance is 10.

Reginald Workman master class is made possible by grant awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Wyncote Foundation and PECO Exelon Corporation.

Reginald “Reggie” Workman is recognized as one of the most technically gifted American avant-garde jazz and hard bop double bassists in history. He is a teacher, composer, and jazz advocate whose style ranges from Bop, Post-Bop and beyond.

Workman, a “Sound Scientist” is a 2020 recipient for the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship Award, the nation’s highest honor in jazz.

Reggie is a professor at The New School College of Performing Arts (COPA). He teaches classes such as Futuristic Concepts in Music, and the John Coltrane Ensemble. He is developing new concepts for Bass Ensembles. Workman is a strong advocate for the history of jazz music and treats his students with respect and professionalism. Reggie mentors through the classroom and opens the door of opportunities to his students. He continues to hire current and past students. He has educated new artists such as Robert Glasper, Jose James, Marcus and E.J. Strickland, Brad Mehldau, Avishai Cohen, Peter Bernstein, Roy Hargrove, Becca Stevens, and James Francies. In a recent article with UPROXX by Alia Stearns, James Francies stated, “Reggie Workman was one of my biggest mentors at The New School… [he] provided valuable knowledge about the history of the music, but allowed me to be who I was. Most great teachers not only teach, but they also help you to find and articulate your individual voice.”

Workman is an incredibly spiritual human with an important message. He is rooted in tradition and encourages the futuristic approach. Reggie’s heart is his bass, and he lives to continues to preserve jazz music performance, education, and unity. Reggie Workman’s music and approach forever inspire generations of musicians to stretch their abilities and incorporate everyone in arts.

In recognition of Reggie Workman’s national and international performances and recordings spanning over 40 years, he was named a Living Legend by the African American Historical and Cultural Museum in his hometown of Philadelphia; he is also a recipient of the Eubie Blake Award. Workman’s additional awards include Meet the Composer, MidAtlantic, NYFA Opportunity Grant and Doris Duke Impact Award 2015. His community work includes the East, New Muse, LAI, Co-Founder of MADLOM, African American Legacy Project, AALP Community, and Youth Workshops.

In 1961, Workman joined the John Coltrane Quartet, replacing Steve Davis. He was present for the saxophonist’s Live at the Village Vanguard sessions, and also recorded with a second bassist (Art Davis) on the 1961 albums, Olé Coltrane and Africa/Brass. Workman recorded frequently through the 1960s and performed with such icons as Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Thelonious Monk, Max Roach, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Eric Dolphy, Gigi Gryce, Booker Little, Roy Haynes, Wayne Shorter, Red Garland, James Moody, Abbey Lincoln, Alice Coltrane, Jeri Allen, Marilyn Crispell, Jeanne Lee, Booker Ervin, Horace Silver, Benny Golson, Cedar Walton, Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Curtis Fuller, Yusef Lateef, Pharoah Sanders, Herbie Mann, Archie Shepp, Clifford Jordan, Bobby Hutcherson, Sonny Fortune, Billy Harper, and David Murray. Workman, with pianist Tommy Flanagan and drummer Joe Chambers formed The Super Jazz Trio in 1978.