The Music of Stevie Wonder with Derek Nash and Noel McCalla7th - 8th August 2027

Coda Music Centre and Arts Trust, Chewton Farm Rd, Walkford, Christchurch BH23 5QL

The Music of Stevie Wonder with Derek Nash and Noel McCalla7th - 8th August 2027

Coda Music Centre and Arts Trust, Chewton Farm Rd, Walkford, Christchurch BH23 5QL

7th – 8th August 2027 – “The Music of Stevie Wonder” – Channel the infectious energy of saxophonist Derek Nash and soul powerhouse Noel McCalla in this high-energy workshop exploring timeless Stevie Wonder classics. A fantastic opportunity for musicians to work with one of the UK’s top saxophonists as well as one of Britain’s top soul singers.

Derek has been a full-time member of the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra since 2004 and is also a member of the Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion. With these bands, he has enjoyed sharing the stage with many great artists including Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, David Sanborn, Jack Bruce, Amy Winehouse, Michael Buble and Sir Paul McCartney. He is one of the most in-demand and respected guest instrumentalists for jazz clubs across the UK and has received numerous nominations in the British Jazz Awards. In the jazz-funk world he has performed with David Benoit, Brian Culbertson, Ernie Watts, Mezzoforte, Nelson Rangell and Don and Dave Grusin.

Noel’s career began in the 1970s with the highly acclaimed band Moon, with whom he recorded two albums for Epic Records. When Moon disbanded in 1976, Noel released a solo album, ‘Night Time Emotion’ produced by Trevor Rabin. Shortly after, he toured America with Sniff and the Tears, where his voice became integral on the hit single, ‘Driver’s Seat’. In the early 80s, Noel formed his own band (Contact, latterly renamed McCalla) with whom he released two albums ‘Push and Pull’ and ‘Got From the Smoke’. It was Noel’s long association with the brilliant Morrisey Mullen Band that earned him acclaim as “one of Britain’s best Soul Singers” (Blues and Soul Magazine) and, for more than 19 years, Noel’s searing, soulful vocals were featured with the iconic Manfred Mann’s ‘Earth Band’. He also provided vocals on Mike Rutherford’s highly acclaimed album, ‘Smallcreep’s Day’, and is often featured with jazz funk band, Mezzoforte.

The Music of Stevie Wonder

Open to saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass, guitar, keys and drums.

Playing level: As a guide, you’ll need an instrumental ability of Grade 4 standard or above.

Derek endorses Vandoren and Fusion Bags.

7th – 8th August 2027 – “The Music of Stevie Wonder” – Channel the infectious energy of Derek Nash and soul powerhouse Noel McCalla in this high-energy workshop exploring timeless Stevie Wonder classics. A fantastic opportunity for musicians to work with one of the UK’s top saxophonists as well as one of Britain’s top soul singers.

Open to saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass, guitar, keys and drums.

Playing level: As a guide, you’ll need an instrumental ability of Grade 4 standard or above.

Derek endorses Vandoren and Fusion Bags.

The Music of Stevie Wonder

Derek has been a full-time member of the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra since 2004 and is also a member of the Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion. With these bands, he has enjoyed sharing the stage with many great artists including Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, David Sanborn, Jack Bruce, Amy Winehouse, Michael Buble and Sir Paul McCartney. He is one of the most in-demand and respected guest instrumentalists for jazz clubs across the UK and has received numerous nominations in the British Jazz Awards. In the jazz-funk world he has performed with David Benoit, Brian Culbertson, Ernie Watts, Mezzoforte, Nelson Rangell and Don and Dave Grusin.

Noel’s career began in the 1970s with the highly acclaimed band Moon, with whom he recorded two albums for Epic Records. When Moon disbanded in 1976, Noel released a solo album, ‘Night Time Emotion’ produced by Trevor Rabin. Shortly after, he toured America with Sniff and the Tears, where his voice became integral on the hit single, ‘Driver’s Seat’. In the early 80s, Noel formed his own band (Contact, latterly renamed McCalla) with whom he released two albums ‘Push and Pull’ and ‘Got From the Smoke’. It was Noel’s long association with the brilliant Morrisey Mullen Band that earned him acclaim as “one of Britain’s best Soul Singers” (Blues and Soul Magazine) and, for more than 19 years, Noel’s searing, soulful vocals were featured with the iconic Manfred Mann’s ‘Earth Band’. He also provided vocals on Mike Rutherford’s highly acclaimed album, ‘Smallcreep’s Day’, and is often featured with jazz funk band, Mezzoforte.

Specifics About The Workshop
    • Based at Coda Music & Arts Trust in beautiful Dorset, with excellent facilities
    • Two full days of tutor lead sessions
    • Suitable for the following instruments: Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass, Guitar, Drums, Keys
    • Workshop runs each day from 10am – 4.30pm, with two short breaks and a 1 hour lunch break
    • Refreshments; Tea, coffee (including freshly made filter coffee), juices, a variety of biscuits, fresh pastries
    • Price is £145 for horns and £90 for rhythm section instruments, lunch not included
    • FREE parking
    • Safe, simple, secure. We have now set it up for you to be able to book easier than ever before, simply BOOK ONLINE

    Alternatively if you have any questions on the suitability of this course for you we will be happy to help. Contact us at hello@abworkshops.com or by calling 07711 998058 and we will be happy to discuss your needs further.

Participant Information

As an approximate guideline; be able to play around Grade 4 standard. Please note, this does not mean you need Grade 4 qualification, it means your current playing level should be of this standard or better.

Regardless of your current level, we here at AB Workshops are committed to providing tuition and support at a pace that allows you to absorb salient points while good progress and motivation is maintained.

What do we mean by “grades” as a measuring tool? We use the ABRSM/Trinity “classical” syllabus, but in most respects this applies to the Jazz grades as well. If you haven’t taken any grades then please contact us to discuss suitability.
– Saxophone
– Trumpet
– Trombone
– Drums
– Bass
– Guitar
Keys
You will need to bring your own instrument and instrument stand as well as a music stand.

Drums: You’ll need to bring your own kit.

Guitar/Bass: You’ll need to bring your own amps.
Price for this two day workshop is £145 for horns and £90 for rhythm section instruments, lunch not included.
Refreshments; Tea, coffee (including freshly made filter coffee), juices, a variety of biscuits, fresh pastries.

Lunch not included.
Times for the workshop are as follows:

Arrive: 9.30am onwards
Session one: 10am – 11.15am
Morning break: 11.15am – 11.45am
Session two: 11.45am – 1pm
Lunch: 1pm – 2pm
Session three: 2pm – 3pm
Afternoon break: 3pm – 3.30pm
Session four: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Participants of all ages are welcome. Please note: Participants under 18 will need to provide parent/ guardian contact details.

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