Published: 26 January, 2012
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR

Leading alto saxophonist Christian Brewer is to head a regular monthly workshop on Sunday afternoons at Map Café, Kentish Town, barely a stone’s throw from the premises used for the WAC Jazz Workshops led by trumpeter Ian Carr in the 1980s.

“Starting a jazz workshop is something that has always been close to my heart,” said Brewer at his Highgate home.

“That’s because I attended Ian Carr’s workshops at WAC in the 1970s.

“His workshops produced incredible players such as Julian Joseph, the Mondesir Brothers and Jason Rebello.

“The workshops were inspiring events. I returned each week completely enthused and inspired, something I hope to emulate in my workshops.

“Eventually, the aim will be to have two groups, one intermediate, the other advanced at Map.

“There’s a wonderful group energy when things are sounding good and people feel inspired to practice and improve.

“That’s how I felt as a teenage with my mentor, Ian Carr – and that’s what I want to do at Map.”

Launch of the workshops coincides with the start of Map Café’s new season of Thursday evening jazz gigs opening with the Rob Hughes Quartet next week.

Other bookings include groups led by Edward Randell; Anoushka Lucas; Leon Greening; Gabrielle Ducomble; Damon Brown; Dorian Ford and Ant Law.

Top jazz singers include Esta B Daley; Carol Grimes and Kaz Simmons.