Step Up Music
Vallejo very proudly
presents:
Bass Workshop with Kai Eckhart
April 29th, 6.00pm to 8.30pm: Workshop
9:00pm to 10:00pm Bass solo concert
Workshop only: $30.00
Workshop plus concert: $35.00
Concert only: $10.00
Bass Workshop with Kai Eckhart
April 29th, 6.00pm to 8.30pm: Workshop
9:00pm to 10:00pm Bass solo concert
Workshop only: $30.00
Workshop plus concert: $35.00
Concert only: $10.00
Kai will
showcase essential principles of music and
teach their practical application. We will
learn about the do’s and don’t, about choice
and restriction in playing the instrument. We
will also jam, run exercises and invent music
together.
One Example:
In music the bass has real physical properties. Low notes are massive like big waves rolling along the ocean surface. Naturally they move slowly. The higher the notes in frequency, the faster they vibrate. That is how nature’s music works. She is the real teacher, forever wild and unpredictable, yet always consistent in her unpredictability.
About my teaching style:
I consider myself an observer, a doer and a translator. My clinic is conducted in a non-competitive way and it will naturally inspire each of you according to who you are.
I hope you will join me in this as I am looking forward to it.
And( by the way) you are very lucky to have Ariane as a friend and teacher, she is “the bomb”
Sincerely,
Kai Eckhardt
One Example:
In music the bass has real physical properties. Low notes are massive like big waves rolling along the ocean surface. Naturally they move slowly. The higher the notes in frequency, the faster they vibrate. That is how nature’s music works. She is the real teacher, forever wild and unpredictable, yet always consistent in her unpredictability.
About my teaching style:
I consider myself an observer, a doer and a translator. My clinic is conducted in a non-competitive way and it will naturally inspire each of you according to who you are.
I hope you will join me in this as I am looking forward to it.
And( by the way) you are very lucky to have Ariane as a friend and teacher, she is “the bomb”
Sincerely,
Kai Eckhardt
Students are encouraged to bring their basses for interactive teachings, but playing is not a requirement for participation - observers are welcome!
Kai
Eckhardt is a Liberian / German
bassist known through his work with guitarist
John McLaughlin in the late 80's, Billy Cobham
in the 90's and Garaj Mahal in the new
millennium.
Other career highlights include performances and recordings with: Trilok Gurtu, Stanley Clarke, Wayne Shorter, Patrice Rushen, Dewey Redman, Donald Byrd, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, Robert Walter, Karl Denson, Michael Franti, Larry Coryell, Warren Hill, Al Di Meola, Zakir Hussain, Vital Information , John Scofield and Bill Frisell.
His active career spans 3 decades. Kai is currently a professor at the Jazz School Institute in Berkeley, CA who frequently teaches clinics and workshops world wide. Teaching engagements include the Berklee School of Music in Boston, the Bass Collective in New York City, BIT in Hollywood, the Anton Bruckner Conservatory in Austria, the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai, the Amsterdam Conservatory in the Netherlands and Victor Wooten’s Bass and Nature camp.
Kai’s current projects:
-The Kai Eckhardt, Regina Camargo duet (music and poetry)
-Fusion Band Garaj Mahal, winner of the 2007 Independent Music Awards,
-Meter’s Zigaboo Modeliste from Oakland -Indian Jazz Band Summit featuring George Brooks and Zakir Hussain
-Soul and R&B Band RAD featuring Prince keyboardist Rose Ann Dimalanta
-Euro-fusion trio with Alex Machacek and Marco Minneman.
Other career highlights include performances and recordings with: Trilok Gurtu, Stanley Clarke, Wayne Shorter, Patrice Rushen, Dewey Redman, Donald Byrd, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, Robert Walter, Karl Denson, Michael Franti, Larry Coryell, Warren Hill, Al Di Meola, Zakir Hussain, Vital Information , John Scofield and Bill Frisell.
His active career spans 3 decades. Kai is currently a professor at the Jazz School Institute in Berkeley, CA who frequently teaches clinics and workshops world wide. Teaching engagements include the Berklee School of Music in Boston, the Bass Collective in New York City, BIT in Hollywood, the Anton Bruckner Conservatory in Austria, the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai, the Amsterdam Conservatory in the Netherlands and Victor Wooten’s Bass and Nature camp.
Kai’s current projects:
-The Kai Eckhardt, Regina Camargo duet (music and poetry)
-Fusion Band Garaj Mahal, winner of the 2007 Independent Music Awards,
-Meter’s Zigaboo Modeliste from Oakland -Indian Jazz Band Summit featuring George Brooks and Zakir Hussain
-Soul and R&B Band RAD featuring Prince keyboardist Rose Ann Dimalanta
-Euro-fusion trio with Alex Machacek and Marco Minneman.
Kai Eckhardt was born the year of 1961 in Mainz/ Germany, raised by his German mother in the town of Bingen until the age of six. Joining his African father, Kai moved to Monrovia, Liberia where he spent four years attending West African middle school. In 1970 he returned to Germany into foster care. During this period Kai developed a talent in competitive sports, excelling in track, gymnastics and diving. In 1972, Kai won the title ‘junior district champion’ in the one-and three meter board diving competitions. After a series of injuries Kai turned away from competitive sports and discovered music. A bass guitar was given to him by a school mate and he began practicing seriously.
Besides music, academics were an important factor in Kai’s life. Kai received his German high school diploma in 1980, finishing with the second best grade point average of his class.
In 1982 Kai conscientiously objected to the German army. After being interviewed at a military court, he was released from the draft. In substitution for the army training, Kai became a nurse’s assistant at the Children’s Neurological Institute in Mainz Germany, caring for severely handicapped inpatients. Throughout his service Kai remained faithful to his instrument, the bass guitar.
After receiving a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, Kai left Germany to attend music college in Boston, MA in the year of 1983. After graduating with honors in 1987, Kai began his active touring life as a bassist, clinician and composer. He has been on the road ever since. averaging between 100 and 120 shows a year.
Besides
music, Kai
has developed a strong interest in social
justice and environmental issues. In the past
he has helped put together benefits for the
homeless, rallies for green collar jobs and
poetry projects featuring socially conscious
messages. He has collaborated on projects with
activists Julia Butterfly Hill, Deb Delman,
Alli Chagi- Starr, Van Jones and Majora Carter
among others. Kai is a proud member and
supporter of Greenforall.org
Today Kai Eckhardt resides in Berkeley, California, married with two children. His wife Regina is from Sao Paulo, Brazil and his children Danilo and Naima are growing up tri-lingual, speaking Portuguese, English and German.