projects » Jazz and Organisational Development (excerpt from an article written for Leeds Metropolitan University staff)

One of the things I love about jazz, is the vital balancing act between the individual player and overall group. Best performance takes into account all the subtleties of the soloist within the context of the whole ensemble. Every instrument sounds different and each player makes a unique but connected contribution every time. Along with this richness, comes the immediacy of each performance and potential adventure. Ornette Coleman, the American alto saxophonist, once famously remarked that Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but different each time. In 1959 John Coltrane, with his recording of ‘Giant Steps’, broke new ground by blending mathematical symmetry with blistering improvisation. One short version has become part of an architectural graduation project. Check this link
What an example of creative connections!

The aim of my work is to help individuals and teams focus on exceptional performance so that collectively, and in partnership, it comes together with other vital components to achieve Leeds Met's Vision and Character aspirations. As with all jazz performance, whilst there might be variation in capability or confidence to build on, what I’m finding in abundance is consistent commitment to making giant steps. Mmmm. Nice...