This is Jazz Episode 1

How to listen, like really really listen, to jazz.

What exactly is jazz? Rhythm, swing, blues? What do they mean? Do I need to be a musician to listen to jazz? Is there one jazz sound? Turn your confusion into answers with Litmus Jazz Ensemble and host, Ashley, as they break down this often-misunderstood genre in the series, This is Jazz.

In this first episode, find out how to listen, like really, really listen, to jazz. Uncover the essential ingredients to this genre of music and find out what elements to look out for when you experience a jazz performance.

Song credits
Music: Blues for Some Days
Composed and arranged by Eugene Chew
Audio Production: Jeffrey Tan

Check out the This Is Jazz Educator's Guide: Episode 1 for ideas on how you can use this video in the classroom.

This is Jazz Episode 2

The method to the madness

How do jazz musicians improvise? What is going on inside their heads? Is all improvisation done on the fly?

Welcome to the mad, mad world of a jazz musician’s mind in this second episode of This is Jazz: The method to the madness. Delve into the minds of Litmus Jazz Ensemble as they jazzify host Ashley’s original song, Oh Rumah.

Song credits
Original music: Oh Rumah
Composed and produced by Kribo Records and Eri
Jazz arrangement: Joel Chua

Explore the This Is Jazz Educator's Guide: Episode 2.

This is Jazz Episode 3

Jazz for the times of your lives

Is there only one sound to jazz? What flavours of jazz are there?

In the third and final episode of the This is Jazz series, Litmus Jazz Ensemble shows you how one song can be played in five different jazz styles for five different moods. Find out what makes these styles distinct and still a part of the big jazz pie.

Song credits
Music: Breezin’ Through
Composed by Eugene Chew
Arrangements by Erwin Tan, Eugene Chew, Jeffrey Tan

Use this video as a resource in the classroom. Find out how with This is Jazz Educator's Guide: Episode 3.

Acknowledgements

About Ashley Erianah
Performing under the moniker E R I, Ashley Erianah's music is inspired by a wide variety of genres including soul, funk, jazz and more. She is currently based in Singapore and is a core member of the Darker Than Wax Label.

About Litmus Jazz Ensemble
The Litmus Jazz Ensemble was formed by double bassist and band leader Eugene Chew with a vision to feature and foster the creation of new and exciting Singaporean jazz compositions. Borrowing from their musical roots of improvisation and spontaneity on the bandstand, the ensemble takes on each piece with an adventurous spirit every time and draws their audiences along with them. With a combination of unorthodox instrumentation and dynamic chemistry, Jeffrey Tan on violin, Erwin Tan on trombone, Joel Chua on keyboards, Eugene Chew on bass and Anson Koh on drums, the Litmus Jazz Ensemble boasts a unique and modern sound with a musical energy that sets them apart from others.