RWS Global is seeking a Keys Player for Third Avenue West on Holland America Line.

Third Avenue West is a premier jazz trio on board Holland America Line.  This trio performs 200+ custom arrangements of the most recognizable songs from the past 60 years.  Candidates must be very strong sight readers and jazz improvisors.  A strong sense of time and experience in Brazilian and Afro-Cuban styles is required for this gig.

Band Members will enjoy “guest status,” single cabin accommodations onboard and full access to the ship when not performing, free from any duties or previous restrictions related to a “crew member status,” creating the first-of-its-kind experience for musicians at sea.

The band performs (4) 45-minute sets per night with one (1) night off per week.  Occasionally, this group will back up Guest Entertainers in the main theater.

Rehearsals in NYC. Worldwide itineraries. Varying start dates throughout the year.

Note: All performers must have a valid passport and be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

NOTE: Performers can be Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern/North African/South Asian, and/or white, as well as inclusive of all gender identities.

PRESCREEN VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

All takes should be edited together into one single video.  Please link the video in the appropriate space below.

Introduction- record a video introduction detailing who you are.  Let us know how long you’ve been playing, any notable teachers you’ve studied with, who your favorite jazz musician is, etc.  This is your opportunity to show us your personality!

Video 1 | Bebop

Select one tune from the list below. Play the head (from memory), solo 1 chorus, comp/walk a chorus, take the head out. Have a metronome clicking on beats 2 & 4. Please note! BPM listed below are quarter notes.

• Anthropology (280bpm)
• Donna Lee (226bpm)
• Joy Spring (165bpm)
• Four (210bpm)
• Scrapple from the Apple (201bpm)

Video 2 | Ballad

Select one tune from the list below. Play the head (from memory), solo over the AA section, take the head out from the bridge. Bassists, please play the melody Arco if comfortable. chorus, comp/walk a chorus, take the head out. Have a metronome clicking on beats 2 & 4. Please note! BPM listed below are quarter notes.

• Round Midnight (60bpm)
• Embraceable You (60bpm)
• Body & Soul (60bpm)
• Misty (60bpm)
• My Funny Valentine (60bpm)

Video 3 | “Latin Jazz” Comping

Select two tunes from the list below: one Afro-Cuban, one Brazilian. Play the appropriate rhythmic accompaniment for your instrument.

Afro-Cuban
• Con Alma (Afro-Cuban 6/8 dotted 1⁄4 note= 86)
• La Comparsa (Bolero 1⁄4 note= 84)
• Oye Como Va (Cha Cha 1⁄4 note= 120)
• Manteca (Mambo 1⁄4 note = 200)

Brazilian
• Corcovado (Bossa 1⁄4 note= 126)
• Aquarela do Brasil (Samba 1⁄4 note= 200)
• The Girl from Impanema (Bossa 1⁄4 note=120)
• Mas Que Nada (Samba 1/4note= 190)

If selected, you will be invited to an advanced sight-reading audition.