1959 in Jazz History with Gil Harel: Brubeck’s Time Out

Join Wilton Library for the second program of their new four-part series with Dr. Gil Harel on 1959’s seminal jazz albums. The series runs as follows:

• March 20: Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue
• April 10: Dave Brubeck’s Time Out
• May 22: John Coltrane’s Giant Steps
• June 19: Post-1959 Impact and Aftermath

Among the jazz albums of 1959, Time Out, recorded by the Brubeck Quartet at Columbia’s 30th Street Studio in New York City, contains some of the most unusual innovations. Fresh off a State Department-sponsored trip abroad, the quartet recorded a litany of songs featuring unusual rhythmic and metrical features. Despite the unusual nature of the rhythms that suffuse the album, it still quickly gained popularity. It rose to No. 2 on the Billboard pop albums chart, while its signature single, “Take Five” became the first jazz single to sell 1 million copies. During this program, Professor Harel will discuss the album’s genesis, the extraordinary musical features, and its place in 1959 and beyond.

Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interested in styles ranging from the western classical repertoire to jazz. Currently, he is Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he was presented with the AFT “Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College” for 6 consecutive years. At NVCC, Harel also conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.

Registration is strongly recommended online or call 203.762.6334.