1959 in Jazz History with Gil Harel: Davis’ Kind of Blue

Join Wilton Library for the first program of a new four-part series with Dr. Gil Harel on the seminal jazz albums of 1959. The series will run as follows:

3/20/24: Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue
4/10/24: Dave Brubeck’s Time Out
5/22/24: John Coltrane’s Giant Steps
6/19/24: Jazz Post-1959 Diverging Paths

The year 1959 might be described as no less than a seismic year for jazz. Indeed, this relatively short stretch bore witness to the release of many iconic, innovative, and forward-looking albums. Celebrated figures including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Charles Mingus, Ornette Coleman, and more wrote and performed at this time. During this introductory lecture, Dr. Harel considers one of the albums recorded in the spring of that year: Kind of Blue. Featuring songs such as “So What” and “Blue in Green,” this record is remembered both for the novel writing as well as the individual contributions of musicians including Davis, Coltrane, Bill Evans, and others.

Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from the western classical repertoire to jazz. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College, where he was awarded the prestigious “Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching”. Currently, he is Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he has been presented with the AFT “Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College” for 6 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel 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.