Jazz Post-1959: Diverging Paths

Join Wilton Library for the final program of their 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
6/18/24: Jazz Post-1959 Diverging Paths

Jazz historians and scholars often point to 1959 as a watershed year. Indeed, the volume and breadth of the music created in that single year has perhaps few analogues in jazz — or any other genre, for that matter. During this program, Professor Harel will therefore consider the critical and artistic impact of the seminal albums of 1959. In doing so, he also discusses the trajectories pursued by the artists who made the year so special. Subsequently, three distinct and markedly divergent directions can be analyzed. This discussion will consider them through the important works of three celebrated musicians: John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Dave Brubeck.

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

Register online or call 203.762.6334.