Course Description

Jazz History: A Listener’s Guide, Part 2

(Jazz History Part 1 is prerequisites for this class. In Part 1, we explored jazz’s beginnings up through the early big band era.)

Part 2 will cover big band jazz and small group swing. through the complex musical and social developments of 1940s bebop. Jazz is the most substantial of American art forms, our gift to the world. The aim of this course is to entertain while increasing understanding and accessibility. Please join us as we listen and discuss the evolution of this multi-faceted musical genre.

Course Outline

Instructor: James Rozzi

At just over 100 years old, jazz has changed dramatically from its earliest roots in blues and New Orleans music to reflect the most tumultuous century in history. In Part 1, we explored jazz’s beginnings up through the 1940s bebop era—via recordings, written histories, photos, and videos. Part 2 continues with the complexities of 1940's bebop through jazz’s current, multi-cultural musical trends. Jazz is the most substantial of American art forms, our gift to the world. The aim of this course is to entertain while increasing understanding and accessibility. Please join us as we listen and discuss the evolution of this multi-faceted musical genre. (Prerequisite for this course is Jazz History: Part 1)