Join Mark Gridley, Ph.D. for a lively exploration of Irving Berlin’s unexpected influence on jazz. Known for patriotic and romantic classics like God Bless America and Always, Berlin also crafted rich chord progressions that jazz legends couldn’t resist. This course highlights the Berlin tunes most beloved by jazz musicians and showcases unforgettable performances by greats like Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, and Chick Corea. From traditional interpretations to adventurous contrafacts, you’ll hear how Berlin’s music provided the perfect foundation for jazz improvisation, and continues to inspire today. Come celebrate this surprising intersection of American song and jazz mastery. Space is limited.

LECTURES:

1. Blue Skies: Ella Fitzgerald’s scat brilliance; Mary Lou Williams’ Trumpets No End for Duke Ellington.

2. Cheek to Cheek: Jazz interpretations by Hawkins, Woods, Ammons, Jamal, Grappelli, and the Turtle Island String Quartet.

3. Russian Lullaby & Marie: Reverent and hard-driving renditions from Fitzgerald to Coltrane, Dorsey, Goodman, Garner, Getz, and Brecker.

4. How Deep Is the Ocean: Performances by Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Marilyn Monroe, Oscar Peterson, and more.