OLLI101430 - From Bessie to Bebop, Brazil and Beyond

Course Description

From Bessie to Bebop, Brazil and Beyond

Instructor: John Banger

Dates: Mondays, Oct 3-Nov 14

Time: 1:30 PM-3:00 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

This course is an unconventional history of jazz. We will focus not only on a chronological development of various jazz styles from early days up to the present but also on the underlying influences (musical, cultural, technological, social) that caused jazz to develop the way it did. We will pay particular attention to how jazz was influenced by the popular music of the day, especially the Great American Songbook of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. No prior knowledge of jazz is necessary.

Maximum registrants: 300

Instructor Bio:

John Banger has been a music lover all his life. He was raised on classical music and developed an interest in jazz as a teenager. John has participated in and taught jazz classes in the Delaware Valley area for more than 7 years, most recently teaching classes on Jazz Vocalists, Masters of Jazz, Understanding and Listening to Jazz, Jazz and The Great American Songbook, From Bessie to Bebop, Brazil and Beyond – An Unconventional History of Jazz and Active Jazz Listening for the Non-Musician. He spends much of his free time searching out and listening to jazz.