Dave Brubeck - Four Post-Desmond Quartets with Dr. Gil Harel

Please join us for another fascinating series as Dr. Gil Harel surveys Dave Brubeck’s main four quartets assembled after the retirement of the “classic quartet” with Desmond, Morello, and Wright. Many people are quite familiar with that Brubeck sound which emanated from Paul Desmond’s alto sax, backed up by Joe Morello’s drums and Eugene Wright’s bass. But many may not be aware that baritone sax legend Gerry Mulligan also played in a Brubeck quartet as did tenor sax man Jerry Bergonzi. Moreover, even fewer may be aware that Dave’s later quartets also featured William O. Smith on clarinet as well as Bobby Militello on alto sax and the flute too!

September 16th: Brubeck and Mulligan: New Directions

October 22nd: Brubeck and Bergonzi - Dave Brubeck in the 1970s and beyond

This session delves into the captivating and dynamic musical partnership between jazz icon Dave Brubeck and tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, whose collaborations in the 1970s and early 1980s brought a fresh, bluesy, and post-bop energy to Brubeck’s evolving sound. From 1973 to 1981, Bergonzi, known for his Coltrane-inspired tenor, joined Brubeck’s ensemble for tours and recordings, including a stint as the saxophonist in the Dave Brubeck Quartet from 1979 to 1981. Their work together, often featuring Brubeck’s sons (Chris, Darius, and Dan), blended Brubeck’s rhythmic complexity with Bergonzi’s robust, melodic improvisation, creating a vibrant contrast to the earlier Desmond era.

We’ll explore music from their nine recorded albums, including Two Generations of Brubeck (1973), Back Home (1979), Tritonis (1980), and Paper Moon (1981), with standout tracks like “Koto Song” (reimagined once again, now with a bluesy edge), “Two-Part Contention” (featuring Bergonzi’s fiery tenor), and “Caravan” (a standard showcasing their synergy). Recorded for labels like Concord and Atlantic, these albums highlight a bolder, more contemporary jazz sound. Join in as we dive into a lesser-known but electrifying chapter of Brubeck’s legacy.

November 25th: Rhythms and Riddles - The Brubeck-Smith Legacy in Jazz Innovation

December 9th: Twilight Rhythms – Brubeck and Militello’s Late-Career Jazz Legacy

Gil 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 strongly recommended. Register online or call 203-762-6334. You will automatically be registered for all four sessions.