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

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

This lecture examines the innovative musical partnership between legendary jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and clarinetist Bill Smith. Theirs was a collaboration that spanned decades and impacted jazz with its blend of improvisation and classical influences. From their early work in the Dave Brubeck Octet (1946–50) and the groundbreaking 1960–61 albums The Riddle (featuring tracks like “Hey, Ho, Anybody Home?” and “Quiet Mood”), Brubeck à la Mode (with “Dorian Dance” and “Frisco Fog”), and Near-Myth (including “The Unihorn” and “Bach An’All”), their synergy - forged under Darius Milhaud’s mentorship at Mills College - created a distinctive clarinet-driven sound that contrasted with Brubeck’s iconic Paul Desmond era, sometimes pushing jazz into experimental, “third stream” territory.

This remarkable partnership flourished into the 1980s and beyond, with standout performances captured on albums like Concord on a Summer Night (1982), featuring tracks such as “Koto Song” and “Blue Rondo à la Turk” showcasing their enduring chemistry. This lecture will explore how Brubeck and Smith’s interplay evolved, blending playful rhythms, complex harmonies, and classical structures across their career, leaving a lasting impact on modern jazz. Don’t miss this deep dive into their creative legacy, from the 1940s to their later years!

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.