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

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

Our final lecture explores the dynamic collaboration between jazz legend Dave Brubeck and Bobby Militello (alto sax and flute), whose partnership from 1982 to 2012 produced some of Brubeck’s most memorable works. Dive into the synergy of Brubeck’s innovative piano and Militello’s soulful alto saxophone and flute, which brought fresh energy to the Dave Brubeck Quartet during this period. We’ll discuss key albums like Quiet as the Moon (1991), The Crossing (2001), and London Flat, London Sharp (2004), highlighting Militello’s distinctive contributions.

The lecture will spotlight standout tracks such as “Linus and Lucy” and “Benjamin” from Quiet as the Moon, showcasing Militello’s playful yet poignant style, and “Bessie” from The Crossing, where his flute work shines in a Latin-infused tribute as well as a unique take on “Koto Song.” Join us to celebrate this remarkable era of jazz, with insights into how Militello’s melodic finesse complemented Brubeck’s rhythmic genius, illustrated through rare recordings and live performance clips.

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.