2022 Spring

Classes are now free of charge with your UMASC Membership.

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Sixteen Masters of Modern Jazz Piano

Instructor: Frank Johnson

Mondays • 8 classes • 3/21-5/16 • 1:00-3:00 PM

Class size 5-50 students
33 seats remaining
Location: Zoom only
There is no class on 4/18/22 – holiday.

This course will examine the recordings of sixteen jazz pianists over the past 70 years who influenced modern jazz piano styles. Each week we will listen to two pianists who have had formidable careers as bandleaders, composers, and soloists. The sixteen musicians will include: Dave Brubeck, Bill Evans, Tommy Flanagan, Red Garland, Erroll Garner, Barry Harris, John Hicks, Ahmad Jamal, Hank Jones, Wynton Kelly, Mulgrew Miller, Phineas Newborn, Jr., Oscar Peterson, Bud Powell, Cedar Walton, and Mary Lou Williams.

The pianists span the period from the bebop era to current post-bop jazz. The selections will include trio settings as well the pianists leading quartets and quintets. We will listen to their unique interpretations of standards and their own compositions.

Classes

Frank Johnson has a lifelong passion and interest in African-American music: jazz, blues, rhythm & blues, soul, and Afro-Latin. He has a collection of over 4,000 albums covering these genres. In addition, he has a personal library of over 250 books on African-American musical styles, musicians and cultural influences.