MUSIC

arsenalARTS launches a new year-long concert series titled THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK: THE JAZZ VIEW.  The brainchild of world-renowned composer/saxophonist Larry Monroe and vocalist Donna McElroy, longtime fixtures of the Berklee College faculty, this series explores the interplay of two great art forms, Jazz and the American Song Book. Each concert will feature the work of a single composer. According to Mr. Monroe, “This series is dedicated to a fresh Jazz-oriented approach to the American Songbook composers. We will share new insights, original arrangements, anecdotes and a little Tin Pan Alley history about the music and lyrics of both the popular hits and the undiscovered treasures from the Golden Age of American songwriting.” Performed by a sextet of some of the area’s finest jazz musicians (bios below) including Donna McElroy; vocals, Larry Monroe; saxophone, Russell Hoffmann; piano, John Repucci; bass, John Ramsay, drums, and Jeff Stout; trumpet.

Among all of America’s iconic songwriters, George Gershwin first and most aptly combined the art of the song with that of jazz to shape it as a 20th century expression. Although there are two decades of music to experience, this evening will take a closer listen at some of his classics that have been adapted and redefined through jazz expression including “Embraceable You”, “But Not For Me”, “I Got Rhythm” and “Oh, Lady Be Good”.