MUSIC

The brainchild of world-renowned composer/saxophonist Larry Monroe and vocalist Donna McElroy, longtime fixtures of the Berklee College faculty, this year-long 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. The Fall dates are George Gershwin (Saturday, September 11), Irving Berlin (Saturday October 2), and Cole Porter (Saturday, November 20). 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.” Each concert will be performed by a sextet of some of the area’s finest jazz musicians including Donna McElroy; vocals, Larry Monroe; saxophone, Russell Hoffmann; piano, John Repucci; bass, John Ramsay, drums, and Jeff Stout; trumpet.  

Cole Porter Saturday, November 20 - Cole Porter is one of few composers in the history of song so singularly responsible for their work with both music and lyric so masterly crafted. For jazz musicians, however, his music is equally attractive for his intriguing melodic sense and his willingness to extend conventional song forms. This evening we will examine an array of Porter’s songs, both vocal and instrumental versions of favorites like, “Night And Day”, You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To” and “All Of You” plus, we’ll unearth some rare jewels. And as Porter might say “Anything Goes” as we hope to entertain “The East, West, North and South Of You”.