Faculty

The Literary Groove of Jazz

Twentieth-century and postmodern literature is rich with major poetry and fiction written specifically about jazz and its performers. We will exhume, explore and explicate poetry, the short story, the novel, and drama written by Hughes, Ellison, Morrison, Baldwin, Rexroth, Corso, Ferlinghetti, Baraka, Carruth, Troupe, Reed, et al. From early work songs and the blues, through the Harlem Renaissance, the Beats and the Now, the emphasis will be upon rhythm, lyricism, style and the dramatic narrative. Recordings, videos and live performances will enhance study. Students' own writings are welcome. Classes held in the Jazzschool's book and record store, The Bassment. Required text: A Moment's Notice; Art Lange and Nathaniel Mackey, eds. and the novel, Coming Through Slaughter by Michael Ondaatje

Saturdays 11:00 am - 1 pm GEORGE DAVIS II (10 weeks) $250

WORKSHOPS

Jazz and the Movies

LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES (1962) Directed by Roger Vadim. Vadim's Jet Set update of Choderlos de Laclos' scathing 18th-century novel of bedroom secrets and casual cruelties. Jeanne Moreau and Gerard Phillipe star as Juliette and Valmont, two charming and vindictive spouses who find sport in each other's conquests. Like his other films (And God Created Woman, Barbarella), Liaisons features discreet nudity and aloof displays of passion, but the brilliantly orchestrated plot gives Liaisons real momentum, helped by a fantastic score from jazz giant Thelonious Monk

Sunday May 4, 1 - 4 pm MICHAEL SHEPLER $10

Jazz and the Movies

I WANT TO LIVE (1958) Directed by Robert Wise. One of the last and best noirs from the "Classic Period". Susan Hayward won an Academy Award for her performance in the compelling 1958 classic playing Barbara Graham, a "good-time girl" with a heart of gold and absolutely no instincts about when to drop a bad association. After bouncing in and out of the prison system for a series of petty crimes, Graham suddenly finds herself framed for murder and facing the death penalty. Johnny Mandel's score and Gerry Mulligan's solos drive the movie towards its devastating conclusion

Sunday May 11, 1 - 4 pm MICHAEL SHEPLER $10