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Doctor Jazz

“Give Me Doctor Jazz!”: The Genesis of an American Art Form (1853-1930)

 A piano-vocal recital that reveals how jazz came into being in early years of the twentieth century when the rhythmic drive of ragtime fused with the soulful expression of blues.  As well as compelling pianism, this recital offers original insights and a deepened understanding of the nature of jazz and its evolution,  for instance by tracing the rhythmic feel of jazz to as far back as the 1850s.

Featuring the music of W.C. Handy, Scott Joplin, Thomas “Fats” Waller, Jelly Morton, Louis Moreau Gottschalk and others.

Length: 50-60 minutes.  Can be expanded to full-length two-part recital if required.

PROGRAM

Introduction: Doctor Jazz (King Oliver)

Part 1. The Rhythmic Essence of Jazz
At a Georgia Camp Meeting (Kerry Mills)
Maple Leaf Rag (Scott Joplin)
Down Home Rag (Wilbur Sweatman)
The Banjo (L. M. Gottschalk)

Part 2. The Soul of Jazz: Blues
Frankie and Johnnie (Trad.)
Memphis Blues (W. C. Handy)

Part 3.  Jazz is Born
Jelly Roll Blues (Jelly Roll Morton)
Grandpa’s Spells (Jelly Roll Morton)
Alligator Crawl (Fats Waller)
Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Fats Waller)
Tiger Rag (Original Dixieland Jazz Band)