- This event has passed.
Event Series:
Garden State Jazz Greats Series
Garden State Jazz Greats Series
April 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT
Join us each month as jazz scholar Ben Young highlights and explores the majesty, style, and genius of New Jersey’s jazz greats. Ben will discuss each of these home state heroes’ lives and contributions, providing a musical and historical context. Along with a plentiful helping of their music, it will help illustrate what made each of their unique and singular artistic visions have such an impact.
The first musical genius of New Jersey to be covered will be James P. Johnson – widely known as the man who carried piano playing from ragtime to jazz while inventing “stride style” in the process. His technical prowess, combined with his harmonic and rhythmic conceptions would come to define how jazz piano would be played. Born in New Brunswick and raised in Jersey City, Johnson’s career also underlines the thriving role New Jersey plays in the history of jazz.
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.