Listen and learn – what could be easier and more fun? This is the next installment of LLC’s very popular class on the story of American jazz. Even if you took this course before, you will enjoy it again!

This year we are approaching jazz through the lens of Broadway shows. The intersection of Broadway shows and jazz has produced some incredible moments, as jazz music often enhances Broadway productions with its improvisational style, complex rhythms, and emotional depth. There are several ways in which jazz has influenced Broadway and vice versa.

This course will include Broadway composers and how their repertoire became jazz standards. We will also cover other composers , musicians and prominent bandleaders. For the final class, Clay will be joined by several of his fellow jazz musicians who will entertain us with a Jazz Showcase concert at Temple Beth-El.

Format: Listening, lecture and discussion (no presentations required).

Artist: Clay Nordhill, an accomplished jazz guitarist and composer, will lead the course. Clay is a graduate of URI with a focus on Jazz Performance. He performed at the Newport Jazz Festival as well as at venues throughout the Northeast and California. Clay has performed in the Broadway national tours of Annie, Mrs. Doubtfire, and is currently touring with the show & Juliet.

Coordinator: Sam Shamoon has coordinated this class since its inception.