Women have always written, played and sung Jazz, that most American art form. But they haven't always gotten their due. You likely know Billie Holiday's voice, Sarah Vaughan's, and Lady Ella's. But have you encountered pianists and arrangers like Mary Lou Williams, Lil Hardin Armstrong, and Marian McPartland? In this 3-session exploration, Javon Jackson and Matt DeChamplain make time for—and keep time with—these jazz creators, influencers and unforgettable performers. Audio, video and live performances put these jazzy women in the spotlight, center stage.
This course is made possible in part by the generosity of the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
Javon Jackson is Professor of Jazz and Director of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the University’s Hartt School. As leader or co-leader, Mr. Jackson has participated in 22 recording projects that have included such renowned artists as Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, Ron Carter, and Les McCann. Javon’s most recent project, “The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni,” was nominated for a 2023 NAACP Image Award. During his career, Javon Jackson has toured and recorded with artists including Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Charlie Haden, and Freddie Hubbard.
Matt DeChamplain is assistant professor of jazz studies at the University’s Hartt School. He has performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Berks Jazz Festival, New York’s JVC Jazz Festival, the Berklee Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and has led or been part of groups that opened for Hank Jones, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, the Wynton Marsalis Quintet, Michael Wolff, and the Renee Rosnes Quartet. He has also played on Norman Johnson’s album “Get It While You Can” (2011), Jason Anick’s album “Tipping Point” (2012), and vocal legend Jon Hendricks’s “Holiday Wishes II: River of Stars” (2013). In 2013 he brought out a solo album, “Stride Bop,” and in 2015, Matt and his wife, vocalist Atla DeChamplain, released their first collaboration entitled “Pause.”
Wednesdays, Oct. 9, 16, 23 | 3:20 p.m.–4:50 p.m. | Bliss Hall/Fuller Hall | $80
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Faculty and staff are eligible to take one Presidents' College lecture for free every semester, or to receive a one-session discount ($20) for a longer course. Contact Laurie Fasciano at fasciano@hartford.edu or 860.768.4495.