♫ Fall Lecture Series: A History of Jazz
About
Part of Our Fall Music Lecture Series Join us for an engaging lecture tracing the evolution of jazz history through one of the most influential artists in music history -- Miles Davis. Through curated recordings spanning bebop, cool jazz, modal jazz, and fusion, this talk explores how Davis and other artists reshaped the sound of jazz and launched generations of groundbreaking musicians. In addition to guided listening, the event features live piano demonstrations illustrating key improvisation concepts in real time and connecting recorded legacy to the living language of jazz today. About the Presenter Dr. Steve Bass is a composer, conductor, and pianist whose work spans concert halls, theaters, and jazz clubs. He is the co-founder and bandleader of Sinatra-inspired A Swingin Affair Big Band and a frequent guest with the Cape Symphony, Portland Symphony, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. With over 15 years as a music director in the Boston theatre scene, he has led productions ranging from classic musicals to new works, earning a reputation for artistic excellence and collaborative leadership. His original jazz ballet, Swan Lake in Blue, which he produced for professional theatre in 2020, reimagines Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece through the lens of jazz big band and contemporary dance. He is the Artistic Director at South Shore Conservatory, where he oversees a team of 50 teaching artists and shapes the musical journeys of thousands of students. Other Talks in this Series: 9/10: T
