Program Description
Event Details
This program is both an historical and concert experience. It takes listeners on a musical journey from the beginnings of Jazz and its Country Blues roots, through each subsequent period of Jazz evolution, bringing them right up to the modern day with examples of the Blues influences—not just in Jazz—but also Latin, Soul and Rock-n-Roll! Along the way, we highlight the characteristics of swing, simple musical forms and improvisation as defined in each stage of Jazz’ development. Pieces by classic artists are emphasized, and introduced with some background and history of the music, plus memorable tidbits about the piece or composer.
Paul Speidel has performed at major clubs and festivals in the Greater Boston area, such as Scullers, Ryles, Johnny D's, Acton Jazz Cafe, and many others. He's taught Jazz and Blues in the Newton Public Schools for over twenty years, and have presented my programs at public and private venues in the area, as well. Recently, he had the privilege of performing live on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” program to nearly 400,000 listeners, and have appeared on countless other area radio shows over the years, including WBZ with Jordan Rich (“So great having you on the show. You’re terrific!”). He has ten CDs to my credit, and have been critically received nationally, including a 3½ star review in Downbeat in 2011. Artists I have performed with include Patti Page, Howard Alden, Jay Geils, Duke Robillard, James Montgomery and Shirley Lewis, to name just a few…