“A History of Jazz Part II,” the second show of its kind organized by local musician Kirk Smart, will weave great American jazz with anecdotal narrative. Smart’s first “History of Jazz” in August explored what he called “the greatest hits.”
“A History of Jazz Part II,” the second show of its kind organized by local musician Kirk Smart, will weave great American jazz with anecdotal narrative. Smart’s first “History of Jazz” in August explored what he called “the greatest hits.” Part two of the series, at 7 p.m. tomorrow at Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center, will cover music of The Great American Songbook.
“The Great American Songbook is a canon. It’s accepted to be music from the ’20s to ’50s,” Smart said. “Songs that have become standards.”
The two sets will cover music of American composers and lyricists like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer and Duke Ellington. Between sets Smart will share jazz anecdotes.
“Last time the anecdotes were big — the audience loved it,” he said. “Narrative is a way into the music.”
Smart confessed to the intimidation factor that jazz can sometimes hold for listeners. To add another dimension to the music, he studied biographies of the songwriters and critical studies about the Great American Songbook to weave into the program.
“This is a look back to a time when there was great quality song writing,” he said. “And a way of exposing younger generations to the music.”
Smart’s 9-year old son, Eli, will join the band on stage, as will Smart’s jazz musician father-in-law, Noel Jewkes of San Francisco.
“There’ll be three generations playing together,” he said. “A sort of passing of the torch — Noel is the genuine connection to the past.”
Other members of the band include Kaua‘i musicians: trumpet player David Braun, bass player Will Lydgate, sax player David Yukimura, and drummer Tony Rodarte.
“One of the reasons I am doing this is because I have a great band,” Smart said.
The primary motivation though was to expose people to what he considers real jazz.
“I want to show what jazz musicians have done to these songs to adapt them for a jazz performance,” he said. “When people think of jazz it’s either elevator music or avant-garde — I want to take tunes that the audience will recognize and love and slip in some obscure ones too.”
Pre-sale tickets are $20, adults; $10, seniors and children. Tickets are available at the following outlets: Kaua‘i Music and Sound (Formerly Bounty Music), Kapa‘a; Scotty’s Music, Kalaheo; Island Soap and Candle, Koloa; Hilo Hattie’s, Lihu‘e; Healthy Hut, Kilauea; Hanalei String and Things; Hanalei.
For more information call Kirk Smart at 652-7226.
Want to go?
What: A History of Jazz Part II: Great American Songbook
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow
Where: Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center
Cost: $20 adults; $10 seniors and children at outlets; $25 at the door
