THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK (25) Prestwick Chase, 100 Saratoga Blvd., SS

Wednesdays, 11:00am-12:30pm, October 8, 15, 22, 28, November 5, 12

This course explores one of America’s greatest cultural legacies: the timeless songs written for Broadway, Hollywood, radio, television and recordings between 1920 and 1960. Known as the Great American Songbook, this rich repertoire features the work of legendary composers and lyricists such as Kern, Berlin, the Gershwins, Porter, Rodgers and Hart, Hammerstein, Arlen, Ellington, Mercer, and others. We’ll also celebrate the iconic singers who brought these classics to life. Each term includes two live performances of Songbook favorites, with piano accompaniment. This is the first in a three-part series, with future sessions offered in the winter and spring terms.

1.In the Beginning: The compositions of Stephen Foster during the 1840’s, ’50’s and 60’s ushered in the forerunners to the American Songbook. The form advanced with the songs of George M. Cohan and Irving Berlin.

2.The 1920’s and Tin Pan Alley: A distinctly American sound was heard in the early songs of Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern. These compositions paved the way for the Gershwins, Rodgers and Hart, and Cole Porter.

3. Live performance of classic songs from the beginning of the American songbook era through the 1930’s.

4.The Great Depression:While the American economy languished, the American Songbook thrived with the creation of hundreds of beautiful songs: ballads and uptempo swing tunes on Broadway and in Hollywood musicals.

5.The Entertainers: In this session we will focus on the performers who brought the music to life on the stage and screens of America. Performances by Al Jolson, Fanny Brice, Eddie Cantor, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and Bing Crosby will be watched and discussed.

6. Live performance of songbook standards from the 1920’s and the 1930’s will be featured

Text: Suggested reading: David Lehman: “A Fine Romance, Jewish Songwriters, American Songs”, (hardcover) ISBN:978-0-8052-4250-8, published 2009, Amazon $24.59

Leader: Ken Blatt has devoted the past thirty-five years to the study and practice of singing, piano performance, songwriting, acting, directing, and lecturing on the performing arts. He actively performs a wide range of musical styles and genres for audiences throughout New York State and Florida, with a strong presence in the Albany Capital District and Saratoga County. His passion for music encompasses the Great American Songbook, jazz and swing, classic rock and roll, Broadway show tunes, movie songs, and pop hits from the 1930s to the present. Ken has served on the faculty of several colleges and universities, and he has led lectures, workshops, and discussion groups for students of all ages.