Celebrating Brubeck & Remembering "The Senator"
Happy New Year! It is a year that comes with much uncertainty...yet a year of much hope and optimism for the future. On behalf of OCM Productions and Michael Shirtz Music, we wish you all a wonderful 2021 with many blessings and joys.
The Firelands Symphony Chorale presents Michael Shirtz as he reflects on the 100th birthday (Dec. 6, 2020) of Dave Brubeck: jazz pianist, composer, and incomparable ambassador of cool. As a jazz pianist and composer, Shirtz has remained deeply influenced by the innovation of Brubeck’s keyboard styles and will lead a wide-ranging conversation through Brubeck’s incredible career which spanned across musical genres, decades, cultures, civil rights, and continents. Guest musicians from the Michael Shirtz Quartet will join in on some of the discussions.
January 12, 7PM - Time & Tonality
January 26, 7PM - Innovation & Improvisation
February 9, 7PM - The Classic Quartet
February 23, 7PM - From Jazz to Classical Composer
March 9, 7PM - Mike's Favorite Recordings
March 23, 7PM - The Journey
Advanced registration for these free sessions is required. On the day of each event in the series, registered patrons will receive an email with a link to the ZOOM session. Register Here!
Shirtz Remembers the "Senator!" Since 1992, I began listening obsessively to the "Classic Brubeck Quartet" of the 50s and 60s. In that group was bassist Eugene Wright, an anchor to the new styles, experiments, and sounds of Dave Brubeck's music. Nicknamed the Senator, Mr. Wright passed away on December 30. Though I never worked with him or had the privilege to meet him, I have been a student of his throughout my career and grateful for the lessons I learned in listening to his playing about creating a strong foundation, bass lines, and time. Check out this beautiful tribute by WBGO on his incredible life. Rest in peace and thank you Senator! ~ Michael Shirtz
