Jazz and the American Popular Songbook

Wed 7 Jul, 7 pm. 4000 Middlefield Road T-2, Palo Alto, 94303. Deborah Alexander, 650.493.9400. Oshman Family Jewish Community Center - [email][events]

Part of the “You Call That Jazz?” Series with Mike Greensill Don’t know bebop from bossa nova? Can’t tell Count Basie from Cecil Taylor? Get the inside scoop from jazz pianist and educator Mike Greensill, along with special guest artists. This three-part series of classes plus a concert will explore the rich traditions of jazz, its forms and variations, and the history and future of America’s great indigenous art form. Each 60-minute class and the final 90-minute concert will include some history, plenty of music, and a lot of fun. Classes are designed for novice jazz listeners, experts… and the simply curious. They may be taken individually or as a series. Register Online. Class 3: Jazz and the American Popular Songbook We’ll examine the priceless contri

About the Instructor
“Among San Francisco's many musical blessings, count the sensitivity, responsive wit and inventive bounty of jazz pianist Mike Greensill.” –Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle

"Mike Greensill is an accompanist in the great tradition of Jimmy Rowles and Ellis Larkins. It's worth twice the price of admission just to hear him!" –Terry Teachout, New York Daily News

A native of Great Britain, Mike Greensill has called the Bay Area home for more than 30 years, much to the delight of local music lovers. Greensill, whom the San Francisco Chronicle calls “the perfect accompanist,” is well known for his work with his wife, cabaret legend Wesla Whitfield, as well as many other world-class vocalists. His sensitive piano accompaniment and deft orchestrations help bring out the best in any performer. His versatile piano playing can also be heard each week on the famously eclectic radio show West Coast Live (broadcast live every Saturday morning to public radio stations nationwide), as well as in venues like the Washington Square Bar & Grill and the Fairmont Hotel. Mike is also in constant demand as an educator and has taught extensively for the Stanford Jazz Workshop.