Prehistoric Jazz

Longy’s Prehistoric Jazz Ensemble will perform new ‘re-imagined’ arrangements of two crucial, but oft overlooked, pieces of American Repertoire. Scott Joplin wrote what is now considered the first American Opera, Treemonisha. Not only does it feature an all-black cast, the overture is a masterpiece of ragtime technique and variation. Longy’s PJE constructed a new arrangement of the overture that includes improvisation and updates the sound and instrumentation for 2021. This will be a world premiere. Pianist and composer, Mary Lou Williams was a star of the swing era yet her Zodiac Suite (a 12 part suite for chamber ensemble and jazz trio) is woefully underappreciated. Longy’s PJE has re-imagined 4 parts of the suite as vehicles for collaboration and improvisation, celebrating the composer’s narrative and themes, while reshaping the sound design to fit the contemporary chamber jazz landscape.