INVISIBLE JAZZ GIANTS

The Gabriel Schillinger-Hyman jazz celebrates the timeless works of Black, Jewish, Women, and Queer luminaries whose impact on 20th century jazz and popular culture was profound and unmistakable. 

In order to make a living in an industry that reflected the structural racism, antisemitism, sexism, and homophobia that gripped the nation, many of these legends had to become invisible. In a discussion of the lives and in our performance of the musical works of these invisible giants in jazz, we hope to bring to the limelight a part of American history that, like its players, has struggled to be seen and heard. 

“Invisible Jazz Giants” has been performed with numerous configurations and guest artists including Alexandra Ridout (2023 Best International Jazz Soloist, Artemis), Langston Hughes II (Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra), June Cavlan (Emmet’s Place, The Sunhouse Singers), and vocalist Georgia Heers.

“Invisible Jazz Giants combines narrative with music to shed light on hidden figures that despite America turning its back on, are quite literally responsible for shaping American culture as we know it. I also think the program makes the case that jazz music is the perfect lens through which we can unearth and recount American history, in all its beauty and ugliness."