Women in Jazz with Galen Abdur-Razzaq

The Gunn Memorial Library is excited to collaborate with the Morris Public Library, Goshen Public Library, and Essex Library Association to bring our communities a virtual presentation with Flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaq on the important role women have played in jazz music.
An understanding of jazz would not be complete without highlighting the influence and contributions of women. Women have been involved in jazz since the early 1920s, not just as vocalist, but as instrumentalists, composers, arrangers and band leaders. It wasn’t until the 1930s and 1940s that artists such as Billie Holiday were recognized as successful in the industry. This presentation will provide an understanding of how female artists such as Bessie Smith, Valaida Snow, Mildred Bailey, Mary Lou Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and more have come to define the genre.

Master Flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaq weaves performances of pieces from the female artists of the Jazz Age in between his presentation. A Q&A will conclude the evening.

Galen Abdur-Razzaq is a master flutist and lecturer. He studied at Berklee College of Music and holds a master’s degree in Fine Arts and Education from Rutgers University. He has performed internationally and domestically for over thirty years and his performance portfolio includes artists such as Billy Taylor, Sonny Philips, Jimmy Heath, Melba Moore, and Sun Ra. Galen has given dozens of performance-presentations at universities across the country hoping to inspire students through musical appreciation.