JazzSpeare-Eli Yamin Jazz Quartet and Hudson Valley Shakespeare Company at Jazz at Lincoln Center October 2011

It was a dream come true to have the opportunity to continue an idea I first tried out over 20 years ago at Rutgers University.  “JazzSpeare” combines scenes from Shakespeare with a live, improvised and interactive score.  Here’s my quartet with Todd Williams, tenor saxophone, LaFrae Sci, drums, Mary Ann McSweeny, bass and myself on piano collaborating with actors from the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Company with Chris Edwards, Associate Artistic Director lying down,  Jason O’Connell (Knees)  Gabra Zackman (standing). The program was sponsored by The Fordham Consortium, Fordham School of Business’ convening of global leaders to discuss and explore the purpose of business.  This 2-day Fall meeting explored Business and the Arts.  It raised many important issues on collaboration, creativity, interaction, listening, responding, the inherent value of the arts and the practical value of the arts.