Reviving the Great American Songbook with Rock-Era Icons

There's a musical revolution underway, spearheaded by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Jessica Vosk, aiming to reinvigorate an illustrious collection of pop music known as the Great American Songbook. This cherished anthology primarily comprises early 20th-century tunes, immortalized by legends like Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin, which once resonated deeply with audiences across America. Icons such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald brought these songs to life, creating an enduring musical legacy.

The Challenge of Timelessness

Yet, with time, the once-lively songbook finds itself in a static state, its relevance dimming as its original audience dwindles. The newer generations are less familiar with the likes of Johnny Mercer and Hoagie Carmichael, raising the question: How can such timeless music be presented to fresh ears while preserving its artistic quality?

A New Chapter for Classic Tunes

Campbell and Vosk have an answer. They propose a nod to the 1970s, a decade that witnessed the rise of influential rock-and-pop artists from the music hub of Los Angeles. Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and The Mamas & the Papas are a few of the names that shaped this vibrant era. Their plan took form in 'California Dreaming: The Music of Laurel Canyon,' a concert that blends classic hits with engaging narratives, pitched to a modern audience.

A Fresh Take on the Songbook

This innovative concert series first made waves at New York City's 92nd Street Y and has ventured into symphonic territory with the Colorado Symphony. Here the songs are reimagined for orchestra, with added strings, woodwinds, and brass. The debut performance, featuring remakes of songs like 'Hotel California' and 'A Case of You,' challenges audiences to consider these rock-era hits as potential new standards that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the works of Gershwin and Porter.

Celebrating Musical Diversity

Campbell emphasizes the Colorado Symphony's readiness to embrace this cross-genre endeavor, showcasing their versatility and openness to stepping beyond classical boundaries. The evolution reflects a broader trend in classical concerts, where film scores and pop songs are increasingly part of the repertoire to draw younger audiences. With the fusion of classical excellence and rock-era charm, Campbell and Vosk push the boundaries, writing a new chapter for the American musical tradition.

revival, innovation, legacy