Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
AFRO-AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 36 YEARS
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PITTSBURGH JAZZ
From Blakey to Brown, Como to Costa, Eckstine to Eldridge, Galbraith to Garner, Harris to Hines, Horne to Hyman, Jamal to Jefferson, Kelly to Klook; Mancini to Marmarosa, May to Mitchell, Negri to Nestico, Parlan to Ponder, Reed to Ruther, Strayhorn to Sullivan, Turk to Turrentine, Wade to Williams… the forthcoming publication Treasury of Pittsburgh Jazz Connections by Dr. Nelson Harrison and Dr. Ralph Proctor, Jr. will document the legacy of one of the world’s greatest jazz capitals.
Do you want to know who Dizzy Gillespie idolized? Did you ever wonder who inspired Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey? Who was the pianist that mentored Monk, Bud Powell, Tad Dameron, Elmo Hope, Sarah Vaughan and Mel Torme? Who was Art Tatum’s idol and Nat Cole’s mentor? What musical quartet pioneered the concept adopted later by the Modern Jazz Quartet? Were you ever curious to know who taught saxophone to Stanley Turrentine or who taught piano to Ahmad Jamal? What community music school trained Robert McFerrin, Sr. for his history-making debut with the Metropolitan Opera? What virtually unknown pianist was a significant influence on young John Coltrane, Shirley Scott, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Timmons and Ray Bryant when he moved to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh in the 1940s? Would you be surprised to know that Erroll Garner attended classes at the Julliard School of Music in New York and was at the top of his class in writing and arranging proficiency?
Some answers can be gleaned from the postings on the Pittsburgh Jazz Network.
For almost 100 years the Pittsburgh region has been a metacenter of jazz originality that is second to no other in the history of jazz. One of the best kept secrets in jazz folklore, the Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy has heretofore remained mythical. We have dubbed it “the greatest story never told” since it has not been represented in writing before now in such a way as to be accessible to anyone seeking to know more about it. When it was happening, little did we know how priceless the memories would become when the times were gone.
Today jazz is still king in Pittsburgh, with events, performances and activities happening all the time. The Pittsburgh Jazz Network is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the places, artists and fans that carry on the legacy of Pittsburgh's jazz heritage.
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Duke Ellington is first African-American and the first musician to solo on U.S. circulating coin
MARY LOU WILLIAMS
INTERVIEW
NEW MUSIC FROM ERIC JOHNSON - SUPAHIGHWAY
The new recording is called "Supahighway" and is on the Clarion Jazz label, the label co-founded by native Pittburgher Dale Fielder.
Eric states that, "This recording represents the tradition of Midwestern Jazz musicians playing our brand of happy, funky, melodic party Jazz. Our music is inspired by a grand list of Midwestern born Jazz artists."
Some standout cuts for me include:
La Petite Mambo
Hurts So Bad
Supahighway
Did I say THIS IS A GREAT RECORDING?
Eric Johnson is a soul survivor. A 40 year career that has afforded him the oppourtunity to travel the world performing with some of the world's greatest jazz artists.Johnson's career began in Pittsburgh's late 60's Rhythm and Blues/Jazz Funk circuit. After grauduating high school, a bold, eager Eric Johnson went on the road with legendary organist Brother Jack McDuff. Johnson soon became a popular sideman working with Leon Spencer Jr.,Lou Donaldson,Jimmy McGriff, Stanley Turrentine ,Hank Crawford,Ramsey Lewis and many others.
After relocating to New York in 1978, Eric began touring with Jimmy Owens and Willis"Gatortail" Jackson.The association with Owens was especially gratifying because of the exotic locations they would perform. The group also conducted many workshops and lectures at various colleges and public schools. Eric also led a trio that worked the New York - New Jersey area.
The year 1993 represented a breakthrough in Eric's career , the release of his first CD "Bumpin In LA" . Due to the success of the CD Eric relocated to the
Los Angeles area. While in L.A. Eric led a popular trio in addition to performing with LA greats Lorez Alexandria and Buddy Collette.
Eric returned to Pittsburgh in 1996 , he stayed busy working with local legends Walt Harper and Harold Betters. Also Eric's second CD Makin' Whoopie was released. Eric then reformed his favorite group "The Fabalous A-Team."
The turn of the century marked a new chapter in Eric's life, a return to the New York area. Since 2000 he has been performing with old friends Dr.Lonnie Smith and Lou Donaldson on occasion. Most recently Eric has been recording and touring Japan with organist Akiko Tsuruga. Last year while in Japan Mr Shiino of Vestax - D'Angelico guitars awarded Eric a beautiful guitar and endorsement.
Eric new CD"Supahighway" is a labor of love, a beautiful work of art by a group of long time friends.
You will see some very familiar names here, many members of this Jazz network.
The players with Eric are:
Tim Jenkins- Piano
Dan Wasson- Electric Bass
Phillip "Butch" Jones- Drums
Harold "Dr Funk" Walker - Percussion
With Special Guests:
Bill Easley- Alto,Tenor Sax and Flute
Akiko Tsuruga - Organ
Session Produced By - Jack Kriesberg
You can reach Eric by writing him:
FabalousEJ2@aol.com
Kevin Amos
© 2024 Created by Dr. Nelson Harrison.
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