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
Sandy Staley Passes
Sandy had been ill for several yars and would have periods of recovery then her health would decline. Nonetheless Sandy would get the energy to get out there and perform, defying the odds. I for one salute her for that. Her strength to carry on showed her love of the music and her love for the many folks she performed for.
In a personal reflection...I had the opportunity to book her for Reservoir of Jazz a number of years ago and Sandy was then using an portable oxegen tank. We helped her on stage, got her a chair and Sandy was belting out those tunes! A testiment to the music she loved.Sandy built her musical career. She made something out of nothing. Sandy will be another name added to the list of great musicians from our region.
Down over the years I've seen Sandy in many settings with many of you and have also played her music over the airwaves. I am going to miss my friend.
Kevin
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ed Skirtich on
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Hi Kevin,
Thanks for letting us know about Sandy.
Sandy was just as beautiful and swinging in person as she was on stage.
Sandy was very kind and generous and she let me sit in with her band at The Sunday Night Jazz Party for The Pitttsburgh Jazz Society at Foster's when I was a college student.
What a terrible loss for our jazz community, but a beautiful addition to the Swingin' Jazz Band In Heaven.
If you need to talk to me, or if anyone on The Pittsburgh Jazz Network needs to talk to me about Sandy please give me a call.
My Prayers and Sympathies are with Sandy and her family.
Ed Skirtich
ejskirtich@comcast.net
(412) 422-4149 (H)
(412) 841-8046 (C)
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