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
THE CRAWFORD GRILL #2 CIRCA 1953
Comment
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Comment by Anne Annie Friedland on January 3, 2009 at 3:51am
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WOWMIT LOOKS GREAT!
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Comment by Dr. Larry Ridley on January 2, 2009 at 10:01pm
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This brings back fond memories of my performing at the Grill beginning in 1960 with Slide Hampton's Octet. Peace! WORKING TOGETHER WORKS! -- Dr. Larry Ridley, www.larryridley.com.
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Comment by Elizabeth "Betty" Asche Douglas on January 2, 2009 at 9:19pm
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Ah Yes-- I remember it well! Heard my first real Pittsburgh jazz there, and had my first chance to sit in as a novice vocalist. I lived a block away at the Center Avenue YWCA.
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Comment by Elva Branson-Lee on January 2, 2009 at 1:27am
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Awwww Maaaaannn, now I'm homesick!!! The first time I was there, my daddy (Billy Branson) snuck me in, as I was underage and he wanted me to hear some of his old friends play. The last time I was there, I was up on the bandstand vocalizing, with the Mike Taylor Band. Friday happy hour at The Grill was always a great gig! I miss you all so much.
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Comment by Anthony (Tony) Janflone on January 1, 2009 at 9:19pm
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Nelson, I talked my way in there when I was 17. I usually sat in the last booth closest to the band stand. Wow!! What a place! Thanks for the pic, Nelson. Ahhh memories--:-))
Tony
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Comment by Betsy on January 1, 2009 at 1:39pm
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My arranger/sax player boyfriend George Zinsser used to to take me there in 1954-55.
We also on Sundays went to the basement of perhaps a church in the Hill...some large building. It had a very big room were the local musicians would get together and play each others arrangements. I sat there next to George in the sax section. Nobody wore ear plugs that I know of in those days. I probably damaged my ears. George moved on to arrange for Billy May and subsequently Peter Duchin - for his society bands. He lived in Paris (Duchin's home) and NYC. I don't know if George is still alive.
Does anyone know where the "Musician's Club" would meet in the 50's? When musicians/singers came to town for gigs we would all go there after their shows and there would be open mic and we sometimes got a whole free show.
Also - does anyone have a picture of The Midway Lounge where I spent a lot of time?
Thanks,
Betsy Riebling
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Comment by Rozalia Jones on January 1, 2009 at 7:47am
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I almost forgot BONNE ANNEE!
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Comment by PMT Studio on January 1, 2009 at 7:39am
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great greasy spoon spot
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It looks brighter and more cheerful than the last time I saw it (which was the night Miles Davis transitioned). Is it sitting vacant now?
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Comment by Richie Merritt on January 1, 2009 at 6:44am
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The Grill, the last time I was their was in the 70's. Great times.
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