Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
Roger Humphries
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.
WELCOME!
MARY LOU WILLIAMS
INTERVIEW
May 18, 2013 at 8pm to May 19, 2013 at 12am – James Street Gastropub & Speakeasy
0 Comments 0 Likes
Adam Johnston & James Street has not received any gifts yet
Marva Josie might attend Adam Johnston & James Street's eventMarva Josie might attend Adam Johnston & James Street's event
Roberta Jean Windle commented on Adam Johnston & James Street's blog post Jazz Society Leaves James Street..For the wrong reasons!Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:50am 0 Comments 2 Likes
Thank you to all the players and jazz fans that came out tonight to support the new sunday jazz program here at James Street. keep coming out and we will continue to bring to you the best Jazz that Pittsburgh has to offer!! THANK YOU! LONG LIVE JAZZ!!
Posted on February 6, 2013 at 11:14pm 3 Comments 2 Likes
Dear Pittsburgh Jazz Society Members,
Unfortunately, it is true that the Pittsburgh Jazz Society will no longer be presenting jazz on Sunday night at James Street Gastropub & Speakeasy. The reasons for the board's decision, as they have stated, are very questionable at best. However, we would like to address the issues mentioned by Mr. Mowod.
James Street Gastropub & Speakeasy has been in business for slightly over one year. As a brand new…
ContinuePosted on December 15, 2011 at 9:06pm 0 Comments 3 Likes
I am proud and excited to announce that the Pittsburgh Jazz Society has decided to make the James Street Gastropub their meeting spot. Their frist gathering will be Jan 8th 2012. As soon as I find out the artist of that show I will let the world know! Long Live Jazz!!
Maryellen Hayden said… You are most welcome, Adam, glad to help!
Maryellen Hayden Deckard
Antoinette Manganas said… Adam! Thank you for responding! I am performing this evening at AL AN RUBENS in Washington, PA from 6-9 and then 2 shows on February 11th..I will be out of town Sunday February 12th and Monday the 13th...I will see you when I get back..I will call the Restaurant to make sure you are there! Looking forward to meeting you!
Antoinette
Dr. Nelson Harrison said…
Dane Vannatter said… Dr. Nelson Harrison said… Welcome Adam,
You bring very good news and you have come to the right place to get the word out. Please add a profile photo ASAP and we will feature your page, spread the word and gather some real attention.
© 2013 Created by Dr. Nelson Harrison.
Powered by
