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
Damien Willis has not received any gifts yet
Posted on April 16, 2009 at 4:57pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Below is my interview with 88-Keys. We discuss his new CD, a concept album called "The Death Of Adam," which Kanye West executive-produced. We also talk about how Kanye came to be involved in the project, 88's obsession with Polo by Ralph Lauren, his inspiration, his family, and so-called "conscious rap." 88 also debunks my theory of "the two Kanyes."… Continue Posted on April 1, 2009 at 2:03am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Here is my interview with Mike Jones. We talk about what Mike's been up to in the 4 years since "Who Is Mike Jones" dropped, his success in the mixtape game, and his life and work before becoming a professional rapper. He debuts his new single, "Next To You," for us, and Mike talks about the record. He also tells us what we can expect from "The Voice," his new CD which is… Continue Posted on April 1, 2009 at 2:02am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Below is my interview with Bow Wow. We discuss Snoop Dogg, his acting career, play his new single, "You Can Get It All," talk about Hype Williams, his wheels, and the possiblilty of retirement. In part two, hear Bow Wow's thoughts on Chris Brown, his source of inspiration, and the highlight of his… Continue Posted on April 1, 2009 at 2:01am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Below is my interview with David Rush. We talk about Young Boss' new name, "Go Girl," and David debuts his new single, "Shooting Star," which features Kevin Rudolf, Pitbull, and LMFAO. We also discuss David's life-threatening kidney disease, which forces him to be on dialysis 4 hours a day, 6 days a week. He talks about "Moon Music," and his mixtape, "Feel The Rush, Vol. 1:… Continue Posted on April 1, 2009 at 2:01am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Below is my interview with Frankie J. We talk about his musical family, his early influences, and he debuts his new song, "If You Were My Girlfriend." We also discuss the delay in releasing his latest CD, his ability to reinvent himself, and his future plans.Posted on April 1, 2009 at 2:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Below is my interview with Colby O'Donis. We discuss his career--which goes back further than you may realize--his relationship with Akon, his Latino heritage, and his various musical talents. We also talk about the producers with whom Colby has worked and his current projects. Colby also debuts his next single, "Let You Go." Enjoy!…Posted on April 1, 2009 at 1:59am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Below is my interview with Kev Nish of Far-East Movement, the Asian-American hip-hop crew from Los Angeles. Kev talks about the effort the group has put in to amass an international following, their experience working with The Stereotypes (who produced Danity Kane's "Damaged"), and how their ethnicity has impacted their career. In part two, hear Kev discuss inspiration, the… Continue Posted on April 1, 2009 at 1:58am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Below is my interview with Jadakiss. We talk about the new Biggie biopic, "Notorious," Bill O'Reilly, Jada's squashed beef with 50 Cent and his new label, Roc-a-fella Records, and the over-usage of Auto-Tune. He also debuts his new song, "Can't Stop Me," for us. It's the first single from "The Last Kiss," scheduled to be released on March 10th. Enjoy!… Continue
Damien Willis commented on Roger Barbour Sr's event Roger Barbour Jazz Trio
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Damien Willis commented on Charlie G. Sanders's event Jazz Night @ Savoy
Damien Willis commented on Carnegie Mellon School of Music's event CMUsic Presents: Ben Verdery, guitar
Damien Willis commented on Carnegie Mellon School of Music's event Faculty Recital: Cyrus Forough, violin
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Damien Willis commented on J. Malls's event Interval Monday @ AVA Lounge + Jazz Happy Hour
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