Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
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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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INTERVIEW
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Roberta Negri-Albert
- Female
- Pittsburgh, PA
- United States
- Blog Posts
- Events
- Groups
- Photos
- Photo Albums
- Videos
Gifts Received (2)
Roberta Negri-Albert's Page
Profile Information
- Favorite website
- http://www.bobbynegri.com/
- Pittsburgh Connection
- Born and raised in Pittsburgh by two wonderful parents, who were also born and raised in this fabulous city.
- Favorite Pittsburgh musicians/performers
- Of course growing up a muscian's daughter I have been surrounded by the sounds of jazz all my life. My father of course is the most amazing pianist that I could ever expierence. Uncle Joe, as well, amazing! I was lucky to be expose to the "negri" talent, and always appreciated the music they created.
- Favorite Jazz Radio or media station
- wduq 90.5
- About Me:
- Married to Richard Albert for 24 years with two beautiful girls Evie and Emma. Piano teacher of 31 years, attended Duquesne University Music School. Member and Past President of the Pittsburgh Piano Teacher's Association.
- Artist or Fan
- fan
© 2024 Created by Dr. Nelson Harrison.
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BOBBY NEGRI, A MARVELOUS PIANIST AND FRIEND OF OVER 40 YEARS, IS IN MERCY HOSPITAL, I.C.U. AND HAS BEEN FOR A COUPLE WEEKS.
PLEASE SEND HIM YOUR PRAYERS EVEN IF JUST IN YOUR THOUGHTS.
HE HAS BEEN ONE OF THE UNHERALDED HEROES OF MINE IN THIS
CITY. HE COULD SWING LIKE NO ONE AND KNEW 1,000,S OF SONGS, AND,
MIGHT I ADD, IN ANY KEY!!!!!!!!!
FORTUNATELY, HE WAS OF THE SCHOOL WHEN MUSICIANS COULD MAKE A LIVING PLAYING THEIR MUSIC.
THANK GOD FOR THAT.
WITH SO FEW VENUES TODAY, I FEEL SAD FOR THE YOUNG PLAYERS.
TO GROW, YOU DO OR SHOULD "SHED" WITH OLDER PLAYERS TO STUDY WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED. MUSICIANS USED TO HANG AFTER THE GIGS BUT I DON'T SEE WHERE THEY CAN DO THAT NOW.. AND HANGING IS FUN, ESPECIALLY WITH PEOPLE WHO LOVE WHAT YOU LOVE.
OH WELL, I'VE SAID MY LITTLE PIECE.
LOVE TO ALL WHO LOVE MUSIC.....
They are together once again.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Please accept our condolences and our prayers for you and your family.
Bobby and Estelle
I am very sorry to hear of your father's death.
Your dad really electrified and innovated the jazz scene in Pittsburgh.
I remember hearing him play at the Three Rivers Arts Festival when I was a small boy and I was very amazed at the performance.
In fact, it got me interested in becoming a jazz musician.
Today I'm active as a professional jazz musician/jazz educator in the Pittsburgh region.
My dad also has passed away since February 18, 1992.
My dad, Joe Skirtich, taught at Pittsburgh Public Schools from 1951-1985.
My dad taught all the jazz cats who lived in the Hill District, including Georgie Benson.
Anyways, please don't hesitate to call me if you ever need someone to talk to.
Peace,
Ed Skirtich
Jazz Musician/Jazz Educator
ejskirtich@comcast.net
(412) 422-4149 (H)
(412) 841-8046 (C)
Barbara James
I was very saddened to hear about Bobby's death this past week. As you know, he was truly a great man and will be missed by many.
I have so many really great memories of playing with him and he was always so supportive! Wish I could have played with him more!
Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Don Aliquo Jr.
It is an honor tp have the Negri family represented on this network. We are here to celebrate the great legacy of music that has been our as Pittsburghers for over a century. The Negri family has contributed and continues to contribute so much to that legacy. As we mourn the loss of your father we will celebrate him here in perpetuity with your help. Our love and prayers are with your entire family through this trying time. Please add me as a friend.