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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Duke Ellington is first African-American and the first musician to solo on U.S. circulating coin

MARY LOU WILLIAMS

INTERVIEW

In Her Own Words

PITTSBURGH JAZZ CHANNEL - 24/7

PITTSBURGH MUSIC HISTORY

THE PERIODIC TABLE OF JAZZ HISTORY

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Dr. Nelson Harrison's Blog Posts Tagged 'music' (287)

Local Musicians Band together to Raise Money for Haitian Earthquake Victims

Event Details

What: Pittsburgh Bands Together

Featuring: Muddy Kreek Blues Band, The Real Deal Band, Freedom, Jimmy Ponder,

Patty Spadaro Band, Johnnie and Mustangs, Man in the Street, and more …

When: Saturday, January 23, 2010 - 8:00 pm to 2:00 am

Where: Carnegie Library of Homestead Music Hall

510 East 10th Avenue | Munhall, Pennsylvania 15120 | Phone: 412-462-3444

Ticket Info: $10 – with a donation of 2 bags of… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 18, 2010 at 4:53pm — 2 Comments

Pianist Extraordinaire John D'Amico joined the ancestors on January 1, 2010

"It is with great sadness that I tell you my dear friend of 45 years, John Damico, passed away this morning at 11:35 AM. John was a giant of a person, a man of great faith and tenacity who fought a good fight with cancer these past 5 years. His suffering is over now, and I know he is at peace with his Lord.

I spoke with Donna just a little while ago - she said the funeral will likely be at Slater's in Greentree, but didn't know when. Our prayers are with Donna, the boys, and… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 2, 2010 at 9:55pm — 5 Comments

Synthesis helps honor legacy of Chuck Cooper

Written by Renee P. Aldrich Wednesday, 23 December 2009 12:17 Aside from being the home of an historic football team that has won six Super Bowl rings, Pittsburgh is full of hidden treasurers when it comes to finding African- Americans who’ve made an indelible mark on society. "There are of course the musicians like

Billy Strayhorn, Erroll Garner, Mary Lou Williams, to name a few, who have had international musical careers, and all born in Pittsburgh. There have also been… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on December 24, 2009 at 10:00pm — No Comments

Kenny Fisher plays with the angels; Pittsburgh jazz icon passes at 69

The New Pittsburgh Courier Written by Christian Morrow - Courier Staff Writer Thursday, 05 November 2009 13:12 Kenny Fisher didn’t talk much, but his saxophone spoke volumes to those lucky enough to have heard him play. “Fish,” as his friends called him, was one of the last links to Pittsburgh’s heyday as a jazz mecca—he knew everyone and played everywhere; the Loendi Club, the Hurricane and the old Crawford Grill. On Oct. 25, after a lengthy battle with cancer, Fisher played his last solo, he… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on November 6, 2009 at 6:26am — No Comments

WHO PAYS PERFORMANCE ROYALTIES AND WHO DOESN'T?

August 4, 2009

Radio Free America

By NANCY SINATRA

Los Angeles

WHEN I hear great American standards on the radio, I think of all the songwriters, artists and musicians whom my father, brother and I have worked with over the years. It reminds me that every recording has two parts, the composition and the performance. It also reminds me how many wonderful artists and musicians have not been paid fairly for their work.

Songwriters and publishers are… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on August 4, 2009 at 10:00pm — 2 Comments

Obituary: Randy Purcell / Internationally known jazz trombonist

Died May 16, 2009 Tuesday, May 19, 2009 By Moriah Balingit, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Randy Purcell, with his trombone.

From his Brookline home, where the music never stopped, trombone player Randy Purcell blew his way onto the international scene with his loud and aggressive musical style, becoming ranked among the top dozen trombonists across the globe. Mr. Purcell died Saturday night of complications from diabetes. He was 62.… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on May 20, 2009 at 3:54pm — 3 Comments

Jazz trombonist Randy Purcell made mark locally, nationally

Buzz up! By Bob Karlovits, TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Photos

Randy Purcell About the writer Bob Karlovits can be reached via e-mail or at 412-320-7852. Randy Purcell attacked jazz performance and education with the same zest that marked his heyday as a powerhouse trombonist with the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra. Mr. Purcell, 62, a mainstay in the Pittsburgh jazz scene for many years, died of complications from… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on May 20, 2009 at 3:30pm — 1 Comment

MEMBERSHIP ISSUE REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

As we are approaching the 1200 member level, it has come to my attention that our recent practice of e-blasting current live local events has been both favorably and unfavorably received. Since this network is about values (personal, professional and artistic), I will try to address both the positive and negative feedback I have received thus far and invite any and all comments in response so that we can best learn how to serve the membership.… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on May 1, 2009 at 4:02am — 7 Comments

William L. "Speigal" Gay passes at age 57

On April 18, 2009, William, age 57, of Pittsburgh. Beloved husband of Judith A. Baronio-Gay; father of Adora C. Gay; grandfather of Doricka D., Tyrone R., Mahogany E., Chanelle M. and Jemel A.; brother of Pastor Gary R. Gay and Gerald Gay; nephew of Nelda Stokes and Florence Nelson; also survived by other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Thursday 4-8 pm at the New Hope Baptist Church, Sixth St., Braddock, where the funeral service will be… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on April 23, 2009 at 5:28am — 1 Comment

A Jones for Music - SEAN JONES

Printed from the Pittsburgh City Paper website: http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws POSTED ON APRIL 16, 2009:

URL for this story: http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.wshttp://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A61874 By Mike Shanley "Caravan" is the kind of song that can start a fire at a jam session. Over the years, drummers have played the Duke Ellington tune with a pile-driving rhythm, the tension breaking for a brief moment… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on April 17, 2009 at 6:22am — 3 Comments

IF YOU ARE A JAZZ FAN, YOU HAVE BEEN INFLUENCED BY A PITTSBURGHER.

In an era of world music, it is imperative that America's most important cultural contribution to the world… Jazz music… be preserved, taught, expounded, developed and commemorated. We have dedicated ourselves toward to recreating a physical and virtual context within which the above purpose can be fulfilled in Pittsburgh, one of the most fertile breeding grounds for icons of the culture. A state-of-the-art space of historical or… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on April 8, 2009 at 3:00am — 6 Comments

The Next Page: Pittsburgh's jazz mystique -- the next generation steps up *

Dwayne Dolphin, Howie Alexander and Sean Jones -- three jazz artists tending the Pittsburgh flame

Sunday, April 05, 2009

By Steve Hallock

Stacy Innerst

The house band at CJ's in the Strip District had just finished off a rousing "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" to whoops from the packed room at a recent Thursday night jam session. Roger Humphries turned over his drum set to a reedy kid named Joey Sailor as the musicians launched Miles Davis' "So… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on April 5, 2009 at 8:39pm — 2 Comments

FREDDIE REDD SPRING TOUR

Friday March 27 7:30 & 9:00 PM - The George Dulin Group George Dulin - Piano , David Smith - Trumpet , Karel Ruzicka - Tenor Sax , Nir Felder - Guitar , Dan Zanker - Bass , Jordan Perlson - Drums 10:30 & 12:00 AM - The Legendary Freddie Redd Sextet featuring Chris Byars, Brad Linde, John Mosca Freddie Redd - Piano , Chris Byars - Alto Sax , Brad Linde - Tenor Sax , John Mosca - Trombone , Ari… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on March 23, 2009 at 6:00am — 2 Comments

(Native Pittsburgher) Marpessa Dawn, Eurydice in the Film ‘Black Orpheus,’ Dies at 74

September 27, 2008

By DENNIS HEVESI

Marpessa Dawn, who played the beautiful, melancholic and doomed Eurydice in the classic 1959 Brazilian movie “Black Orpheus,” died on Aug. 25 at her home in Paris. She was 74.

The cause was a heart attack, her daughter Dhyana Kluth said.

Ms. Dawn’s death followed by 41 days that of her “Black Orpheus” co-star, Breno Mello, who played the title role. The family did not publicly announce the death until this… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on March 17, 2009 at 4:41pm — 2 Comments

East Liberty's AVA Lounge is a haven for jazz heads on Monday nights - Pittsburgh City Paper feature article

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER FEBRUARY 26, 2009 BY STEVE HALLOCK...

Cymbal crashes and electric-piano chords accompany the twirls and kicks of the combatants in the kung-fu film up on the wall behind the bar. Considering the size of the boisterous crowd at East Liberty's AVA Lounge -- 50 or so folks jammed into the slender room -- it ought to be a Friday or Saturday night. But it's a Monday. On what's considered the week's dead night for… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on March 4, 2009 at 1:07am — 9 Comments

THE COMMERCIAL STATE OF JAZZ IN THE NEW MILLENIUM

There is a discussion on The Washington DC Network re: returning jazz back to commercially advertising radio stations. The discussion was initiated by my close friend and native Pittsburgher, Mickey Bass, an extraordinarily talented and venerated bassist. After reading the developing thread there I left a short comment but have decided to start another thread on this network that perhaps will move in another direction. Please join in both discussions if you like. It's all… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on February 21, 2009 at 9:00pm — 17 Comments

BRILLIANT YOUNG PIANIST DR. DERRICK R. FINCH DIES IN AUTO CRASH IN LOS ANGELES

It is with deep regret and and a heavy heart that we announce the death of member Derrick R. Finch, who was killed in an auto accident today in Los Angeles where he was attending graduate school. He was one of the finest pianists of his generation and destined to be a major star in the great Pittsburgh lexicon of jazz pianists. He was a good friend and an early member of this network. He is also the first member to pass through transition. He will always have a page on this network and… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on February 19, 2009 at 10:30pm — 36 Comments

VETERAN BOP DRUMMER RON TUCKER JOINS THE ANCESTORS

HARRY E. "RON" TUCKER

Age 79, of Pittsburgh, peacefully on Saturday September 27, 2008; husband of Delores Tucker; father of Judith Seibert of Philadelphia, Lovella Spaulding, Vivian Crawley, Florence Glenn, Noel Webb, and Charles Crawley; brother of Bernard Tucker of Philadelphia. Memorial Service to be held on a later date. Professional services entrusted to COSTON FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-661-5916

www.costonfuneralhome.com

Send condolences at… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on October 2, 2008 at 11:46pm — No Comments

Earn Money Listening to Music! (Pittsburgh) - Craiglist

Reply to: see below

Date: 2008-08-22, 3:21PM EDT

Media Research Now, a market research firm serving clients worldwide, is seeking individuals in the Pittsburgh area to participate in a PAID research study. These groups will be conducted Tuesday, August 26 in the afternoon/evening hours. Each group will last about 2 hours, and you will be paid $60 upon completion of the group.

If you or anyone you know may be interested, please visit this website to see if you… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on August 25, 2008 at 2:58am — No Comments

VENERATED ARTIST THAD MOSLEY SCULPTS TO JAZZ

Mosley sculpts a lifetime of passion By C. Denise Johnson | Courier Staff Writer “My sculpture is an urban Afro-American-Euro-Jazz influenced art. It is an effort to create works of vitality and identity which enhance space and transcend time.” If you’ve ever been down Herron Avenue between Bigelow Boulevard and Centre Avenue, you may notice an abstract looking piece of artwork that marks the Martin Luther King Reading Room and Cultural Center on Milwaukee Street; that piece of chiseled… Continue

Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on August 22, 2008 at 5:30am — No Comments