Vocalist Jessica Lee mixes entrepreneurship and music to encourage social and artistic progress.
A chance…
Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
AFRO-AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 36 YEARS
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/building-today-for-tomorrow/x/267428
Pain Relief Beyond Belief
http://www.komehsaessentials.com/
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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Dr. Nelson Harrison's Blog Posts Tagged 'pittsburgh' (314)
Teenie Harris exhibit, Gala
Written by Christian Morrow - Courier Staff Writer
Friday, 14 October 2011 10:13
A new exhibit celebrating the work of Pittsburgh Courier photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris is scheduled for a gala opening this month at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland.
Among those attending the Friday, Oct. 28 opening for “Teenie Harris, Photographer,” will be actor Bill Nunn, whose father and grandfather, both editors for the Courier, worked with Harris in his heyday. Nunn… Continue
Friday, 14 October 2011 10:13
A new exhibit celebrating the work of Pittsburgh Courier photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris is scheduled for a gala opening this month at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland.
Among those attending the Friday, Oct. 28 opening for “Teenie Harris, Photographer,” will be actor Bill Nunn, whose father and grandfather, both editors for the Courier, worked with Harris in his heyday. Nunn… Continue
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on October 15, 2011 at 3:06am — 2 Comments
Local choir wins national prize - New Pittsburgh Courier Article
Written by Genea Webb
Wednesday, 27 July 2011 12:17
Last month, the Afro American Music Institute’s Boys Choir won first place at the National Boys Choir Convention in Louisville, Ky., beating out three other choirs from Kansas City, Mo., and Louisville, winning a trophy and medal.
“I am so happy and proud of my boys,” Pamela Johnson said. “This was a wonderful opportunity for the choir. They have the opportunity to become great Black men.”…
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on July 28, 2011 at 1:38am — 1 Comment
ACTION United for Jazz!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE TBA
WYEP has a bid in to purchase WDUQ, and we hear the plan is to take away Jazz programming.
So many Jazz musicians have called me up and asked me to use my organizer skills to help them, that I am bound to respond. As an organizer, I know that the first thing you need to win is a strong organization that is willing to fight. So, are you willing to fight?
A new organization is forming now; a chapter of ACTION United, one specifically for musicians, that will fight for…
ContinueAdded by Dr. Nelson Harrison on March 25, 2011 at 10:30pm — 9 Comments
Fans lobby to keep jazz on WDUQ
Sale of WDUQ raises concerns that the format could change
Sunday, March 06, 2011
What would Pittsburgh sound like without jazz on the radio?
"It shoots a hole in the soul of Pittsburgh," said local jazz musician Nelson Harrison. "You knock WDUQ off and we have…
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on March 7, 2011 at 1:52pm — 28 Comments
Obituary - Anthony L. Pasquerelli - February 3, 2011
Anthony L. Pasquarelli
Mt. Lebanon
Anthony L. Pasquarelli, 95, of Mt. Lebanon, affectionately known as "The Boss" by his former students, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011. Mr. Pasquarelli was born June 13, 1915, in Pittsburgh, to parents Guy and Maria Pasquarelli. Mr. Pasquarelli is survived by his wife of 71 years, Alice May Pasquarelli; his daughters, Terry McDonald and Suzette (David)…Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on February 6, 2011 at 4:36am — No Comments
WDUQ IS SOLD: Voice your opinion here.
Well, it could have been a worse. A lot worse. Duquesne University could have sold WDUQ-FM --…
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 18, 2011 at 2:30am — 11 Comments
Evelyn Blakey, Art Blakey's first child, born in Pittsburgh passes
Evelyn Blakey passed away last week and confirmed with Takashi Buhaina Blakey, who is Art's son and Evelyn's half brother.
Evelyn is the first child of the late, great Jazz drummer, Art Blakey. Born in Pittsburgh, she moved to Harlem in 1948 when she was 10 years old to grow up amongst all the music and musical giants living and playing in post WW2 NYC .
…
Continue
Evelyn is the first child of the late, great Jazz drummer, Art Blakey. Born in Pittsburgh, she moved to Harlem in 1948 when she was 10 years old to grow up amongst all the music and musical giants living and playing in post WW2 NYC .
…
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 15, 2011 at 2:38am — 2 Comments
And All That Jazz
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 15, 2011 at 2:32am — No Comments
Interval at Ava Lounge: Monday night Jam Sessions approaches 4th year.
Jazz finds a new home at Ava Lounge
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sitting in a chair just outside the entrance of the Ava Lounge, Garland Rose is reminded of the old days when clubs dotted the streets of East Liberty and the energy and sounds of trumpets and trombones, saxophones and drums filled the air in a joyful…
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 15, 2011 at 2:28am — No Comments
Band salutes Walt Harper in Highland Park concert
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 15, 2011 at 2:22am — No Comments
Goodfellows: Grandparents instill spirit of voluntarism, gratitude
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 8, 2011 at 11:21pm — 1 Comment
The Business of the Blues
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on September 25, 2010 at 3:30am — No Comments
PIANIST CYNTHIA LIVINGSTON funeral arrangements.
I just wanted to let you know that Cynthia Livingston's
arrangements are as follows:
House of Law on Frankstown Ave.
Thursday from 5-9 p.m.
The funeral will be Friday 24th at 11 a.m. at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church on Paulson Avenue in East Liberty
arrangements are as follows:
House of Law on Frankstown Ave.
Thursday from 5-9 p.m.
The funeral will be Friday 24th at 11 a.m. at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church on Paulson Avenue in East Liberty
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on September 21, 2010 at 3:19am — No Comments
Title Town brings back the funk/soul hits and misses of eras past.
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on August 19, 2010 at 2:00am — 1 Comment
Happy 80th Birthday to Ahmad Jamal
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on July 2, 2010 at 11:48pm — 4 Comments
BASSIST TOMMY MCDANIEL PASSES on May 24, 2010
McDaniel, Thomas T.
69, of Penn Hills, on May 24, 2010. Long time city of Pittsburgh Police Motorcycle Officer, along with 8 other McDaniel family members. He was an accomplished Jazz Musician and played bass with the well-known Walt Harper quintet during its heyday in the late 60s through early… Continue
69, of Penn Hills, on May 24, 2010. Long time city of Pittsburgh Police Motorcycle Officer, along with 8 other McDaniel family members. He was an accomplished Jazz Musician and played bass with the well-known Walt Harper quintet during its heyday in the late 60s through early… Continue
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on June 14, 2010 at 8:59pm — 2 Comments
PITTSBURGH JAZZ SOCIETY FINDS NEW HOME
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on February 18, 2010 at 5:00am — 4 Comments
FREDDIE REDD RECONNECTS to NYC opening at BIRDLAND ON FEBRUARY 9, 2010.
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 26, 2010 at 2:30am — 7 Comments
Obituary: Maisha Baton / Nurturing poet, playwright, therapist and teacher
Dr. Maisha Baton [July 2, 1938 - Dec. 27, 2009]
Friday, January 01, 2010
By Diana Nelson Jones, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A poet, playwright, therapist and teacher, Maisha Baton had the gift of making connections that nurtured a host of artists and activists. The only female to perform with the Centre Avenue Poets Theater workshop -- and the last of them -- Dr. Baton died Sunday. She was 71.
Diagnosed with lung cancer in February, she spent her… Continue
Friday, January 01, 2010
By Diana Nelson Jones, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A poet, playwright, therapist and teacher, Maisha Baton had the gift of making connections that nurtured a host of artists and activists. The only female to perform with the Centre Avenue Poets Theater workshop -- and the last of them -- Dr. Baton died Sunday. She was 71.
Diagnosed with lung cancer in February, she spent her… Continue
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 2, 2010 at 10:06pm — 1 Comment
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
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