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, Parlanto 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.
I'm so deeply impressed with this site! Thank you for allowing me in! I hope I have the time soon to add, share, contact, and explore! Very excited, I am, and will remain, your friend and student - David Shane
Hey there fellow Sag,
Did you see the photos I just found of Sam Johnson at that gig we did a thousand years ago. Can you remember where the gig was? And also who was the drummer? I'm still finding more photos of some folks who are gone now. The Network is getting bigger, way cool.
Michele
Nelson, thanks again for creating this site. A couple of questions : there was a bunch of Phyllis Hyman here last week, any idea where it went? Also, thanks for making a place to post Henrietta Goree's obit, but I can't figure out how to remove the discussion. Thanks
Hey Nelson...this is Floreece...If you have any influence in this area, I"d like to se a jazz photo on the resturant wall of the Blues place in Waterfront called Red Hot And Blue...(nice place) of myself to be with all the other contributers of the music....Thanks
Nelson maybe this summer we can create a jazz festivel and maybe this can be a part fundraiser for some benefit and add sponserships. I have some ideas on how this can work. Lets talk sometime soon
Nelson, great idea to keep people in touch and in your thoughts. It's great to see names like Butch McGee and Rabbit Barnes. As busy as everyone can get, it's nice to have a space to drop into every so often to share timely ideas and great memories.
Nelson, I did check out McGee yesterday and that is so slick. I will post things as I find them. Remember the Savoy Ballroom with Van. James "Blood" Ulmer palyed with me when we were with the sining group tha "Savoys" back in 1958 & 1959 he left town with Jewel Bryner.
wow! smokin' nelson! Howie! Whee! Here we go! got a few files moved over. a lil bit better. it's a start! oh my wait til i go out west and grab those sam johnson tapes. wheeeeee! xo, -j
Hey Brotha' Nelson, I trust you are doing well and, as always, staying healthy. I just want to thank you for bringing us all together again. This is something I really jumped on. The next time I'm in town I will be in touch. It will be a groove for me to hang with you for a bit...you digg...peace
Jaime is pregnant again, Hannah (the world's most perfect granddaughter) is getting ready to be 3 and is smart as a whip, there is no where near here to hear good music, but other than that, this is paradise.
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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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This is really an incredible website in terms of everthing that is available on it.
Best Regards,
Perry
Did you see the photos I just found of Sam Johnson at that gig we did a thousand years ago. Can you remember where the gig was? And also who was the drummer? I'm still finding more photos of some folks who are gone now. The Network is getting bigger, way cool.
Michele
Would like info on the school for Rosemarie to learn piano in Homewood -- could not find on the net.
Thanks,
joe