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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Derrick Finch's Comments

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At 5:21am on February 20, 2009, Dale Fielder said…: He was my Pittsburgh homeboy. We here in LA where Derrick has lived and played in his last years are absolutely shocked . . . He was on his way to Boston to be with his fiancee Kira who just landed a great job with WBGH. He had just handed in his doctorate papers to USC. I first met him when he was 15. Had to stop him from calling me Mr. Fielder. It was a joy to see him come from that to the fine pianist he became. We all have enjoyed many fine gigs with him over the last couple of years especially those with vocalist Sandra Booker, they were musical soulmates and incredible to hear together. Derrick is from a direct line of 'pure Pittsburgh pianists' that go through Erroll Garner all the way back to Earl Fatha Hines. You can hear them both in his playing. He brought that Pittsburgh "theater/showman" tradition into the present with modern harmonic understandings like those from his Herbie Hancock influence. He was my dear son, brother and comrade in arms and will be sorely missed. We will be doing a tribute to him here in LA at some point. Such a bright light extinguished! And so young . . . . A sound never to be heard again. Please go to his website and order his CD which just came out! RIP Derrick! We love you . . .

At 5:18am on February 20, 2009, Dan Wasson said…: Derrick was a great young man and a real strong musician, where ever he's at, he's playing

At 4:21am on February 20, 2009, Jaki Young said…: I am saddened by the loss of such a bright and rising star. He was always inspiring and pleasant to be around. Derrick will be remembered for the wonderful contribution to jazz in Pittsburgh and throughout.

At 3:51am on February 20, 2009, Musique Noire said…: Oh, no! We did not know him, but as a musician, he was our brother in spirit. We do not know why he was taken from this earth so suddenly and so young, but we are happy that he left a wonderful musical legacy during the time he was granted. Our deepest sympathies to all who knew him.

Michelle May
c/o Musique Noire

At 2:49am on February 20, 2009, Hill Jordan said…: Hey Finch,

Wow... it seems like such a short time ago you were at Pitt w/ Nathan beginning your musical journey. You always knew how to be very focused yet always find the joy in the journey. Whether it was weight lifting/bodybuilding (I still use the movie trick when I workout!!!) or music you were always a joy to be around & work with. I'm glad to have know you & may the legacy of your friendship & brotherly love you shared with so many be a comfort to your family & myriad of friends.

Hill Jordan

At 2:03am on February 20, 2009, Anne Feeney said…: It seems impossible and so wrong that 36 years is all that you got, my friend. You sure made the most of it. An immense talent and a kind and thoughtful spirit. I'm so sorry I won't get to see you again! My heartfelt condolences to your family and to all those who admired and loved you.

At 1:30am on February 20, 2009, Waberi said…: I was just returning to 'The Village', walking over to my friend Matt to say hello and he informed me a few minutes ago that Derrick Finch was lost to us in a car accident. My breath literally leapt from my chest. I knew Derrick Finch quite well here in Los Angeles. I called him Dr. He stumbled over the correct pronunciation of my name... it was an inside joke we shared - and we shared it about a week ago here in Leimert Park.

Dr. Finch was a brilliant man. He loved Jazz. His musicality was singular - one could tell in a very few notes when Dr. Finch was playing. He was full of life, happy and always smiling. His music was like that too. Matt and I were just musing about him 2 weeks ago, because we hadn't seen him since the new year had begun... smiling at the growth in character and musicianship we have been so honored to witness and share with him. And happy to that we are all a part of this tremendous and brilliant musical family... how nice it is to know him. And to have had the absolute honor to play with him is an ever-evolving gift. I learned something new each and every time I sang with him. His gift of accompaniment is so dear and special for a vocalist. I still remember certain sets we played as next level - type experiences.

From Leimert Park in Los Angeles, we send love and condolences to his family and loved ones.

He will be missed immensely.

Below, is a bit of video of Dr. Finch at the Benefit/Healing Gathering for Nate Morgan, December 26, 2008 @ The World Stage, Leimert Park... he comes in @ about 2:26

Remember to tell those your love that you love them.

At 12:23am on February 20, 2009, Jack Bishop said…: I am shocked!! Speechless...

At 12:15am on February 20, 2009, Nancy Persinger said…: Derrick's tragic and untimely death is an unbearable loss. What a fine, affable, and cultured young man he was. I'll never forget athe day I met him. It was at the Holiday Inn on one of the first occasions that I attended the PJS Sunday night performances. I noticed Derrick when he walked through the room looking for a table. He was wearing a sweat shirt with the slogan, "Danger--Educated Black Man," printed on the front. I was amused and stopped him as he passed by. We had a wonderful conversation and I found him to be charming and engaging. He told me that he was a pianist deeply devoted to jazz music and of his plan to go west in pursuit of a graduate degree. I was so impressed. I guess I impressed him, too, because he mentioned his wish that his mother could come to the Sunday night performances and wondered if she she did come could she sit with my friend and me. Of course it was fine with us and we exchanged telephone nos. Sadly, we never did get together, but she is now and will be in my heart and prayers forever. What a fine young man Derrick was. I hope she can someday find some solace in knowing how much he was loved and admired by all whose path he crossed.

At 11:58pm on February 19, 2009, janice lee said…: Welcome Derrick these are a few of my paintings and photos.

At 11:57pm on February 19, 2009, janice lee said…

At 11:21pm on February 19, 2009, Kevin Hurst, Sr. said…: Terrible thing , but the Lord knows all and calls home the spirit when it is their time. We can not understand because his work is unfinished.- kevin hurst sr.

At 10:59pm on February 19, 2009, Paul Thompson said…: You are truly missed, brother. I can still remember sharing the bandstand with you and making beautiful music. You were a great person who left us way too soon. RIP.

At 10:09pm on February 19, 2009, Dr. Nelson Harrison said…: It is with a heavy heart that we announce your passing dear friend. We treasure the brief time you had on this earth and promise to keep your memory alive on this network. If any members have any recordings of Derrick's playing, please post them as well as any photos so I can feature. He is the first member we have lost.

At 7:01pm on February 19, 2009, de said…: hello to all in this network. my name is darryl eng. i just wanted to inform you that your friend derrick passed away a few days in a car accident in LA. He apparently lost control and crashed into my friend. http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200902190533/NEWS01/90219001 my prayers and condolences go out to his family and all who knew him. Sincerely, Darryl Eng

At 11:50pm on November 14, 2008, Raymond Ratiliff Jr. said…: Hey Derrick!
I don't know you yet, but could one day via AAMI where I take voice lessons, just wanted to wish you great success in your career. (Peace out!)

At 2:20am on September 11, 2008, Ed Skirtich said…: Hi Derrick,
Cogratulations on all your terrific acheivements on your music career- When I met you at Pitt (I played trumpet in the jazz band) I knew from the first second that you would succeed in a career in music.
You always had a lot of drive, passion, and commitment...
You did an excellent job at The Jazz Workshop, Inc. at the Homewood Library-
I'm glad to follow in your footsteps because I'm the Artistic Director there now.
Your welcome to come back and visit us any time.
I'm really proud of you and I hope and pray that you continue to a have a healthy, wonderful music career.

Musically,
Ed Skirtich
Artistic Director/Jazz Workshop, Inc.
(412) 422-4149 (H)
(412) 841-8046 (C)

At 11:52pm on September 3, 2008, Jack Bishop said…: Hey Derrick!

I studied music at Pitt from 92-97 and I remember you playing
Herbie on the piano and filling the halls with beauty. I'm certain you don't remember me but I was good friends (and still am) with Emmett Price III, and Kenny McNair. Take care my friend.
Jack