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.
Good evening, Nelson! My name is Melissa Campana and I manage a new restaurant in the Cultural District called Melange Bistro Bar. I wanted let you know that starting this Friday, May 1, 2009, Kenny Blake will be performing at Melange from 8:30pm to 12:30am! Roger Barbour will be prelude from 4pm to 8:00pm!
I was hoping that this was the best way to get the word out. Thank you.
Gratefully yours, Melissa
Nelson, you are a very thoughtful person and we thank you for it. Did I tell you I met Derrick's mother and girlfriend in LA at his memorial? It was a very emotional meeting for both of us but I am so grateful to have been able to be there for her. She will be in pain for a long time as he was a shining light in her life and well as hundreds of others. His good deeds and music will live on. Thanks again. Sonja
Rhonda continues to improve daily. She is now walking with a cane but still has a lot of pain. Her recovery will be long but at least she will recover with time. Thanks for your concern and prayer. She loves your music!
nelson, just got out of hospital. I forgot how to convert to private conversations, however, do you know Anthoney Bonatesta? He trided to contact before I went into hospital. Please (prvately respond) I ned another lesson. (smile) The Jazz is fantastic
I had a real good day at the Jazz Workshop, Inc. Saturday School yesterday at CLPGH- Homewood.
We had 5 trumpets, 2 trombones, 2 alto saxes, 1 tenor sax, piano, guitar, drum set, and two congo players.
I also picked up 2 more students- one trumpet player and one trombone player.
I'm still workin' hard at tryin' to get more JWS Outreach Programs.
I really dig hangin' with you and I appreciate how you're so encouraging to me to conitue being a pro musician/music educator.
In addition, you do outstanding work on my JWS Outreach Programs and Family Night Concerts.
Everything's going much better with my family too.
Thankfully, Frankie Prodrosky's Big Band and Brass Impact are back in business.
I play every Mon. night with Frankie's band at the Paramount Senior Living Home and Brass Impact is playin' a gig at Cefalo's this Sat. fropm 9 PM- 1AM.
That's great about all the wonderful press we've been receiving.
Keep Swinging,
Ed Skirtich
Artistic Director/Jazz Workshop, Inc.
ejskirtich@comcast.net
(412) 422-4149 (H)
(412) 841-8046 (C)
Hello Nelson, I've been an fan of yours for a long time. My Sister digs you to to death man and so does a lot of Pittsbutghers. I took your advise and joined the network which is phenominal. I feel eterally grateful for the oppurtunity to join up with such a good group of solid cats. It's wonderful to share with you in this wide cyber space. Who knows maybe of past heros are getting this vibe. I just wanted to Holla at Nelson. Ma pease stay with you andd thanks for everything.Peace, Ali Parham
Neloson
Thank you for inviting me to this wonderful site and for your friendship. I hope I can be of some help to many of the talented musicians and bands on this site.
peace love and revolution
nick
Thanks for creating such a great network. I've never even did a Myspace, but this network has changed my mind about the social websites. We need to talk soon
Peace EJ
i want to learn as much as i can from you sir.i dont know how possible that would be.i saw your pix and was impressed,almost all i ever dreamt of acheiving, you have acheived. i'm fufilled crossing your path.God bless you for making me happy.Pls dont ever stop playing,coz i'm gonna meet you soon.
Sir, nice meeting you.are you a Nigerian? or have ever been to nigeria?coz i would'nt mind gettin all i could from you. i have playing jazz for thirteen years now but still dont feel the groove as i want. bcos when your line becomes too fast or groovy then pple dont understand you anymore. i have done trp exam up to grade 8 and i still play very well. i teach music now but i really want to be on the stage as a performer. talk to you soon.
hello are you ok ? nelson please do you have the imail , from carlos franzeti ?, he is a maestro and pianista , could you get this to me please, thanks a hugs
Nelson, I don't know where we as a community would be without your tireless work. I went to a meeting the other day of photographers who were just now trying to understand the importance of networking, community and social media, maybe it is because our chosen media (jazz) is communal in nature, but watching them try to get it get to together, I explained how important this ning is to our community, and I just wanted to take a moment to tell you, thank you. I really hate to think where our music and our community would not and could not be if you weren't so insistent we all join this and just be in community together.
To be honest with you I don't know how to do that. I will get my son or him to figure it out. That would actually be great as I feel naked without music here on my profile when everyone else does. I will have them put it together.
Irene
Welcome to
Pittsburgh Jazz Network
Sign Up
or Sign In
Or sign in with:
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.
WELCOME!
Groups
Bobby P's Podcast of vin…
5 members
0 Comments 5 Likeshttps://superbowlhalftim…
1 member
0 Comments 0 Likeshttps://wweroyal-rumble.…
1 member
0 Comments 0 Likeshttps://winterxgames.de/
1 member
0 Comments 0 Likeshttps://livevsuson.de/ra…
1 member
0 Comments 0 Likesweb counter
Find more photos like this on THE MODERN VOCALIST.com
Badge
Get Badge
Duke Ellington is first African-American and the first musician to solo on U.S. circulating coin
MARY LOU WILLIAMS
INTERVIEW
PITTSBURGH JAZZ CHANNEL - 24/7
PITTSBURGH MUSIC HISTORY
THE PERIODIC TABLE OF JAZZ HISTORY
PITTSBURGH JAZZ CHANNEL
PITTSBURGH MUSIC - CLP
OPEN SKY JAZZ
PITTSBURGH- THEN and NOW
RE-KONCEPTION RADIO
Dr. Nelson Harrison's Comments
Comment Wall (608 comments)
You need to be a member of Pittsburgh Jazz Network to add comments!
Join Pittsburgh Jazz Network
I was hoping that this was the best way to get the word out. Thank you.
Gratefully yours, Melissa
Rhonda continues to improve daily. She is now walking with a cane but still has a lot of pain. Her recovery will be long but at least she will recover with time. Thanks for your concern and prayer. She loves your music!
Sonja
Fondly, Sandy Stone
nuthin b'luv!
Q
Have a bangin week!
much luv!
Nola
I had a real good day at the Jazz Workshop, Inc. Saturday School yesterday at CLPGH- Homewood.
We had 5 trumpets, 2 trombones, 2 alto saxes, 1 tenor sax, piano, guitar, drum set, and two congo players.
I also picked up 2 more students- one trumpet player and one trombone player.
I'm still workin' hard at tryin' to get more JWS Outreach Programs.
I really dig hangin' with you and I appreciate how you're so encouraging to me to conitue being a pro musician/music educator.
In addition, you do outstanding work on my JWS Outreach Programs and Family Night Concerts.
Everything's going much better with my family too.
Thankfully, Frankie Prodrosky's Big Band and Brass Impact are back in business.
I play every Mon. night with Frankie's band at the Paramount Senior Living Home and Brass Impact is playin' a gig at Cefalo's this Sat. fropm 9 PM- 1AM.
That's great about all the wonderful press we've been receiving.
Keep Swinging,
Ed Skirtich
Artistic Director/Jazz Workshop, Inc.
ejskirtich@comcast.net
(412) 422-4149 (H)
(412) 841-8046 (C)
Thank you for inviting me to this wonderful site and for your friendship. I hope I can be of some help to many of the talented musicians and bands on this site.
peace love and revolution
nick
Peace EJ
Irene