Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
AFRO-AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 36 YEARS
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Pain Relief Beyond Belief
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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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INTERVIEW
Me'na at Tana
Event Details
Time: March 13, 2010 at 9pm to March 14, 2010 at 1am
Location: Tana Ethiopian Cuisine
Street: 5929 Baum Blvd
City/Town: Pittsburgh
Website or Map: http://www.googlemaps.com
Phone: 412-665-2770
Event Type: performance
Organized By: Tana & Me'na
Latest Activity: Mar 14, 2010
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Event Description
Folks...you have got to check out this artist!
http://www.menasvision.com/home.html
Mena comes to Tana Ethiopian Cuisine on Saturday, March 13. Mena has to have one the most awesome voices in the music industry.
Me'Na dubs Canton, Ohio her home. An area steeped with tradition. With a host of eclectic entertainers hailing from the area. Walter Williams, James Ingram, Howard Hewett, and Macy Gray. Just to have your name associated with these individuals is an achievement within it's self. She temporarily put aside her musical aspirations and focused on raising her family.
Me'Na a power company executive was stricken with a rare congenital brain condition called A.V.M. She states, "it was a bomb exploding in my head!" Surviving two brain surgeries, and a lengthy recovery. After the storm. She promised the savior, to lift her voice in praise, and give God the glory!
Me'Na was introduced to a Cleveland based musical production team of the late Douglas Green, and Nathaniel Rhodes. The team took on the task of honing her vocal, and acting abilities. The collaboration led to her debut at the prestigious Karamu Theater in "NO NIGGERS, NO JEWS, NO DOGS". Her voice drove the productions soundtrack to great musical heights. She also did a stint as Anne Wiggins Brown in the musical "GERSHWIN BY GEORGE". This operatic piece tested her abilities to it's fullest. Which garnered critical acclaim!
Then the vocalist channeled all of her energies into the completion of her debut CD. With the aid of visionary Nathaniel Rhodes and the exceptional Bill Ransom as producers. Who decided to go with a live acoustical sound. The journey had begun. "Living My Life" is a collection of songs that convey a wide range of emotions.
From the sensual "I Of The Storm". The poignant "Time". Me'Na penned the introspective title track "Living My Life". The inspirational "Journey Begins With You". The melancholy "Stoopid" is about an unintelligent situation. Some well loved standards "Summertime", "Down By The River", and "My Funny Valentine". Whether near a pulpit, or under concert lights. Her dedication is unparalleled. Realizing she is blessed! Angels have certainly set her free. Me'Na is definitely "Living Her Life".
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