Comment

Comment by Luke Williams on January 16, 2009 at 2:00pm

I fully agree with Tony, instead of compliaining about "the Scene", we need torealize that we ARE the scene. If we want anything about it to change, it is up to us. The Thunderbird Cafe in Lawrenceville is a GREAT venue, run by a musician

Comment by The Firehouse Lounge on January 14, 2009 at 12:00am

The Strip District on Thursday nights is really supporting the jazz scene and the businesses are all locally owned.

From 7-11pm you can hear Etta Cox and Friends (no cover) at the Firehouse Lounge
AND
just a few blocks away you can
catch the great Roger Humphries at CJ's from 8-midnight.

Some more info:

The Firehouse Lounge
www.firehouse-lounge.com

2216 Penn Ave
1/2 priced bottles of wine all night
Kitchen open until 11pm

CJ's
www.cjsinthestrip.com

2911 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 642-2377

Comment by DR. LEO CASINO on January 13, 2009 at 2:18am

Before he died, Miles knew what the future would entail. He started playing music that could be danced to as well as listened to. Stanley and George Benson are perfect examples of going beyond the comfort zone and broaden ones scope.

I have played many times with his keyboard player Demore Brown who is electro-fying.

The main thing is to seek knowledge and don't be bitter over the scene, smile and the world smiles wqith you, cry and you cry alone.

Comment by Keith A. Dames on January 9, 2009 at 9:46pm

It was suugested to me by a veteran Vocalist...when there isn't any gigs...create a gig...make it happen...there are 4 types of people...People who makes things happen,(movers & shakers)... people who watch things happen, people who talk about what happened, and people who wonder, what the hell happened?(smile)

Comment by Max Leake on January 8, 2009 at 3:56pm

I am joining this discussion late. I don't always have time to sign in and participate.

A lot of what was said here are age old discussions about un-educated audiences, the growth of accessible home-based entertainment, and the lack of effort by musicians in presenting new and fresh material. They are true today and were true 20 years ago. I believe that all of these things feed on each other and grow worse with time. I remember putting lots of effort years ago in to writing original material, rehearsing bands, putting together shows only to have the audiences requesting "My Funny Valentine" and having little interest in hearing something that they weren't familiar with. At some point you stop putting the extra effort out > Fewer people come out, as they get older and have responsibilities > The clubs stop having live music > Unless you have an alternate source of income, stay single or are traveling beyond your area, you need to get a day gig to support your family > you have less time to work on new ideas... and round and round it goes. Another thing that happens is that the audience that sees Gershwin, Ellington, Porter, etc as their standards are aging and don't come out as often as people who see the Beatles, Sly Stone, Stevie, Motown, EWF, Sting and other music of the 60s, 70s and beyond as their standards. I don't think that means we should totally abandon older standards and style, but many of us are stuck in time (I include myself). Think about it, people who grew up watching Ed Sullivan are now in their 50s and 60s.

I think Sean and Tony both had great points about exploring alternative ways of funding and changing how we do things to match the times.

I for one have made a New Year's resolution to try to renew my energy that I put in to my music. RH Factor had our 1st of what I hope to be many rehearsals this year. We are going to introduce a lot of new material. During the holiday break, I actually sat down and practiced. (something that I haven't done in years) I have gotten so busy just trying to survive and provide for my family that the rest of life gets shoved aside.

Here's to a great 2009 for all of us. "Jazz is Life is Jazz is Life"

Comment by James R. Meny on December 31, 2008 at 9:07pm

Amen.

Comment by Jazz Surgery w/ Tony Campbell on December 31, 2008 at 9:02pm

I have always started music or jam sessions while living here in Pittsburgh. There are people who have clubs that want live Jazz ! The musicians have to have proper rehearsal techinques, show type performances and the people will respond. The club owners will respect you as a musician and buseness people,also you will build a following !!!!! As Roger Humphries has taught me the MUISC(JAZZ IS IN YOU) where ever you go Music (Jazz) lives.!!!!!!! (Bird lives!!!)
It is up to us to sustain the high standard that has been set. (ie STANLEY T.)

Comment by Debi Arnett on December 31, 2008 at 2:55pm

I heard about a new Jazz venue in the Pine Tree Shoppes in Wexford at the D'vine Wine Bar and Lounge. They only are listing one show booked in January so maybe that would be an opportunity for some musicians to contact this merchant for bookings

Comment by Kevin Amos on December 31, 2008 at 3:54am

I hate when I type too fast. People tend to get it wrong. I meant will money be drying up from places like the Cultural Trust?

Comment by Kevin Amos on December 31, 2008 at 3:50am

What are people planning to to in a struggling economy? Will money be dying up form places like the Cultural Trust to pay folks to do gigs. Will folks create their own perfomance spaces? We we resort to playing back in the neighborhoods?
How will folks utilize the technology available to get the word out about their perfomances and recordings?

A lot of stuff to ponder but it's time for folks to get off their you know what. Either folks will do business to get work and promote themselves or....get the business.

Kevin

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