19

Dr. Nelson Harrison

Male

Pittsburgh, PA

United States

Profile Information:

Favorite website: http://jazzhoprevolution.com
Favorite blog: http://www.novacopia.org
Pittsburgh Connection: Born raised and embedded in Pittsburgh. Crescent Elementary, Baxter Jr. High, Westinghouse High and University of Pittsburgh.
Favorite Pittsburgh musicians/performers: Pittsburgh musicians are the best in the world. There are too many to name especially since I have played here for 50+ years. I have had the honor and privilege of playing with a few of the legends of Pittsburgh, e.g., Billy Eckstine, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Kenny Clarke, Art Blakey, Stanley Turrentine, Sam Johnson, Joe Harris, J.C. Moses, Dakota Staton, Lena Horne, Grover Mitchell and Walt Harper.. My mentoring came from Warren Watson, Joe Westray, Carl Arter, Eddie "Rabbit" Barnes, Sam Hurt, Harold & Jerry Betters, Jerry Elliot, Bobby Jones, Art Nance, Cecil Brooks II, Bobby Boswell and Ahmad Jamal. My teachers were Fanetta Gordon, Carl McVicker, Sr. and Matty Shiner. My favorite pianist of all is Ahmad Jamal. If I went further to include my peer group down through the young lions of today I would run out of space.
Favorite Jazz Radio or media station: WZUM, WYEP (blues), WRCT
Favorite Pittsburgh Jazz Venue: The Crawford Grill #2 is my favorite stage to play in the entire world. There was also the Midway Lounge, the Hurricane, the Diplomat, the Ebony Lounge, the Crescendo, the Rendevous, the Florentine, the Loendi Club, the Local #471 Musicians' Club in S'Liberty, Horseley's, the Loft, Ramseys II, the Pirate Inn, the Copa, the Encore I & II, the Pink Cloud, the Pitt Pot, the Black Magic, the Tiger's Tail, the Zebra Room, etc. to bring back a few memories of the erstwhile clubs.
About Me:: Ph. D. in clinical psychology, educator, composer, archivist, lyricist, arranger, ASCAP, playwright, speaker, photographer; veteran trombonist of the Count Basie Orchestra featuring Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Helen Humes, Joe Turner, Eddie Vinson, Dennis Rowland (‘78-80 incl. Japan tour); played with Dionne Warwicke, The Supremesm The Spinners, Eddie Kendricks, and The Temptations (’64), Joe Westray, Brooke Benton, Earl Grant, Mary Wells (1962 – 72); Sonny and the Premiers (1963 – 67); Walt Harper (1967-70); Brook Benton, Earl Grant, Chuck Jackson, Gene Ludwig, James Brown (’67-68); Nathan Davis (1970-75); Lena Horne and Tony Bennett (‘74), Don Byas, Billy Eckstine and Earl "Fatha" Hines (1975), Marva Josie, Martha Reeves, Barry White ('76), Kenny Clarke (‘79), Liberace (’77), Nancy Wilson and Melba Moore (’78), J.C. Heard, Charlie Gabriel, Marcus Belgrave ('78), Sammy Davis, Jr. and Aretha Franklin (’79 & 2015), Perry Como and Johnny Mathis (‘80), Bobby Vinton (’81), Ginger Rogers, Jerry Butler, Teddy Pendergrass, George Gobel, Red Skelton, the Smothers Brothers, Joan Rivers, Lola Falana, Donna Summer, Engelbert Humperdinck and Glenn Campbell (’82), Jay McShann (‘87), Slide Hampton (‘86), Nelson Riddle (’84) Al Cohn, Marvin Hamlisch (’97) and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in New Orleans (’98) Irma Thomas, also Jimmy Owens, Joe Lastie, Gerald French, John Clayton, Bobby Plater, Freddie Green, Cleveland Eaton, Gerald Wilson, Stanley Turrentine, Tommy Turrentine, Dr. David Baker, Butch Miles, Duffy Jackson, Karlton Hester, Arnett Cobb, Pauly Cohen, Ramon Morris, Geri Allen, Jothan Callins, Donald Byrd, Freddie Redd, Larry Ridley, Jack McDuff, J.C. Moses, Nathan East, Andy Bey ('77), Nathan Davis ('70-'75) to name only a few; inventor of the "Trombetto," a compact brass instrument with four valves that plays a chromatic range of six octaves with a trombone mouthpiece; played at festivals in New Orleans, London, Edinburg, Sacramento, New York City, Seattle; clinics and lectures in Santa Cruz and San Jose, CA, Quebec City and Montreal, Canada, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Cleveland, New York and Toronto; scores written to movies by Georg Sanford Brown and John Russo and plays by Richard Wright, August Wilson and Rob Penny; lyricist of 125 bop standards; featured horn soloist avec vocalese with the Pittsburgh Connection Big Band at the 2007 IAJE Convention in NYC; nationally recognized expert on Pittsburgh jazz history.

Currently active in Pittsburgh with The Blues Orphans, Wee Jams, Studio-E Band, George Gee Orchestra, the Boilermaker Jazz Band and my own The World According to Bop, Jazz ‘N Jive, Dr. Jazz and the Salty Dawgs, Blue to the Bone, and Nelson Harrison and Associates and Ronnie Jones and Jazz Conversations.

Discography: Live at the Attic (1969) with the Walt Harper Quintet (Birmingham Label); Makatuka (1970) (Segue Label) and Suite for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1971) (Tomorrow International Label) with Nathan Davis; Kansas City Shout (1980) with the Count Basie Orchestra (Pablo Label); On A Coconut Island( 1993), Don't Give Up the Ship (1995), Burgundy Street Blues (1996) and Honky Tonk Town (1997) with the Boilermaker Jazz Band (Biograph Label); Tuesday Night at James Street (2002) with the RH Factor, Don’t Give Up (2003) with the Roger Humphries Big Band; Moonlit River (2003) songs by Fred Moolten, (MGO Media Label); 21st-Century Musicism (2005) compositions by Karlton E. Hester (Hesteria Records); If I Can’t Dance, It’s Not My Revolution (2006) Anne Feeney; Schism ‘n Blues (2005) & Root Rot (2007) with the Blues Orphans (Staggerin’ Fitz Label) which are the first commercial recordings of the trombetto, Not from Concentrate (2007) Genie Walker & Harmonique (Hip Tip Label).

He is is cited in the Marquis publication Who’s Who in the East (1979, The Jazz Men by Larry Tye, Mariner Books (2024)and August Wilson: A Life by Patti Hartigan, Simon & Schuster (2023); received the Renaissance Too Magazine Professional Men in Jazz Award (1989) and the East Liberty Hall of Fame (1991), the Westinghouse High School Hall of Fame (1995), Evolution of Jazz: Bridging the Gap Mentors Award (2006), the Walt Harper All That Jazz Award (2008), the Legacy Arts Project Keepers of the Flame Award (2008), the Build the Hill Award (2008) and the MCG Jazz Pittsburgh Legends of Jazz Award (2008), African American Council on the Arts Rob Penny Lifetime Achievement Award (2009), Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) Jazz Heroes Award (2015).

Blogs:
http://www.jjajazzawards.org/p/blog-page.html
http://oldmonmusic.blogspot.com/2009/12/dr-nelson-harrison.html
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cres-oneal/2010/06/16/dr-nelson-harrison
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theremix/2009/05/30/dr-nelson-harrison...
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/musicwoman/2008/10/01/metaphysics-of-m...
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/soulutionsradio/2009/07/06/dr-nelson-h...
Website:: http://www.pittsburghartistregistry.org/drjazz
Artist or Fan: artist, fan, industry professional, student, media

Comment Wall:

Load Previous Comments

Amanda Sedgwick

Dear Nelson, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. I would love to come to Pittsburgh some day, I love your playing and the photos from your city have such a nice groove!
Have a blessed new day,
Amanda

Oct 20, 2008
Maurice G. Eldridge

Thanks for the warm welcome. Harry and I got to know each other when he headed CAPA and I Duke Ellington School of the Arts in DC, I was actually writing him now for an unrelated reason, namely to find out for a stamp collecting group in which I am a member, ESPER, devoted to collectors of topical themes related to African Americans on stamps around the world (including many representing jazz and jazz artists). The next big convention of the American Philatelic Society will be in Pittsburgh and the question is whether there are good means through media and other venues to reach the African-American community there, enough to make it worthwhile for ESPER to be a part of the larger conference. What do you think?
cheers,
Maurice

Oct 20, 2008
Jennifer Tracy Kessler~HALF PINT

Nelson~

much gratitude coming to you for exposing me to this fine network. i'm always hungry for knowledge and i have no doubt i'll come across that and much more here. thanks for inviting me into this family.

your musical creations are tasty as all get-out. i've been floating across you page with help from your sweet, soulful sounds.

good good!

best always,
Jennifer Tracy Kessler~HALF PINT

Oct 23, 2008
JO TONGO

Hi Nelson Harrison.
Thx 4 the invitation.
JAH BLESS
JO TONGO

Oct 23, 2008
Afro-American Music Institute, Inc

This is the best thing since sliced bread...I love the Pittsburgh jazz Network :-) !!!!!

Oct 23, 2008
James Harber

Dr. Harrison.....thanks for the invite. This will be exciting, getting to know the great talent from the Pittsburgh area.

By the way, did you hear your music on my show?
Feedback.

Mahalo,

James

Oct 24, 2008
Bob Boyce

Thanks Nelson, Frank was a breath of fresh air while serving with him in the Army Band in Atlanta. Great bop ideas and lots of forward motion. I sold him my Moms old Cady which he learned to drive in Atlanta Being from Pittsburg he had lots of bus time. He became quite the auto mechanic while hanging in the Atl. Thanks again, Bob Boyce.

Oct 24, 2008
Ða†Âmë§™†

Quiero dibujar un poema
en tu cuerpo desnudo
con las yemas de los dedos
partiendo desde tu nuca

Cada vertebra es un verso
con el que te canto mi amor
tus costados estribillo
de deseos muy humanos

Y escribiendo me deslizo
suavemente por tu piel
susurrando lo que escribo
para que lo sientas tambien

Al llegar a tus caderas
no puedo evitar besarlas
y entra la linea de tus gluteos
entretenerme un ratito

Acariciando esas curvas
besandolas despacito
asoma timido tu sexo
promesa de placeres deseados

Y mojando mis dedos en el
firmo el poema escrito
mientras un escalofrio
recorre todo tu cuerpo

Te giras, complacida
llena de amor y deseo
me miras convencida
de todo lo que yo siento

Y de tus labios golosos
abiertos en una sonrisa
me susurras, que tu tambien
sientes exactamente lo mismo...

click the Picture

Oct 25, 2008
Ða†Âmë§™†

El placer es mio de estar aqui con vosotros

Oct 25, 2008
Kay Foster Jackson

Hello Nelson, thank you so much for inviting me to your network., I feel honored to be included in such history. Hopefully we will cross each other's path's by way of personal musical contact. God Bless you, and all that you do. I'm happy to part of such greatness.....

Habakkuk-Kay Foster Jackson

Oct 26, 2008
Yavela

I must thank you first for inviting me to join and I will surely make myself @ home. All the best for the future & hopefully oneday I will attend one of your concerts.

Oct 28, 2008
SteveE b Rollin'

any chance you could let me know a good spot to play at for wednesday nights, i was at Ava on monday and im in good spirits.

let me know what you think

Steev

Oct 29, 2008
Paula Durkin

With 4 boys, two who carry a Jazz trombone torch, I'm definately a committed BAND MOM! The oldest has been in all the PMEA Honors Bands, played with the Pittsburgh Jazz Society Student Big Band, and took 1st trombone last year in Hershey at All States Jazz. I'm proud of his accomplishments and look for even bigger and better things to come. The 7th grader is just getting his feet wet, but with opportunities like he had on Tuesday at MCG, he's really pumped!! Will keep you posted.

Oct 30, 2008
Elizabeth Nadler

I Don't Sang for Free - w00t!!!!!!!

Also - thanks for inviting me, Nelson. Coooooooooool site.

Oct 30, 2008
Roy Sonne

Hello Nelson,
Great seeing you at Last Days Cafe. Your energy, your creativity, your knowledge -- are always inspirational for me.
Great tune -- I Don't Sang For Free -- especially the last verse -- delightfully anatomical :-)
Very best regards.
Roy

Oct 30, 2008
CWR (Fan of Culture)

Well Doc,

We are the edge of something ostentatious
, something when children we could not fathom .Away away with the rancid old stinking smell. The doors are opening to a more peaceful new. The time has come to measure it justly were a man is a man no matter his skin-a woman is a woman with her very own view .Away, away- you and I discussed this but briefly, just a small amount of time and our thoughts come true. This world will change ,a dream that has brewed since those days of our nations youth, a chance of equality paid for by our past. I tip my glass to you Doc, someone who has done and no asked, I tip my hat to all that combated its wrath. Soon my children and yours will only remember the stories of the times when you could die because of pigment in your flesh.

Peace,

CWR Delete Comment

Nov 4, 2008
Idrees

I am really confused from the layout of this website. Is there anyway I can get some real guidence about my Masters and PhD program? I have done BS in Computer Science and I really wana pursue my studies in this field. I have some ideas and I am really missing experts to get advice from! Can I be in touch with someone in email? so that I can ask questions and get my answers?

Nov 4, 2008
PMT Studio

"looks like the the lowest is missing "
i know i omitted it on purpose lol;) i have to check if people read and understand what i post !
However i am also so busy with the last touches to the 4 albums being prepared for release (mastering glass discs , graphics, promo, servers etc...)that i just now read your comment on my notes for healing nice to see you are on top of it !

Nov 5, 2008
Margareth Osju

My compliment for a wonderful website. This is a paradise for people like me that love the rhythm of Jazz. Best wishes from Sweden Margareth

Nov 9, 2008
Luiz Santos

Hey Nelson,
Good job !!
Have a great weekend.
Be blessed!
Luiz

Nov 16, 2008
Andrew Kirk

Dr. Harrison,
Thank you for everything you've done for music and the community. Your efforts resonate through generations!

Nov 16, 2008
Mario Pompei

Thanks Nelson for your wellcome to me...I'm very happy and honored to be here...I hope to know new friends and wonderful artists

Nov 17, 2008
Lenore Reisdorf

Thank you Nelson: I am a Pittsburgh native, moved to Seattle 10 years ago, so am aware of all the great jazz in daBurgh. Was in town last week (I try to get back every year) and miss it very much.

Nov 17, 2008
Yavela

Thank you for grieving with us Nelson, It's sad how we got to loose such a remarkable woman but we must understand that she was old and she died doing what she loved most. The entire country is still in shock but we will have to let her soul rest in peace.

Nov 24, 2008
Jody

Thanks very much for the welcome!
Happy Thanksgiving to you :).

Nov 27, 2008
Gottfried Laube

Happy Thanksgving

Nov 28, 2008
Linda Marcus

Yes, I am the lyricist. Pat and I wrote it in 1980; it was chosen to be premiered by the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and Chldren's chorus for their Holiday Pops and has continued to be performed by them and many other choirs and choruses since then. The latest in Pgh, will be at the The Benedum's family show .NOEL on Dec,29th,

Dec 1, 2008
Linda Marcus

That song has been used as a model for show business songs for years and years...I co wrote one THE SHOW MUST GO ON..but it can't compare to Berlin's...what a genius! Berlins' very first Broadway Show at age 60... His first copyrights are dated 1908! He was a charter member of ASCAP in 1914...I talk about ASCAP and BMI in my classes... The salvation for so many writers who had no ownership in their music!

Dec 1, 2008
Miles Jackson

thank you Dr. Harrison.
That really means a lot to me.

Dec 3, 2008
janice lee

Hi Nelson,
Checking in to show some luv and say thank you!

Dec 3, 2008
The Firehouse Lounge

Thanks Nelson for the kind note. I am a big jazz lover so supporting the scene with our venue seemed like a natural fit. Any suggestions you may have I would welcome with open arms.

Dec 4, 2008
Greg

well thanks for inviting me... received the URL from you @ AVA one night... this website offers a number of wonderful opportunities, so I plan on using it to its fullest. thanks again.

Dec 6, 2008
Madafo Lloyd Wilson

Peace and Blessings, my musical brother...thanks, for the warm welcome. I look forward to the collaboration.

Dec 6, 2008
Ethan Yeager

Hey Nelson thank you.

Dec 8, 2008
Kennard Roosevelt Williams

Thank you so much for the very kind comments.

Dec 9, 2008
Gregory Papa

I'm actually a New York transplant. I met David while living in Boston a few years ago. I'll be sure to check out the other musicians. Thank you for the welcome!

Dec 10, 2008
Debi Sciranka

We are -- just have not gotten the info up on this site yet -- in the middle of a huge year-end mailing project. I will send out an eNewsletter to the Hazlett database on Thurs.

Dec 10, 2008
Debi Sciranka

once I get the notice up on this site, is there a way that you can invite EVERYONE?

Dec 10, 2008
David Collier

Yep, still the Dynamic Duo. Always will be. You're one of the most influential people I've had the pleasure of knowing. You've taught me much, Doc.

Dec 10, 2008
Flo Taylor

Thank you, Nelson - You're still wonderful! I am just getting back 'into the mix'...I have missed everybody and I'm trying to make up for lost time. Plans are under way for Youth Partners and of course, I'll keep you posted!

Dec 10, 2008
Jack Reese

Thank you Nelson for the warm welcome. Although new at this, I feel privileged to be a part of this exciting and explosive site. I was recently invited by singing partner and friend Joby Brown. At 43 I am a new musician who has always appreciated the art of Jazz. Great to feel a part of it all...right here in the burg. Thanks again and stay tuned.

Dec 10, 2008
Roberto Zayas

Thanks Nelson for been my friend in this site,cool! we'll keep in touch! God Bless, Roberto

Dec 10, 2008
GHASEM BATAMUNTU

dr. harrison...yours i among the very special minds that caste light on the sacred purpose and meaning of the afrikan-amerikan sacred music experience...thank you so much for you insights and revealations....

Dec 12, 2008
Thomas Wendt

Hey Doc. - Well, here I am, Member #801!

Good to talk to you today @ "church" (AAMI).

See you soon,
TW

Dec 13, 2008
Brotha Ash Productions

Yo Nelson, I would like to keep this page with the photos and you can move everything else from the other page before you delete it. Or show me how to do it.
Thanks,
Brotha Ash

Dec 16, 2008
Greg

nice talkin to you at AVA yesterday dr nelson... and always a pleasure seeing you perform. peace

Dec 17, 2008
Anne Annie Friedland

hWY i HAVE YOUR PIC ON MY WEBSITE...WHERE ARE MINE

Dec 18, 2008
Anne Annie Friedland

Dec 18, 2008
Anne Annie Friedland

SEE PIC

Dec 18, 2008
Abby E. Gross

Hi Dr. Harrison! Thank you so much for letting me know about this site! I'm telling all of my collegues about it because we are always looking for ways to communicate with artists in pittsburgh! There are some true legends on here and it is an honor to be able to communicate! Thanks again and hope to see you soon.

Abby Gross

Dec 19, 2008

19 members like this