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

Sparky Koerner

Nelson,
I keep up with the Burg scene. I am glad that I found this site. I have lost lots of work due to Hurricane IKE that hit Galveston. I did pick up a New Years gig but things are real slow here. Glad that the Pgh. scene continues to move ahead. I did a couple of concerts at the College of the Mainland a week ago with the combo and jazz ensemble. All went well I am glad to say.
Have a great holiday season.
Musically, Sparky
www.sparkysjazzexpress.ning.com

Dec 22, 2008
Sweet William (Bill Howard)

Hope the Party went well. Sorry could not make it. Maybe next time, I wont have other plans. Merry Xmas and a
Grand and Great New Year to you and Yours. In the spirit of All That's Jazz. Sweet William (Bill Howard) Later!!

Dec 22, 2008
Gerald Haymon Collaboration

Nelson, this is Wasson, I hooked up Gun here until he gets online. This is to good of a resource for him not to be involved. Thanks again!

Dec 23, 2008
shawn hopson

Nelson,

Thanks for your interest Smooth Jazz Fridays, this has been a vision of mine since WJJJ went off the air back in 1998 timeframe. I want to bridge the gap between R&B and straight ahead jazz. I will start to promote my events on the calendar. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Shawn Hopson

Dec 23, 2008
Eric Watson

Thanks for the warm welcome. I see Larry 3 to 4 times per month. If you look at my photos, there is one where James Carter is wearing black and white (playing sax in the middle) me, to the left, and to the right is Larry. I usually get a chance to play with him a couple of times per month...

Dec 23, 2008
Michael Davis

Happy holidays Nelson and all!

Dec 24, 2008
Linda Marcus

during these Joyous Holidays
In gratitude in love
let us celebrate
the beauty of life
within us and around us! Linda

Dec 25, 2008
janice lee

Hi Nelson,
Have a blessed Holiday
Season. Your music and network enlightens our hearts.
Thanks for having a network which brings so much joy!

Dec 25, 2008
Bruce C

The best to you and all in your sweet circle of Jazziness....Keep on Keepin on...Blessing for the entire New Year......thank you or your great inclusive work with the great networkin' of jazz....peace...and love ...always....bc

Dec 27, 2008
Samantha Phillips

Thanks for letting me know about his birthday, that is so cool. I hope he will be able to join us in January for the Clean Drums show. Maybe you can come and see the show also, invite friends to grab some tickets off the Kuntu website. It will be a great show!

Dec 29, 2008
Amanda Sedgwick

Dear Nelson,
thank you for sharing the useful hints about tags. I just stuffed all my photos with them.
I wish you all the best for the New Year, let's have a loving and swinging one!
Amanda

Dec 30, 2008
Bob Banerjee

How cool to link up again like this! I soooo enjoyed playing music with you Nelson and can never forget that wonderful horn you designed and played... jam on, my friend, and may you have a healthy and successful 2009.

Bob

Dec 30, 2008
LINDA ASSOCIATION SOUL JAZZ

Wishing you a healthy Happy New Year with lots of love and prosperity.

Jan 2, 2009
Betsy

Any pictures would be welcome.
Thanks so much for the info. I was still going to the Midway in 1957.
Not marrying the musician/arranger kind of squelched that.
Have a great 2009.

Jan 2, 2009
The Reese Project

Nelson; Thanks Man, The Band is doing well although gigs are Drying up around here. I am booking a Festival on May 23rd & 24th here in this Area, Would you be interested? I love your pure Sound & Dig bop & Big Band, Man you've done A lot for JAZZ, God Bless you!
Any location Suggestions in Western pa?
Thanks for all you've done; Tom Reese; Flutist;Thr REESE PROJECT

Jan 3, 2009
Lisa Valanti

Thank you very much for your compliments! I missed the opportunity to become musically trained myself, although I enjoy singing in the shower and used to be self taught on the dulcimer. My appreciation for jazz has been cultivated by my long association with John Eskridge. However, music is a language indigenous to humanity!

Jan 6, 2009
Frank Cohen

Nelson, It was good to see/ play with you at AVA last night!

Jan 6, 2009
Mick Karolac

Dig it!

Jan 6, 2009
Lisa Valanti

As far as I know, John doesn't use email except through his work, that is why he has so much time to get out and about with the rigorous demands of his teaching schedule. He might join if there were snail mail. As for me, I don't hold any influence with him, I just have been a person who has greatly benefited from his generosity, for which I will be eternally grateful. I'm one of his biggest fans.

Jan 6, 2009
Joe Baione

hey thanks for the nice compliment...i am not real good about this video ,etc..i have a you tube video, music., lots of pics..can i just use the links or do i have to download everything?

joe

Jan 6, 2009
Mick Karolac

Nelson, BTW, it is Mick with an "M", and thank you, concerning my peception that jazz is too often expensive, maybe I am in la la land and need to get a reality check. I love having a jazz event page in my life. This is very cool. I need to do the other side of jazz - live jazz - to balance myself. Yes.

Jan 8, 2009
JO TONGO

Hi Nelson
What's up?

Free Comments and Graphics
Have a great day
JAH BLESS

Jan 8, 2009
Luther DeJarunett

Happy New Year, Nelson! I was wodering if there's a problem on The Network, or if it's my computer? For some reason yesterday, and today I've been unable to add any new friends. Have you had any problem with this, or heard this from anyone else?

Jan 9, 2009
Laura Hodge

Hi Nelson,
You are correct. I am however lamenting the fact that a lot of my old favorite cubs don't exist anymore. I do think that artists should consider the Brillobox on Penn near Main. It is a very cool place. And i do like the Club Cafe of course.

Jan 9, 2009
Michael Sciomacco

Hello Nelson. had a nice conversation with Hill on Thursday and saw him at Fulton ( one of my three schools I teach at ). Hill has some great ideas about bringing an outreach program to Fulton Ele. Hill stressed the importance of gearing the music towards 3-5 th graders... performing tunes that the kids can relate to, but also stressing importance of Jazz. Will keep you posted.. Mike msciomacco1@gmail.com my email !

Jan 11, 2009
Sage Berlin

Thanks Nelson,
I'm working on some international events that will invovle Pittsburgh Musical Artist. I'll keep you updated.
peace & love
sage

Jan 11, 2009
Dale Fielder

Thanks Nelson! I just appreciate you and your friendship thru the years for staying in touch and reaching out. I look forward for the chance of "kicking it with you" in the near future.

"Ever Onward & Upward!"
~Dale

Jan 11, 2009
ROBERTA

The free Jazz sessions at the Hazlett rock! So much Happiness is in the air during these free venues. Jazz is the most sophisticated form of Soul. I appreciate your efforts in keeping Jazz a big part of Pgh Culture. Keep grooving!

Jan 12, 2009
Roy Sonne

Nelson,
Great evening at the Hazlitt!
Great jamming with you and the guys. Great listening! And Great to talk and exchange ideas. Thanks for your support and encouragement. And thanks for organizing these events. Looking forward to more.
Very best regards.

Jan 12, 2009
Alisha

I'm behind the scenes at wyep...producing promos and doing some administrative tasks. I'm glad to hear you enjoy the station! :)

Jan 13, 2009
Chrissy Dee

You can tell you have known me for a long time-you called me Chrissy. LOL Yes, I finally made it here-the water seems warm and good to swim in. Thanks for having me.

Much Love

Jan 15, 2009
Mike Keefe

Nelson,
Thank you for the welcome. I just found out about this site from Dale Fielder. I'm in Easton, Pa.
Mike

Jan 16, 2009
Mona

Thank you so much for the kind words. I will add a couple of songs in thenext few days.I appreciate the welcome.

Jan 18, 2009
Nick mondello

Nelson:

Lou is a wonderful guy and a FINE player.

I found you through Lou.

Me? I play, tech and work with artists on their PR/marketing. I write CD and performance reviews. Go to http://www.allabout jazz.com and key "Nick Mondello" in the search window to see some "stuff.".

Thank You!!!!
Nick Mondello

Jan 20, 2009
E. L. James

Say Brother:
I am glad to be a part of anything that is art worthy and hopefully I will be able to make a contribution to the Pittsburgh arts community. Look out for my next release, "Still Waiting on the 'A' Train," Dale is one of the guest artist one the session. Be well, stay strong and safe; it's necessary if you're an artist.

Jan 22, 2009
E. L. James

By the way, I received an email today from the DC jazz network informing me that Earl "Fathead" Newman had passed, he will be missed. You should consider joining the http://washingtondcjazznetwork.ning.com, cut and paste should get you there.

Peace

Jan 22, 2009
Samantha Phillips

The actors for Clean Drums will be Paul keys who is playing young 17 years old Joe Harris and Dennis Gardner will play older Joe Harris in the show. It should a great performance. Invite you friends and please if you can send a shout to other members about the show and buying tickets, website www.kuntu.org or calling 412-969-1960, I still need to add more friends to my page, I love jazz and i am from Chicago originally, so I grew up on jazz music around my grandmother, but sometimes it hard to find younger audiences that feel the way I do. I am glad to be a part of your network, to listen to some of the newer artist. I hope they do decide to have a Pittsburgh Jazz Festival soon!

Jan 22, 2009
TLed

Glad to be "Home", Nelson. I carry the Pittsburgh Jazz legacy with me wherever I go. Mad Blessings.

Jan 26, 2009
Antoinette Manganas

Nrlson!

Thank you so much....I'm glad to be on this network! I will keep you updated when Star Power ( a Norman Connors compilation of Artists who include Peabo Byson, Marion Meadows, Norman Brown,Bobby Lyle, Howard Hewett and me!) Wishing you a BLESSED year!

Love and Blessings,
Antoinette

Jan 26, 2009
Big Ken

Thanks for such a warm welcome. Dr Leo and I had a small collab in the past and he did a good remix and added more jazzy feelings to a song I submitted to him. I'm looking forward to working with him more in the future.
I'm pleased to be affiliated with a company of Jazz Artists. Thaanks again.

Jan 26, 2009
Ken Lamison

Nelson,
Our newest member (#934), Sy Chen exemplifies the power of this Forum. Thanks again for your efforts on this site.
Ken

Favorite Pittsburgh musicians/performers
Jimmy Ponder
Favorite Pittsburgh Jazz Venue
Jimmy Ponder
About Me:
I have been jazz guitar for few years and Jimmy Ponder is my
favorite jazz guitarist. I would like to bring Jimmy to Tokyo to
perform some day.
Artist or Fan
fan, industry professional

Jan 27, 2009
paul steigerwald

Hey Nelson...Paul Stag here. I changed my email address in my profile. It is now staggy@comcast.net. See ya soon.

Jan 28, 2009
Stan

My pleasure man!

Jan 29, 2009
jeff bell

sweet!tx.nelson.i'm gonna put some time into this over the weekend!

Jan 30, 2009
Janine Gilbert-Carter

I had the pleasure of meeting one of your friends last night during my gig at Westminsters Jazz night in DC. Thanks for letting them know of me and that I would be there.

Jan 31, 2009
Janine Gilbert-Carter

Wow! Thank you, that means a lot to me.

Peace and Blessings,
Janne

Jan 31, 2009
Elliott "Bigpop" Lawrence

Mr. Harrison, Thanks so much for the kind words....it's nice to know there are those in Pittsburgh who remember me. Pittsburgh was a fantastic place to learn about music and it's nice to have a little online community to !

Feb 2, 2009
Rev. Dr. Janson L Kelly Sr.

Let's use the link with the photo cool

Feb 4, 2009
Tony Smith

Thank you Nelson. Music runs in the family. Jim Farquhar and I have the same moterh but different fathers. Our mother was an absolutely beautiful contralto and could have been professional if she had so chosen. My father was a professional level trombonist. I played trombone through high school but always wanted to sing. I must say I am very glad I found this website. Pittsburgh is known for great people, great music, great food and beautiful women...they all go together don't they. :-)

Feb 4, 2009
Dr. Martin E. Rosenberg

Hey Nelson Harrison. Looking forward to meeting you as well.
Let me know what are your research interests as well as
repetoire favorites in the field of jazz.

I would love to participate more, but I'm going to have to work on my "chops"
abit more (I'm back to playing two hours a day, so hoping to for fun it soon!

Feb 7, 2009

19 members like this