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:

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andy taravella

i may be out tmro night where in east liberty is it?i have been meaning to go out and see the baddest cats in the land for a while i only have mondays off gigs are piling up for me but that is one day i need to just get out and let loose

Mar 23, 2009
MICHAEL J. GOURRIER

Thanks for strating the site. We need this kind of modern activity to help heep Jazz out in the public eyesight.

Mar 23, 2009
Jody Jaress

Such kind words Nelson, thank you. I am sooooo honored to be included on this website of such wonderful musicians. Thank you...! My son really loves jazz and was inspired to paint a "Jazz Series" of portraits including Coltrane, Joe Williams, Paul Chambers, young and old Ray Charles, Big Black Cadillac (Lightnin' Hopkins), Sonny Rollins, and oh my, I've forgotten who else... of course he's moved on to a different style now... but these are my favorite. I will put some of my photos on soon. Not certain that I'll know how to put a video on, but I'll try. I'm not so sure that jazz artists would want an actor's stuff on this site though which is designed for musicians. It is just so great to listen to everyone... Keep making those dreams come true!!

Mar 25, 2009
Luiz Santos

Hi Nelson,
Check out my New SPRING Album!
Peace, Luiz

Mar 25, 2009
Jody Jaress

Nelson my dear... I just knew you were a charmer! Thanks for the info. I now feel even more accepted here. Times do change, eh? I would love to share some of my son's artwork with everyone. He even has some of them in the film: "I love you, man" just released. I get nervous about something happening to them when they're rented. I would buy all of them if I could afford to do so, but then that would be selfish... his work needs to be seen more. He's so laid back it doesn't seem to matter to him... if he's asked to do a show fine, if not fine. Me... for my passion/career, I must be proactive 24/7 practically. I'm chuckling right now, because I'm finding myself coming up with more stuff to right about because I'm enjoying listening to your music!! Oh, so sad, but here in LA, the legendary "Jazz Bakery" is closing! Very disturbing.

Gotta go for now... thanks so much for your kindness.
Much happiness, Jody

Mar 25, 2009
Mike O'Neil

Check us out at Myspace KansasCityBluesBand. Just a bunch of old guys play'n the blues
Mike

Mar 28, 2009
Bruce C

Say Hey Leon...what's with the ringtone spam for lunch bunch...puleeeeeeeeze get rid of that waste of our time and valuable page space...thanks man...always b

Mar 28, 2009
Bruce C

Nelson......thanks Doc!...every now and then a beautiful garden such as thios one needs a tiny bit of "weeding"....rotflmao....hope all is well in the "burgh" now that "Spring" is on the way ....my dooryard still has over a foot of snow...but 50f hee today and I can see the ground in a few spots...you know you and any of your compatriots are welcome here in Maine...I've got room and the summertime has some sweet jazz venues...and of course lobster...be well...keep jammin' ...my best to you and all those in your life...your humble servant here in Maine...in Bb...always b

Mar 28, 2009
Paula Bradman

Hi Nelson,

Thank you SO much for your kind words....what an ego booster..you totally made my day!!!!!!
I am completely awed by your talent and experience and honored that someone of your caliber would appreciate my voice and arrangements. Thank you too for your suggestion to include audio-visual posts...I will start working on that!!!

Warmly,
Paula

Mar 28, 2009
LaFaye

I'm lovin this music!

Mar 28, 2009
PaulSlimick

Art Blakey came from pittsburgh?? wow I never knew that but this is a great website. I checked out the event board and saw the listings. Im a drummer that is looking for open stage nights to get a chance to play with new musicians around the area. Will they post those on a regular basis.

Thanks Paul

Mar 29, 2009
Billy Hill (Rashied)

Thanks for this site. Glad that someone is using this technology to keep the music and the tradition alive and most important, flourishing.

Mar 29, 2009
PaulSlimick

Thank you so much for the info. I wish I could make it out tomorrow night but I already have plans. I will defiantly make it out to the Hazelet Theater, what time is it running from. Thanks again

Paul

Mar 30, 2009
martin thomas

Busy tonight, Nelson, but sunday night looks good for videoing.

Mar 30, 2009
David Powell

Would love to visit.
I'll see what the summer looks like

Mar 30, 2009
PaulSlimick

Alright nelson I look forward to hearing some good music and meeting some new people

Mar 31, 2009
Ronnie

Me Too! you have a nice site. Everyone is here. Keep up the good work.

Mar 31, 2009
Jesse Jones Jr.

Hello my friend,
Thanks for the compliment. Will be loading some sounds from my first CD. Stay tuned for my next CD being released the 1st of May. keep swinging my man.

Talk to you soon,
Jesse

Apr 8, 2009
Ms Taylor P Collins

Nelson thank you so much for the warm welcome..just added some music and a couple of videos..please let me know what you think and thanks again!!

Taylor

Apr 9, 2009
Kent Bey

Greetings... I am establishing a live Jazz Night on a Wednesday between 7pm to 10pm at a very nice, clean, and classy venue in the East Liberty area. The evening will feature local Pittsburgh musicians like Tony Campbell and many others performing for a very appreciative audience of jazz lovers.

I am a Pittsburgh native and local youth arts advocate attempting to expose young up and coming artists to the heart and soul of pure Pittsburgh music culture and traditions as they meet and learn from some of the local Music Masters. If you are interested in hosting a Wednesday night once a month or every other month I would be humbled and honored to make this happen.

Respectfully,

Kent Bey

412.657.3327
kbey7@royaltribemusic.com

Apr 12, 2009
janice lee

Hi Nelson,
Stopped in to listen to the great music you have here. Stay blessed brother.

Apr 12, 2009
Irene Brautigam

Love your sound! Thank you for your comments on my photo's. There is a lot of jazz in the neighborhood. I live just around the corner and my guy has been a professional musician for over 40 years so he does know how to stir up the neighborhood. Have a great Easter weekend with friends and family.
Irene

Apr 13, 2009
Irene Brautigam

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

Apr 13, 2009
Phat Man Dee

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.

Apr 13, 2009
tim max

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

Apr 15, 2009
Omole Sam

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.

Apr 15, 2009
Omole Sam

i'm planning a mini concert in about two months time titled "night of brass" its gonna feature me and my orchestral and friends.

Apr 15, 2009
Omole Sam

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.

Apr 15, 2009
Eric Johnson

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

Apr 16, 2009
Adam Henderson

Bob from DUQ pointed me in this direction. Definitely seems cool. Hopin to find the right people and move out with this project!

Apr 17, 2009
Melodic Revolution

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

Apr 17, 2009
Willie Ali Parham

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

Apr 18, 2009
Willie Ali Parham

Please pardon the spelling in my comment to you. Ali

Apr 18, 2009
Ed Skirtich

Hi Nelson,

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)

Apr 20, 2009
Nola

Thanks for the luv fam!

Have a bangin week!

much luv!
Nola

Apr 20, 2009
Quincy "Q" Patrick

Thanks for the warm welcome fam!

nuthin b'luv!
Q

Apr 21, 2009
Sandra Stone Morgan

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

Fondly, Sandy Stone

Apr 22, 2009
Sonja Abate

Nelson,

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

Apr 22, 2009
Pierre

thanks for visiting our 'multi' site.. :) great to be here...

Apr 23, 2009
Elaine Stephens Motyl

XO hope to see you soon!

Apr 23, 2009
Sonja Abate

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

Apr 27, 2009
Melissa Campana

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

Apr 28, 2009
Abby E. Gross

Hi Dr. Harrison! I'm so happy that I got to play with you and everyone at AVA's monday! I hope to be there this week, but I may not be able to make it due to finals. If not, I will definaltly be there the next week after school is over!

I have been talking to Greg about his project and what he and you have been talking about. He told me about your discussions reguarding music and the mind and I know that you have a lot of experience in psychology and the "metaphysics of music" (he told me to check out the youtube series) I am actually quite interested in this subject as well and I hope to pursue it in graduate school. I was wondering if sometime we could talk about everything you know and where you think this study is headed in the future of music. Thank you for everything. See you soon!

God Bless,
Abby Gross

Apr 29, 2009
Neil L. King

Hi Nelson,

Thank you for the warm welcome. Would love to get into the Pittsburgh scence and do more playing. If you know of anyone that needs a trumpet to play with their big band, let me know...I would love to have the chance to come up and play!

Neil

Apr 29, 2009
Devorah Segall

Hi Nelson
How are you??
I wanted to let you know that I am coming to Pgh at the beginning of July to help a friend move.
I would love to do some gigs while I'm there..any ideas? Maybe you can pass the word?

I am really glad to be coming back after being away for so long.
It will be wonderful to see/hear you and all the Pgh jazz greats that I can .
Thanks for everything!!
blessings,
Devorah arisingmusic@aol.com

May 1, 2009
Jaki Young

LOL. Hey Hey Hey! Yes I have a lovely music website. Thanks Nelson for the clarification! I will surely take full advantage.

May 2, 2009
Devorah Segall

Thanks so much, Nelson.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing you
blessings,
Devorah

May 4, 2009
Matthew

Hi Nelson,
Thankyou for the welcome. I feel like family to this site already. I appreciate you informing me. Hopefully I come to Pitts some day

God Bless you
Thanks

May 6, 2009
Ranjini

Thanks for all your luv & support Nelson!

nuthin b'luv!
ya girl, Ranjini

May 10, 2009
Jia Conna

Thanks for the luv fam!

nuthin b'luv!
Jia

May 16, 2009

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