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

Kevin McManus

Hey Nelson - thanks for the message about Randy. I was @ the hospital when he passed. Let's talk tomorrow. KM

May 17, 2009
Nancy & Jim

The burgh is such a great place for jazz---we really appreciate the friendliness and comaradarie of all the professionals we meet...all of you are so down to earth and truly appreciative of our interest. hope to see you around and about soon.

May 22, 2009
J-Remedy

Thanks for all your luv & support fam!

nuthin b'luv!
J-Rem

May 24, 2009
Emmett North Jr

Hello! my brother Nelson,it's great hearing from musicians from the past gigs,i was with Barry from 1975-1979 and moved to london and was asked to returned to Barry again from 1986-1990" and i decided to go solo and play more smooth jazz and jazz fusion.I remember my last gig in pittsburg with Barry was next to the river under a big tent and a railroad ran by it,it was still a great time and i have pictures from that show but they need to be scanned to send as attachments ciao,Emmett.PS.George Benson is my no.1 mentor!!!

May 26, 2009
Dan Shevock

Thanks for the invite.

Jun 2, 2009
Richard Bliwas

Thanks Nelson -- I remember we all played outside at the Kool Jazz Festival back in 82 or 3 -- Great Gig !

Jun 8, 2009
JO TONGO

Greetings Dr Nelson
Happy to see you like my video.
So let's share it with your own friends
Have a great day
JAH BLESS

Jun 16, 2009
Doug Smith

Great site. Much appreciated.

Thanks,
Doug

Jun 17, 2009
selena brookins

Thankyou.

Jun 17, 2009
Andrea

Greetings Dr. Nelson,

Your page is very interesting and informative. I just came back from a long absence online ulogies. I miss being among those who love and share many stories about their musician lives and experiences. I appologize for not being able to take advantage visiting many of the sites featuring live and free jazz events. I am busy in churc. I sing gospel songs in worship and praise. I watch my grandson at my apartmen, then sometimes fatique after thatt. I practice my keyboard synthesizer when the time allows me too. I would like to learn piano and organ as a professional. I read and study the beginners books trying to make music. I also teach my grandson how to play easy songs. It is great to share a talent with others and see them enjoy the sounds they can create by ear or reading music. Thank you for all your invitation emails sent to me. I am still anticpating to show up to at lease one. The free outside concert may be feasible for us to attend. Thank you for sharing your life experience with me and everyone who come in contact with your web site. God bless you greatly to move into dead lives with rich live music to senthisize movement in them. God has done great things through you. I am very grateful to have met you in Pittsburgh.

Jun 17, 2009
tim max

IS SO GOOD BE YOUR FRIEND , A HUGS

Jun 24, 2009
Cristina Marie Aloe

Well, Thank you, Dr. Harrison. That is a supreme compliment. I grew up hanging around the Mellon Jazz Festival when it was still in Pittsburgh, so I am more than eager to learn about the current Jazz Community in Pittsburgh. I am totally open to suggestions about people to add to my profile, and as always good role models for a young, female musician who idolizes Buddy Rich. If you know what I mean.

Thank you, Sir.

Jun 24, 2009
Cristina Marie Aloe

Wow. That was quick an awesome. Are Joe Negri or Maureen Budway on here? Any advice for a female singer with a drummer's instincts?

Jun 24, 2009
Lori Jenaire

Thank yiou Nelson. I also thought i was already a member - but Luther D. notified me that i was not on the page.

Hope to make music with you in the near future!

Peace & Blessings,

Lori

Jul 1, 2009
Frank Cohen

Nelson,

Great playing with you last night. We should get together again before I leave for school. Also, do you think you could email the "Round Midnight" recording to me when you get a chance to?

Frank

Jul 19, 2009
selena brookins

Dr. Nelson, you're an excellent person. you're always in my thoughts and prayers. love that jazz. thankyou always. 7-22 0050

Jul 22, 2009
Barb James

My name is Barbara James and I am a Pittsburgh Public School teacher. My cousin, 93 year old Joe Evans played with many of the greats including Billie Holliday, Jay McShann, Lionel Hampton, Cab Calloway, Charlie Parker, Bill Bojangles Robinson, and many others. Cousin Joe discovered, managed, wrote for, arranged, and produced for the Manhattans. He was also the owner of Carnival Records. He is still alive, has written a book titled, Follow Your Heart: Moving w/ the Giants of Jazz, Swing, and Rhythm and Blues and shares many stories about his days as an alto saxman. Thus, my interest in jazz.

Jul 29, 2009
jdlaughead

I certainly will. I wanted him to re-release his Christmas Album Open Pantry has Betters This Christmas. I have the original record, which I Remastered, to get a more Hi Fidelity sound, as that album was done in the sixties. I believe, his first Album, Harold Betters at The Encore,was done in 1960, and 2010, will be the 50th Anniversary of his first Album, which would make a great re-release of it for next year. A double DVD of the two would make a great package, maybe released through the Jazz Club. I remastered it on a couple of cassettes, which I sent to Harold awhile back. There is alot of History of the Jazz scene of the 50's & 60's in Pittsburgh, I feel should be brought out. The Basic reason I ran the First Jazz Festival, was to decide the question who was the best Trobonist in Pittsburgh? Harold, or Tommy Turk. Harold won the contest, of course Tommy wasn't to bad. Dr. if you E-mail me your address, I will send you some very interesting material and also some of the Live tapes I did of Harold in Pittsburgh, at the Pitt Pott, Haddon Hall, and south hills. I never recorded him at the Encore, because the acoustics were so bad. I have a original copy of the Nitelife Paper, The TOWN-CRIER Nov 17 1961, which I will send you.
Take 5
Jim Laughead

Jul 29, 2009
Barb James

Thank you so much for the hearty welcome! It is a pleasure to be a part of this network and I can't wait for you to talk to Joe Evans.

Jul 30, 2009
Devorah Segall

Hi Nelson
Hope all is well with you
I'll be in Pgh soon..
My friend Sue just sent me this
had to share it with you...
need to laugh? This is great! :
"The Minutes Go Like Hours When You Sing"

Dave Tull singing and playing his song(He sounds great too.)

Aug 6, 2009
JO TONGO

Greetings Nelson

BLESSINGS

Aug 8, 2009
jerry byrd

i was trying to put my picture i for got how help ha ha

Aug 13, 2009
Motown Mitch

Thanks for having me on your site... I've met others here on other ning sites.
Talk soon,
Mitch

Aug 17, 2009
Lady

Hello Dr. Nelson Harrison, Thank you so much for to invite me on you site. Jazz greetz, Lady

Aug 26, 2009
Ron Jackson

Thanks! I'm glad to be here! I can't wait to come back to Pittsburgh and perform again. Peace Ron

Aug 26, 2009
Buster Maxwell

Dr. H,

Hope you are well. Thanks for starting this swingin' network! Nice to meet friends on here.

I'll have to do my Billy Eckstein impression for you some day... ; )

Best,

Buster Maxwell
aka Dr. Vinnie Vegas

Aug 31, 2009
susan stackpole

Dr. Nelson Harrison,

What a wonderful opportunity to connect with other jazz artists and fans. You have quite the outstanding list of accomplishments along with some excellent media on your page. I look forward to connecting and being part of such a wonderful community. Blessings & Peace. Long live jazz!

Aug 31, 2009
Damon Wilson

Thanx Bro. Where do you play at?

Aug 31, 2009
George V Johnson Jr.

"THE GEORGE V JOHNSON JR SHOW"

Sep 17, 2009
Imani Zubeh

Hi Dr. Harrison! Thanks so much for getting back and sharing a little more. Yeah, Fukuoka is growing up a little. Glad you had a nice time and actually remember "Hakata". I live in the same area. Yes, PLEASE post some of those priceless photos for us/ME to enjoy.... smile
I`ll be checking in often as I`ve already made some nice connections. Thanks again and keep slammin`.... Mad respect for you, IMANI

Sep 19, 2009
Imani Zubeh

Hi Dr. Harrison. Yes, I have met and worked with Gary. Year ago we met, probably in the late 90`s and worked together in Nagoya a few times for the same company. I know he moves around a lot, but he is a fantastic vocalist and person. I really have a lot of respect for him. Thanks for letting me know he`s here, I`ll look him up now. Have a great day, Imani

Sep 20, 2009
Bill Lowman

Yes I am the Bill Lowman from Pittsburgh. I also worked with your brother at 911 for a couple of years. I recently saw your video on Metaphysics of Music on FB and was completely blown away by your presentation. I am very glad to see the power and knowledge continuing to grow and be available for our people. Thank you for all your hard work and labors of love.

Oct 10, 2009
Vince Taglieri

Dr. Harrison,
I have a gig coming up on Nov. 1st. at Murphy's Tap Room in Regent Square. I'm hoping that if we get a decent crowd we could get a jazz thing started in the Square on a regular basis. Chris Pangikas (keyboards) and myself (drums) will be backing Michelle Benson from 7pm until 10pm. I would appreciate any notice you could post on the this great communication tool that I recently found!

Thank you,
It may be a little early so I'll pass you another comment in a week or so,

Vince Taglieri

Oct 13, 2009
GITO SALES

HEY MAN, TAKE A LOOK AT MY MUSIC BLOG.... THIS WEEK "MUSIC INDUSTRY"
HUG'S
GITO SALES

Oct 21, 2009
Imani Zubeh

Dr. Harrison.... I sure wish I had you energy! You have got to be the busiest man in the business! Continue, continue and don`t stop! Respect, Imani Z!

Oct 21, 2009
drea howenstein

Hi Dr Harrison,

There are great things about Jazz legacy living in cyberspace! Its really interesting, having grown up in Pittsburgh and then having lived in Chicago for 16 years. My work has always been in solidarity with youth and communities leading me to constantly study and discover the legacy of the African American arts. What I have learned in relationship to Chicago, leads me to understand Pittsburgh's legacy on a deeper level than during the time I lived there.

in solidarity,
best.

Oct 24, 2009
Shawnee Lake

You sounded really good at Jessica Lee's on Thursday; I enjoyed it. Don't faint, but I have finally gotten around to responding to my "Jazz Friends". I will be more engaged since I will no longer be teaching at Robedrt Morris University. More time for Jazz and creative projects. Thank you for developinig this site, Nelson!!

Oct 24, 2009
ROBERTA

MY FUNNY VALENTINE!

Oct 24, 2009
A. Bernadette Hilton

Thank you for adding to the list of jazz lovers of Pittsburgh and for recognizing Kenny"Fish" he was a wonderful soft spoken person. Check out my pictures of him.

Oct 30, 2009
Kenny Powell

Hi Nelson (Dr. Harrison),
I just wanted to take a moment to say "thank you" for your efforts in working to achieve appreciable outcomes for the Pittsburgh jazz community. Keep up the great work!

KP

Nov 2, 2009
Joe Baione

Hi Nelson,

Thanks..I just don't have time to read them and it fills up the box a few times..Also, I tried to email you about a few questions about the jazz circuit and never received a reply..not sure if you received my emails.

Nov 5, 2009
Ralph Lamar Smith

Thanks for creating such a hip ,educational, informative photographic site!!!
Peace Smid

Dec 3, 2009
David Panaggio

Thanks Doctor it is a pleasure. catch you on the LATTER, LADDER,

Dec 3, 2009
Monica Chapman,jazz vocalist

Hello Dr. Harris,

First of all,let me thank you for your friendship. It is an honour and pleausre to be in your company. I absolutely agree with you about dowloading my music on my page. Please be patient with me. I will work on it a.s.a.p. but because I'm not knowledgeable with how this is done, I relly on my 18yr. old duaghter to do it for me,and she promissed me she would in a few days. She's sick with the flu right now. Thanks for your patience and I hope the members will be too. I admire and respect the work you do and I sincerely hope I can meet you in person someday! All my best,Monica Chapman,jazz vocalist.

Dec 10, 2009
Monica Chapman,jazz vocalist

Hello again,

Just to let you know I got my music up now on my profile page! Hope you enjoy it. I love your music here! It's wonderful. I would love to meet and hear you in person someday. Happy Holidays, All my best,Monica Chapman,jazz vocalist.

Dec 11, 2009
Monica Chapman,jazz vocalist

Hi Dr. Nelson Harrison,

Thank you so much for your gift. I am delighted and honored to be in your company. I appreciate you helping me learn my way aroun here. Wishing you love and joy for the holiday season and a happy and prosperous New Year. I hope to meet you some day. All my best,Monica.

Dec 11, 2009
Janelle Burdell

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! Enjoy! Love Always, -janelle

Dec 12, 2009
benjamin blakey

Dr Jazz,Thank you and you are already a friend to me and Kuntu.

Dec 24, 2009
Flo Taylor

...for always being there!!

Dec 24, 2009
hosea samuel taylor jr,

Hallo!My father has spoken of you in a very honorable manner.I was as impressed with you metaphysical interviews.I am in a town the has one of the largest jazz festivals in the u.s..It is difficult for the locals to get in it.A similar fest in in Baltimore.My major task is to keep opportunity for the youth to enter into the jazz culture.We have five young saxopone players in our community band.My task is to keep them interested.so says the elders.Take care.

Dec 31, 2009

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