Pittsburgh Jazz Network
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
Devorah Segall
Jan 1, 2010
Devorah Segall
It is with great sadness that I tell you my dear friend of 45 years, John Damico, passed away this morning at 11:35 AM. John was a giant of a person, a man of great faith and tenacity who fought a good fight with cancer these past 5 years. His suffering is over now, and I know he is at peace with his Lord.
I spoke with Donna just a little while ago - she said the funeral will likely be at Slater's in Greentree, but didn't know when. Our prayers are with Donna, the boys, and extended family as they grieve for their loss.
God blessed John, and blessed us all with his life and music...
Bill Kuhn
Jan 1, 2010
Gina Moryson
Gina
Jan 2, 2010
Monica Chapman,jazz vocalist
Jan 2, 2010
Janine Gilbert-Carter
Jan 3, 2010
Judith Ann Baronio-Gay
Wishing you all the same and more. It's a joy to be able to find out about Pittsburgh's finest musicians when we're unable to get to many events around town. Thanks for sharing.
Judi
Jan 5, 2010
Muddy Kreek Blues Band
Jan 6, 2010
Muddy Kreek Blues Band
Jan 14, 2010
Flo Taylor
Jan 28, 2010
Lorens Chuno
Feb 10, 2010
Lorens Chuno
If you ever get the time, I have some samples of my work on myspace. I'm originally Nigerian, so I have the Afrobeat/Highlife background and it kind of manifests in my writing/singing. If you ever get the time, please check me out too http://www.myspace.com/lorenschuno
Feb 10, 2010
Wm. L. Kauffman
More to follow later,
WLK
Feb 24, 2010
TDanyel
Peace,
TDanyel
Mar 2, 2010
Cecilio Valdez Washington
Pitt Jazz Series - featuring Claudio Rodita (Brazilian trumpeter) along with Cecil Washington, percussionist
Thursday, April 15, 2010, 8:00pm
William Pitt Union Assembly Room
Students $5, general admission $10. Call 412-624-4187 for more information.
Hoping you can come out to the event. Thanks man.
Cecil
Mar 26, 2010
TDanyel
You can also listen to Greg go ALL OUT at www.kcsm.org on Thursday nights from 1:00am-5:00 on the east coast, 10pm - 2am on the west coast!!
Enjoy, TDanyel
Apr 2, 2010
PMT Studio
Apr 8, 2010
Lisa L
Apr 8, 2010
Lisa L
Apr 8, 2010
Mara Rosenbloom
Thank you for the welcome! My group and I are thrilled to be kicking off our tour in Pittsburgh next week!
We believe this music is about community, exchange, and human connection & we make it for sharing. So, I hope we'll have the opportunity to share it with you and many others through our performance on April 14!
Take care,
Mara
Apr 8, 2010
Alexander Nichols
Apr 12, 2010
Alexander Nichols
Apr 12, 2010
The Brian Edwards Excursion
It's great to be here! I thank you for your kind words and for also recognizing my musical voice. I bought a house back home and am looking forward to sharing my new music and my new direction with everyone. I will officially be back the 1 st week of June. Thank you very much for the feature and I will be bringing my page to life as time progresses. Thanks again!
Peace,
Brian
Apr 15, 2010
JO TONGO
Apr 16, 2010
David Collier
Apr 21, 2010
steel city jazz project
May 20, 2010
Jeff Bradley
Jun 24, 2010
Alexander Nichols
Jun 24, 2010
Alexander Nichols
Jun 24, 2010
Diva JC
I invite all your members to listen to your wisdom.
Love and Music,
Diva JC
Jun 24, 2010
De Sayles Grey
Again thanks for everything. I appreciate your kindness.
--De Sayles
Jun 29, 2010
Regina Johnson
New Jazz/Jam session at the Galaxy Lounge, Fridays 6-9, next door to Earl the Pearls, 7246 Kelly Street in Homewood.Secure off-street parking. Performers get free food and a drink on the house. July 2nd was the inaugural jam showcasing some awsome talent, like Brian Edwards. Hope you can 'shout it out'. Regina
Jul 4, 2010
Dewayne Chandler
Jul 7, 2010
Ms. Felecia
Jul 14, 2010
Ms. Felecia
Jul 14, 2010
Devorah Segall
Wanted to call but don't have your numbers anymore
I'm coming to Pgh either the 11th or 12th of Aug for a wedding.
would love to see/hear you.
Its been too long!
my birthday is the 16th- would love to be singing for that- any ideas?
Lets talk!
All the best,
Devorah
Aug 2, 2010
charles Darnell Lumpkins
Aug 25, 2010
Mandy Mason
Sep 29, 2010
Linnette Ogolo
I hope things are well with you and yours - and apologies for getting you back a few days late. I was searching frantically for some photo's of Jothan and myself and came across a couple (I have put them on my profile). I only actually heard that Jothan (ethnomusicologist extraordinaire) had passed by Associate Proffesor Niyi Coker (who had originally ran the 1st civil rights programme course at Alabama Birmingham. I hope that now I have reconnected with some of Jothan's musical associates that his spirit can live on. Peace to your friends and the loved ones you've left behind Jothan x
Nov 16, 2010
Frank T. Williams IV (Spark Plug)
Dec 7, 2010
Kevin Hurst, Sr.
Carl Carrington and I were at PITT together when Calvin Stemley was a grad student! Also I heard David Moore and thought he was awesome. A trumpet friend of mine Daryll Cogdell hooked me up with Dick Lilley when I needed a tenor for a band I had at PITT. David and Mr Lilley were very encouraging back then in the late 70s.Carl told me he ran into a drummer I grew up with named Ezell Jones in Baltimore. I am sure Dwayne Dolphin heard him in his Harrisburg travels. I have been giving Harrisburg folks the lowdown on Pgh jazz legacy and the chitlin circuit. Small world! - kevin
Dec 17, 2010
Kevin Hurst, Sr.
Dec 17, 2010
orban julia
Jan 15, 2011
orban julia
Jan 15, 2011
Kim N Hines
Jazz is generations deep in me! I am leaving a link to my Grandfather's information.
http://mayorarnett.blogspot.com/2010/08/myron-tiny-bradshaw-1905-58...
My forte' is SOUND. I'm an engineer with an ear. Peace, Love and SOUND........Kim
Jan 24, 2011
tim max
Jan 31, 2011
tim max
Apr 27, 2011
Linda M. Warn
I have discovered a new, NEW JERSEY SOUL QUEEN--DELLA ROBINSON!
She needs to be heard worldwide and especially in PITTSBURGH!
PLEASE CHECK HER OUT!
LOVE & BLESSINGS,
LINDA WARN
May 28, 2011
Doug Jackson
Thank you,Sir. That means a lot coming from you.
Again, thank you very much.
Sir D.J.
Jul 9, 2011
bob studebaker
Interesting.....please let me know if you find anything further, I'll do the same....another interesting side note in this city's richest, and most important cultural legacy.
Thanks again.....and thanks for keeping this site going.
Aug 2, 2011
Dr. Nelson Harrison
Just read the piece on Dodo. A musician that good, and that important, needs to be remembered. I'm learning things about Pittsburg, that I never knew,
thanks to your web site. Thanks. I've always said that it is Detroit, where the most Great jazz musicians come from. Pittsburg may be a very close second.
But I've learned it has a very rich jazz history too.
I'm presenting concerts in Baltimore again. Last month it was Steve Turre's Quintet, with our resident jazz great Larry Willis. Another great concert, and
well attended too. Next will be a singer from Detroit, Naima Shamborguer, with the Larry Willis Quartet. Steve Davis-trombone, Steve Novosel-bass,
Billy Williams-drums. That will be Nov.6th. I will attach a review that was written about the Turre gig, in a local Jazz Newsletter.
As I have said before, you are doing a great job with your Jazz Network. I hope to be lucky enough to meet you one day. Thanks for doing what you do.
Mike Binsky
JazzArtistsManagement
Oct 16, 2011