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
Dr. Nelson Harrison
This time I didn't have a chance to do this, the way things piled up.
But I value the Pittsburgh Jazz Network and the work you've done
to make this all happen. it is a great thing.
Roger Day
University of Pittsburgh Departments of Biomedical Informatics and
Biostatistics
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
Oct 16, 2011
Adam Johnston & James Street
Doc,,
Great talking to you today!! I am very excited to meet with you. hopfully with your help, we can make the James Street swing for many years to come!!
Dec 9, 2011
Adam Johnston & James Street
Doc,
I just wanted to let you know that I spoke with Bob, and we are both excited to get something going!! Also the Pittsburgh Jazz Society has decided to hold their gatherings here every sunday starting Jan 8th. I will keep you updated as things they develop...
Dec 15, 2011
LaRe
Dr Nelson glad to finally be here! so funny you liked the few that you did! one is a slide show photo impression of a dear friend and talented Musician & Singer Ulysis Slaughter part of the Jazzberry Jam group before he passed here in Nyc, the dog looking in the phonograph is a shot I took before recording my new Album at Bennett Studios in Englewood NJ before they closed.. looking forward to peaking around Pittsburg's Jazz Shed! would love to come to Pitsburg to perform. My name is LaRe & I am a 10x award winning Jazz SInger & accomplished World Class Musician doing big things in Jazz..
Mar 15, 2012
Alexander Nichols
May 29, 2012
d. e. salik gloster
your invitation alone was an inspiration to practice and study harder. sorry i couldn't make the tuesday evening jam session. i had to work.
Jun 6, 2012
Michael Gwynne
Good to be a part of this magnificent historical site. The lengthy list of formative names in music takes my breath away, just before I smile with my heart. Gonna get down there one day Nelson, count on you to show me some sites before a fine dinner.
Jun 17, 2012
Marta Graciela Bressi
Dear Dr. Nelson,
Thank you for linking my New images.
Marta:)
Oct 18, 2012
Marta Graciela Bressi
Dear Dr. Nelson Harrison,
Our prayers are with the victims and families of all those who have been touched by this destructive natural disaster.
May Our Lord give them strength to live through this difficult test.
Regards
Marta
Oct 31, 2012
Marta Graciela Bressi
Dear Dr. Nelson:
I'm happy for the re-election of Barack Obama.
And You?
Hugs
Marta:)
Nov 8, 2012
Shayne Blakeman Wilkins
Nov 12, 2012
EDSON LUIZ KRUG
HI, MISTER NELSON, I POSTED SOME PAINTINGS TODAY FROM SOME TO YOUR MOST JAZZ INFLUENCES...CLARK TERRY, LEE MORGAN AND CLIFFORD BROWN. THIS GUYS PAVE US MANY WAYS.
Nov 23, 2012
Julius A Clinton Sr
Appreciate the add Doc!!
Nov 25, 2012
Marta Graciela Bressi
Dear Dr.Nelson Harrison,
¡Feliz Cumpleaños...a tí .! ¨Happy Birthday to you...!!!
Marta:)
Dec 12, 2012
Marta Graciela Bressi
Marta
Dec 12, 2012
Barbara Ray
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! MANY HAPPY RETURNS!
Dec 12, 2012
Dr. Nelson Harrison
Well, I was just getting ready to turn in and danged if you didn't light another fire. Dexter Gordon. In 1961, in the late spring and summer, I was at the University of Illinois and I used to really dig the live show on Chicago FM that I could pick up on my tuner. All of a sudden, the announcer would say, with great excitement, hey there, jazz fans, once again, it is a special time coming to you live from (I don't know if I am spelling it right) but it was Mackie's Disc Jockey Lounge with Sonny Stitt, Gene (Jug) Ammons and Dexter Gordon. Oh, how I dug that whole scene. Here I was a white, 21-year old kid from a farm town getting ready to go in August of that year to summer (boot) camp at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton,Va., and remember the Cadet across the hall who had gone to Howard University and kept telling me for a white guy, I sure had rhythm and knew my music. Well, who could listen to that live program and also go to the Southerland Lounge, which I did about three times in 1960 and 1961 to see, Jimmy Smith and Kenny Burrell, then Les McCann and all that Shout stuff he was doing at that time, and it was at that place that Dizzy had his first bent horn stolen. I think upstairs there was an apartment over the lounge and all I know is that Daddio Daley or someone said, damn, Dizzy had his instrument stolen, and I'm talking about that bent thing that he blows, and of course that was funny but not to Dizzy. I am pretty sure he had to get another one. Anyway, my life was being wonderfully blessed by so much good music, so I just took it for granted, but every once in a while it seemed unusual. Well, thanks for the memories, but just mentioning one word-DEXTER. I think Jug was wasted, Sonny was Sonny, but in my memory, the guy that seemed to be the glue that made it all work so well was Dexter. It was almost too much. I just get goose bumps remembering how fortunate I felt to have an apartment with all that music. I am sure that is why I didn't make better grades or focus more. Think about it, Steve Sample was my room mate the first semester of my sophomore year and he was getting a 98 on his Physics final!! And he used to stick his head in the back bunk room and ask me sometime to turn down the music. I dream of having a music room again like I did when I first met you. Since I am dreaming, I would like to have a 9'4'' Bosendorfer in there and a device where I can write and record a bunch of music that is rolling around in my head. Some of it is special and I just want to get it out as a gift to anyone that hears it. You and I know that some that are tone deaf will be like the song went, "Just walk on by", but maybe a few would be touched, but I know I will, because as I am typing right now, I can hear it and it is so fine. Sorry for such a long paragraph, but I always know that you are one person that can understand and it is kind of fulfilling to be able to express myself and know that someone will share the joy.
Keep on blessing Pittsburg and the rest of the world. Why, ole chap, I think you are getting famous like never before. Thanks for the World Wide Web and the gifts God has endowed you with. Your friend, Cado
Feb 17, 2013
Dr. Nelson Harrison
i could listen to guys like wardell all nite..and not get bored. so many of those tenor men...in that long ago period..there was just something about them..something they all had in common. they all PLAYED THE TUNE! So important..and many players today miss that. entirely too much emphasis on playin lots of notes, lots of scales and runs and phrases. seems like the further they can get from the melody..the better. they are all well schooled, they all read their asses off..i dont mean to demean them but..seems like the "heart" is missing.Sometimes I can walk in after only one minute..and dont know what the hell they're playin, even tho its obvious they're good! If ypou've got good ears, you can pick up the chord progressions and recognize the tune. its almost like these cats WANT to keep you guessin' about the tune's title! You and I could name maybe 3 doz guys, like Dexter and Mobley and Getz (stop now) and never get tired diggin. they were different..and yet...all the same...in that very important way. maybe it was they put THEMSELVES into the tune, rather than bein so clinical. thanks much for sending this
Feb 17, 2013
Sarah Schwettmann
Was great to meet you too! Thanks for a fantastic show and for sharing the history of the trombetto. Would love to see those pictures!
Jul 7, 2013
Kimberly Ann Hawes
Thank you for accepting me!
Jul 14, 2013
Roberta Windle
The Jazz Conspiracy Big Band is a wonderful group of talented artists and a must see . The dancers are most enjoyable as well. If you're in Pgh, catch this wonderful band.
Feb 9, 2014
Bruce Mayhall Rastrelli
I just learned about Fannetta and your fabulous grandparents!!! Can you tell me about anything about the youngest girls and Billy Strayhorn. Clearly, the French Club membership for Sophia and Billy. Tell me more about Fannetta and Billy. I'm having this existential angst with McVicker - I had always admired him for his sense of equality and justice - but this is hard!!!!
Best,
B
May 13, 2014
Jennifer M Vanella
I came in last weekend at Cioppinos and listened to your FANTASTIC musical tributes for the evening. I was awe struck, inspired, and very much looking forward to learning and listening more. I told my students about it I think I need to plan a field trip. :) Warm Regards, - Ms. Jen Vanella
Jul 4, 2014
godfrey e mills
This seems to be the first comment of 2015, but if not, So be it! This site is the best gift to Pgh jazz. Thanks for the memories, and the ongoing gifts to the Community. It has been a pleasure to have known yu as a friend from so far back in our "teenhood'. The EMonday gift at the Westin last year was a surprise since it has existed for 7 yrs previously. But,no sour grapes, I can be sure to be there from this year forward. Thanks for giving me a chance to experieence this great site and to be a part of this great Pgh Jazz legacy. Hooray for Jazz in Pittsburgh! "Your Ace Boon Coon"-Godfrey
Feb 2, 2015
Don Cerminara
FIRST..HERE'S THE VERY LATEST RE MARK MURPHY..AS OF MARCH 5 2015..MARK TOOK A TURN FOR THE WORSE..AND WAS AMBULANCED TO INGLEWOOD HOSP IN N. JERSEY. I HAVE A MESSAGE INTO HIS DOCTOR..INQUIRING AS TO MARK'S CONDITION..BUT NO ANS YET. I SPOKE TO MARK AND HE'S NOT VERY COMMUNICATIVE. HE'S WEAK AND A LITTLE "OUTSIDE"...BUT I'LL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH HIM, 'TIL I GET A TRUE PICTURE OF HIS CONDITION.
" APRIL 1ST, FROM 5PM 'TIL 8PM,,,I'LL BE DOIN' THE "STANDARDS"..REMINISCENT OF SINATRA, BENNETT, NAT COLE, JOE WILLIAMS AND MARK MURPHY. PRIVILEGED TO HAVE DE PAOLIS ON BASS, WHITEHEAD ON KEYBOARD AND...RICHIE COLE ON ALTO! THAT'S WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1ST, AT THE RIVERS CLUB, ONE OXFORD CENTER ON GRANT ST DOWNTOWN (6TH FLOOR)
Mar 5, 2015
Gene Mariani
Thanks for accepting me as a Pittsburgh Jazz Network member. I do so appreciate it.
Gene M
Mar 11, 2015
Billy Strayhorn Memorial Page
Thank you for accepting me as a member. I would very much like to connect with music lovers and of course learn as much as possible about Billy Strayhorn from other people. What does anyone really know about him. I would definitely love to learn even more.
Jun 29, 2015
Kevin Hurst, Sr.
I remember growing up in the 60's the Steelers were like the sorriest team in the NFL! My Pgh cousins say the Pirates were sorry before 60s. LOLThe region produced many ofthe best anf football is the game in western Pa. The support of high school sports and bands etc were huge before the video game era. That's wild the Steelers hired Harold Betters to play berfore the games to get folks to come out. I woulda stayed to listen to him. When I went to PITT 1975-79 they couldn't GIVE away Penguins tickets LOL. When I visited Pgh @2009 the traffic was back to Ohio one night the Penguins played. When I moved to Pgh 2010 many locals dont know where there is live music
Aug 28, 2015
Shane Austin
Thanks for the add to the Pittsburgh Jazz Network. I appreciate the musical history and jazz legacy that is part of the Pittsburgh history.
Oct 21, 2015
Michele Bensen
Thanks so much for your birthday wishes Nelson. Life is good and I won't stop singin till it's over man! It's good to get older, right? Thanks for all you do for the Pittsburgh Jazz Community and Internationally too. Thanks for the picture on Walnut Street in 1991.It's nice to share a birthday with Pittsburgh's own Billy Strayhorn, pretty cool! Love, Michele
Nov 30, 2015
Lisa White
Doc,don't know exactly how and where on this site to ask this question and wish i could ask you this in private. Anyway, are any of your members being contacted by these so called members from Ghana ? Scarey
Jan 2, 2016
Lisa White
Doc, I got your email but I don't feel good about putting the 2 names on this main page and I don't know any other way to talk except to call you. It may take a few days but I can get your number. These 2 people must be working together because they use the same paragraph of being interested in my profile or something to that effect and mention to contact them because it cannot be discussed on this public site. I bet I'm not the only one being targeted. ok doc,thanks
Jan 4, 2016
Stacie Lynn
Jan 30, 2016
Kimmarie
Feb 3, 2016
Ms Taylor P Collins
Dr Harrison it has been quite a while but I am back and looking forward to meeting new friends here. I did send you an email today at the events email address. I hope to hear from you soon and hope that we can possibly work together this year at some point. Thank you for your support here...
Apr 29, 2016
Roslyn Stutz Ionta
May 28, 2017
Bob Garvin
Dr. Nelson, Days away from my 89th birthday, I have added a goal for my remaining time on this earth---to last long enough to buy and read your book on jazz in Pittsburgh. Will it include a mention of August Wilson who was so influenced by his 78 rpm record of Bessie Smith? What an ear he had for dialogue! I met him after a talk he gave somewhere in the Pittsburgh area and have seen several of his plays. I have a favor to ask sometime. Bob Garvin
Sep 6, 2017
evd
Oct 26, 2017
Ronnie Burrage
Hello Brother Nelson, thank you for the re-adding of me to this wonderful Pittsburgh site. It's been a long time and I needed to rejoin. Coming down this Saturday to play with Tony, hope and pray it's not so far and long that I'm invited to come back.
All the very best and God Bless!
Ronnie
May 3, 2018
Lee Griffith
Thank you for accepting me as a friend to this great website!
Feb 2, 2020
Cecilio Valdez Washington
Hello my brother. Hope you are doing well and staying safe. I have not talked to you in so very long because I lost my phone and don't have all my contacts. Give me a call sometime man. Take care, Cecilia Valdez Washington
Apr 22, 2020
Marta Graciela Bressi
Excuse me. Is there anything the matter with the website?
I haven't been able to either upload any images or even sign out for a few days now. In fact, none of the formatting tools are visible.
Hoping you're doing well.
Kind regards,
Marta Graciela Bressi
Jun 10, 2020
Marta Graciela Bressi
Dear Dr. Nelson Harrison.
Thanks a lot my friend...!!!
Hugs
Marta:)
Jun 17, 2020
Alberto Cos
Many thanks for letting me in, Mr. Harrison!
Jan 21, 2021
Tara Alexander
A Museum to Celebrate the History of Hip Hop is Set to Open in the ...
Apr 15, 2021
Tara Alexander
second attempt at museum link
https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/a-museum-to-celebrate-the-history-...
Apr 15, 2021
Marshall McDonald
Dec 11, 2021
Jeffrey
Apr 20, 2022
Carolyn
Apr 17, 2023
evd
Jul 1, 2023