Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
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PITTSBURGH JAZZ
From Blakey to Brown, Como to Costa, Eckstine to Eldridge, Galbraith to Garner, Harris to Hines, Horne to Hyman, Jamal to Jefferson, Kelly to Klook; Mancini to Marmarosa, May to Mitchell, Negri to Nestico, Parlan to Ponder, Reed to Ruther, Strayhorn to Sullivan, Turk to Turrentine, Wade to Williams… the forthcoming publication Treasury of Pittsburgh Jazz Connections by Dr. Nelson Harrison and Dr. Ralph Proctor, Jr. will document the legacy of one of the world’s greatest jazz capitals.
Do you want to know who Dizzy Gillespie idolized? Did you ever wonder who inspired Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey? Who was the pianist that mentored Monk, Bud Powell, Tad Dameron, Elmo Hope, Sarah Vaughan and Mel Torme? Who was Art Tatum’s idol and Nat Cole’s mentor? What musical quartet pioneered the concept adopted later by the Modern Jazz Quartet? Were you ever curious to know who taught saxophone to Stanley Turrentine or who taught piano to Ahmad Jamal? What community music school trained Robert McFerrin, Sr. for his history-making debut with the Metropolitan Opera? What virtually unknown pianist was a significant influence on young John Coltrane, Shirley Scott, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Timmons and Ray Bryant when he moved to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh in the 1940s? Would you be surprised to know that Erroll Garner attended classes at the Julliard School of Music in New York and was at the top of his class in writing and arranging proficiency?
Some answers can be gleaned from the postings on the Pittsburgh Jazz Network.
For almost 100 years the Pittsburgh region has been a metacenter of jazz originality that is second to no other in the history of jazz. One of the best kept secrets in jazz folklore, the Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy has heretofore remained mythical. We have dubbed it “the greatest story never told” since it has not been represented in writing before now in such a way as to be accessible to anyone seeking to know more about it. When it was happening, little did we know how priceless the memories would become when the times were gone.
Today jazz is still king in Pittsburgh, with events, performances and activities happening all the time. The Pittsburgh Jazz Network is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the places, artists and fans that carry on the legacy of Pittsburgh's jazz heritage.
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Featured Blog Posts (720)
Ray Bryant
Ray Bryant, Jazz Pianist, Dies at 79
By NATE CHINEN
Published: June 3, 2011
Ray Bryant, a jazz pianist whose sensitivity and easy authority made him a busy accompanist and a successful solo artist, beginning in the mid-1950s, died on Thursday 6/2/2011. He was 79.
His wife of 20 years, Claude Bryant, said he died at New York Hospital Queens after a long illness. He lived in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Mr. Bryant had a firm touch and an unshakable… Continue
Added by Len Bryant on June 5, 2011 at 1:48am — 3 Comments
Tonight at Little E's! Next week in Asheville, NC!
Added by Phat Man Dee on May 27, 2011 at 6:44pm — No Comments
Max Adkins
Does anyone have any info on Max Adkins. He is mentioned prominently in Henry Mancini's biography but I've found very little else. I'm looking for any info at all.....like where he was born, where he studied and whether or not he was married,...had kids,...and any definite connections to Mary Lou Williams, Billy Strayhorn or any one else
thanks
Added by bob studebaker on May 18, 2011 at 8:53pm — 2 Comments
Fans lobby to keep jazz on WDUQ
What would Pittsburgh sound like without jazz on the radio?
"It shoots a hole in the soul of Pittsburgh," said local jazz musician Nelson Harrison. "You knock WDUQ off and we have…
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on March 7, 2011 at 1:52pm — 28 Comments
The Ronnie Laws Show
I think it is important that all of you jazz fans here in Pgh that plan on attending the Ronnie Laws concert should know who will be the backing band for Ronnie. It's great that African American Music Institute is mentioned but I personally would like to mention that I, Brian Edwards , will be playing drums, Kevin Howard - keys, Mark Lucas- Guitar, Brian Sanders - bass. We will be there on the stage representing Pittsburgh so come out and see the show.
Thank you,
Brian E.…
ContinueAdded by The Brian Edwards Excursion on April 29, 2011 at 11:36pm — No Comments
jazz in Pgh and failure of news media to offer coverage
I visited the August Wilson culture centre last nite and caught Grady Tate. He scatted his can off. A consumate musician.
Impressions? (personal)...Humphries on tubs was his usual driving, tasty percussionist. The best in town. Paul Thompson really blew. I mean, fine changes, great time and...lots of heart. A quality all too absent today. Blake on Alto was solid. He's dependable...usually brings "something to the table" The lady from N Y C, on piano, did a creditable job. …
ContinueAdded by Don Cerminara on May 9, 2011 at 1:29pm — 3 Comments
Thank You For Your Thoughts And Prayers
Dear Dr. Nelson Harrison and All Members:
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during my brutal hospital stays.
All your thoughts and prayers paid off 'cause I'm playing trumpet again.
Also, I'll be teaching lessons to trumpet and trombone players who want to play classical and jazz in my new studio in Greenfield, PA.
I plan on returning to bands too.
Thanks again for everything.
It has always…
ContinueAdded by Ed Skirtich on April 23, 2011 at 4:30pm — 4 Comments
AID FOR THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN - STRENGTH CD RELEASE
Added by Melodic Revolution on March 22, 2011 at 5:56pm — No Comments
Luther DeJarunett, A World Class Musician.
Losing people we love and cherish in our lives is never easy. Having to say farewell, dear friend for now, seems hard enough, but when it's unexpected, when it happens suddenly, we are shocked beyond belief. Hearing the words, "Luther is gone, he passed away tonight", was more then I could comprehend. It sounded so surreal, but it was true. My heart was broken and I was speechless.
How many hours had he and I talked about life…
ContinueAdded by Michele Bensen on March 12, 2011 at 1:00am — 7 Comments
Luther
Kudos to you Luther. You did it with class, sophistication and intergrity. Peace be with you.
Barry Boyd
Added by Barry Boyd on March 11, 2011 at 2:33pm — 5 Comments
More on Luther DeJaurnette
"Luther is one of the greatest musicians, not just guitarists, I learned more from him just about music than everything I have learned put together!"
"He BLEW MY MIND! He started playing all that stuff and I almost started to cry...I laid down my guitar and said, "I quit, I don't know anything, I wanna know what you're doing and I don't care what it takes!" [laughs] I spent the next two or three… Continue
Added by Kevin Amos on March 11, 2011 at 9:58pm — No Comments
Rest in Peace Luther!
Another brick in the Pittsurgh foundation of jazz has transitioned. Thank you for some great times and great music,
Rest in peace Luther!!
Brian
Added by The Brian Edwards Excursion on March 11, 2011 at 3:00am — No Comments
Blues Orphans blend blues, hip hop, punk and more. Northside Chronicle article, 03/02/11
Added by The Blues Orphans on March 3, 2011 at 2:49pm — No Comments
Obituary - Anthony L. Pasquerelli - February 3, 2011
Anthony L. Pasquarelli
Mt. Lebanon
Anthony L. Pasquarelli, 95, of Mt. Lebanon, affectionately known as "The Boss" by his former students, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011. Mr. Pasquarelli was born June 13, 1915, in Pittsburgh, to parents Guy and Maria Pasquarelli. Mr. Pasquarelli is survived by his wife of 71 years, Alice May Pasquarelli; his daughters, Terry McDonald and Suzette (David)…Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on February 6, 2011 at 4:36am — No Comments
WDUQ IS SOLD: Voice your opinion here.
Well, it could have been a worse. A lot worse. Duquesne University could have sold WDUQ-FM --…
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 18, 2011 at 2:30am — 11 Comments
DR KING SPEAKS ABOUT JAZZ
I know a lot of you have probably read this before but I wanted to post it today. Remember...to fulfill the dream you have to live up to and help keep the promises you make.
Kevin
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.- Opening speech at the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival
Humanity and the Importance of Jazz
"God has brought many things out of oppression. He has endowed his
creatures with the capacity to create - and from this capacity…
Added by Kevin Amos on January 18, 2011 at 12:30am — No Comments
Goodfellows: Grandparents instill spirit of voluntarism, gratitude
Added by Dr. Nelson Harrison on January 8, 2011 at 11:21pm — 1 Comment
Searching for info
My name is Christopher Spencer. My father was a Jazz Musician in Pittsburgh named Scipio Spencer. He passed away in 1997, at that time I had moved to Houston Tx. Im trying to find out information on just how involved and what impact my Father had on the Jazz scene in the city. My father played the piano, and I have always wanted to follow in his footsteps in that area. If there is anyone out there that may have known my father and might can give me some insight on this matter please contact…
ContinueAdded by Christopher Spencer on January 4, 2011 at 6:31pm — No Comments
Dr. Billy Taylor RIP
There are two excellent pieces about Dr. Taylor. I had written a piece about him in the Courier but can't locate it at the moment. I'm also very surprised that no one up to this point has written anything about him on this Jazz Network. Shame on you all.
**
This following article was sent to me today by my friends Mr. Fred Logan and Mensah Wali. It is by Stanley Crouch who I usually don't agree with but I'm in agreement here.
Billy…
ContinueAdded by Kevin Amos on January 4, 2011 at 2:38am — No Comments
3rd Annual Each One, Teach One Music and Radio Conference,June 11, 2011
2011 Each One Teach One 3rd Music and Radio Conference
Sponsored by: New Pittsburgh Courier, Soul-Patrol.com, Arts Greenhouse, Umoja African Arts,
Black Music Education Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Conference Coordinator, 412-506-0206
Kevin Amos is assembling together once again a dynamic group of folks from international, local and national levels that he has been associated with throughout his 31 years in broadcasting and the arts.…
Added by Kevin Amos on September 6, 2011 at 12:00am — No Comments
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