PROGRESSIVE MUSIC COMPANY

AFRO-AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 36 YEARS

BOYS CHOIR AFRICA SHIRTS
 
 
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/building-today-for-tomorrow/x/267428

 Pain Relief Beyond Belief

                         http://www.komehsaessentials.com/                              

 

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.

 

WELCOME!

 

Badge

Loading…

Duke Ellington is first African-American and the first musician to solo on U.S. circulating coin

    MARY LOU WILLIAMS     

            INTERVIEW

       In Her Own Words

Melissa Jones's Blog (37)

October 11, 2019 marks the CENTENNIAL of Pittsburgh Jazz icon Art Blakey.  Although a highly skilled and imaginative drummer, Blakey was a pioneer in Hard Bop.  If you are unaware of Art Blakey, now'…

October 11, 2019 marks the CENTENNIAL of Pittsburgh Jazz icon Art Blakey.  Although a highly skilled and imaginative drummer, Blakey was a pioneer in Hard Bop. 

If you are unaware of Art Blakey, now's the time to find out more! If you are aware, raise your glass in honor of a true Jazz Giant!

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on October 12, 2019 at 10:52pm — No Comments

Join the Hot Club Audience

The Hot Club of France was formed in 1935 by Charles Delaunay and Hugues Panassie. Initially, its goal was to provide a congenial atmosphere where Jazz enthusiasts could gather and listen to 78 rpm recordings.  In the mid-1930's, the European Jazz community had little access to current American Jazz music. Fans, dependent on each other, shared current titles at the club for all to savor and enjoy. The Hot Club of France blossomed, worldwide, into small listening clubs, eventually expanding…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on August 27, 2019 at 10:47pm — No Comments

Hot Club on the Air, new radio programming, emanating from WKCR, New York, will be presenting the music of Pittsburgh's own, Maxine Sullivan, LIVE, this Monday (7/22) from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM.  …

Hot Club on the Air, new radio programming, emanating from WKCR, New York, will be presenting the music of Pittsburgh's own, Maxine Sullivan, LIVE, this Monday (7/22) from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM.  Host, Matthew "Fat Cat" Rivera will present, in most cases, Maxine's music via the original 78 RPM format.  Providing personal insight into Maxine's career will be her daughter, Paula Morris. Rarities will be heard from the Roy Eldridge Collection (WKCR archives) featuring Maxine, Roy Eldridge,…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on July 20, 2019 at 5:10pm — No Comments

Maxine Sullivan on the Air

HOT CLUB on the Air, new radio programming, emanating from New York's WQCR will be featuring the music of Pittsburgh's own, Maxine Sullivan, this Monday (7/22) from 12:00 noon until 3:00 PM. The three hour LIVE broadcast will include host Matthew "Fat Cat" Rivera and guest Paula Morris, Maxine's daughter, discussing Maxine's music and career. In most instances, the original recordings, via the 78 RPM format will be heard. Rarities from the Roy Eldridge Collection (WKCR archives)  featuring…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on July 20, 2019 at 4:49pm — No Comments

Lookie, Lookie Lookie!

January 30th marks the 108th birth anniversary of the incomparable, Roy Eldridge. To those aware of Roy Eldridge and his genius, I needn't go further. For those unaware, his skill as a trumpet player, is marked with  a fierce bravado coupled with a relaxed sense of swing. Roy Eldridge's genius can not be permitted to disappear through lackof interest and lack of understanding. Tune in to: WKCR.org on Wednesday, January 30th ALL DAY and hear Roy's music. A special presentation on Pittsburgh's…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on January 28, 2019 at 7:48pm — No Comments

"A Monday Date"

Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five recorded "A Monday Date" on June 28, 1928, (OKeh, 8609).  The personnel included, Louis Armstrong (tr, v), Fred Robinson (tb), Jimmy Strong (cl, ts), Mancy Carr (bj), Zutty Singleton (dr) AND Pittsburgh GREAT, Earl Hines, composer and pianist.

On this 4th of July, (Louis' traditional birthday) why not reflect on the magnitude of Louis, by listening to "A Monday Date"? …

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on July 3, 2018 at 8:04pm — No Comments

Duke Ellington celebrates 119!

"In 1934, in Pittsburgh, I heard and saw the Ellington band perform for my first time.  Nothing, before or since has affected my life so much. In 1939, I became his protégé, enabling me to be closer and see more.

His first, last and only formal instruction for me was embodied in one word: observe. I did just that, and came to know one of the most fascinating and original minds in American music.

Billy Strayhorn, Down Beat, Nov. 5, 1952

Sunday, April 29, 2018…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on April 26, 2018 at 4:42pm — No Comments

Jazz Appreciation

The neo-Hot Club movement is dedicated to promoting Jazz listening and appreciation through group listening, via the 78 rpm format (think book club concept). Recently, I attended a meeting in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, curated by young Matthew Rivera, a senior at Columbia University. His topic was the music of Pittsburgh great, Earl Hines. The audience was young (SURPRISE!), and exhibited an enthusiasm and understanding that music is not old or new, but in the present.  Louis Armstrong's 1928…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on January 26, 2018 at 7:09pm — No Comments

Happy Birthday + 1

Happy Birthday + 1 (12/28/1903 - 4/22/1983) to Pittsburgh legend EARL HINES!

Added by Melissa Jones on December 29, 2017 at 6:32pm — No Comments

Jazz Trivia

Question:  How did Coleman Hawkins acquire the name "Bean"? (Answer at end of post.)

Tuesday, Nov. 21st is the 113th birth anniversary of COLEMAN HAWKINS! WKCR.org will broadcast Hawk's music ALL DAY, NON-STOP. Host Phil Schaap will present from 2:00pm-6:30pm (EST).

WKCR.org

https://www.cc-seas.columbia.edu/wkcr/#

Click "Listen" in upper right corner

Trivia answer: Early in Hawkins' career, his…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on November 20, 2017 at 3:37pm — 3 Comments

Dizzy Gillespie and the Pittsburgh Connection

John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie was born in Cheraw, SC, October 21, 1917. His virtuosity on trumpet was immediately recognized and through teacher recommendations, received a scholarship to Laurinberg Institute (NC), where he studied music with esteemed educator, Philmore "Shorty" Hall. Upon his exit, Dizzy headed to Philadelphia, embarking on a professional musical career. His ability had been realized by many, but not appreciated by all. As a member of the Cab Calloway Orchestra, Dizzy's…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on October 16, 2017 at 10:51pm — 2 Comments

Thelonious Monk - 100 years!

"Out To Lunch", a daily three hour broadcast of Jazz music provided by radio station WKCR, recently presented the music of Pittsburgh Jazz great, Ahmad Jamal. Host, Phil Schaap, profiled Jamal's career, highlighting his early Argo recordings (1956-62). Pittsburgh's Jazz legacy was cited and recognized as a major contributor to the Jazz narrative. The music was spectacular and the content informative, but why take my word for it? Partially into the broadcast, Phil was informed the great Ahmad…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on October 7, 2017 at 6:58pm — No Comments

72 HOURS!

The birthday celebrations of Lester Young (b. 8/27) and Charlie Parker (b. 8/29) will be the focus of WKCR's annual Lester Young/Charlie Parker Birthday Broadcast. The musical party begins on Sunday, 8/27 and continues NON-STOP thru Tuesday, 8/29. Along with exceptional music, theme based presentations will be hosted by Jazz historian and educator, Phil Schaap. His broadcast times are as follows: Sunday, 8/27 - 9a-1p (Lester Young), Monday, 8/28 - Noon - 5p (Lester Young) and Tuesday, 8/29 -…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on August 25, 2017 at 1:29pm — No Comments

Struttin' With Some Barbeque

TUESDAY, JULY 4th: Celebrate the music of Louis Armstrong ALL DAY, on WKCR.org.  Phil Schaap will provide insight into Satchmo's life and music from 2:30 - 7:00 PM. ALSO: Phil's "Out To Lunch" broadcast will feature Louis on Monday 7/3, from Noon - 3:00PM.

WKCR.org

Added by Melissa Jones on June 29, 2017 at 6:40pm — No Comments

LATE NOTICE!

Today, April 29, 2017 is Duke Ellington 118th birthday. Phil Schaap will be presenting Duke's recordings from the STRAYHORN, Blanton, Webster period. He is sure to mention Billy Strayhorn's Pittsburgh roots. He will broadcast from 4-9 PM ET (Saturday, April 29). 

Tune in to : WKCR.org for 24 hours of Duke Ellington's music!

Added by Melissa Jones on April 29, 2017 at 5:44pm — No Comments

Young Ray Brown

"When the Count Basie orchestra came north from Kansas City in the fall of 1936, they made gigs in Chicago (The Grand Terrace) and New York (Roseland Ballroom), but they also had a few runs in early 1937 in Pittsburgh where they played in the Chatterbox Room in Steel Town's Hotel William Penn. The giant of the bass, Ray Brown, had an older brother who had a job at the Hotel William Penn and he brought his 10 year old kid brother to work. The Count Basie Orchestra did quite a bit of…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on April 5, 2017 at 1:26pm — No Comments

Fred StatonTurns 102!

I'm passing along Phil Schaap's account of Fred Staton's 102nd birthday bash:

An outpouring of love as well as a display of pure musical joy occurred at Local 802 (the Big Apple branch of the American Federation of Musicians) as several hundred gathered to celebrate the 102nd birthday of Fred Staton (born Sunday, February 14, 1915). Fred attended and played!!!! Mr. Staton is a tenor saxophonist. Robert Smalls, the last African American Congressman from the days of Reconstruction,…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on February 16, 2017 at 11:46am — 1 Comment

Jazz Musicians and Black History Month

February marks the beginning of Black History Month. Various institutions will celebrate the accomplishments of Black citizens, who rightly deserve acknowledgement for their achievements. Phil Schaap will host his annual Black History Month broadcast, in honor of those musicians who, at the forefront of racial discrimination, created a legacy of incomparable music.

Saturday, (2/4), 6:00 PM (EST) - Fletcher Henderson's music will be explored. Henderson, a graduate of Atlanta College,…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on February 3, 2017 at 8:35pm — 1 Comment

Pittsburgh Jazz royalty, Roy Eldridge, would turn 106, Monday (1/30). His contribution to Jazz is paramount. Whether swinging as a twenty-one year old in the Vitaphone short, "Smash Your Baggage", or…

Pittsburgh Jazz royalty, Roy Eldridge, would turn 106, Monday (1/30). His contribution to Jazz is paramount. Whether swinging as a twenty-one year old in the Vitaphone short, "Smash Your Baggage", or singing a songbook standard, Roy Eldridge delivers! Always an innovator, his legacy remains, not as a bridge between the genius of Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie, but as a trailblazer, defined by a captivating take-no-prisoner bravado and an elastic, relaxed swing.

Join WKCR.org on…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on January 27, 2017 at 6:42pm — No Comments

Who is WKCR ?

Who is WKCR but, more importantly, why listen?

The station's Jazz programming concept is unique. At its foundation is an extensive Jazz archive (on premises), which houses a vast collection of Jazz music, Jazz interviews and Jazz music rarities. (Thelonious Monk's FIRST recording BEFORE he ever recorded is housed in the archive!) The WKCR concept also stresses the importance of nurturing a new Jazz audience. Students involved at KCR are mentored by Jazz experts. The students are…

Continue

Added by Melissa Jones on August 26, 2016 at 1:55pm — No Comments

© 2024   Created by Dr. Nelson Harrison.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service