Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
AFRO-AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 36 YEARS
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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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Duke Ellington is first African-American and the first musician to solo on U.S. circulating coin
MARY LOU WILLIAMS
INTERVIEW
We'll all miss Gene Ludwig
Losing people we love is hard, no matter how you look at it. Time eases the pain but the longing to hear their voice and see their smile again can remind you of how much you cherished their friendship. Being able to hear the music they created and performed can help us heal the loss we feel. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, so make and create all the music you can for generations to hear and feel the love you have left for them. The Pittsburgh Jazz community will sorely miss this gentle giant, Gene Ludwig and so will I. My daughter Wendy and I send our love and prayers to dear Pattye. We love you dear.
Sincerely with love,
Michele Bensen
Comment
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Comment by Bill Easley on July 24, 2010 at 3:07am
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Very well said Michele:
I was in Pittsburgh Tuesday to attend vieing of my friend Gene Ludwig. We played a lot together in 1970 71 at the Night Cap East and a few road gigs. Played a few gigs in New York and New Jersey in more recent years. Gene was always swinging, soulful and a gentleman on and off the bandstand. He will certainly be missed but he will live on in the memories of all of us he touched. The beat goes on.
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Comment by Dr. Nelson Harrison on July 16, 2010 at 3:31pm
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The visitation services for Gene Ludwig will be held at Jobe Funeral Home at the corner of Beatty Rd and Rt48 in Monroeville on Monday July 19 from 7-9PM and Tuesday July 20 from 2-4PM and 7-9PM. Musicians are welcome to bring their instrument to play tribute to Gene.
There will also be a musical tribute jam and luncheon on Wednesday July 21 from 11-1PM with lunch following from 1-2PM at Palmieri's Restaurant at 951 Old Frankstown Rd in Plum, just a few miles from the funeral home. This will be a musical jam so musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and sit in.
This is a map maker for directions to the funeral home: http://www.jobefuneralhome.com/directions-monroeville.php
© 2024 Created by Dr. Nelson Harrison.
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