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
A life of music and drugs: Part 1
Trumpeter John "Squirrel" Mosley talks about a career that began in the Hill District before heading to New York where he performed with everyone f...
Comment
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Comment by Rev. Dr. Bobby Fulton, Ph.D. on December 20, 2010 at 7:28am
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I was sorry to hear of the passing of John "Squirrel" Mosely. The GMMI Arts Fellowship musicians played with him at a local church when Dr. Leo Casino was filming his movie "Return to the Hill." Squirrel also blessed the Lord and us by his presence and playing at the Arts Fellowship when held at Alfredo's in Homewood. May God be with you brother John "Squirrel" Mosley until we meet again.
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Comment by Ricco J.L.Martello on December 19, 2010 at 3:04pm
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I am sad to hear that another Jazz great has fallen. you body may rest but the sounds of your trumpet will always be playing in our hearts and minds... God Speed and Rest in Peace brother Mosley "JOHN "SQUIRREL" MOSLEY" NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!!
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Comment by Dr. Nelson Harrison on December 19, 2010 at 5:30am
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His funeral Arrangements have been set and I will send them to you tomorrow.
His funeral will be at Union Baptist Church on Thursday @ 11 AM. Union Baptist is located in Swissvale.
More to follow.Sabira Bushra
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Comment by Cecilio Valdez Washington on December 17, 2010 at 2:13pm
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So sorry to hear that Squirrel passed.
We first met years ago, at Joe Westray's... we talked a lot about music that night.
He was very good at improvising when playing his trumpet. He and I played several gigs together throughout the years.
I sat in with Roy Ayers band with Squirrel... that was a wonderful musician adventure that day. His chops were outstanding. We had good vibes whenever we played together. Squirrel also played with my group at the Carribean Festival at Pitt University... his showmanship was excellent which made my band shine!!
I will truly miss my friend.
Cecilio Valdez Washington
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Comment by The Brian Edwards Excursion on December 17, 2010 at 2:00pm
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I found out last night that Squirrel passed and I am sad to hear that. I remember being a kid fresh on the scene and going to as many sessions as I could trying to get on. Most of the "now" legends in the Burgh didn't want to be bothered with this "kid" then, but Squirrel did and he made me feel validated and important in the continued development of the Pittsburgh jazz scene. The world is a little quieter and a little more empty without Squirrel but I am truly rejoicing for him because he made through and now he gets to play for the Lord!!! Play on, PlayOn!!!!
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Comment by Michele Bensen on December 17, 2010 at 5:30am
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It's Thursday night Dec. 16, 2010.
My heart was saddened tonight to hear the word about Squirrel from Howie Alexander at Roger Humphries jam at CJ's. John "Squirrel" Mosley will always have a special place in my heart. His trumpet playing was amazing, an extention of himself. That smile, the way he would stand when he played his horn, the way he felt the music that came from his soul. Those of us who had the chance to hear him and to work with him in his day, know what a talent he was. He always made me feel like my singing meant something to him, that I touched him with my voice as he did me with his trumpet. I was fortunate to have worked with him on several gigs in Pittsburgh. I can still see him on the stage during my first concert for the Three Rivers Arts Festival. His ability to bring the performace to another level was thrilling to many, including me. It made all the musicians rise up to that level. He wasn't afraid to make that musical statement and he did it with style.
Farewell dear Squirrel, I know you are playing your trumpet with all the greats in Heaven and kickin it!
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