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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George Benson cites age and health in canceling tour

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photo credit: Carl Hyde

(February 5, 2024) Over the past five decades, legendary guitarist and singer George Benson has been a road warrior, performing his magical jazz and soul music around the world. But that time on the road may be coming to a close, as Benson, age 80, announced on social media his cancellation of a planned Summer 2024 tour of the UK in the following way:

On the advice of George Benson's medical team, we must cancel his upcoming UK tour. Unfortunately, it's now the end of a lifetime of bringing his unique music and exciting performances internationally. With a heavy heart and much consideration, George has accepted that the strain of long distance travel is too difficult to endure at this point in his life. We are all terribly sorry to disappoint all his fans, especially those holding tickets in the UK.

In a recording career that has spanned two generations, the seemingly ageless Benson has proven himself one of the most influential and versatile performers in popular music. Discovered at an early age by jazz great (and strong influence) Wes Montgomery, Benson became a jazz star performing first on Columbia, and then on Creed Taylor's CTI label in the early 70s. But it was his signing with Warner Brothers in 1976 and teaming with producer Tommy LiPuma that led to his watershed album, Breezin, a terrific blend of Soul and Jazz that took off like a rocket, fueled by Benson’s smooth cover of Leon Russell's "This Masquerade" (which won the 1976 Grammy for Record of the Year).

Breezin' was a multi-million selling smash (unheard of for a jazz record), and introduced the world to a fusion of R&B and jazz that countless artists would eventually incorporate. In fact, the entire Smooth Jazz and Contemporary Jazz formats, now popular around the world, owe more to Breezin' than to any other album.

That began a string of soulful jazz albums and an intense musical love affair between Benson and audiences around the world that continues to this day. And over these five decades, George Benson has been one of the most influential artists, universally loved. Here’s hoping for continued good health and music for Mr. Benson.

By Chris Rizik