Please join in and discuss what artists you wish to see presented n Pittsburgh.

[Dr. Nelson Harrison]

MCG Jazz Series adds artists, shows for '08-09
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Chuck Mangione will perform at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild Oct. 2-5.Manchester Craftsmen's Guild's MCG Jazz series will expand next season, doubling the number of performers and adding more weekend performances.

The 2008-09 MCG season will feature 16 headliners and a wide spectrum of Jazz styles.

The 2008-09 MCG Jazz lineup

• Sept. 19: Yellowjackets with Mike Stern

• Oct. 2-5: Chuck Mangione

• Oct. 11-12: Michel Camilo

• Oct. 17: Martin Taylor and Gerald Clayton

• Nov. 9: Toshiko Akiyoshi

• Dec. 4-7: The Ray Brown Tribute Band featuring Christian McBride, Benny Green and Greg Hutchinson

• Dec. 13: Spyro Gyra

• Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2009: Take 6

• Feb. 15: Brubeck Brothers Quartet

• Feb. 27: Kurt Elling

• March 7: Jimmy Heath Quartet

• March 14: The Tierney Sutton Band

• April 4: Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary -- On Tour featuring Bill Charlap, Ravi Coltrane, Pat Martino, Lewis Nash, Nicholas Payton, Peter Washington and Steve Wilson

• April 16-19: Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band

• April 24: Luciana Souza

• May 7-10: John Pizzarelli


First published on March 19, 2008 at 12:00 am
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[Anne Annie Friedland]

This is a great national lineup. I wrote to Marty Ashby awile ago about using other local performers for MCG events except the usual. I feel muisician in Pittsburgh that may not be in a clique don't get noticed and there is a lot of talent out there. I left town, and this seems to be the deciding factor, altho I feel I contributed alot tom Pittsburgh and would like to do more.
At times, I feel there is a personal vendetta or slomething. I know there are no ven ues etc etc etc but there ARE MUSICIANS; GOOD ONES USE THEM FOR THE ONES WE HAVE!!!!!

[Dr. Nelson Harrison]

Tribune-Review

Trombonist Nelson Harrison should have named his show at the Cabaret Theater, Downtown, "Jam Session" instead of "Horn Section."

The April 15 concert that was part of the Jazz Appreciation Month celebration did not show the cohesion, clever arrangements or sonority that a "section" would produce. Instead, it simply was a group of five horn players jamming jazz classics such as "Blue Bossa" or "Our Delight."

That didn't make the show unenjoyable, but it was easily the weakest of the series of five concerts that continues this evening. Saxophonist Lou Stellute got a big hand for his energetic solo on "Blue Bossa," but, most often, the responses simply were polite.

That made sense. The solos from the group also featuring trumpeter Chuck Austin, trombonist Al Dowe and alto sax player Hosea Taylor seldom showed passion or inspiration.

Drummer Roger Humphries was the standout. naturally, to a rhythm section that also featured bassist Virgil Walters, pianist Max Leake and guitarist Gerald Haymon.

-- Bob Karlovits

[Anne Annie Friedland]

You should hear Annie Friedland (out of town for a while but back) and Janelle Burdell. Annie used to play with Kenny Blake at hemmingways every week. Great organ feeling...black in a past life!!!! She is on this website with some music!

[Janis Burley Wilson]

I'm excited about this line up. Particularly looking forward to Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band. I saw them many years ago at YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY, of all places, and loved it. Also looking forward to legendary Jimmy Heath, Brubeck Brothers and the Blue Note Records gig.

Kudos to MCG on a diverse offering this season.

[Dr. Nelson Harrison]

Yes,

I have my season tickets already for the series that includes Poncho and Jimmy Heath. I saw Chuck Mangione there once before and he was a bit disappointing. I wish they had put Spanky Wilson on their major schedule. She would have packed the house because she had not been home to perform in almost 30 years. They brought her in and out on a Friday and I have yet to speak to someone who knew her that was there to greet her. That's a travesty.

[Janis Burley Wilson]

I've never seen Spanky Wilson. Where is she based?

[Kira Gray]

A few years ago Pancho Sanchez and his band did a 10 minute solo using only shekeres that was amazing. First one, then the next, jumped in with another shekere until the theater was buzzing with the rhythms of the beads like bees from hundreds of hives. Makes me want to finish my half-done shekere from a few years ago...Hope you enjoy that concert.

[Dr. Nelson Harrison]

Kira,

I saw them do that once also. Amazing indeed.

[Frank B. Greenlee]

Many years ago I played in a band called "The Savoys" and our guitar player moved on and became quite famous, we need to bring him home for a series of concerts at maybe "The Manchester", his name is James "Blood" Ulmer. It would be nice to see and hear him again.

Frank B. Greenlee

[Janis Burley Wilson]

Where is he based?

[Anne Annie Friedland]

ANNIE FRIEDLAND, ANNIE FRIEDLAND, ANNIEFRIEDLAND

[david shane]

.... truly a great year ahead for MCG! wOw! ..... it's hard for me to stay in my seat ! so much excitement! ..... I was only able to attend one show there in the past !...... but memorable! of course....and, A.A. Friedland, I don't think there is a vendetta or conspiracy, but rather Pgh is in need of better promotion for things like this..... there are still tough time ahead in so many regards, but I'm very optimistic.... always looking toward the future seems to make things brighter for me....!