Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
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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
CRAWFORD GRILL STANDS AWAITING RESURRECTION
Long-dormant center of Hill jazz scene seeks a new life
Sunday, July 01, 2007
| Annie O'Neill, Post-Gazette Dr. Nelson E. Harrison, a local musician, says the stage of the Crawford Grill is his favorite in all the world. Harrison and six partners considered buying the Grill and putting a studio in the basement that could webcast concerts upstairs. |
By Kevin Kirkland
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
At the corner of Wylie Avenue and Elmore Street in the Hill District, the Crawford Grill stands like an old horn player, looking for a buck, a break, a purpose.
It saw 60 years of Southern-fried chicken, bourbon-buying big shots and some of the best jazz in the world. A historical plaque out front lists the names Art Blakey, Mary Lou Williams and John Coltrane, just a few of the hundreds of musicians and thousands of people -- black and white -- who left their mark upon its long bar, cozy booths and tiny stage.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Don Cerminara on
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I couldnt be more excited...more pleased, at the prospect of the Grill opening once again. I spent many a nite there, when Mr Robinson, an his son, held sway. Just sittin in a booth, opposite the juke box, and lookin UP at the guys on the stand....I'd love to do it again.
Best idea I can offer....economically difficult to bring in well known trios or whatever...but...you could bring in ONE known musician...say...like Pat Martino...and surround him with a good rythmn section (humphries, dolphin) would be fine. A small charge at the door would probably make it possible. Maybe one week per month of a known player...and the other three weeks..local guys like Humphries, Harrison, Sean Jones, Mike Tomaro people of that calibre...we have a few right here in Pgh. I'd be happy to lend technical support..."gratis" ..to get the club swingin' again! Donny Cermnara
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Permalink Reply by Billy Hill (Rashied) on
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Not a bad idea and Sean, Dwayne, and Roger are well known themselves so we have a great foundation. Don't forget Geri Allen and Nathan Davis as resources too.
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Permalink Reply by Dr. Nelson Harrison on
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Any update? How can we help to move this along? My memories of the Grill are overwhelming to me.
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