The 50th Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert goes all virtual for the 50th this year.
The focus will be a celebration of two iconic leaders of the Pitt Jazz Studies program, Dr. Nathan Davis and Geri Allen.
We visit with the current director of Pitt Jazz, Nicole Mitchell, about the unique nature of this years virtual event - going international with panels and music, online.
We listen to music from Nathan Davis, Geri Allen, Nicole Mitchell and Frank Cunimondo. Also, we have some new tracks from a newly released Keith Jarrett Concert from 2016. The new double album documents the Jarrett’s solo performance at the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall in Budapest. Jarrett, whose family roots reach back to Hungary, viewed the concert as akin to a homecoming – also with regard to his lifelong affection for Bartók, as he explained to the audience - and the context inspired much creative improvisation.
Last week, Keith Jarrett revealed the health issues that make it unlikely he will ever again perform in public.
Nicole Mitchell
The weeklong Pitt Jazz Seminar is online this year, but still features musical performances and seminar sessions - this year, Celebrating Dr. Nathan Davis and Geri Allen
All the events will be available at this link: https://www.jazz.pitt.edu/jazz-sem
Pitt Jazz Ensemble Tribute to Dr. Nathan Davis
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND:
Dr. Nathan Davis: Musician, Innovator, and Educator
12:00pm EST, Click Here to view stream.
Panelists: Dr. Aaron J. Johnson (Moderator); Dale Fielder; Dr. James Johnson Jr.; Dr. Alton Merrell; Dr. Kenneth Prouty; and Dr. Doretta Whalen
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH:
Jazz Talk with Nicole Mitchell, Episode 2: Racial Equity in Jazz and Jazz Education
7:00pm EST Click Here to view stream.
Panelists: Nicole Mitchell (Host); Gail Austin; Ayana Contreras; and Willard Jenkins
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH:
Feed the Fire: A Cyber Symposium in Honor of Geri Allen hosted by the University of Pittsburgh and Columbia University
9:30am EST to 5:30pm EST
This all-day conference will bring together internationally renowned scholars and performers to discuss Allen's legacy as an artist and educator. The event will coincide with the release of a special issue of Pitt's journal Jazz and Culture, focusing entirely on Allen, slated to be published this fall. A final keynote presentation will feature Angela Davis, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Gina Dent.
Click Here to access symposium website. Registration is required.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH:
"Reminisicing Eminence"
7:00pm EST Click Here to view.
International jazz artists Terri Lyne Carrington (drums) and Vijay Iyer (piano) along with Nicole Mitchell (flute) and Pittsburgh-based Dwayne Dolphin (bass) will discuss the influence of Geri Allen. Following the conversation will be a performance of pre-recorded solos and a collaborated piece inspired by the work of Geri Allen.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH:
Pitt Jazz Faculty Showcase
7:00pm EST Click Here to view performance.
Pre-recorded at Pittsburgh Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, small ensembles of Pitt jazz faculty will perform songs, many composed by Dr. Nathan Davis. Musicians include Frank Cunimondo (piano); Sandy Dowe (voice); Ralph Guzzi (trumpet); Dr. Aaron J. Johnson (trombone); Dr. James Johnson Jr. (piano); James Johnson III (drums); Jeff Mangone (bass); Nicole Mitchell (flute); Irene Monteverde (piano); Dr. Kenneth Powell (saxophone); Mark Strickland (guitar); and Dr. Yoko Suzuki (saxophone).
Special guest appearance by University of Pittsburgh's Senior Vice Chancellor for Engagement, Dr. Kathy Humphrey (voice).
Source:: https://www.jazz.pitt.edu/jazz-sem