The list of jazz greats from Pittsburgh is long, and this time out, we sample four of them - Earl Hines, Mary Lou Williams, Erroll Garner and Ahmad Jamal.
Documentary about American jazz pianist Earl Hines, one of the most influential figures in the development of modern jazz piano and one of a small number of pianists whose playing shaped the history of jazz.
Earl Hines was born in Duquesne, PA in 1903 and became known around the world. We’ll hear his 1928 recording of “Weatherbird” with Louis Armstrong, plus a couple of other tunes, a version of “Humoresque” from the middle part of his career and one from the early 1970’s, still active in his ‘70’s.
We also hear from Mary Lou Williams, who was to have had a special tribute in Pittsburgh in May, deferred now until 2021.
Plus, Erroll Garner, with tracks from a couple of the 12 newly reissued albums for the Octave Remastered Series of Mack Avenue records, including “Gemini,” featuring adoptive Pittsburgher Ernest McCarty, Jr. on bass; and the rare date with a band backing, “Up in Erroll’s Room.”
Mary Lou Williams, CB Studio, 1947;
William P. Gottlieb Collection, Library of Congress
We also savor sounds from Ahmad Jamal in small groups from the early 1950’s that also include guitarist (and Pittsburgher) Ray Crawford, plus a 2008 release, “It’s Magic.”
Each of these artists needs a special of their own - but for now, we’ll just enjoy a bit of their music and sounds from home.
A taste of Pittsburgh Piano on the Scene - Thursday at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5.
Tommy Sewell, bass; Ahmad Jamal, piano; Joseph Kennedy, Jr, violin; Ray Crawford, guitar (c)Carnegie Museum of Art, Charles “Teenie” Harris Archive, Pittsburgh - Heinz Family Fund
Erroll Garner
Dizzy Gillespie Mary Lou Williams Tadd Dameron Hank Jones Milt Orent Dixie Bailey and Jack Teagarden Mary Lou Williams apartment New York NY ca Aug 1947.
William P. Gottlieb Collection, Library of Congress