Jane Monheit
Bobby Watson
Benny Benack III
A first look back at 2020 - with conversations and reflections that start in January - visits and music with trumpeter/vocalist Benny Benack III, saxophinist and educator Bobby Watson and vocalist Jane Monheit. They were just a part of the amazing and abundant jazz talents that graced the live Pittsburgh scene in January and February of 2020
Once things started to pull back in March, WZUM worked in a different way, connecting with the Pittsburgh jazz scene near and far - as we all learned to connect differently.
Then, in May, the great saxophonist, composer, arranger and jazz catalyst Richie Cole passed away. He had moved to town around 2014, and Pittsburgh and Carnegie became a new home for him, and our Scene had a new adoptee.
One the SCENE this week, sounds and stories from and about all of these artists. Noon on Friday and Saturday, Sunday night at 5.
Also, WZUM will rebroadcast our 3 hour tribute to Richie Cole, Sunday night at 8. We visit with Richie’s daughter, Annie Cole, plus bassist Mark Perna, drummers Vince Taglieri and Roger Humphries; saxophonists Tony Campbell, Rex Trimm, Don Aliquo Sr and Kenny Blake; Trombonist Reggie Watkins, vocalist Kenia, guitarist and Con Alma Curator John Shannon; Ray Hanis from the Village Tavern; record producer and trumpeter Dave Love - and from the 1969 Buddy Rich Band - trumpeter Mike Price - who also shared a eulogy for Richie that we’ll read - which give some keen insights into Richie’s early years.
Richie Cole plays the sax of Erik Lawrence at Con Alma. Credit - Erik Lawrence
Richie Cole
Mark Perna, Richie Cole at James Street, WZUM Fundraiser, credit Aaron Jackendoff