MCG Founder and Executive Chairman Bill Strickland shares music and stories that go back to the times before there even was an MCG Jazz - including music from performers who have all played on stage at MCG Jazz over the past 30 plus years. Some of them even made the records on the show at MCG Jazz!

This time around, Piano Favorites:

Billy Taylor was one of MCG’s biggest boosters, and his solo presentation of Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood” is a showstopper.

Monty Alexander has been a big fan of MCG and Pittsburgh, and the feeling is mutual with two numbers, including one with Pittsburgh’s own, bassist Ray Brown.

Other favorites include Ahmad Jamal, Gene Harris, Eliane Elias and Dave Brubeck.

Marian McPartland felt such a connection to Bill Strickland and MCG Jazz, she wrote a song called “Portrait of Bill,” which we’ll share on this show, too.

Join Bill Strickland and Marty Ashby as Bill plays Favorites on the Spotlight Hour on WZUM. Friday and Sunday night at 6, Saturday at one on the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel!