In recent years, the Pittsburgh “Boomerang Effect” has become a quite prominent - with many natives of the region making a name and career while moving elsewhere in the country - or world - but finding themselves circling back to Pittsburgh, later in life, for echoes of their old life, but also, something new.
Guitarist and Jazz impresario John Shannon took his “Boomerang” story one step further - his world travels as a musician had his last stop in Australia (home to the the boomerang) before coming back to Pittsburgh.
A bit more than a year ago, John Shannon teamed up with fellow Pittsburghers Amy Marshall and Josh Ross to create and open the Jazz Club and restaurant Con Alma. The musical, drinks and dining experience has proved to be a hit, with a now 7 night a week live music policy, plus classic vinyl jazz playing at other times.
This week on the MCG Jazz Spotlight, MCG Jazz’s Exec Director (and guitarist) Marty Ashby joins John Shannon for a listen to some fo those very vinyl LP’s John and the Con Alma family play at the club.
Music includes:
Cal Tjader with Soul Sauce
Charlie Christian and Benny Goodman and The Airmail Special
Sonny Rollins and Old Devil Moon
Dexter Gordon with Cheesecake
Pittsburgh’s George Benson and The Cooker
Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, In A Sentimental Mood
Charlie Parker and Okidoke
Pittsburgh’s Sonny Clark with Sonia
Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff with Vicki
Guitarist John Shannon shares music and stories of some of his favorite vinyl from his club Con Alma with Marty Ashby. The MCG Jazz Spotlight on WZUM - Friday and Sunday nights at 6, Saturday afternoons at 1.
John Shannon
Marty Ashby