This past Tuesday night, October 26th, just before a concert by vocalist Kurt Elling, Pittsburgh jazz and education icon - Dr. Harry Clark - was awarded the BNY Mellon JazzLive Legacy Award for 2021.

We share the sound of this honor for Dr. Clark, presented by Dr. Roger Humphries and Terri Bell of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Notably, Dr. Clark was to receive this award more than a year ago, and everyone managed to keep it a secret from Dr. Clark until Tuesday night!

We also visit with saxophonist Jim Snidero - coming to Con Alma Downtown on November 4th. Jim has been active in the national jazz scene for four decades, and his current release with pianist Orin Evans was recorded in the Poconos in the midst of the pandemic at the famed jazz venue, the Deer Head Inn.

We also remember trombonist Hill Jordan, a prominent fixture in the Pittsburgh Jazz scene for many years. An enthusiastic supporter of music and people, he was often seen with his red plastic trombone and his remarkable soprano trombone. Hill died this week at the age of 50. A Gofundme page has been started for memorial and to help with funeral expenses.

Kurt Elling noted the news at the end of his show at the Greer Cabaret, Tuesday, and performed the Carla Bley tune “Endless Lawns” as a remembrance.

The Scene - Thursdays at 6pm, Friday at Saturdays at noon, Sundays at 5pm on WZUM.