As we look at the Pittsburgh jazz scene in November, saxophonists abound. Visiting players such as Cory Weeds, Tia Fuller and Boney James make notable appearances, while players who live in the region are quite busy, too.
On the program, we talk with saxophonist, former nightclub owner (in Vancouver) and current record label owner (Cellar Live, Cellar Music and Reel to Real ), Cory Weeds.
The Cellar label has grown to be one of the busiest in jazz - with notable recent releases not just from Cory Weeds, but from national artists who have made quite a splash - including here in Pittsburgh - Spike Wilner, Michael Weiss, Benny Benack III with Steven Feifke, and many more releases we play at WZUM.
In our chat, Cory reveals how he owned a jazz club, but then left it to focus on his music - but still has a hand in a different club in Vancouver (Frankie’s), but just on the music side - not all of the other things that go behind running a venue. The record label is not a huge business, but an important and sustainable one.
Cory Weeds plays at Alphabet City for a show on Sunday November 13, and Tuesday at Con Alma, downtown.
Other saxophonics to share in November include two shows at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center on Saturday November 12th - after her appearances this weekend with the 52nd annual Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concerts, Oakland.
Smooth Jazz and R&B Star Boney James returns to Pittsburgh at the Byham Theater on Tuesday November 15th - he has a new release out called Detour.
We’ll also hear from Pittsburgh’s jazz and smooth jazz legend Kenny Blake - who has longstanding gigs at Joey’s the Edge in Export (Tuesdays) and a regular Wednesday night appearance (with the “new hip”) at Asti’s in North Braddock.
Many other notable events in the month - find them at Jazz Central! it includes a new CD release event by vibraphonist Lou Lucarelli at Giant Oaks Winery on Sunday November 6 and a homecoming for Drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts at Duquesne University November 8th PLUS the Steeltown Horns joining Howie Alexander, John Hall and Dennis Garner for the Smooth Jam at the Genuine Pub in Verona that same night - and the Django Festival All-Stars at MCG Jazz, November 12th, too!
A growing and diverse jazz scene continues in Pittsburgh - find out where and when at WZUM dot org!
More Autumn highlights for jazz in Pittsburgh continue to build as the leaves start to fall.
The Scene - an hourlong radio show - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM
Cory Weeds
Tia Fuller
Boney James
Kenny Blake