Violinist Regina Carter has been breaking new ground for the violin in jazz - and brings her latest project “Gone in a Phrase of Air” to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center Wednesday December 14.
Regina Carter is in South Africa right now - and we had to make some special arrangements to bring her to the airwaves to chat - and her stories are well worth the challenges. Join us for a preview of her December 14th show - and how she took the news of being chosen as an NEA Jazz Master for 2023.
“Gone in a Phrase of Air” is a musical, spoken word and media exploration into the destruction of African American and other communities across the United States. Gone in a Phrase of Air began as a 2006 Jazz at Lincoln Center commissioned work about the rise and fall of the Black Bottom neighborhood in Detroit in the early to mid 20th century that was eliminated with the construction of I-75 in the late 50’s and early ‘60’s, including Hastings Street in East Detroit that was razed to make room for I-75.
The title for the new project came from Detroit poet Leslie Reese, who assisted Carter by interviewing surviving residents of Black Bottom, turning their commentary into poetry.
Regina’s show in Pittsburgh will feature fellow Detroit Cass Tech High alum - vocalist and narrator Carla Cook, plus another Michigan native - pianist Xavier Davis (recently in Pittsburgh at the PIJF with guitarist Dan Wilson). Also, drummer (and Regina’s husband) Alvester Garnett, and Ligonier native - bassist Chris Lightcap.
Also on the scene - upcoming highlights included a return by Hendrik Meurkens to Con Alma this weekend, a Roger Humphries Holiday Concert with Anita Levels at the O’Reilly Theater - December 19th - and the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra at the Pittsburgh Playhouse with trumpeter Sean Jones and vocalist Kim Nazarian, December 21.
The Scene - an hourlong radio show - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM
Regina Carter
Roger Humphries and Anita Levels
Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, Kim Nazarian, Sean Jones (MCG Jazz)