Kente Arts continues their great reopening of jazz for 2022 with alto master Charles McPherson on March 19 at the new Hazlett Theater.
We have an extended visit with Charles McPherson, talking about his early years in Detroit, his early mentorship by pianist Barry Harris (who lived just down the street), plus other early influences. The Bluebird club was a major gathering place, and neighborhood musical friends - from Lonnie Hillyard, Pepper Adams and Thad Jones to Elvin Jones, Paul Chambers, Billy Mitchell and Yusef Lateef.
There’s even a connection between Charles, Charlie Parker and the TV entertainer Soupy Sales, who was very prominent in Detroit in the 50’s.
McPherson’s career took him to New York while he was still a teen around 1960 - leading to a dozen years with the great Charles Mingus (McPherson moving into band’s alto role from Eric Dolphy). The McPherson discography features collaborations with a legion of greats across many generations - from Mingus to Tommy Flanagan, Lionel Hampton, Kenny Drew, Mulgrew Miller, Roy Brooks, Cedar Walton, Pat Martino and many more.
In 1978, Charles McPherson moved to San Diego, and from there, continues to reach the world - but with an additional perspective with the San Diego Ballet, where he has served as a composer in residence for serveral years - and with whom his daughter, Camille McPherson is a soloist.
Charles McPherson comes to the New Hazlett Theater March 19th, presented by the Kente Arts Alliance.
Charles McPherson, alto sax; Jeb Patton, piano; Terrell Stafford, trumpet; Nathan Pence, bass; Chuck McPherson, Jr, drums
Music and stories with Charles McPherson this week on The Scene. Thursday at 6pm, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5pm on the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel.
