Noted Pittsburgh Pianist Craig Davis stops by the MCG Jazz Spotlight in a visit with Marty Ashby about jazz, influences and Craig’s new CD “Tone Paintings - the Music of Dodo Marmarosa” on MCG Jazz records.

Michael “Dodo” Marmarosa was born in Pittsburgh in 1925, and attended Peabody High. He started actively performing at 15 and had many early success, including notable recordings with the likes of Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. But a variety of setbacks in his life kept him from the broader acclaim many performers and critics feel he deserved.

For his new release, shaped by the music of Dodo, Craig Davis has formed a trio with two modern jazz legends with strong connections with Pittsburgh’s Ray Brown: Jeff Hamilton (drums) and John Clayton (bass).

Marty Ashby and Craig share music from the new release, plus sounds of Dodo Marmarosa and other influential jazz pianists like Bill Evans and Chick Corea.

Tone Paintings on MCG Jazz - Friday and Sunday at 6, Saturday at 1pm.