Thanksgiving - a weekend for special times - and special music, perhaps?
This fall has been amazingly busy in the arts - especially music and jazz. One on special events in the midst of it all was Songs of Black America presented by Chamber Music Pittsburgh at the PNC Theater at Point Park University, featuring Aaron Diehl (piano) and Brandon George (flute).
We had the chance to talk with Aaron back then (a week before the show - he was in Europe at the time).
We had an extended chat with Aaron Diehl about Mary Lou Williams, Aaron’s friendship with Mary’s close friend and Manager, Father Peter O’Brien (which led Aaron Diehl to learn more about Mary Lou Williams’ sacred music). We also talk about the chamber music ensemble “The Knights,” who took on the challenges of bringing Mary Lou’s 1940’s conception for the Zodiac Suite to this modern recording, today.
We won’t play all of the suite - but quite a bit of it - and our interview, too (also on the webpage and transcribed on WZUM’s website, here). Also, for comparison, Deanna Witkowski’s trio rendition of one of the movements, Aries.
Thanksgiving is a time for Family and reunion - so we also have music from the Aliquo family, the Purcell Family and more.
The Scene - Thursday at 6 - Friday and Saturday at noon - Sunday at 5 on WZUM
Aaron Diehl
