Pittsburgh Jazz keeps surging forward in the new century - and musicians from where we live are continuing to make creative marks.
Just a few examples are included in this week’s program - including saxophonist and Slippery Rock university professor Jason Kush - with a new release out on MCG Jazz records, “Finally Friday,” and featuring the quartet at Con Alma this weekend.
Pittsburgh expat Don Aliquo, Jr lives, teaches and works in the Nashville scene, now - and he’s got a new one out, too - and he’s back in the ‘burgh to share sounds from it, next week.
Guitarist Dan Wilson is from Akron, but spends a lot of time in Pittsburgh - including his Stevie Wonder celebration this past Wednesday night at the O’Rielly Theater - HE has a new national release out on Christian McBride’s “Brother Mister” Label.
Pittsburgh native, drummer Jae Sinnett’s new record is getting wide attention, nationwide, too - he’s also a radio host in Virginia, as well as the leader of his Zero to 60 quartet featuring saxophonist Chris and pianist Allan Farnham - with guest trumpeter Randy Brecker making it a quintet on his new one called “Commitment.”
Plus, we visit with and hear sound from the latest project by the Steeltown Horns - 5 years of Funk. Trombonist Reggie Watkins has written new tunes for the release - which has a great array of Pittsburgh talent - fronted by saxophonist Rick Matt and trumpeter JD Chaisson. They have a CD Release event coming up June 2nd at the Thunderbird Music Hall.
Visiting Pittsburgh May 24 is harpist Brandee Younger to MCG Jazz - her new record just out is called Brand New Life, which we’ll hear a track of. Her new project at MCG Jazz is something different, though - a tribute to influential Detroit native Dorothy Ashby - a phenomenal harpist who opened a lot of ears to the special jazz potential of the harp in the 1950’s.
As we remember influences of the past - we must also acknowledge the recent passing of two giant figures in the music and Jazz Scene in Pittsburgh. Drummer and record producer George Heid, Sr died this week - a member of a legendary musical family in the ‘burgh and a keen influence on generations of performers. Also passing this week, Dr. John Wilson - trumpeter, bandleader, arranger and the founder of the Jazz Studies Program at Duquesne University in the 1970’s (the first in the commonwealth). We will have much more on the influence and celebration of their music and their lives in the weeks ahead.
Also - a reminder - the Heinz History Center is presenting a virtual screening of “Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band,” on Saturday, May 20 at noon
The program is a collaboration with the Pittsburgh-based Mary Lou Williams Institute and presented in recognition of Williams’ 113th birthday. Representatives from the Institute will discuss the film and the legacy of one of the greatest jazz artists of all time following the screening.
The Scene - Thursday at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM.
