Tom Roberts by Scott Hanley

Music you’ve probably heard about but have never heard before

These listening sessions share jazz on 78rpm record—the oldest and rarest records that capture truly high quality sound.   It’s like book club for jazz heads.
Taught by jazz historian, pianist, and collector Tom Roberts and held on zoom.

Our first session focuses on Duke Ellington’s early work, from the opening days of the Cotton Club to the beginning of his partnership with Billy Strayhorn. All heard from the original 78 recordings. 

Host/Moderator

Pianist/ composer/ arranger/ historian/ writer Tom Roberts has been acclaimed as one of the foremost practitioners in the art of Harlem Stride Piano. He has been a frequent performer for Jazz in July at the 92nd St Y, The 6th annual Professor Longhair Society’s Piano Night at Tipitinas New Orleans LA,  Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops Orchestra,  The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and The International Stride Piano Summit in Zurich Switzerland. Tom toured throughout the world as pianisy and musical directer for Leon Redbone. As a historian, Tom presents lectures on Why Louis Armstrong Matters and The Forgotten History of Jazz in Pittsburgh . Tom created The Allegheny City Ragtime Orchestra, a professional ensemble comprising members of the Pittsburgh Symphony, Ballet and Opera Orchestras to revive the lost music of Pittsburgh area composers from the ragtime era.