A wealth of jazz riches continue to unfold for March in Pittsburgh
Jazz continues to March forth like an Art Blakey tune - and there’s a lot to hear about - and music to play - including vocalist JazzMeia Horn at MCG Jazz the Azar Lawrence Tribute to Pharoah Sanders for Kente Arts on Saturday March 23 and a full raft of clubs and venues filled with music through the month.
That includes Herbie Hancock at the Byham Theater, March 27th - just after the 50th Anniversary of Herbie’s groundbreaking release Head Hunters - which expanded the realm of Jazz and Funk Fusion.
The Herbie Hancock Headhunters release featured the leader on a variety of electrified keyboards, saxophonist Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson, bass, percussionist Bill Summers, and a drummer who would work with a Pittsburgh legend just a few years later, drummer Harvey Mason.
Harvey Mason worked with Pittsburgh’s George Benson on another groundbreaking record, Breezin’ (1976). This week is George Benson’s 81st Birthday (March 22nd), so it seemed a good time to celebrate him and his career - and then, even more!
Composer, record producer, guitarist, and onetime jazz lecturer Rick Beato has created a wildly successful YouTube channel which has brought a fresh look to pop music in the modern world - and also exposed many people to the important of jazz as a part of the American musical experience. He’s a fine guitarist and teacher, and an especially good interviewer of people in music - with some great visits with Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny and just this month - George Benson!
We’ll share a few clips - and encourage you to check out the whole visit, online!
The Scene - an hourlong radio show - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM
Scott Hanley and George Benson, 1996, credit Robert Bowman