This week’s program came from conversations in early August on the lawn at the Highland Park “Jazz at the Reservoir” series with Roger Humphries and the RH Factor - Specifically with Lou Stellute and Dwayne Dolphin.
We visited with veteran saxophonist Lou Stellute - a fixture for decades on the Pittsburgh jazz scene - and also a touring artist with fascinating stories to share.
That chat included his time on the road with organist and keyboard Artis Jon Bartel. In the late 60’s and early 70’s, the Jon Bartel thing toured all over - and in 1969, made and album for Capitol records, “The Jon Bartel Thing.” Lou Stellute was on sax, Abe Bassingame - drums and guitar and vocals by Larry O’Brien. After learning about the band, we found some tracks from that release and they are something to hear!
Also on the show, sound from the new George Heid III project, “Intentions,” which includes the tune “Stelluteian Modes,” which also features Lou Stellute on Tenor.
We also hear from Dwayne Dolphin’s release Indigenous, with Lou Stellute on tenor, Fred Wesley - trombone and Sean Jones - trumpet. Dwayne has a new release coming out soon, too - and we briefly chat with him about that!.
Here is the only self-titled album by The Jon Bartel Thing, released in 1969 on Capitol Records.
We also here music from Pittsburgh area notables Don Aliquo, Sr; Roger Barbour and Tania Grubbs.
The Scene - an hourlong radio show - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM
Lou Stellute
Dwayne Dolphin
The Jon Bartel Thing, 1969